About Thermal Cameras

Thermal cameras are invaluable tools with a wide range of applications. Similar to a normal camera that forms an image using visible light (400-700 nm) infrared cameras are sensitive to wavelengths from approximately 1,000 nm (1 micrometre or μm) to approximately 14,000 nm (14 μm).

A thermal camera converts infrared radiation that is invisible to the naked eye into visible images, enabling us to see the world in a different light - quite literally!

Thermal imaging is non-intrusive (non-contact) and therefore safer than any contact method.

Why is it important to purchase a quality thermal cameras?

Tools for professionals should be tough so longevity is not an issue! Considering a manufacturer’s reputation for build-quality is an important factor when evaluating your thermal camera purchase and here are a few features to consider when researching which thermal camera will give you that all important “good image”. (NB experts are always at hand to advise you on your purchase – give our friendly team a call today).

Focus

A professional thermal camera should always capture a focused and sharp thermal image, and the object and heat pattern must be clear and easy to recognise. A blurred image not only comes across as unprofessional and makes it harder to identify the object and any faults but can also lead to measurement errors.

Of course, the size of the detector matrix on the thermal camera also plays a role in image quality. Images taken by thermal cameras with small detectors (i.e. with fewer pixels) are more blurred or "grainier" giving the impression that captured thermal image is not in focus. It should also be noted that not every camera can be focused, and in this case the only means of focusing the camera is by changing the distance from the object.

Temperature Range

Range is the entire span of temperatures the camera is calibrated to and capable of measuring so knowing the temperatures you’re likely to encounter in your application is imperative.

Field of View (FOV)

Field of View is determined by the thermal camera lens. Telephoto allows you to work from a greater distance. Wide angle is for use in tight spaces or situations where you need to get a large area into a single image. Some cameras have interchangeable lenses, perfect for the below example:

Inspecting roof mounted solar panels "In some cases you are standing on a raised platform inspecting solar panels from a distance of 10 meters, but in another situation you might be inspecting the back end of panels from less than one meter distance. In these different situations you need different optics, a telephoto lens for the inspection from a distance and a wide angle lens for the short distance inspections. Many other thermal imaging camera models do not feature this flexibility in optics."

IR Resolution

The detector’s resolution refers to the number of individual detector elements on the detector chip. The resolution is often stated in pixels e.g: 320 x 240 detector = 76,800 pixels.  More pixels means more temperature detail. This specification is not to be confused with that of the LCD display.

Thermal Sensitivity (NETD)

A thermal camera with a higher degree of thermal sensitivity will be able to represent small changes of temperature as a change in colour. Typical thermal sensitivities range from 0.15°C (7 colour changes per degree) to 0.045°C (20 colour changes per degree)

You may have heard about the popular thermal camera feature: Level and span and wonder why is it so useful?

With level and span you can remove temperatures which are of no interest. For example, if your target object is equipment running at 30-40°C then the lower temperatures (say, 17°C) of the background are of no interest and can be removed. As a result, the colour palette is stretched over a 10°C span rather than the original 23 °C span, leading to more colour changes per °C.

📞 Speak with our friendly team today. Let us help you find the right thermal solution — with performance you can trust and service you can rely on.

📍 Want a demo? We’ll come to you and show our thermal camera solutions in action on your site - Book us in for a test equipment demonstration today!

Let’s explore the various applications of thermal cameras:

Electrical Maintenance and Utilities

Power Up Your Inspections:

In electrical systems, heat is an early warning sign. Thermal imaging cameras help maintenance teams detect faults before they become failures – safely and efficiently.

See the Heat Before It’s a Problem:

✅ Thermal cameras capture temperature differences in electrical components under load, making it easy to spot: Loose or corroded connections, Overloaded circuits, Phase imbalances, Failing components

✅ Inspect live, work safe: Utility engineers and electricians can scan live panels, switchgear, and transformers without contact – reducing risk and eliminating the need for shutdowns.

✅ Prevent downtime and fire hazards: Early detection of hotspots allows you to schedule repairs proactively, avoid equipment damage, and reduce fire risk.

✅ Precision tools for the job with top-tier models being developed by FLIR and FLUKE:
✓ High-resolution thermal imaging
✓ Excellent temperature sensitivity
✓ Clear visibility of small anomalies in wires, breakers, and busbars

The Benefits For Electrical Maintenance / Utilities:

✅ Overheating components: Hot circuit breakers, fuses, or cables can signal potential failures or fire risks

✅ Unbalanced loads: Detect uneven phase temperatures to prevent strain and rebalance systems

✅ Utility equipment hotspots: Scan transformers, insulators, and lines for hidden faults

✅ Safe live inspections: Check energised equipment from a distance without interrupting operations

HVAC and Building Inspection

See What the Eye Can’t:

Thermal imaging cameras are essential tools for HVAC technicians, energy auditors, and building inspectors. They help you see beyond the surface – revealing hidden issues that can lead to high energy bills, system failures, or structural damage.

Spot Problems Fast:

✅ Quickly scan walls, floors, and ceilings to detect: Missing or damaged insulation, Drafts around windows, doors, and ductwork, Hidden moisture or potential water leaks

✅ Optimise HVAC Performance: Thermal cameras help ensure systems are working efficiently by showing heat distribution in ducts, vents, and radiators. You’ll easily pinpoint airflow problems, leaks, or blockages – without guesswork.

✅ Inspect Smarter: FLIR and FLUKE thermal cameras give building professionals a clear view of what’s happening inside structures – without needing to cut into walls.

✅ Back Up Your Findings: High-quality thermal images make your reports more impactful. They’re great for showing clients exactly what’s wrong – and why your recommendations matter.

