Fluke Thermal Imagers
This video will help you decide what type of Fluke thermal tool will best fit your needs.
Fluke Thermal Imagers
Fluke Thermal Imagers are used by consultants, electrical contractors, mechanical contractors and personal safety professionals (and first responders) in wide and varied applications world wide. Fluke Thermal Imagers are now considered to be an essential tool utilized in many industries for evaluating operating conditions, machinery safety, and personal safety. Their uses include, but are not limited to, Process Control, Predictive Maintenance, and Building Diagnostics as well as for Personal Safety.
The following images are examples of observations using a Thermal Camera.
![thermal_liquid_level]()
![thermal_fuses]()
Figure A: Tank Liquid Level Figure B: Fuses in a Circuit
This video from Fluke explains
"What is Thermal Imaging?"
Thermal Imaging provides information on your system and application that otherwise would not be known until a problem becomes evident. It is an important tool to use in evaluating conditions that are important in day to day operation. For complete product information about Fluke thermal cameras and details on which Fluke thermal camera is the best for you based on your needs and application, please call and speak to our Certified Level I Thermographer and other Experts.
General and Fluke Specific Features to Consider for Thermal Imagers
- Digital Display – Fluke IR-Fusion® with AutoblendTM
- Focus Capability - Fluke LaserSharp® Auto Focus
- IR Resolution/Pixel Size
- Thermal Sensitivity - NETD
- Temperature Range and Accuracy
- FOV - Field Of View
- Refresh Rate (Hz)
- Memory and Data Logging Capability
- Wireless Capability - Fluke CNX system
- Lens Capability and Interchangeability
- Software - license free Fluke SmartView®. With Fluke always get the best camera software version and upgrades at no extra charge
- Adjustable Emissivity Capability
- Integrated Flashlight or Laser
- Ti1xx and higher models have Fluke patented Smart Battery System. At the touch of a button get charge life from an LED bargraph. Batteries are easy to remove and replace, with or without gloves
- Enclosure IP and CAT Location Ratings
- Drop Test Capability
- Consider a Fluke Blackbody Calibrator for re-calibration when exact temperature is important.
Click this link: Fluke Blackbody Calibrators for IR
- Built in electronic compass. Compass readings appear in images and reports to help identify location
Check out this collection of excellent
Fluke Thermography Application Notes
Standard/Augmented Visual Display Systems
There are a variety of systems that are inherent in many cameras available that have the ability to augment a captured Thermal Display and present that display in greater and finer detail. Each manufacturer offers a specialized technology that enhances picture quality.
Fluke thermal cameras offer up to five standard and augmented visual display modes. These include IR-Fusion® with AutoblendTM, full infrared, full visible, visible alarm in which only thermal data above a certain temperature appears, and picture in picture. These are demonstrated below.
![5 Thermal Modes of Fluke IR-Fusion]()
5 Thermal Modes of Fluke IR-Fusion®
IR-Fusion® Technology with AutoblendTM
Fluke thermal cameras contain a digital display (like that of a digital camera) as well as a thermal display. Fluke IR-Fusion® makes it possible to overlay the images via AutoblendTM mode. In AutoblendTM mode you can overlay the partially transparent visible digital camera image with the thermal image right on the thermal imager display in real time. This makes equipment identification such as wire labels, equipment tags, breaker descriptions, motor nameplates, and other key visual information easily visible in a thermal image. This feature is also very useful for visually identifying the site being evaluated.
Fluke LaserSharp® Auto Focus
(Available on Ti200 and higher models)
Fluke also offers its Fluke LaserSharp® Auto Focus system, which assists the inspection process by offering consistently in-focus images that focus on what you want to see. This is especially significant because out of focus images can give temperature readings inaccurate by up to 20 degrees F. Fluke LaserSharp® Auto Focus offers optimum, consistent focus by using a laser to focus on a specific, user-defined location and measuring the distance like a laser distance meter.
This video shows just how good the Fluke LaserSharp® Auto Focus system really is,
demonstrated on the Fluke Ti400.
Fluke IR-OptiFlexTM
(Available on Ti/TiR 110 and 125 Series Fixed Focus Cameras)
The Fluke IR-OptiFlexTM focus system gives you optimum focus by combining focus-free ease-of-use with the flexibility of manual focus on the same camera. Easily switch between focus-free and manual focus with one finger. From 4 ft (1.2 M) and beyond the camera is focus-free. Plus, the option is available to manually focus for closer views.
