Heat detection technology has come a long way over the past few years and equipment like the Fluke thermal imager is a perfect example. However, as technology advances, it has also spawned a great deal of needless misunderstandings, especially with the popularity of science fiction today. Let’s take a look at some of the most common concerns, to help put your mind at ease.
Can Others Use Heat Technology to See Into Your House?
Some people believe law enforcement or anyone with the latest thermal technology can literally see through walls. In other words, they can drive by your house and see everything which is going on, essentially eliminating any kind of privacy. The truth is, this is simply not true. All one can see with infrared devices is heat radiating from your house.
Why do so many people believe this misconception? It may be from stories of drug enforcement people discovering illegal grow operations with equipment similar to a Fluke thermal imager. Here is what actually happens. A law enforcement helicopter flies over houses and spots a great deal of heat coming from one particular house. This heat is generated from a large amount of artificial sunlight created by huge lamps. The cops couldn’t see inside, but they could tell that something unusual was going on so they investigated further and this leads to an arrest for illegally growing cannabis.
Do Police use Thermal Imaging for Many Uses?
Thermal technology is helping law enforcement do a better job. For example, there is a high speed pursuit and a suspect suddenly bails out and heads into a wooded or remote area. With the help of infrared technology, police can see heat generated by the human body and this has helped to catch many dangerous criminals. It can also tell you if someone is hiding in a dark alley.
Industrial Applications
Many companies today are dependent upon heat systems. For example, a company which heats or extrudes metals must have materials at exact temperatures. For some types of heat treatments, a few degrees either way can make a big difference in the temper strength of the metal. Monitoring these conditions is very important.
Perhaps the most common uses of equipment like the Fluke thermal imager is spotting trouble in electric panels and circuits. Heat is one of the biggest enemies of electrical and electronic components and when something is getting too hot, it means there is a problem somewhere. By finding these hot areas before trouble begins, a lot of valuable downtime and expensive maintenance can be avoided.
