The terminology used in the thermal imaging in building electrical systems can be quite extensive. To try and help we have written the following Electrical Thermal Imaging Glossary of Terms – we hope it helps.
Common terms used in electrical thermal imaging
- Absorptivity: The ability of a material to absorb thermal energy.
- Baseline Image: A reference thermal image against which future thermal images are compared.
- Conductivity: A measure of how well a material conducts heat.
- Delta T: The temperature difference between two points.
- Emissivity: The efficiency with which a surface emits thermal energy.
- False Colour: A colour assigned to specific temperature ranges in a thermal image.
- Gain: The amplification of the thermal signal in the imager.
- Hot Spot: An area of higher temperature indicative of a potential problem.
- Infrared: Electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light but shorter than microwaves.
- Joule: A unit of energy in the International System of Units.
- Kelvin: A unit of measure for absolute temperature.
- Load: The amount of electricity flowing through an electrical system such as distribution boards etc.
- M emissivity: A material’s relative ability to emit infrared energy.
- NETD (Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference): The smallest temperature difference detectable by a thermal camera. The lower the NETD the better the thermal imaging camera.
- Opacity: The degree to which a material is impervious to infrared radiation.
- Palette: The set of colours used to represent temperature values in a thermal image.
- Quantum Efficiency: The effectiveness of a sensor in converting photons to electrons.
- Resolution: The smallest detail that can be resolved by the thermal imaging camera. Most good cameras should have a resolution of 640 x 480.
- Spot Measurement: Temperature reading of a specific spot in the thermal image.
- Thermogram: The actual thermal image taken during a infrared inspection.
- U-Value: A measure of thermal transmittance through a material.
- Vignetting: A reduction in image brightness or saturation at the periphery compared to the image centre.
- Wavelength: The distance between successive peaks of a wave, such as in infrared radiation.
- Xenon Flash Lamp: A high-intensity light source used in some thermal imaging applications.
- Yaw: The side-to-side movement or rotation of a thermal imaging camera.
- Zero Point Calibration: The process of setting the thermal imaging camera to a known reference temperature.
This above list is not exhaustive and is meant to provide a foundational understanding of common terms used in thermal imaging for building electrical systems. If we have missed any items within our Electrical Thermal Imaging Glossary of Terms, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our thermal imaging inspection service for electrical systems
Our team of Level 3 certified professional Thermographers are highly experienced in carrying out thermal imaging surveys and have many years’ experience in all aspects of engineering, construction, maintenance, management, and professional survey work. Our thermal imaging equipment is some of the most accurate on the market, ensuring we pick up faults that other equipment may miss.
Our thermal imaging service includes:
- Supply of an ITC trained thermographer and level 3 reporting assessment using a large format FLIR P6n-Series (640×480 resolution) thermal imaging camera.
- To supply an external thermographic inspection of the electrical systems, taking into account, distribution boards, fuse boards, Switchgears, switchboards, Control panels, Busbar systems and Transformers.
- Looking for loose connections, overloaded and/or fatigued components, uneven voltage distribution and blockages in cooling tubes of transformers
- A detailed report clearly showing any areas of concern
We hope out Electrical Thermal Imaging Glossary of Terms has been informative. For more information on our thermal imaging service for electrical systems in London, please contact us at: info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or call Darren on 07775623464.