Red Seal Oil Heat System Technician Practice Exam

The instrument used to measure stack temperature is a pyrometer. This device is specifically designed for measuring high temperatures and is commonly utilized in various industrial and heating contexts, including oil heat systems. A pyrometer functions on the principle of detecting the thermal radiation emitted by a hot object, which makes it particularly suitable for measuring the temperature of gases and exhaust in the stack without needing to make direct contact.

In contrast, while thermometers are used for measuring temperatures, they are typically designed for lower temperature ranges or liquid measurements and may not be suitable for the high temperatures found in stack applications. A manometer is used to measure pressure differences in fluids, and a pressure gauge measures the pressure of gases or liquids, neither of which pertains directly to temperature measurement. Thus, recognizing the specialized use of a pyrometer is essential for accurately monitoring stack temperatures in oil heating systems.