RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE: ECM), a global multi-channel provider of industrial and electronic products and solutions, has introduced the RS PRO infrared temperature sensor, a low-cost non-contact voltage-output temperature sensor designed for factory maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) in smart manufacturing environments.

Maintenance engineers often ask RS for a small, low-cost temperature sensor that can fit into tight spaces, and that shows the measured temperature in situ, so they do not have to return to the control room to check it. The new RS PRO infrared temperature sensor is designed to meet these requirements. It is extremely small — just 30mm deep x 31mm in diameter — with a side-entry cable making it easy to mount in small spaces. It shows the temperature on a built-in backlit OLED display, without the need for contact with the target surface. The sensor is ideal for situations where contact probes cannot be used, such as when the target is moving or inaccessible; for example, it will fit between a wheel and the rim or hub of a disc brake.

The RS PRO infrared temperature sensor can measure surface temperatures from 0°C to 1000°C to an accuracy of ±1.5% of reading or ±1.5°C, whichever is greater, and repeatability of ±0.5% of reading or ±0.5°C. Its response time is just 250ms, allowing continuous monitoring by industrial process instrumentation via the DC voltage output.

The sensor provides simultaneous voltage and alarm outputs. The voltage output can be configured as 0–5VDC, 1–5VDC or 0–10VDC, with adjustable temperature range scaling, configured using built-in controls on the sensor. The open-collector alarm output offers adjustable temperature threshold and hysteresis.

As supplied, the sensor is set up to measure non-reflective surfaces such as paper, plastics, rubber, wood, tarmac, food, pharmaceuticals, organic materials and painted metal. To measure the temperature of reflective solid or liquid surfaces, the user can adjust emissivity settings between 0.20 and 1.00.

The RS PRO infrared temperature sensor is fitted as standard with a 1m long cable, which can be extended using terminal blocks or connectors. An optional air purge collar is available to help keep the lens clean in the presence of smoke, fumes, dust, steam or other potential contaminants.

Shipping now in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions, the device is IP65 rated, offers highly competitive pricing and comes with the RS PRO Seal of Approval, which means it has been rigorously tested to meet demanding industry standards.