What are thermal imaging cameras used for?

How a thermal imaging camera works

Before exploring the many uses of thermal imaging cameras, we need to understand how they work. Unlike conventional cameras, which capture visible light, thermal imaging cameras detect infrared radiation emitted by all objects with a temperature above absolute zero (-273.15°C). This radiation, invisible to the naked eye, increases with the object's temperature.

The thermal camera sensor transforms this infrared radiation into an electrical signal, which is then converted into a colored or grayscale image. On the screen, hot zones generally appear in red, orange or yellow, while cold zones appear in blue or violet. This visual representation instantly identifies even the slightest temperature variations in your field of vision.

Energy diagnostics and building insulation

One of the most widespread applications for thermal imaging cameras is in home energy diagnostics. At a time when energy performance is becoming crucial for both economic and environmental reasons, these tools reveal valuable information invisible to the naked eye.

Heat loss is a major source of energy waste. A thermal camera can be used to pinpoint thermal bridges - areas where insulation fails, allowing heat to escape in winter or penetrate in summer. Poorly insulated windows, defects in walls, inadequately protected roofs, connections between different construction elements: all these weak points are clearly visible on the thermograms.

For homeowners and building professionals alike, this tool makes pre-renovation diagnostics much easier. Rather than carrying out insulation work blindly, you can precisely identify the priority areas requiring intervention. This targeted approach optimizes your investment and delivers the best results in terms of comfort and energy savings.

Regulatory energy audits are increasingly incorporating the use of thermal imaging cameras. Real estate diagnosticians use it as a standard tool to assess a property's energy performance and draw up the famous Diagnosis de Performance Energétique (DPE).

Detecting moisture and infiltration problems

In addition to insulation issues, thermal imaging cameras excel at detecting moisture problems. Water in materials changes their apparent temperature, creating characteristic heat signatures that are easily identifiable.

Water infiltration, whether from faulty roofing, leaky pipes or capillary rise, generates colder zones on the thermograms. This feature makes it possible to locate the source of a moisture problem without having to carry out destructive investigations. In this way, you can avoid having to make numerous openings in walls or ceilings to find the source of the problem.

For homeowners confronted with traces of damp or mold, the thermal imaging camera is a valuable diagnostic ally. It also allows us to check the effectiveness of the dewatering work and ensure that the problem has been resolved once and for all.

Electrical applications and risk prevention

Electricians and maintenance technicians have been quick to adopt thermal imaging cameras as an essential part of their toolkit. In the electrical field, abnormal heating is often the first sign of potentially dangerous faults.

A loose electrical connection, an oversized cable, overloaded equipment or a fault in an electrical panel can all lead to a localized rise in temperature. These hot spots, invisible to the naked eye, are clearly visible on the thermal image, enabling action to be taken before an incident occurs.

This preventive detection capability is particularly valuable in industrial plants, where a breakdown can have serious consequences in terms of production. Predictive maintenance programs systematically include regular thermographic inspections of electrical installations. Transformers, electrical cabinets, motors, wiring: all these elements are scrutinized for thermal anomalies.

In homes, using a thermal imaging camera to inspect the electrical panel can reveal faulty circuit breakers, overloaded feeders or connections that need tightening. At domeashop.com, we offer a full range of electrical equipment that complies with French standards, and the use of a thermal imaging camera can help you assess the condition of your existing installation.

Surveillance and security

Surveillance is another major field of application for thermal imaging cameras. Unlike conventional cameras, they operate in total darkness without the need for an artificial light source.

This makes them particularly suitable for night-time surveillance of sensitive sites, warehouses or properties. The thermal signature of the human body is easily detected, even if a person is trying to hide in vegetation or behind obstacles.

Perimeter detection systems based on thermal technology significantly reduce false alarms compared with conventional cameras. In the field of fire safety, they can be used to visualize hot spots through smoke and detect fire outbreaks in industrial installations.

Specialized professional applications

Thermal imaging cameras are used in a wide range of sectors. Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) technicians use them to check that systems are working properly and to identify refrigerant leaks.

In industry, infrared thermography is used to monitor production processes and control quality without interrupting operations. The automotive sector uses it for vehicle diagnostics, while the medical and veterinary field uses it to detect inflammation and circulatory disorders.

Leak detection and roof inspection

Roofers and building inspectors frequently use thermal imaging cameras to detect water infiltration in flat roofs. Moisture in flat roof insulation changes its thermal properties. A thermographic inspection carried out at the end of the day, when the sun has heated the roof, reveals wet areas that remain warmer than dry areas after the sun has set.

This non-destructive method makes it possible to pinpoint problem areas without having to remove the roof covering at random. Repair work can thus be targeted, reducing costs and intervention times.

For pitched roofs, the thermal camera helps identify insulation faults, parasitic air circulation or damp areas that could compromise the effectiveness of the insulation and the durability of the structure.

Criteria for choosing a thermal imaging camera

If you're thinking of buying a thermal imaging camera, there are a number of criteria to bear in mind. The resolution of the infrared sensor determines the accuracy of the image. Entry-level models offer resolutions of 60x60 or 80x60 pixels, sufficient for basic applications. Professional models reach 320x240 pixels or more.

Thermal sensitivity, expressed in millikelvin (mK), indicates the smallest detectable temperature difference. A sensitivity of 100 mK or less guarantees good performance. The measurement range must match your needs: from -20°C to +250°C for the building industry, wider ranges for industry.

Some models offer advanced features such as image overlay, video recording and WiFi connectivity. Prices range from a few hundred euros for consumer models to several thousand euros for professional equipment.

Conclusion

Thermal imaging cameras are much more than a technological gadget. They are powerful analytical tools for visualizing the invisible and making informed decisions in many fields. From energy diagnostics to electrical maintenance, from monitoring to leak detection, their applications are constantly expanding.

The democratization of this technology has made it accessible to a wider public. Whether you're a professional or an individual looking to optimize your home, a thermal imaging camera can provide invaluable information for improving comfort, saving energy and preventing problems before they become costly.

At domeashop.com, we understand the importance of investing in the right tools to ensure the safety, efficiency and comfort of your electrical installation and your home. Our catalog offers quality equipment complying with French standards for all your projects.