I need a thermal imaging camera

[Chris Whitehead]

Hi all

I need to purchase a thermal imaging camera for detecting hot spots in distribution boards.
Does any one own one?
If so what type do they recommend and any idea of a guide price?
What specs should I need?


As always thanks for your help:sunny:

 

[Meggerman]

Fluke Ti9 Electrical Survey Camera

 

[Chris Whitehead]

Thanks for the info Meggerman, I see this one dectects temps of up to 250°C, is this adequate for distribuiton boards as i see the more expesive cameras go up 600.

cheers

 

[Meggerman]

Thanks for the info Meggerman, I see this one dectects temps of up to 250°C, is this adequate for distribuiton boards as i see the more expesive cameras go up 600.

cheers

Think about it, the top of that range is more than adequate for checking DB circuit breakers and terminations. If you can see melted plastic you don't need a Thermal Imaging Camera

 

[Former Sponsor TM]

Hi all

I need to purchase a thermal imaging camera for detecting hot spots in distribution boards.
Does any one own one?
If so what type do they recommend and any idea of a guide price?
What specs should I need?


As always thanks for your help:sunny:

Hi Chris,

Have a look at either the Flir E4 or Flir E5. Both are perfectly ample for electrical and mechanical applications. If you're interested, we can also offer you a try before you buy policy.

There are also some image comparisons of the different models on both of the hyperlinks above.

test-meter

 

[Dizzy_Maskell]

I've used a flir before easy to use and self calibrate every time it's the firms though so no idea on cost

 

[johnlouis]

Flir systems camera is good one. I have seen good reviews from number of people about Flir but its range is bit high so you can try getting some used one.

 

[wozz]

I had a play with a visual thermometer thing (poor mans IR camera) the other day and was not impressed at all. Maybe you need to get used to it but in the couple of minutes i had it i didnt think it gave you much a laser thermo didnt!

 

[Paul.M]

Take up Test-Meter's offer, them guys know what they are on about. Take a trail free of charge and any help you may need, just phone them.

 

[Blowcat]

To have a camera that takes both thermal image and normal image pictures with just one click is very handy if your doing lots of thermal imaging. 2 batteries essential (if doing lots of imaging).As for the range, if your camera goes upto 125 derees c that should be fine because that reading on its own will tell you there is problem brewing.

 

[ian.settle1]

And learn how to use it properly, we had one in our place and every time on off the guys used it he kept reporting hotspots everywhere. He was asked what was the surrounding temperature etc in relation to the supposed hotspot, he replied I don't know but it was showing a hotspot. Only to be expected on 99% he was using it on.