Anemometers are versatile devices used in any setting that requires accurate wind-velocity measurements. We stock a selection of probes from well-known brands like Carlo Gavazzi, Inc., Dwyer Instruments, and RS Pro, giving you access to high-quality anemometers you can rely on.

Browse our catalog of anemometers today. Use the search filters to sort through the options by manufacturer, power supply, and availability. If you'd like more information on any of our products, simply get in touch with our team of experts today.

What are anemometer probes?

Anemometers probes are instruments that can measure the velocity of air or other gaseous substances. The first anemometers were manual, either only indicating wind speed or requiring an operator to calculate the wind speed after making observations. Modern anemometers are digitally enabled, allowing for convenient, rapid, and precise measurements.

What types of anemometer probe are available?

There are several types of anemometer available in our catalog, each suited to specific uses and applications. These include thermal anemometers, cup anemometers, differential pressure anemometers, and relative wind vanes.

Thermal anemometers

Also known as a hot wire probe, this popular type of anemometer measures flow rate by monitoring the amount of heat transfer from a surface. A fine wire is heated to a higher-than-ambient temperature. The moving air applies a cooling effect on the hot wire directly proportional to its flow velocity, resulting in a resistance change directly proportional to the temperature change. This allows the thermal anemometer to produce an electrical signal that accurately represents the substance's flow rate.

Cup anemometers

One of the earliest forms of anemometer, cup anemometer probes consist of a rotatable array of two or three cups mounted on a central shaft. The faster the wind speed, the faster the cup array spins – allowing the anemometer to capture and digitally display the wind speed.

Differential pressure anemometer

Also sometimes called static vane anemometers, these bi-directional handheld probes can measure wind velocity. They don't use any sensing electronics or moving parts themselves, connecting via tubing to manometers or other pressure sensing devices instead.

Relative wind vanes

This type of anemometer probe converts horizontal wind direction changes into a digital output. It mainly consists of a hollow conical frustrum fixed about a rotor, which is capable of capturing wind direction deviations in 0˚-90˚ intervals relative to a starting orientation.

What are the applications of anemometer probes?

Anemometers are used to measure air speed and direction across a diverse range of industries, including but not limited to the following:

Automotive – A common application of hot wire probes is for monitoring the air intake of vehicle engines.
Aviation – Accurate wind measurements are needed to ensure the safe take-off and landing of aircraft.
Construction – Anemometers are used to detect strong winds that can influence the operation of cranes and other pieces of heavy equipment at heights.
Electronics –Thermal anemometers are used to measure the airflow around electrical components.
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) – A variety of anemometers are employed to detect changes in airflow speed and direction when testing HVAC systems.
Metallurgical – anemometers probes are needed to measure and control the production of various gases in heating furnaces, rolling mills, and other pieces of industrial equipment in metalworking settings.
Meteorology – Since wind speeds indicate changes in weather patterns, weather stations across the globe employ anemometers when forecasting.
Pharmaceuticals – Anemometers are needed for safety and compliance in laboratory settings, where they're deployed to monitor airflow in bio-safety cabinets, chemical fume hoods, and laminar flow hoods.
Renewable energy – Since local wind speed and direction are crucial factors in wind turbine performance, anemometers are used to find suitable locations to install wind turbines.

What should you consider when choosing anemometer probes?

When deciding on the type of anemometer best suited to your application, it can help to ask yourself the following questions:

Do you need to measure wind speed, direction, or both?
How fine are the measurements the probe will need to take? Different types of anemometers have lower starting speeds than others.
Do you need an anemometer to make measurements in a cramped space? If so, you'll need to select a more compact model.
How long would you like your anemometers to last? Probes without moving parts are likely to have longer lifespans due to less wear and tear during usage.

Why choose RS for anemometer probes?

As one of North America's leading distributors of sensors and electrical components, we're experts in sourcing products you can count on. Our catalog includes items from the industry-leading manufacturers like Carlo Gavazzi, Inc., Dwyer Instruments, and RS Pro, so you can be sure of finding a high-quality anemometer probe to suit your intended application.

Outstanding customer service is at the heart of our operations. We're pleased to offer same-day dispatch on many of our items, as well as a simple returns policy in the unlikely event that you're unhappy with your purchase.

To get guidance on which of our anemometer probes is best for your application, don't hesitate to contact us today. Alternatively, head over to our expert hub for the latest product guides and industry updates.