A common procedure that many companies who work with electrical appliances and equipment should go through is testing and tagging and thermal imaging. Not only is this a requirement from the Australian government, but also by many insurance companies.
Testing and tagging is a process used to check the functionality of a portable electrical appliance. Technicians perform PAT testing to make sure the device is safe and ready to use, click here for more on the subject. Thermal imaging uses an infrared camera to detect heat in a switchboard. Both these assessments are important to ensure the safety of workers within the property.
In this article, we will be looking closely at thermal imaging and see how it compares to night vision. Both these processes are extremely interesting in that they use high-tech strategies to either detect high temperatures in a room that seems neutral and objects in a room that seems completely dark.
Let’s dive deep into the subject.
Thermal Imaging Cameras
Even though we refer to this heat detector as a camera, it is actually a kind of sensor. Cameras use light that is bounced off objects to create an image whereas a thermal imaging sensor uses heat energy. The great thing about these devices is that they can detect different temperatures and differences in heat up until 0.01 degrees Celsius.
Once the device detects different objects and their temperatures, it uses a special technology to transform these detections into an image. The image is displayed on a small screen in either monochrome or multiple colors (depending on the brand and quality).
This can be quite a difficult concept to understand though. Everything in life emits a type of thermal energy. For example, your toes might be cooler than your chest because there is less blood flow. As a result, your toes will emit a lower level of thermal energy than your chest where your heart is beating. In the display, the camera will show two different colors.
Thermal cameras aren’t only used to detect heat in living organisms, it can be used for many other purposes as well. One primary use for this device is in ETS Thermal Imaging services. This service helps large properties who have in-house electrical switchboards to detect heat patterns in wiring and cords. It’s highly beneficial to prevent fires or other hazardous electrical defaults.
It uses an infrared radiation detection method that improves the visibility of objects in a dark area. Based on the infrared waves information received by the device, it can create an image display.
Night Vision Cameras
These functional devices are usually associated with spies or private detectors wanting to see movement at night. Night vision cameras need some sort of light source to be able to show different objects. If it’s too dark, the image on the screen display will be very limited.
Night vision cameras’ display are usually gray or green scale and shows no sign of heat sources. Therefore, you can’t see behind a wall or other objects. Compared to an infrared camera that can detect heat sources. When a high temperature is hiding behind insulation or another big object, the heat can ‘shine’ through and be detected to the user.
When looking into a dark room with the naked eye, you won’t be able to see anything. This is where night vision devices come into handy. Although they work perfectly in darkness, with limited light sources, they won’t be able to show an image or object. In brightness or complete darkness, they are kind of useless. Thermal imaging cameras, on the other hand, can show an object no matter the light display of the room.
Which One is Best?
Keeping in mind that infrared and thermal imaging cameras can perform to an optimum level no matter what the light display, it’s safe to say that they are always the better choice. Displaying heat sources on the small screen will show the frame of any object in its close proximity.
Another reason why thermal imaging is much better than night vision goggles is because they are used to perform highly beneficial tasks for properties and businesses.
Function of Thermal Imaging
Also known as thermography, this technique can be used in many different industries. It’s used in animal ecology studies to detect living organisms in all kinds of environments no matter what time of day it might be.
It’s also used in the military. Airborne surveillance, remote sensing, and seeking missiles or other explosives are also some of the most favorable uses.
But most commonly, thermal imaging cameras and sensors are used to detect heat and unnatural temperatures in power grids. Detecting high temperatures within a building’s power supply is important to ensure the safety of those within. Properties with electrical board cover plates, mechanical service switchboards, and electrical switchboards can benefit greatly from using thermography. The method saves business owners a lot of time and money.
The camera can see through insulation, wires, boxes, thin cover lids, and other objects to display heat patterns. Using this method can help property owners detect the component’s integrity, identify hazardous equipment, and detect potential faults within the electrical system. As a result, properties can take the necessary measures to prevent fires, explosions, and other electrical accidents.
Learn more about infrared systems and waves here: https://science.nasa.gov/ems/07_infraredwaves#.
The fact that this technology can penetrate through insulation, covers, dust, mist, smoke, and thick air; is highly beneficial to anyone who wish to see what goes on in an area that isn’t visible to the naked eye.
Hiring a thermography service to assess your property’s electrical appliances and switchboards will give you the inside scoop on what’s going on inside. There have been many cases where this technology has been used for early detection of faulty wires and irregular heat patterns; thus preventing fires, short circuits, and other fatal accidents because of electrical defaults.
