| With the introduction of a new breed of low cost | | | | is ideal for identification of detailed components and |
| thermal imaging cameras, thermal imaging technology | | | | their proximity to each other in the thermal picture. |
| is now an effective problem solving, analysis and | | | | Cameras intended for the building inspection and |
| preventive maintenance tool for a variety of | | | | HVAC industries offer dew point and insulation alarms |
| applications. Thermal imaging cameras are light weight, | | | | useful in locating areas of moisture or insufficient |
| ergonomic, intuitive and contain high resolution thermal | | | | insulation. Some cameras even offer voice annotation |
| detectors that offer valuable temperature information | | | | to document and flashlights to illuminate dark areas. |
| to isolate problems. This article offers an explanation | | | | There are numerous applications for thermal imaging |
| of the technology and the applications for which it is | | | | cameras that, prior to the introduction of low-cost |
| well suited. | | | | offerings, were previously cost inhibitive. The heat |
| Thermal Imaging Cameras function much like digital | | | | signature of electrical circuits and machine components |
| photographic cameras except they take a thermal | | | | may precipitate future problems and failures. HVAC |
| picture. The detectors measure infrared radiation which | | | | systems and building structures display obvious thermal |
| is then converted to electrical signals in order to create | | | | visualizations of inefficiencies, insufficient insulation, |
| a visual representation of the heat an object gives off. | | | | moisture and loose duct fittings. Pest Control |
| The visual representation displays cooler items in | | | | professionals can identify infestations inside of walls or |
| shades of blue and hotter items in shades of red and | | | | enclosed areas as a result of nesting areas displaying |
| can be analyzed and formatted on a computer via a | | | | higher temperatures than surrounding areas. Plumbing |
| USB download. When deciding on a thermal imaging | | | | professionals locate blockages in pipes and law |
| camera, the primary features to consider include the | | | | enforcement agencies are aided in finding hidden |
| resolution, accuracy and temperature range. The | | | | suspects. Even paranormal investigators find thermal |
| resolution is measured by pixels. Because every pixel | | | | imaging cameras an aide in their discovery. |
| on the screen is a discrete temperature reading, the | | | | Thermal imaging cameras cost as little as $3,000 from |
| more pixels the camera has, the more detail the | | | | manufacturers such as Extech, FLIR and Fluke, making |
| thermal picture will be. Accuracy is measured in terms | | | | them an economical analysis and diagnostic tool for a |
| of a percentage of the value of the reading. Most | | | | number of professions. Many people probably do not |
| cameras have accuracy's between 2-5%. Finally, | | | | consider thermography as a viable preventative |
| thermal cameras are limited to a specified temperature | | | | maintenance or diagnostic solution based on |
| range. If your application deals with extreme heat or | | | | preconceived notions of price or a lack of knowledge |
| cold, you should make sure the camera is capable of | | | | on thermographic applications. However, those who |
| taking those measurements. | | | | have invested in the technology have found a way to |
| While the general specifications from one camera to | | | | differentiate their business from competition and |
| the next are similar, high-end cameras typically offer | | | | reduce the overhead associated with "old-school" |
| additional features you may find useful. Many cameras | | | | methods. |
| offer photographic overlays of the thermal picture. This | | | | |