Drawbacks to Manual Focus Cameras
- Possible inaccurate temperature readings
- Possible improper problem diagnosis
- Learning curve
- Two handed use of the camera
IR Resolution (Pixel Array)
Detector resolution is based on the pixel array that each camera contains. Cameras with larger pixel arrays, such as 640X480, will have more data contained in a specific point on the image than a camera with a smaller pixel array, such as 60X60. As the pixel array increases in size, the average temperature spot measured also becomes smaller, again increasing the amount of data contained in the image. When it comes to imaging, whether it be thermal or digital point-and-shoot, more data packed into a small area means greater detail. High resolution cameras can measure smaller targets at longer distances while still maintaining sharpness and detail. However as you might expect, higher resolution translates to a higher unit price.
When discussing pixel size, the specific application must be taken into consideration. Please be aware that the detector resolution is different than the display resolution. It is the detector resolution that matters the most. Higher resolution thermal imaging not only provides more accurate quantitative results, but it is also very important when presenting those results to customers. Please see FOV, “Field of View” paragraph below. Given a fixed pixel array, the FOV will determine the detail of temperature being displayed.
![thermal_60x60]()
![thermal_640x680]()
Compare two resolutions of the same image
Figure 1: 60×60 pixel array, 3600 pixels Figure 2: 640×480 pixel array, 307,200 pixels
![thermal_640x480_elec]()
![thermal_640x480_bldg]()
Compare two images at the same resolution, 640x480 pixel array, 307,200 pixels
Figure 1: Electrical Panel Figure 2: Building
Thermal Sensitivity
The standard measurement used in Thermal Imaging for sensitivity is called “Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference” or NETD. NETD is accepted as a standard industry acronym. This measurement is basically the measure of the least temperature differential range (smallest temperature range) that the camera can detect and display. When considering Cameras to use, a lower NETD may offer increased visibility of temperature differentials, which in turn details smaller temperature changes in viewed objects and under test.
Sensitivity is commonly shown as deg C and mK (millikelvins) and when shown in the product specifications, usually indicates the camera sensitivity at a calibrated temperature, i.e. the sensitivity may read: 0.10°C at 30°C target temperature (or ambient temperature). It should be noted that with lower sensitivity, there usually is an increase in accuracy of readings as well as an increase in detail on captured images. A lower sensitivity is certainly an important factor you may want to consider, however keep in mind that a low sensitivity will also translate to a higher price. Below are two panel board-circuit breaker images. These are not the identical images, but they are used to demonstrate the variety of results when using two different sensitivities.
![thermal_sensitivity1]()
![thermal_sensitivity2]()
Compare sensitivities of two different images of electrical panels
Figure 1: 4800 pixels, 0.15 deg C (150 mK) Figure 2: 307, 200 pixels, 0.04 (40 mK)
In Figure 1, the general temperature differential is shown, but the detail is not as complete. Please note that although the pixel difference shows an increase in sharpness and clarity, the sensitivity allows us to see all the specific temperature details including wiring.
FOV - Field Of View
The FOV or “Field of View” is the area of the image that is measured and viewed on the imager screen. The lens has the greatest influence on the total viewable area, but a larger pixel array will provide greater detail in the temperature gradient. Some Fluke thermal cameras allow for easily interchangeable telephoto and wide angle lenses. These lenses can be changed in the field for added versatility. Compare the following illustrations.
Refresh (Frame) Rate
In traditional Industrial, Commercial, and Building Diagnostics applications, refresh rate or frame rate is the accepted frames per second update for the image being transmitted to the display. Rates are commonly listed as 9Hz, 30Hz, or 60Hz. Higher frame rates are usually found on cameras with better resolution as well as cameras used for First Responder applications involving motion. If the application anticipates using video output, a higher refresh rate is preferred. Essentially, if you will need to take images of moving objects, a higher frame rate is neccessary but will mean a higher price.
