FAQ
Have Questions?
Over the years I’ve had many great questions asked by students and clients. We worry about the questions not asked.
A calibration test needs to be done. This is a process of taking a temperature reading of a surface and is at a “known” temperature. Similar to a voltage tester, a “known” voltage must be taken first before use. 3 examples are…
A- The human tear duct. Emissivity set at .98. (should read between 34C- 36C/93F- 97F)(+/- 2%)
B- A cup of ice water. Emissivity at .95. (should read 0C/32F right?!)(+/- 2%)
C- A Blackbody Reference. ($3,000!)
All infrared cameras are good cameras. How much to spend would depend on the inspection being done. I will ask a client 2 questions…
- Building inspection or Electrical/Mechanical inspection?
- What is the highest temperature estimated to see during an infrared inspection?
Sometimes a high end camera isn’t needed. That could be a waist of budget. A Building Inspector would not need a camera that has the ability to accurately read very high temperatures up to 1648C/3,000F( I hope not, fire!).
Industrial infrared inspections sometimes do require high temperature reading accuracy. An infrared system that doesn’t have the ability to accuratly read high temperatures is also a waist of budget..
YES! I always recommend formal training for Thermography. I have experience with most camera’s software and I can show how to analyze and generate a report that looks great and the template will be specific to your company.
Even though I have experience as an electrician, I do not have all the safety training your electrician has required to be employed your plant. Also, that electrician is knowledgeable of the equipment especially where it’s at. I can’t charge you to walk around the plant looking for an MCC room. Bottom line, it’s a safety thing and there is a good possibility that your electrician will learn how to use an infrared camera!
