This depends on the capability of the thermographic camera used. Standard uncooled cameras fitted with a microbolometer detector allow non-contact temperature measurement as low as -40°C. Below this temperature, they are still emitting in the infrared region, however due to Planck’s Law the infrared intensity emitted by objects is very low indeed. To measure below this limit … Read More
General
At what depth can thermography measure temperature?
I get asked this from time to time. For most materials we cannot see below the surface at all, never mind measure a temperature below the surface. The vast majority of common materials are thermally opaque, this means that the camera can only detect radiation emitted from the surface. For this reason we cannot normally … Read More
Where does infrared energy come from?
This is a question that I get asked from time to time. All objects emit infra radiation, the hotter the object, the more infrared energy it emits. It is generated by rotation and vibration of atoms and molecules. The higher the temperature, the faster the movement of the atoms and molecules, and therefore the more infrared is … Read More
Flir T1K camera review
T1K I have been asked a number of times for my opinion on the T1K, so I have decided to give my opinion. This will be honest, but extremely subjective. It would not be honest if I did not include “Likes” and “Dislikes”. I don’t normally do camera reviews, and it is not really my intention … Read More
CEng
Finally, after leaving it too long. My Ceng certificate arrived by post. Achieving chartered status is something that I have thought about for some time, but just never got around to applying for, until fairly recently. After a detailed application process and fairly thorough peer review process, I have finally been awarded status as a Chartered Engineer. … Read More
Removing panel covers for electrical inspections
Removing panel covers for electrical inspections I have been asked on more than one occasion about the necessity for removing panel covers to perform an electrical inspection. There are quite a few companies that are inspecting the outside of panels with the doors closed, and only opening them if they see anything on the door. … Read More
Building thermography reports, what should be in them?
What type of information should be included in a thermographic report of a building? This is something that varies from one company to another, and indeed from one person to another. There is no real standard report that can be used universally. The following are only suggestions, and my opinion, it is also not intended … Read More
Electrical Reports, what should be in them?
What type of information should be included in an electrical thermographic report ? This is something that varies from one company to another, and indeed from one person to another. There is no real standard report that can be used universally. The following are only suggestions, and my opinion, it is also not intended … Read More
Black Vs White
From a student If you see the link below it is a test by someone proving that a black car is hotter than a white car. is it not true that the emissivity of paint is the same regardless of colour? this has confused me big time. if the emissivity is the same with … Read More
Solar Loading
I have been asked quite a lot recently about the effect of sunshine on thermography. Strong sunlight will cause solar loading, this means that the sun will heat the objects that it is shining on. While we don’t normally worry about colour in thermography, colour will strongly affect the amount of heat transfer that takes place … Read More