The Benefits For HVAC / Building

✅ Insulation Gaps: Find missing, damaged, or wet insulation in walls, roofs, and attics – revealed by tell-tale hot or cold spots.

✅ Air Leaks and Drafts: Track down escaping conditioned air around windows, doors, or ductwork – and seal up those energy-wasting gaps.

✅ Moisture and Leaks: Detect cool, damp areas from roof or plumbing leaks early – before they lead to mould, rot, or structural damage.

✅ HVAC Inefficiencies: Spot uneven temperatures that signal clogged filters, faulty heating elements, or refrigerant issues – all without dismantling a thing.

Manufacturing and Processing Plants

Keep Your Plant Running Smoothly

In manufacturing and processing plants, uptime is everything. Thermal imaging cameras help maintenance teams stay ahead of problems by spotting heat anomalies before they lead to costly breakdowns.

✅ Smarter Maintenance Checks: Detect overheating bearings or motors, Spot signs of friction, overload, or internal faults, Monitor gearboxes, pumps, and conveyors for unusual heat patterns

✅ Control Process Temperatures: Verify that pipes, tanks, heaters, and coolers are all performing as they should — ensuring safe, efficient, and consistent operations.

✅ Plan Repairs, Avoid Downtime: Catch early warning signs and schedule maintenance during planned downtime — instead of reacting to failures mid-shift.

✅ Real-Time Troubleshooting: FLIR and FLUKE thermal cameras provide instant insight, even while equipment is running.

✅ Support Quality Assurance: Ensure ovens, chillers, and reactors maintain even temperatures, Confirm product and material temps meet spec, Identify cooling or heating inconsistencies in seconds

The Benefits For Manufacturing / Processing

✅ Overheated bearings and motors: Warning signs of wear, poor lubrication, or mechanical failure

✅ Faulty steam traps or insulation: Find unexpected heat loss or blockages in process lines

✅ Electrical panel hotspots: Catch overloads or loose connections before they interrupt production

✅ Uneven process temperatures: Maintain quality and consistency across ovens, freezers, and more

Technical Benefits of Thermal Imaging Cameras

Modern thermal imaging cameras are packed with features that support professionals in demanding environments. When choosing the right model, these technical benefits can make all the difference:

✅ High-Resolution Imaging:

Sharper thermal images mean better accuracy. Higher resolution helps you detect:
✓ Small hotspots
✓ Fine temperature variations
✓ Early signs of faults in electrical and mechanical systems

✅ Wide Temperature Range:

A broad temperature span (e.g. -20°C to +650°C or more) lets one camera handle:
✓ Cold storage inspections
✓ High-temperature equipment like furnaces or switchgear
✓ A wide variety of environments without swapping devices

✅ Excellent Thermal Sensitivity (NETD):

NETD (Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference) measures how sensitive a camera is to small temperature changes. Look for:
✓ NETD values around ≤50 mK for precise detection
✓ The ability to catch early-stage faults and temperature shifts others might miss

✅ Image Fusion and Visual Overlay:

Technologies like FLIR MSX or Fluke IR-Fusion combine thermal and visual data:
✓ Overlay real-world detail (like labels or edges) onto infrared images
✓ Help you quickly identify components or locations without confusion

✅ Rugged, Ergonomic Design:

Built for tough environments, professional thermal cameras feature:
✓ Drop-resistant, dustproof and waterproof housings (IP-rated)
✓ Comfortable grips, glove-friendly buttons or touchscreens
✓ Easy handling in industrial, outdoor or harsh field conditions

✅ Flexible Storage and Connectivity:

Efficient data handling is essential. Most models include:
✓ Internal memory or SD card support for saving hundreds of images
✓ Wi-Fi, USB, or Bluetooth for fast image transfer to mobile or desktop
✓ Built-in analysis tools – add annotations, measurements, and generate reports directly on the camera

✅ Long Battery Life:

Designed for long days on site:
✓ Rechargeable batteries typically offer several hours of continuous use
✓ Kits often include spares or car chargers to keep you working without interruption

✅ High Refresh Rate for Live Monitoring:

For inspections involving motion or fast-changing heat profiles, a higher refresh rate (e.g. 30–60 Hz vs 9 Hz on basic models) provides:
✓ Smoother real-time visuals
✓ Better tracking of dynamic systems
✓ Easier identification of intermittent faults in live electrical or mechanical setups

Take Your Inspections to the Next Level

Investing in modern thermal cameras is a smart move for any business looking to boost efficiency, accuracy, and uptime. With powerful thermal imaging cameras, your team can instantly detect issues, capture critical data, and keep equipment performing at its best.

✓ Fast, reliable temperature diagnostics

✓ Smarter maintenance decisions

✓ Fewer surprises, more control

Whether you need ultra-high resolution for detailed inspections or rugged durability for tough environments, we’ll help you find the perfect FLIR or FLUKE solution.

Our experts are here to match you with the ideal camera for your industry, application, and budget — so you can work smarter, safer, and more confidently every day.

We pride ourselves on a solution-oriented approach. From initial consultation to after-sales support, we ensure you get maximum value from your thermal imaging cameras. If you’d like to see the benefits first-hand, we can arrange a personal on-site demonstration where you and your team can test the thermal cameras on your own equipment and experience how quickly they reveal issues and opportunities.

💬 Ready to Take the Next Step?

We offer competitive prices – just contact us for a quote.

📞 Speak with our friendly team today. Let us help you find the right thermal solution — with performance you can trust and service you can rely on.

📍 Want a demo? We’ll come to you and show our thermal camera solutions in action on your site - Book us in for a test equipment demonstration today!