The 9520 Infrared Thermometer, By Taylor is a highly convenient and easy-to-use device for contact-free temperature measurement. Thanks to its pistol grip and laser sight, the 9520 is easy to hold and aim. Advanced infrared temperature technology provides measurements in about 0.5 second with no need to touch the object being measured. This versatile thermometer can be used for measurement of both stationary and moving objects. Operation is as simple as pointing the 9520 at an object (the target surface) and pulling the trigger until a reading appears in the amber-backlit LCD panel. The temperature is displayed in your choice of °F or °C. The reading is held on the display for 10 seconds, after which the 9520 automatically powers itself down to conserve battery power.

The 9520 Infrared Thermometer has a wide temperature measuring range of -4°F to +932°F or  -20°C to +500°C. In addition to the temperature, the 9520 also displays measurement SCAN and HOLD indications, a laser-on icon, and, when the battery needs replacement, a low-battery icon.

Here are some things you should know when using the 9520 Infrared Thermometer:

• If you do not need the laser beam for assistance in aiming, you can turn it off by means of a switch in the battery compartment in the 9520's handle. (This is also where the °F/°C switch is located.) 

• To get a correct temperature reading, you must make sure that the detection area to be measured is larger than the required spot size of the infrared beam. The temperature indicated on the 9520 is an average temperature for the detected area. The smaller the target, the shorter the required distance for measuring is. The 9520's distance-to-spot (D/S) ratio is 8:1. Thus, at a measuring distance of 16 inches, for example, the spot size is 2.1 inches. A diagram on the side of the 9520 helps you to determine what the spot size is over a range of distances.

• The 9520 is preset for an emission factor (or emissivity) of 0.98, which is the emission factor of most organic materials and of painted and oxidized surfaces. The darker and less reflective the surface, the greater the emission factor. Metals and other shiny materials have lower emissivity and thus cause infrared thermometers to give inaccurate readings. Affixing adhesive tape to polished metals, or painting them, increases the emission factor and reduces the inaccuracy of the measurement. Also, infrared thermometers cannot be used to measure the temperature of transparent objects or air temperature.

An infrared thermometer like the 9520 is great for hard-to-reach and inaccessible locations and for a wide variety of applications, such as the following:

• For foodstuffs (no transfer of germs or opening of packaging).
• For cooking (is the grill, griddle, waffle iron, or pizza stone up to temperature yet?).
• On and inside buildings (heating and cooling loss, cold spots in a house).
• On hot components (engines and other machinery, motorsports, model construction).
• For heating and sanitation applications (e.g., heat lost).
• For engineering (how hot is your CPU cooler getting?).

According to the Taylor USA website, the 9520 is accurate to +/-2°F over the USDA Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) critical range of +32°F to +150°F.

In addition to the Instruction Manual, Certificate of Traceable Calibration, and preinstalled 9V battery, the Taylor 9520 Infrared Thermometer comes with a padded vinyl carrying case for transportation and storage. This product is covered by a Taylor 1-year limited warranty.

Specifications:

• Temperature display: 4-digit LCD
• Display illumination: amber LED backlight
• Field of view (D/S ratio): 8:1
• Target indicator: laser spot
• Emission factor (emissivity): 0.98
• Automatic power-off: 10 seconds after release of trigger
• Temperature measuring range: -4°F to +932 °F ( -20°C to +500°C)
• Accuracy: +/-4°F (+/-2°C) or +/-2% of reading
• Resolution: 0.5°F (0.5°C)
• Repeatability: within +/-1% of reading or +/-2°F (+/-1°C)
• Storage environment: +14°F to +140°F (-10°C to +60°C), 75%RH or lower
• Operating environment: +32°F to +104°F (0°C to +40°C), 10 to 90%RH
• Response time: 0.5 second
• Battery: 9-volt radio-type battery, alkaline recommended
• Battery life: Approximately 15 hours for an alkaline battery
• Dimensions:
  Height: 6-1/8 inches (157 mm)
  Width: 1-7/16 inches (36 mm)
  Depth: 4-1/2 inches (115 mm)
• Weight: approximately 6.4 ounces (180 grams)