
User Guide
InfraRed (IR) Thermometer
MODEL IR250

Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Model IR250 Thermometer. This IR
thermometer measures and displays non-contact (infrared) surface temperature to a
maximum of 500
backlit LCD allows for use in dimly lighted areas.
o
F (260oC). The built-in laser pointer increases target accuracy and the
Warranty
EXTECH INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION (a FLIR company) warrants this instrument to be free of defects in
parts and workmanship for one year from date of shipment (a six month limited warranty applies on sensors
and cables). If it should become necessary to return the instrument for service during or beyond the warranty
period, contact the Customer Service Department at (781) 890-7440 ext. 210 for authorization or visit our
website at www.extech.com (click on ‘Contact Extech’ and go to ‘Service Department’ to request an RA
number). A Return Authorization (RA) number must be issued before any product is returned to Extech. The
sender is responsible for shipping charges, freight, insurance and proper packaging to prevent damage in
transit. This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from action of the user such as misuse, improper
wiring, operation outside of specification, improper maintenance or repair, or unauthorized modification. Extech
specifically disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for a specific purpose and will not be
liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages. Extech's total liability is limited to repair or
replacement of the product. The warranty set forth above is inclusive and no other warranty, whether written or
oral, is expressed or implied.
Safety
• Use extreme caution when the laser pointer is on
• Do not point the beam toward anyone's eye or allow
the beam to strike the eye from a reflective surface
• Do not use the laser near explosive gases or in other
potentially explosive areas
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Descriptions
Meter Description
1. Laser pointer
2. IR sensor
3. Measurement trigger
4. LCD display
5. Function buttons*
6. Battery compartment
Function Buttons
• Max/Min: Select Max or Minimum display.
• °C/°F: Select temperature units
• Backlight / Laser Pointer: For turning the LCD backlight or the Laser pointer
ON/OFF
Display Description
1. Displays SCAN when trigger is depressed;
2. Displays HOLD when trigger is released
3. Laser pointer ON
4. Emmisivity setting (0.95)
5. Temperature units
6. Low battery
7. Max/Min display
8. Temperature display
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Operating Instructions
Power
1. The meter is powered by one (1) 9V battery.
IR Measurements
1. Hold the meter by its handle and point it toward the surface to be measured.
2. Pull and hold the trigger to turn the meter on and begin testing. The temperature
reading, the flashing ‘SCAN’ icon, the emissivity, the unit of measure and other icons
as shown in the Display Description will appear. Note: Replace the meter’s 9V battery if
the display does not switch on.
3. Release the Trigger and the reading will hold for approximately 8 seconds (HOLD will
appear on the LCD) after which the meter will automatically shut off.
Temperature units
With the trigger pressed, press the ºF/ºC button to select the temperature units.
Backlight/Laser Pointer
With the trigger pressed:
1. Press the button once to change the state of the backlight (On or Off). When the
laser is on the laser icon will appear in the display.
2. Press the button again to change the state of the backlight (On or Off).
IR Measurement Notes
1. The object under test should be larger than the spot (target) size calculated by the field
of view diagram (printed on the side of the meter and in this guide).
2. Before measuring, be sure to clean surfaces that are covered with frost, oil, grime, etc.
3. If an object's surface is highly reflective, apply masking tape or flat black paint to the
surface before measuring. Allow time for the paint or tape to adjust to the temperature
of the surface it is covering.
4. Measurements through transparent surfaces such as glass may not be accurate.
5. Steam, dust, smoke, etc. can obscure measurements.
6. The meter automatically compensates for deviations in ambient temperature. However,
it can take up to 30 minutes for the meter to adjust to extremely wide changes.
7. To find a hot spot, aim the meter outside the area of interest then scan across (in an up
and down motion) until the hot spot is located.
Battery Replacement
When the low battery symbol appears on the LCD, replace the
meter’s battery (9V). The battery compartment is located in the rear of
the handle.
Open the compartment by carefully pulling the panel down. The panel
is hinged at the bottom and does not completely disconnect from the
meter. Replace the 9V battery and close the battery compartment
cover.
.
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Field of View
As the distance from the object increases, the spot size of the area measured becomes
larger. The meter’s field of view is 6:1; in other words if the meter is 6 inches from the
target (spot), the diameter of the target must be at least 1 inch. Note that measurements
should normally be made as close as possible to the device under test. The meter can
measure from moderate distances but the measurement may be affected by external
sources of light. In addition, the spot size may be so large that it encompasses surface
areas not intended to be measured.
6
2mm
12mm
12
4mm
24mm
24
8mm
48mm
Specifications
Range -4 to 500°F (-20 to 260°C)
Resolution 0.1°
Accuracy -4 to 20°F (-20°C to -7°C): ±7.5°F (4°C)
Emissivity Fixed 0.95
Field of View D/S = Approx. 6:1 ratio (D = distance; S = spot or target)
Laser pointer Class 2(II) laser < 1mW power; Wavelength is 630 to 670nm
IR Spectral response 8 to 14 μm
Display Backlit LCD display with function indicators
Display update rate Less than 1 second
Operating Temperature 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C)
Operating Humidity 80% Relative Humidity max.
Power Supply 9V battery
Automatic Power Off Meter shuts off automatically after 8 seconds
Weight 6.3 oz (180g)
Dimensions 3.2 x 1.6 x 6.3” (82x41x160mm)
20 to 500°F (-7°C to 260°C): ±3% of reading or ±5°F/2.5°C
(whichever is greater)
Note: Accuracy is specified for an ambient temperature range
of 64 to 82°F (18 to 28°C)
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Calibration and Repair Services
Extech offers repair and calibration services for the products we sell. Extech also
provides NIST certification for most products. Call the Customer Care Department for
information on calibration services available for this product. Extech recommends that
annual calibrations be performed to verify meter performance and accuracy.
Technical Support: Extension 200; E-mail: support@extech.com
Repair & Returns: Extension 210; E-mail: repair@extech.com
Product specifications subject to change without notice
For the latest version of this User Guide, Software updates, and other
up-to-the-minute product information, visit our website: www.extech.com
Extech Instruments Corporation, 285 Bear Hill Road, Waltham, MA 02451
Copyright © 2009 Extech Instruments Corporation (a FLIR company)
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.
Support line (781) 890-7440
www.extech.com
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