Instructional Video: Thermal Imaging Fundamentals, Infrared, IR Camera

This technology can be used in residential and commercial construction to detect building defects including moisture leaks or damage, heat loss, inadequate insulation and much more.

Todd Stevens one of the nation’s foremost experts in home inspection training and an approved instructor on thermal imaging will walk you through some of the basic understanding of IR technology.

The instructor will discuss the history and science of IR and demonstrate the functions of the camera. In this video, you will experience the use of thermography in the field on actual houses and locate building defects including moisture, leaks, heat loss, and inadequate insulation.
Mr. Stevens will also discuss false readings that can mislead the inexperienced inspector, plus some practical and hands-on solutions to everyday use and care of the equipment.

Your Host: Todd Stevens

Thermography techniques are used to locate and identify suspect areas for problems with moisture, energy loss. and electrical concerns. Mr. Stevens, a veteran thermographer, shares his knowledge and experience with you through this video. In this introduction to thermal imaging, Todd discusses basic infrared camera functions and procedures, including proper use of the equipment. He also discusses the science behind the equipment and some of the practical uses.

Video1 Hour 14 minutes, DVD

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Some thoughts on thermography

An infrared camera does not a thermographer make. Take a look at some of the photos taken by people who own fancy digital cameras. Typically, these have poor composition and contain other errors a skilled photographer won't make. Similarly, even the best thermographic camera is useless in unskilled hands.

A qualified thermographer is typically a master electrician. Why is this? Because that person needs to understand what s/he is looking at. Now, that is not to say every good thermographer is a master electrician. But every good thermographer has experience and training in electrical work.

This person also has specific thermographic training and understands the standard methodologies for conducting thermographic inspections. In addition, this person is trained in electrical safety. When you're removing covers for camera access, you're exposed to live equipment. That means you're also exposed to potential arc flash and arc blast.

While typically the client will request the services of a freelance or contract thermographer, a good thermographer is more than a camera operator on demand. A good thermographer also knows what to survey and when. Whether you're inhouse or contract, it's your responsibility to ensure the program makes sense. If there's not an inspection tracking system set up (in, for example, the CMMS), then you'll need to set one up.

A thermographer also needs to be able to conduct a basic NEC inspection. You look for violations of Article 110, bonding deficiencies, and violations of Chapter 3 wiring methods. These need to be recorded, along with your inspection data, in the report submitted to the client or inputted to your CMMS. You also need to include any load data you can obtain.

While it isn't your job to troubleshoot system problems, it is your job to provide a good picture of what's going on and that picture isn't just a set of infrared photos.