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Verify Proper Temperature Scale

The devil is in the details. One of the details of accurate temperature measurement is ensuring that your imager or software is set to the proper temperature scale.

Nearly all imaging radiometers and infrared imaging software programs allow a user to select temperature measurement scales. Selection of desired temperature scale is usually made via hot keys or through pull-down or pop-up menu selections. Typical temperature scale choices include Celsius or Fahrenheit.

Frequently, imaging radiometers and software are programmed to initialize with specific settings including temperature scale. Some models may be programmed to initialize with user-defined settings each time they are started. Depending upon system design, these settings may be corrupted over time, or be lost when an internal battery dies or an imager is serviced by the manufacturer.

Because of the significant difference in Fahrenheit and Celsius scales, it is imperative that a thermographer check his/her imager or software for proper scale prior to, and during each use. This is especially true in facilities where several thermographers share an infrared imager and/or software or where multiple applications are performed using the same equipment. Utilizing an incorrect temperature scale can lead to misdiagnosis of problems or assigning an inappropriate repair priority.

The Guideline for Infrared Inspection of Electrical and Mechanical Systems provides temperature limits and several methods for assigning repair priorities to operating electrical and mechanical equipment. To obtain a copy of the Guideline, contact Infraspection Institute at 609-239-4788.