An anemometer is an essential instrument used to measure wind speed, commonly found in weather stations. These devices provide accurate wind speed data, which can be displayed in various formats depending on the model. Different types of anemometers are available, each designed for specific wind measurement applications and operating in unique ways. Handheld wind speed monitors are typically rugged, durable, and weatherproof, making them ideal for use in harsh outdoor environments. Mounted anemometers, designed for long-term measurements, are also built to withstand challenging conditions. Anemometers are used across a wide range of applications, from weather forecasting to advanced scientific research. To learn more, please see our complete guide to anemometers.

At RS, we offer a comprehensive range of anemometers designed to meet the demands of professionals across industries such as HVAC, environmental monitoring, and industrial applications. Our selection includes trusted brands like RS PRO, Extech, FLIR, and Testo, ensuring you have access to reliable tools for precise airflow and wind speed measurements. Whether you need a compact handheld device, a sophisticated thermal anemometer, or a multifunctional solution, we’ve got you covered.

With Next-Day Delivery available, you can minimise downtime and keep your projects on track. To ensure your equipment maintains peak performance, we also provide a Calibration Service for anemometers and other measurement devices, giving you confidence in the accuracy and reliability of your tools. Explore our range today and discover high-quality anemometers tailored to your needs!

Types of Anemometer

The types of anemometer depend on the type of measurement application it is used for. Below are some common types:

• Cup anemometers - The simplest type of anemometer which is mounted on a pole and consists of a set of two, three or four spinning cups that blow in the wind. As the wind gets stronger, the cup formation spins faster, and the anemometer captures the speed of the airflow and displays it as a digital readout.
• Vane anemometer - These types are also known as propeller or windmill anemometers. Like cup anemometers, they use wind blades that turn, instead of cups. Some handheld propeller anemometers are also called impeller wind monitors because their propellers blades are protected by a caging unit to protect your hand.
• Pressure-tube anemometer - This anemometer uses the pressure generated by the wind to measure its speed.
• Hot-wire** (thermal) anemometers** or constant current anemometers - A hot-wire anemometer is commonly made for hand-held usage and works by heating a thin wire to a specific temperature and then measuring how much the wire is cooled by the airflow. It calculates how fast the wind is blowing by measuring how quickly the wire cools down and how cool it gets.
• Thermal Anemometers with Velocity/Temperature Profiling – These have the smallest sensor which measures both velocity and temperature. They are commonly used in wind tunnels for circuit board and heat sink analysis.
• Ultrasonic anemometers – The professional standard anemometers measure wind speed using high-frequency sound. It has two of three pairs of sound transmitters and receivers mounted at right angles to one another. Built in electronic circuits measure the time it takes for the sound to makes its way from each transmitter to the corresponding receiver. The circuits measure the difference in speeds of the beams and use that to calculate how fast the wind is blowing.

When would you use an anemometer?

Anemometers provide accurate and real-time measurements and give valuable insights into airflow patterns, evaluate environmental conditions, in order to help make informed decisions. These instruments are used in applications like:

• Weather enthusiasts and hobbyists
• HVAC installation and repair personnel wanting to measure airflow in an air conditioning units, heating or ventilation unit or home inspectors and facility managers
• Scientists who measure environmental conditions
• Agriculture, checking conditions like wind direction or wind speed, prior to crop spraying or burning