Fluke CNX System Capability
Some Fluke Thermal Cameras have integrated CNX capability. The Fluke CNX system allows the user to wirelessly see real time measurement data from a thermal camera (and up to 9 other CNX instruments) on a single computer screen in the Fluke SmartView® software. The system currently functions with a range of specific Fluke instruments including thermal imagers, multimeters, current clamps, and thermometers. This feature saves time compared to saving, recording and downloading information using memory cards and digital connection cables. This feature also allows the user to instantly share images and information with co-workers and management.
Emissivity
Emissivity is the ratio of energy radiated (invisible heat) by a material to the energy radiated by a black body at the same temperature. Emissivity numbers range from 0.0 to 1.0. A surface with a value of 0.10, (typical for shiny copper), radiates a much smaller amount of energy than that of the human skin, which has an emissivity of 0.98. A “Black Body” would have an emissivity of 1.0.
If precise temperature values are desired, choose a camera with an adjustable emissivity. Adjustable emissivity will offer the user an opportunity for accurate results. There are many tables available that define the emissivity for most materials that can be measured. Many products have internal emissivity tables, and many camera images contain a variety of materials with different emissivity.
If differential temperatures are desired (i.e. relative differences between regions being examined), emissivity, although always important, is not as critical. The camera image below shows a photo of wiring connections with the relative temperature differentials. This allows the inspector or professional to understand the heat produced in various locations of the panel.
![thermal_emissivity-slide]()
Fluke IR Windows
Fluke IR Windows allow Thermal Imagers to be used more safely for electrical inspections by reducing exposure to Electrical Hazards. As stated in NFPA 70E, the Electrical Safety Standard in the Workplace, all electrical locations are categorized into CAT I, II, III, and IV. These CAT ratings classify the risk and hazard possibility for danger in all electrical locations. In order to be in Compliance with this standard, appropriate clothing and equipment (PPE-Personal Protection Equipment) is required in order to enter the selected area and proceed with any testing or evaluations. With the use of Fluke IR Windows, you will be able to perform safer and more efficient Low and High Voltage Electrical Inspections without exposing personnel to any increased risk.
Opening electrical cabinets to perform IR and visual inspections of live components is dangerous work, which exposes the operator to the risk of a hazardous arc flash. An arc flash is a type of shorting fault caused when the insulation (or air separation) between high voltage conductors is compromised. The resulting arc flash can reach a temperature of up to 20,000°C. Installing a Fluke IR Window on an entry door allows Thermal Imagers to be used to gather important temperature measurements without exposing your personnel to any increased risk. These Arc-Resistant, indoor/outdoor certified, infrared windows allow thermal, ultraviolet, visual, and fusion technologies to be used without exposing personnel to live equipment and possible serious and dangerous conditions.
Features of Windows
- Minimizes time and cost of complying with NFPA 70E requirements for electrical inspections
- Decreases risk of injury due to arc flash incidents
- Perform Visual Inspections
- Perform Thermal Inspections
- Integrity and environmental ratings of cabinets and doors are intact following window installation
- Variety of Sizes to match Thermal Imagers
- Easy to install
This video shows the pros and cons of installing a Fluke IR Window and gives a breakdown of the product features.
Why is available area important?
Understanding the difference between “Optic Diameter” and “Available Area” gives the thermographer a measure of how much infrared energy is passing through the window. The more energy, the better the reading. Using a crystal IR Window means that the entire area is available for infrared transmission for optimum repeatability and results. While a mesh grid may have a larger “Optic Diameter” the grid itself blocks the IR signal, meaning that the amount of radiation available to the camera is significantly reduced and the signal may be irregular.
Purpose for Electrical Thermal Imager Inspections
As described above, NFPA 70E details information as required to efficiently and safely perform Electrical Inspections. These inspections must be made on a regular basis since electrical connections and conductors may be loose, corroded, overheated, under rated, carry increased load, or just in a critical condition where excessive heat becomes a dangerous problem. The temperature rise or differential may be extremely important in maintaining an efficient system and its components. By utilizing a Thermal Imaging Camera, many possible problems may be observed and corrected before any dangerous situation exists. If the location of these Electrical components, transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, relays, timers and all components is in an area that requires PPE that is not readily or quickly available, an IR Window allows the technician to perform the inspection and provide the results.
Learn More About CAT Ratings
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Click the image or the link below to learn more about CAT Ratings.
Also, please see NFPA 70E for complete details regarding equipment and PPE protective clothing.
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