Training Schedule
Training for Infrared and EMT professionals world-wide.
Directed Study - Level I Thermographic Applications
Supplemental Materials for Task #1:
Read from the following White Papers below and write a minimum 100 word summary for each one you have been assigned. Be sure to include three highlighted points that you learned from the article as bulleted items with each summary.
Please Note: These papers are provided in PDF format. Adobe Acrobat Reader is requried to view and may be downloaded for free here:
Myths and Truths About Wind and Load Correction Factors
There are a number of formulas and computer programs for’ correcting’ or predicting what will happen to the temperature (or temperature rise) of an electrical fault when the load or wind changes. While these formulas are somewhat useful to indicate that significant changes in temperature may take place when the load or wind changes, they are subject to much abuse and misuse and may be downright misleading when it comes to prioritizing repairs.
Do Sweat the Small Stuff
For every large distribution apparatus that is scanned with infrared on a regular basis, a number of 208Y/120 panels, control panels and other “small” devices are overlooked. This paper will explore the benefit of adding previously uninspected “small” electrical system components to routes that have previously been occupied by switchgear and MCC’s and puts forth the position that the amperage rating of a device or enclosure no longer correlates to criticality.
Use of Infrared Thermal Imaging for Home Weatherization
Thermography is an essential tool for anyone involved with home weatherization. This paper covers how thermal imaging is utilized in home weatherization and how it can benefit auditors and crews.
Buying a Thermal Imager for Building Applications
Over the past few years there have been considerable breakthroughs in the market for thermal imagers including the fact that prices have dropped considerably. Even better, the ideal thermal imager for today’s building thermographer does not necessarily need to be “top-of-the-line” or “most expensive”. Whether you are a home performance contractor, weatherization crew member or energy auditor there are many fine choices that will certainly meet your needs. This paper will provide an overview of thermal imaging equipment for building applications. As you read this, know that The Snell Group is vendor-neutral and we do not sell equipment nor are we a subsidiary of any infrared camera manufacturer. As such, this paper is not going to recommend a specific brand or model of thermal imager. It will instead summarize which equipment specifications are important for you to consider and which ones maybe are not.
Testing Building Envelope Systems Using Thermography
The structures we live and work in are susceptible to quality and performance problems during construction and maintenance that can impact performance and may, in some cases, render them dangerous. Infrared thermography can provide remarkable, nondestructive information about construction details and building performance. This paper discusses the numerous applications for the technology currently being used to inspect building envelopes. These include validation of structural details, verification of energy performance (conduction and air leakage), location of moisture intrusion, and the identification of structural and system degradation of roofs and facades.
Successful Warm-Weather Infrared Inspections
Thermal imaging is not just a cold-weather tool that is only used during the winter. Great images and valuable data can be captured year-round, especially during the summer months, and in warm-weather climates, where energy efficiency concerns are also just as prevalent. Thanks to a continuous improvement in the quality and sensitivity of infrared cameras on the market, inspections are also possible during the “off season” of spring and fall when weather conditions are less than ideal or when the recommended temperature parameters of accepted industry standards are not being met. This paper will address how to approach using IR during warm weather conditions or when temperature differences were seemingly less than adequate.
A Unique Thermal Problem Found in Certain Double-Glazed Windows
In this paper learn the findings of an investigation about a very different—and unusual—thermal pattern discovered on windows in the home of one of the authors. The cause is related to the loss of some of the insulating argon gas installed in the window during manufacturing. The authors also discovered the problem was not uncommon for certain types of windows and as they age the issues usually become more pronounced and, in some cases, result in a total failure (implosion) of the window.
Low-Slope Roof Moisture Inspections with Infrared
Thermal imaging is successfully used to help identify potential moisture problems in low-slope roofs. This paper will address the various reasons for inspecting a roof, the conditions needed, how an infrared inspection works, and the types of thermal patterns detected. The limitations of the technology as well as alternative test methods including aerial IR inspections are also covered. Conditions permitting, a qualified operator who follows proper inspection standards is able to evaluate a low-slope roof for moisture quickly and efficiently with infrared.