Chapter 21 Thermal Imaging Camera

Question 1

Define Infrared radiation

Answer 1

It essentially reveals the heat signature of an object or a person. Infrared radiation comes from anything with molecular activity (no clear definition in the precis)

Question 2

Identify the three categories of IR emitters

Answer 2

1. Passive: Primarily absorb and dissipate IR energy from active or direct emitters
   (inanimate objects)
   ● A passive object may be a chair as an example
2. Active: Emit IR energy in low to medium strength and varying intervals (living
   organisms)
   ● Yourself as an example
3. Direct: Constant high strength IR energy emitters
   ● A hot water tank as an example

Question 3

How is IR emitted

Answer 3

Infrared radiation comes from anything with molecular activity

Question 4

Define thermal contrast

Answer 4

● It is the visual difference between two or more items when viewed with the Thermal Imaging Camera. Their image will be relative to the detectors’ sensitivity and the variance of the temperatures within them.

Question 5

Define thermal inversion

Answer 5

● It occurs when an object changes shade even though its temperature has not.
● Is a result of a change in temperature of the environment not the object.

Question 6

Define thermal layering

Answer 6

● Occurs when effective ventilation is not completed
● Can be identified using the TIC
● Detects the higher temperature exhibited at the ceiling falling in degrees as
you scan toward the floor

Question 7

Identify the 3 modes of operation for Scott Safety X380N

Answer 7

1) High sense mode- at room temperature or cooler
2) Mid sense mode-Activated when temperatures are above 65 degrees
Celsius, but below 240 degrees Celsius
3) Low sense 1000+ mode- Activated when temperatures exceed 240 degrees Celsius

Question 8

What are the various items on the display of Scott Safety X380N

Answer 8

1) Mode – NOTE; no indicator for Ti
Basic high sense mode.
2) DTM Crosshair
3) Battery Status Bar
4) DTM readout
5) Color Reference Bar

Question 9

What are the three keys of effective operations

Answer 9

1. Orientation
2. Interpretation
3. Communication

Question 10

Describe the five scanning techniques

Answer 10

1. Start at the ceiling and sweep to the side (Left to Right as an example)
2. Move directly downward until you have reached the halfway height of the room
3. Sweep back toward your left while maintaining a consistent elevation
4. Move directly downward once again until you reach the floor area
5. Sweep back again toward your right scanning the floor as you progress

Question 11

List the applications of a TIC camera

Answer 11

1. Size – Up
2. Search and Rescue
3. Fire Attack
4. Ventilation
5. Overhaul
6. Hazardous Material Events
7. Wild Land Operations
   Training
8. Wildland (missing persons) search
9. Water Rescue Events (body or body parts are only visible if above water)

Question 12

What are the operating instructions for Scott Safety X380N

Question 13

What are the difference between Image intensifiers vs. infrared detectors

Answer 13

Image intensifiers
● Amplify existing visible light (A camera’s night shot for example)

Infrared Detectors
● View IR sources regardless of the visible light conditions

Question 14

Describe the four scanning priorities

Answer 14

1. Scan the Ceiling (Looking for temperature variation and elevation)
2. Scan the center of the room (Looking for exits and openings)
3. Scan the floor (Looking for hazards and victims)
4. Scan behind (To ensure nothing is missed)

Question 15

When charging the Battery with the desk top charger If the LED continues flashing RED when no battery is installed what does it mean

Answer 15

If the LED continues flashing RED when no battery is installed, the charger may need to be reset or may need servicing. Unplug the charger, wait two minutes, then reconnect and repeat.

Question 16

What is a major consideration when replacing the TIC battery

Answer 16

Failure to lock the battery into place
may result in the battery falling out of
the camera while in use. Failure to
observe these instructions may result in
minor or moderate injury and/or
equipment damage.

Question 17

What is the over heat indicator on the X380N and what should the operator do when the warning goes off

Answer 17

The X380N is equipped with an internal electronics overheat indicator. This
indicator will activate when internal electronics have reached temperatures beyond their safe operating range. The over temp indicator will begin flashing at least 30 seconds before the camera shutdown sequence begins. Should the internal electronics overheat indicator activate during use, the operator should immediately plan their egress using proper firefighting tactics. (Reference NFPA 1801, 6.6.4.4)

Question 18

The X360N has a zoom function how much does it magnify

Answer 18

2X/4X Zoom

Question 19

How do you activate the hot spot tracker

Answer 19

To activate the Hot Spot Tracker, press and release the HST Button
(Plus Button).

Question 20

What temperatures does the cold spot tracker accurately measure

Answer 20

Measures temperatures accurately down to -40 degrees C.

Question 21

What are the applications of the cold spot tracker

Answer 21

● Detection of gas leaks.
● Can help locate pinpoint,
thread, valve leaks.

Question 22

What are the 3 Infrared Application Limitations (Limitations of the TIC)

Answer 22

1. Glass
   ● Infrared energy will not penetrate glass however heated glass will show up
   lighter in color
2. Water
   ● Infrared energy will not penetrate water however some penetration may occur
   in a fog or mist
3. Steam
   ● Infrared energy may or may not penetrate steam depending on its density

Question 23

Describe High Sense Mode

Answer 23

This mode is automatically activated when
objects in its field of view are at room
temperature or cooler. For example, when
you activate your thermal imager and look
around the fire station, it will most likely be
operating in High Sensitivity Mode.
Likewise, High Sensitivity Mode is
automatically selected when you are
searching or navigating in a cold
smoke-filled basement.

Question 24

Describe Mid Sense Mode

Answer 24

This mode is automatically activated when
the temperature of objects in its field of
view is elevated. This mode is automatically
activated when there are objects in the field
of view that are generally greater than
150°F or 65°C.

Question 25

Describe Low Sense Mode

Answer 25

This mode is automatically selected when the entire field of view exceeds 475°F or 240°C, or when the crosshair in the center of the viewing screen is directed to objects that are generally greater than 475°F or 240°C. While operating in this mode, the thermal imager is capable of imaging objects that are in excess of 2000°F or 1000°C.

Question 26

At what temperature does the Scott Safety X380N switch to low sense 1000+ mode?

Answer 26

At temperature above 240 degrees celsius

Question 27

How can a TIC help in Overhaul?

Answer 27

By identifying hot spots accurately it minimizes the amount of secondary damage caused to extinguish the fire. The identification of those hidden fires greatly reduces the incidence of rekindle