Following the launch of its GTC 400 C thermal imager, the experts at Bosch tell us more about how this technology can help electricians in their everyday work.
What is a thermal image?
A thermal image shows the distribution of temperatures within a measured area, with every pixel containing information about one temperature. Just like a visual image, a thermal image is the sum of many temperature pixels put together.
What and where does a thermal imaging device measure?
A thermal imager measures the surface temperature of objects and displays it as a thermal image. Temperature differences and heat distribution can then be made visible very easily by setting different colour scenarios to show contrast.
Why is a thermal imaging device useful for an electrician?
Thermal images can help trade professionals to pinpoint and highlight issues that otherwise would have been hidden to the naked eye. Applications include checking the effectiveness of fuse boards and for defected or overheated areas. Inspecting underfloor heating and radiators or using the cold detector to assess the efficiency of the insulation. Thermal images help identifying faults faster and showcase the electrician’s competence and efficiency.
At what distance are measurements most precise?
The closer the distance to the measured object, the more precise the measurement is. The recommended detection depth is 2m, so with a bigger distance, the measured results can be less precise, i.e. due to high humidity, which can influence the result.
How can you make temperature differences visible best in a thermal image?
The Bosch GTC 400 C thermal imaging camera displays temperature differences for you. The more the temperatures deviate from one another, the clearer you can see these deviations in your thermal image. Again, setting different colour scenarios helps to identify the issue by highlighting the contrast. The tool also has a manual temperature range function whereby the user can set the desired temperature range to best target their area of interest, with a min/max temperature range of -10˚C to +400˚C the GTC 400 C has a user for every electricians need.
Do you have to consider anything when measuring different surfaces?
In order to receive the best possible result, you need to adjust the emissivity in the settings, which varies among different materials. For the most frequently used materials, the GTC 400 C contains a shortlist, along with a corresponding emissivity. Nevertheless, user-defined values can be entered as well. A useful list of common materials can be found in the operating instructions of the tool.
What does thermal resolution 160×120 mean?
The thermal resolution follows the same principle as a normal camera, i.e. the GTC 400 C has 160 pixels horizontally and 120 vertically in the camera. In total, that is 19200 pixels, where every single one contains a temperature. These measured pixels are combined into a thermal image and then shown in the display to give a more detailed image for the user.
Why is the Bosch GTC 400 C so easy to use?
– The Large 3.5” colour display clearly shows measurements to the operator and the big buttons ensure the user can handle the keypad easily and intuitive
– It offers an optimised field of view of infrared sensor to interior applications. Users can capture a bigger scenario from closer distances (especially in narrow areas and small rooms e.g. with furniture inside). This is useful to check larger areas, such as radiators whole windows or underfloor heating in a room.
– IP53 dust and splash protection on the GTC 400 C provides a feeling of security and safety especially for on-site users, this is shown through the lens protection cover for camera protection. The tool is extremely user friendly, sensing when the lens protection cover is still on giving the user a nice animation on the display to the user to open the cover.
– The GTC’s dual power source provides flexibility whilst on the job, being powered by either the Bosch Professional 10.8/12V Li-Ion battery packs or by 4 x AA batteries using the AA1 battery adaptor.
Being able to professionally document images is also a key consideration for any tradesman. How does the GTC 400 C help this process?
a) The unit features internal memory for more than 500 pictures.
b) A visual camera is integrated to save the real image together with the thermal image. It also helps with customer explanations as thermal and visual images can be shown side-by-side once transferred to a laptop.
c) The integrated WIFI Hotspot enables fast and easy picture transfer from GTC 400 C to the Measuring Master App. Measuring Master allows thermal images to be commented on and markers can be set to highlight findings inside the image. Thermal images can be sent to customers, colleagues or to the office staff within seconds
d) A microUSB enables easy data transfer to a computer and the GTC transfer software helps to create reports easily. Thermal images can be edited inside the software to highlight findings in more detail and create a report instantly.
What is included with the GTC 400 C?
The GTC 400 C is supplied in a Bosch Professional L-Boxx for easy storage and stacking. Additional accessories included within the L-Boxx include; 1 x 10.8/12V Bosch Professional battery pack, 1 x GAL 1230 CV battery charger, micro USB cable, hand strap, operating manual and calibration certificate. All Bosch tools come with a one year warranty, this can be extended to three years if the user simply registers their tool on the Bosch Professional website.
APPLICATION EXAMPLE: UNDERFLOOR HEATING
If you want to make the heating cables of a floor heating system visible, you turn the system off, let the floor cool down and start the floor heating system at its highest level again. You’re then able to see the heating cables very clearly.
For more information on Bosch, please visit: https://www.bosch.co.uk/
