At our last IR class at InterNACHI HQ (click to see the next class on May 21-22) we put a spot of cool water on the back side of some sheetrock. On the other side we lined up with the FLIR C2 and several other IR cameras that all had at least 120x120 resolution or more (RESNET standard).
The FLIR C2 (only 80x60 resolution and a poor quality lens) was the last to see the moisture temperature spot on the sheetrock. The other better IR cameras saw it way before the C2. It was a lot of time before the C2 could see the moisture spot. The delta-t had to increase a lot before it was capable of seeing it.
In the real world of a infrared building inspections, some moisture spots (and other defects) may not show much temperature difference and you could find yourself blind to these kinds of anomalies. Buy a better camera and do yourself a favor, and your client, if you expect to be respected as a professional thermographer… please. Get some training before you buy a camera.
This test of IR cameras was done in class for inspectors who paid to become better thermogrphers. Some want to do a better job.
Inspector Outlet sells IR cameras at every price level. It’s up to you to find the one that will work best for a building inspection, if you want to do a good job. Don’t blame the store for not teaching you how to be a thermographer, that is not their job. They also sell various flash lights and some of them may or may not work for your needs.
I will complete Level II in a few days. I already did building science thermograhy training 9 years ago (FLIR-ITC). Our IR class was reviewed by a Level III certified training school owner/instructor and it was found to be without flaw (he sat through the entire class and testing). I can give you the contact information if you like. Send me a PM or email because I do not want people to flame him like you are doing for no reason.
My post was not intended to smear anyone. I am just concerned about helping people make the right choice in selecting an IR camera that will do the job an inspector needs it to do. If you don’t agree, then state your own comparison.
The FLIR ONE (2nd gen) has inferior detectors, lens and processor. It is a cell phone clip on and is not intended for professional use. Thanks for bringing it up.
An inferior camera could not find the moisture in the image below (far right). The moisture that was not seen was from a different source than the other area in the image. There are two moisture areas in the image. Also note, that the joist are not visible in the image produced by the poor quality camera. The two cameras were 320x240 vs 80x60. Thanks to William Misegades for the image. Many experienced thermographer’s have already done this type of comparison. This is old news to them. Get some training before you buy.
In the image of the two cups, you can see that poor delta-t has made the steps disappear. How much more can this factor make a moisture spot blind to your camera. Please get some training.
Infrared Bob is a self-taught thermographer and it shows with his inaccurate evaluations of his “discoveries”.
He doesn’t take advice and only belittles fellow inspectors that point out how he is deceiving the public with his practices.
Linas your entire public image with other Inspectors is Insulting New Inspectors,those that do not agree with you,posting gun links,accusing many of being drunks,posting racist pictures,adding links to gay sites and t-ty ca ca jokes.Should not forget Insulting a Florida members wife .
Next time I need a clown for a party will be sure to look you up.
My question to John was hard to get a response and he did well .
I think John knows the difference between hard questioning and a snake that smiles.
John can you guys do a review on what the C2 CAN be used for in a general home inspection?
Like i would think the C2 would be adequate to check an electrical panel for anomalies afters the visual inspection or perhaps to check around a toilet seal after a few flushes
Comparing C2/One to an E8 or above camera is like comparing a a scooter to a mustang, but that does not mean the scooter doesn’t have a limited purpose.
Outside of my two examples (if they are even good enough for that in your opinion) any other ways to supplement an inspection with these?
Electrical, Hot water heater, oven doors, refrigerator door gaskets, P-Trap restriction, are air ducts connected to the register, did the homeowner take a shower that morning…
Any use must be followed up with the appropriate test equipment for the application before you say anything IR.
It covers more ground quickly, so you know where to put your other test equipment.
Actually it has 3 resolutions.
357 magnum, 38 special and 38 +P.
The new toy will be ready for pick-up tomorrow. We have a 72 hour waiting period after our background check clears.
A scooter is not allowed on the highway unless it can travel the posted speed limit. I am sure that will make your client feel good to know you have an IR camera on par with a scooter. Just saying.
If you cannot see how spending an extra $1000-$1500 is worth it, for a good IR camera, then why even start that kind of business? Save your money and stay away from IR scans. Why buy a radon meter that does not work properly? Too much liability is at stake. Do it right or avoid getting into it.
This is something I see happen often on these threads, no one stated anything about using a C2 to start a thermography business or to market IR scans or to find leaks on a roof
I’m asking how (if at all) a C2 can be used as a part of a home inspection.
Like the examples I gave is it adequate to supplement a visual inspection of a panel? Can it be used to determine a leak around a loose toilet seal etc
I’ve taken the nachi IR class and it (and you/David) made up mind on investing in more training with the proper equipment but I think it is to the benefit of everyone to think of ways something like a C2t CAN be used instead of why you shouldnt bother.
Once you open the door of doing a building inspection with an inferior camera, then it is very easy to become use to it. Because of the things you do not see, it will not cause any alarm or pain. When you see no defects all is well. But that does not mean the defect is not there.
For me, I wanted to find out the minimum level of camera that would indeed work, so I did not make the mistake of going below that point.
Moisture is the number ONE item that causes major issues (mold, decay, WDI and electrical corrosion). It is also the number ONE item that can be hard to find because it evaporates and the thermal signature is hard to see many times.
It is the ‘hard to see’ defects that matter the most. It is easy to miss them with even a good IR camera. Trust me.
But,John, it meets the RENSET standard, is that right? The IR resolution is more then 120X120
I am not suggesting Flir One second Gen can be used for professional use. However, if a home inspector claims he/she uses IR camera fulfills RENSET standard, and he/she use FLIR ONE, this home inspector does not make illegal claim.
Is that right? If so, perhaps RESNET or other reputable instituion should release another updated version that fits the needs nowadays.
