Thermal Surveillance: What to Know About

 

Thermal security cameras are the peak of surveillance nowadays, thanks to their cutting-edge technology and the multi-functionality provided. Hands-on, their main asset is not relying on light to function and record clear images. Much like infrared cameras with night vision, these cameras can detect objects or people in absolute darkness based on the thermal energy they generate.

The applicability of thermal surveillance is vast, making it highly effective and widely spread in many domains, like construction, infrastructure, weather forecasting, industrial inspections, and even the military. If you install a thermal camera to monitor the surroundings of your home or place of work, you can rest assured knowing you will have the highest-grade technology working on your behalf.

What is a Thermal Camera?

Visible light is not the only thing that can be detected, as other spectrums exist but cannot be captured by the naked eye. When pointed toward an object, the thermal camera will display the infrared heat spectrum from the object, making it possible for the human eye to observe temperature differences.

As the name suggests, this type of camera uses thermal energy to capture images in its field of view. To be more precise, it detects thermal radiation emitted by objects or people and turns it into a visible image that can be displayed. The naked eye can't capture thermal radiation, meaning thermal surveillance provides unique footage, all the more that it doesn't rely on visible light to spot images. This feature enables the camera to record in absolute darkness, adverse weather conditions, and even through smoke.

The images are projected in a color code based on the intensity of the thermal radiation, with blue being for low heat, red for medium heat, and yellow for intense heat. A common question is whether or not thermal cameras can see through walls, and the answer is no, but they can see objects inside walls. This means that you will not be able to see a person standing behind a wall or door, but you will immediately spot the person as soon as they open the door or get into the field of view of the camera.

Compared to regular cameras, thermal ones have the advantage that they are not influenced or altered by weather conditions, meaning they can run at night in scarce light, during rain, fog, or snow. Also, they can reach longer distances, which is ideal for long-range surveillance systems.

Boosting Your Thermal Surveillance System

An aspect worth paying attention to is that a thermal surveillance system doesn't only involve a camera but other hardware and software components that contribute to the efficiency of the monitoring system. Here is how you can turn your camera into a faithful ally.

Pan-tilt heads are essential if you want to extend the monitoring area. Look for high-resolution models that deliver very clear images to ensure you will get the most out of it. Remember that you will most likely install the cameras outdoors, facing severe weather conditions, so they must be weather-proof and ruggedized to guarantee a long lifespan.

Intelligent software can combine the efficiency of thermal cameras with the accessibility of wireless control. This means that you will be able to analyze footage from a distance, access essential parts of the memorized video, and control the entire system remotely through a designated app.

You can truly maximize its performance by adding intelligent features like GPS, mapping software, motion sensors, audio, or a laser range finder.

Thermal Zoom Cameras

For the best results in thermal surveillance, you can search into thermal zoom cameras that can zoom and magnify objects to such length that they can spot people up to 15 kilometers away or vehicles between 20 and 30 kilometers. The common application involves monitoring tasks, as their accuracy is exceptional. The more sensitive the sensor, the better its capacity to get practical information on the physical condition of the recorded target.

As you zoom the lens, the field of view expands so you can cover a larger area. This allows you to record data in restricted areas without staying at a close range. It's ideal for roof monitoring or thermal control in spaces underground. The zoom expandability lets you monitor various objectives at a time.

Exciting Things You Can Do with a Thermal Surveillance System

Thermal cameras have more applications than you might think, providing advantages that make them priceless in their field. Aside from monitoring surroundings, their ability to capture invisible light spectrum makes them suitable for other applications, like the following:

Energy Loss Detection

Using a thermal camera, you can thoroughly inspect the walls and floors of buildings to detect potential heat losses. The camera will show the areas where heat manages to escape, allowing constructors or inspectors to determine poor insulation areas and improve the energy efficiency of a building.

HVAC Systems Checking

Similar to examining walls, the thermal sensor can scan ductwork inside buildings or in infrastructure to quickly detect leaks or other problems that might endanger the safety of a building. A quick inspection of your HVAC system can save you further costs by increasing the thermal efficiency of your home.

Water System Inspections

Water leaks are highly risky as they can cause problems with the structure of a building, create unnecessary costs due to water waste, or promote mold growth in highly moist areas. Luckily, thermal cameras can detect problems with the plumbing system.

Mechanical Systems Maintenance

Thermal cameras can also inspect motors, engines, and other mechanical equipment to determine if everything runs smoothly. Discovering mechanical issues can protect installations and mechanisms from irreparable severe damage.

Electrical Faults Monitoring

Considering how dangerous electrical faults can be, it's great that you can use thermal cameras to inspect your house's electrical grid and panels. It can detect the hotspots that could lead to an electrical hazard so you can rest assured knowing your electrical equipment runs smoothly.

Agriculture

The agricultural use of thermal cameras can help farmers identify crop areas that might be affected by diseases or pests. This can maximize crop yields by discovering problems before they spread and cause more damage.  

Law Enforcement

Many law institutions like prisons or correctional centers use thermal surveillance cameras to ensure suspects or inmates don't get to restricted areas where they are not allowed to be. The camera's ability to detect people in complete darkness makes it the most reliable monitoring equipment for police officers.