Food safety is extremely important in the home and workplace. Unsafe food can create serious illness, and at worst, is a matter of life or death. The safe food zone to reduce the risk of food spoilage and food borne illnesses is below 5°C. How does a weather thermometer work? Many of us have some type of thermometer either inside or outside the house, which allows us to check the temperatures numerous times a day. There are many ways of measuring temperature, and several different scales with which to measure. The simplest technique for measuring temperature, is to take some kind of liquid which expands or contracts in response to heat and cold, and to measure the change in volume of the liquid. A standard mercury thermometer uses this principle. 

Factors Affecting Fridge Temperatures

• Ambient temperature: Clearly, higher ambient temperatures will test the cooling efficiency of a fridge or freezer.
• Door seals and fridge use: Opening and closing the doors will cause temperature fluctuations within a fridge or freezer environment.
• Fridge loading: A packed fridge will reduce the ability of the fridge to circulate cool air throughout the unit. 
• Fridge temperature zones: Fridge and freezers have warmer and cooler spots due to their cooling mechanisms and airflow.

Types of Weather Thermometers

1. Mercury Thermometer

A mercury thermometer is a popular option often found in entry-level weather stations. It consists of a glass bulb attached to a stem that contains liquid mercury. As temperatures rise, the mercury expands and moves up the glass tube, indicating the temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit. Entry-level weather enthusiasts favor mercury thermometers due to their affordability and user-friendly nature. However, they have drawbacks, such as slower response to temperature changes and requiring manual readings.

1. Resistance Thermometer

A resistance thermometer, also known as a resistance temperature detector, consists of a coil made of platinum that is wound into a spiral and mounted within a steel tube. By measuring the resistance, the temperature can be accurately determined. Resistance thermometers are known for their high accuracy and fast response times versus their mercury counterparts, making them ideal thermometers for professional weather stations.