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Tip written by: Infraspection Institute

With most thermal imagers capable of displaying images in monochrome or multicolor, many new thermographers ask which color palette is the best choice for effective imaging. The answer will depend on a number of factors including application, delta T associated with the exception, and personal preference.

Because it is usually less confusing than multicolor palettes, grayscale may be better suited for some applications. Additionally, applications that have a large delta T associated with exceptions or where target recognition is important may be better suited for grayscale imaging. Such applications include electrical distribution systems, building envelopes inspected from the interior of the structure, and low slope roof inspections.

Multicolor palettes offer an advantage when imaging targets having a small delta T associated with exceptions or when imaging targets with several discrete temperature zones. Typical applications include mechanical systems, refractory systems, building envelopes inspected from the exterior, and medical/veterinary applications.

For hardcopy reports, printing monochrome images can result in lower cost than multicolor reports. Lastly, the choice to use monochrome or multicolor is largely a matter of personal preference. Thermographers should always use a palette which best represents the observed thermal patterns and provides data that are easily understood.

Infrared camera operation is one of the many topics covered in the Level I Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer^® training course. For information on thermographer training including course locations and dates or our convenient Distance Learning Program, visit us online at www.infraspection.com or call us at 609-239-4788.

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