Thermal imaging
accurate quantitative results, it can
also be very effective in showing
findings in finer details to others.
This can help speed the decision-
making process for improvements
and repairs.
As well as clarity of image
for effective problem diagnosis,
resolution is very important from a
safety perspective too. For electrical
inspection, there is no point in
buying a low priced, low-resolution
troubleshooting camera that can
only give you a clear image when it’s
six inches away from the target!
Accurate and
repeatable results
Consistency of measurement
accuracy is a very important factor
when determining the value of a
camera. For best results, look for a
model that meets or exceeds ±2%
accuracy and ask your supplier
for details of how they assure
the manufacturing quality of the
detector to guarantee this. That
isn’t the only criteria, however.
In order to produce correct and
repeatable results, your camera
should include in-built tools for
entering both values for emissivity
– the measure of efficiency in which
a surface emits thermal energy –
and also reflected temperature. A
cabinet may be hot in the thermal
image but its shiny surface could just
be reflecting the heat from overhead
lighting or indeed the body heat
generated by the camera operator.
A model that gives you an
easy way to input and adjust
these parameters will produce
the accurate temperature
measurements you need in the
field. Other helpful diagnostics to
consider are multiple moveable
spots and area boxes for isolating
and annotating temperature
measurements that can be
saved as radiometric data and
incorporated into reports.
Standard file formats
Many thermal imaging cameras
store images in a proprietary
format that can only be read and
analysed by specialised software.
Others have an optional JPEG
storage capability that lacks
temperature information. Clearly,
the most useful is a format that
offers standard JPEG with full
temperature analysis embedded.
This allows you to email IR images
without losing vital information.
Radiometric JPEGs can also be
imported from Wi-Fi compatible
cameras to select mobile devices
using apps that allow further image
“As well as
clarity of
image for
effective
problem
diagnosis,
resolution
is very
important
from a
safety
perspective
too.”
editing, analysis and sharing. Also
look out for models that allow you
to stream MPEG 4 video via USB
to computers and monitors. This
is especially useful for capturing
dynamic thermal activity where
heating and cooling occurs rapidly
and for recording motorised
equipment or processes in motion.
Some cameras feature
composite video output for cabling
to digital recorders while others
include HDMI outputs. And new
mobile applications have also been
developed that allow streaming
video over Wi-Fi. All these
capabilities help you share findings
more effectively and enhance your
infrared inspections and reports.
Software, study
the options
Today most thermal imaging
cameras come with free software
so you can perform basic image
analysis and create simple reports.
Advanced software for more in-
depth and customisable reports
is also available, allowing you
to take full advantage of your
camera’s capability and features.
Investigate these tailored software
programmes thoroughly to see
which makes the most sense for
your needs.
And finally, don’t underestimate
the importance of training. The
best thermal imaging camera in the
world is only valuable in the hands
of a skilled operator.
October 2017 | 31