Can I use a total immersion thermometer in a partial immersion application or vice versa?
Yes, but it is not practical. If total immersion thermometers are used at partial immersion depths (or vice versa), inaccuracies will occur. These inaccuracies increase as the temperature increases about ambient. Temperature readings can be as much as 5 or 10 degrees “off”. If, in a rare case, you must use a partial immersion thermometer in a total immersion application, corrections for emergent stem must be obtained to achieve an accurate reading. To reduce errors, use the correct thermometer to meet your application requirements.