Thermal imaging has many applications in the real world. By transforming heat energy into visibility, it lets the eye see things it wouldn’t normally. Different fields use these cameras every day. They are affordable and versatile. From building inspections to fire investigations, thermal imaging is a vital tool.
Let’s look at how thermal imaging cameras work, their applications, and standard features available.
What Is Thermal Imaging?
Thermal energy, which is heat that is emitted from a body or object, translates into visible light. Even in the dark, that heat registers and creates an image on the screen. These devices have been around for some time, but now they are more precise than ever. Only a small amount of heat is necessary.
How Does Thermal Imaging Work?
The light humans see is a very small part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared radiation, produced by heat, takes up more space on the spectrum. The cycle of heat absorption, reflection, and transmission is what thermal imaging cameras[1] capture and analyze.
Every being or object has a heat signature. A heat signature describes the emission of thermal radiation. The greater the heat, the more radiation in the environment. A thermal imager can also distinguish between heat sources, even if the differences are minor. From this data, the camera creates a heat map. The different colors on the map relate to different heat levels.
Thermal Imaging Applications
These cameras originated in the 1950s for use by the military. They were once bulky and hard to operate. The modern thermal imaging camera is light, accurate, and easy to use. They’ve become a must-have tool for many tasks.
Improving Energy Efficiency
Houses and structures often deal with escaping air, meaning an HVAC system has to work harder. With thermal cameras, it’s possible to see what’s causing this. It could be improper sealing around doors and windows. Insulation could also be an issue, or the HVAC system itself could be failing. By pinpointing where the issue is occurring, you can then take steps to ensure better energy efficiency.
Diagnosing Electrical Problems
Electricians use thermal imagers to find potential dangers like overheated wall outlets. They can see a clear picture without cutting into the wall. It’s a way to diagnose electrical problems proactively.
Plumbing—See What You Can’t
Plumbing problems are hard to investigate. Pipes live behind walls. Plumbers often use tools to get to a clogged drain. However, they can’t see through the pipes to know where the clog is. Thermal cameras make this possible. Plumbers simply turn on the hot water and can see the flow, identifying the clog’s location.
Roofing Maintenance
Roofers also want to address issues before they happen. Using only your eyes won’t provide a full picture. Thermal imaging allows you to inspect the roof from the ground. You’ll be able to find any areas where heat is escaping or cool spots of water pooling. With this information, you’ll know where the problems are before you’re even on the roof.
Thermal Camera Features
Just like any tool, thermal cameras come with a variety of options. When determining what features you need, consider your use and budget.
Three components stand out, contributing to the quality and cost. First is detector resolution, which describes the number of pixels. There are several standard resolutions:
- 160 x 120
- 320 x 240
- 640 x 480
The total number of pixels equals the number of temperature data points. For the 640 x 480, the total number of pixels is 307,200. So, there are 307,200 temperature data points. The higher this number, the more clear the image is.
Thinking about how you’ll use the camera will dictate how strong the resolution needs to be. Greater resolution also increases the cost.
Second is thermal sensitivity. This feature represents the smallest temperature difference a camera is capable of detecting. The lower the number, the more “sensitive” the camera is. This ability to distinguish differences in temperature is useful in detail-specific applications.
Third is temperature range, which provides a minimum and maximum temperature. The standard is -4°F to 2,200°F. The range that’s right for you will again depend on what you’re measuring.
Find Affordable Thermal Cameras From Zoro
If your business can benefit from thermal imaging, we invite you to explore our options. We have a variety of affordable thermal cameras. Find what you need at Zoro.com[2].
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.