Thermal Imaging: Selecting a Thermal Imager

Oct. 1, 2014

In the April 2014 issue, we examined the fundamental elements you should consider when choosing a thermal imager (TI). This column goes deeper into specific evaluation criteria. These criteria are applicable for really any evaluation of any firefighting TI and represent a range of factors that I’ve observed fire departments use over the years.

• Weight/size/handling. With any tool you use in your operations, you should consider its weight and size. When considering TIs, is the unit you’re evaluating light enough and small enough to enable you to do the job of firefighting effectively? Additionally, how easy is the unit to deploy when needed? Does it handle better in some situations and worse in others? A TI may have side straps, a handle or no straps at all. None of these approaches is inherently good or bad, but your department should evaluate the TI in situations that mirror real-life circumstances as closely as possible to see what works best for you.

The designs or form factors of different thermal imagers vary markedly between manufacturers and even between a particular manufacturer’s different models. Therefore, you’ll have plenty of different concepts from which to choose. Some units may be somewhat larger, but incorporate bigger displays or integrated handles that offer additional handling options. It’s not simply a calculation of which unit is the smallest and lightest, but which incorporates the attributes, features and design concepts you like the most in combination with overall handling. This analysis might lead your department to choose the lightest product, while others may conclude that added versatility and a broader view of ergonomics lead them to a different selection.

• Image quality. As consumers of everything from flat screens to tablet PCs, we’ve become conditioned to look for the brightest, clearest display on our electronic devices. For many fire departments evaluating thermal imagers, it’s no different. Image quality, even though subjective, is an attribute that is fairly straightforward to compare. My advice is to make sure your department’s evaluation team examines a TI’s image in multiple situations, such as indoors, outdoors and in high-heat environments. Don’t confine your evaluation to the unit that simply has the “best” image, but also the unit that provides critical details such as being able to see low-heat objects in the same scene as high-heat objects.

• Durability. Any tool that is used in the fire service needs a high level of durability. The manufacturers of thermal imagers have learned this over the years, and the products on the market today meet at least a minimum level of durability. However, many departments demand that the tools they use pass a very high standard. Your department may wish to set its own performance standards, but many manufacturers claim performance capabilities along a few key metrics: drop/shock, heat soak and water intrusion, which are representative of the kind of exposure and abuse they will receive in fire environments. As you evaluate different models, consider testing these claims as part of your evaluation.

• Features. The quantity and types of features installed on modern firefighting TIs vary as widely as do the types of form factors that manufacturers offer. Features such as high-heat colorization and temperature measurement are available on any firefighting TI, yet differ in implementation. Some models offer either numeric or bar graph temperature indicators while some offer both. High-heat colorization may be as simple as a certain color scheme activating when temperatures reach a certain threshold, or it may fluctuate as the TI’s mode changes with different exposure to heat. There may be selectable modes that enable the user to change the type of color scheme. Many TIs support image capture and/or DVR capabilities for recording images. Some enable transmission of imagery to an outside command station or mobile receiving unit.

From there it gets even more brand specific. Several manufacturers offer proprietary or custom features that support additional analysis of hot spots or cold spots, directional understanding within a structure, and distance measurement (just to name a few). When evaluating, you should determine the value and actual capability of these features in various types of conditions to determine their benefits. Weigh these benefits against whatever additional complexity and, by extension, needed training, results.

• Service/support/warranty. While not always easy to determine, the “after sale” experience is often a critical determinant of long-term customer satisfaction. If you have a history with a certain model or manufacturer, obviously weigh this into your evaluation. Consult with other departments to see what their experiences have been with products you are considering. Examine and compare warranties to see which manufacturers offer the best coverage and value. Find out about service repair times, costs and how you will be supported when your TI needs service.

• Value. Nearly every purchase considers price on some level, but the comprehensive approach is to think of benefits relative to price. This is value. In addition to the criteria previously discussed, contemplate whether selecting a certain model will increase or decrease the likelihood that TIs will be used on calls. Look at factors such as battery life and maintenance, storage and charging accessories, field replacement part capabilities, supporting software programs, etc. Contact references to see what their service experiences are with models you are considering so you can derive a Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) assessment in conjunction with information the manufacturer provides. When assessed altogether, you’ll be able to rank the TIs you are considering on a comprehensive value basis and avoid overemphasizing the TI’s initial price.

These criteria should cover most of the specifics of what you should examine when embarking on your next thermal imager purchase. It’s not an exhaustive list and your department may decide to supplement these. The best thing you can do is to determine exactly what it is you want and evaluate candidate TIs accordingly so that you can identify which ones meet your needs best.

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