This short article is an attempt to clarify a few misconceptions in regard to fire-service thermal-imaging cameras (TIC). All fire-service thermal-imaging cameras automatically switch gains or sensitivity modes based on the following: the overall heat detected within the field of view and at a certain percentage of pixels affected.
The majority of fire-service TIC’s are dual-mode sensitivity, which is known as high and low sensitivity. The NFPA 1801 requirement states that when a LWIR (Long Wave Infrared) fire-service TIC switches to low sensitivity a green equilateral triangle will appear in the upper left-hand corner of the view finder as shown on the following page.
There is a misconception that certain fire-service TICs don’t switch between high and low sensitivity and this belief is false. If the TIC is in TI Basic mode (the NFPA 1801 required colour palette), a fire-service TIC will have such a high dynamic/temperature range (zero-2000 degrees) that it cannot see all temperature ranges at once. In order to ‘see’ these temperature ranges effectively, manufacturers break them up into spans. The majority of dual-temperature-mode fire-service TIC’s break the temperature range down into the following:
- Zero–300 degrees Fahrenheit (some switch at 200, 240, or 270 degrees)
- 300–1200 degrees Fahrenheit
As we can see, the second range is the Low Sensitivity Range which is defined by NFPA 1801 as: ‘The least thermally sensitive operational mode, used to increase the thermal imager’s temperature range’ (NFPA 1801 Section 3.3.24.1).
To clarify this statement further, many fire-service TICs when they switch to Low Sensitivity Mode lose discernible details in the lower areas below the thermal layer. Certain manufacturers overcome this or improve detail by the use of the following:
- Image Enhancement
- Higher Contrast Ratio (increased discernible detail between pixel elements)
- Lower Thermal Sensitivity (NETD/MRTD): This is the TIC’s ability to differentiate between objects of similar temperature rated in units of milli-kelvin which equates to the thousandth of a degree.
However, firefighters will not be able to see the benefits in this until they test it in a higher-heat environment. In other words, firefighters must test their choices of thermal-imaging cameras in a fire environment prior to purchasing to prevent being disappointed in the lack of performance. This is shown in the following data:
- FLIR K53-65 series TIC’s require 18% of the overall pixels within the Field of View to be over 300 degrees to switch to Low Sensitivity.
- Bullard NXT or QXT require 3% of the overall pixels within the Field of View to be over 240 degrees Fahrenheit to switch to Low Sensitivity.
- MSA 6000 Series require 32% of the overall pixels within the Field of View to be over 270 degrees Fahrenheit to switch to Low Sensitivity.
- Scott X380 requires one pixel to be above/or below the threshold of the temperature sensitivity level and it will automatically switch. This is known as a feature called ‘intelligent Focus’ which allows for faster switching between different levels of heat to quickly identify objects that would not otherwise be visible within that temperature mode or span.
Important Note: Firefighters need to be aware that their focal point or perspective will determine their level of severity. For example, a firefighter can be in a thermally severe environment (such as high heat conditions nearing rapid fire development) and have the TIC in high sensitivity mode by pointing it at the floor or away from the heat. And if their TIC has a low Distance to Spot Ratio, they will NOT detect dangerous levels of heat until they are too close for comfort. In other words, firefighters need to know more than just how to turn the thermal-imaging camera on. There is so much more to thermal imaging for the fire service, yet we barely scratch the surface in our training or in this article. Our goal is to inspire others to become intelligently aggressive and use this technology to their advantage. Notice in the photos the differences between High & Low Sensitivity in regard to discernible details or image clarity in high-heat environments:
- Drager UCF 9000
- Seek Fire Pro
- FLIR K53, K55, or K65
- Bullard LDX
Tri-Mode Sensitivity: the exception and not the rule
There are a few fire-service TICs that break the temperature span into three ranges instead of two. Their temperature-sensitivity modes are typically listed as High, Medium and Low or High, Low and Extended Low. This is an attempt to have better clarity and discernible details in higher-heat environments. However, many of these fire-service TICs’ temperature range is up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. This is far beyond the limits of our PPE. Be aware that many of these Tri-Mode Sensitivity TICs switch at different levels of heat and their temperature/colour correlations are NOT the same or standardized. We have included the Leader 3.3 Colorization Palette that explains the varying colors throughout its maximum temperature range for an example above.
In summary, All fire-service TICs are what are known as automatic gain cameras as they will switch from High Sensitivity to Low Sensitivity automatically based on the manufacturer’s predetermined specifications. This can be compared to the human eye when in a dark environment moving to a bright environment. The pupil will dilate in the dark to allow in more light (which can be compared to high sensitivity) and the pupil will constrict in the presence of bright light (which can be compared to Low Sensitivity). In the presence of bright light, the pupil constricts to reduce the amount of light from entering and damaging the retina. The aperture of the TIC can be compared to the pupil; in the face of a large amount of heat it will constrict to prevent too much heat entering the detector and producing saturation which was formerly known as ‘white out’.
Therefore, as firefighters enter a fire environment, they need to be aware of the following:
- Low Sensitivity Mode indicates high-heat conditions and should NOT be ignored
- High Sensitivity Mode equates to generally lower temperatures (300 degrees Fahrenheit and lower) and allows for more detail in the image for better decision making.
- Distance to Spot Ratio: the predetermined Distance to Spot Ratio of the detector will affect the TIC’s ability to ‘see’ the heat from certain distances. Longer distance to spot ratios allow for increased thermal situational awareness. This allows firefighters to see the heat before they feel the heat and mitigate the situation with their tactic of choice.
We hope this short article explains the differences in temperature modes (sensitivity levels). Please feel free to email or call us if you have any questions.
For more information, go to www.insighttrainingllc.com
About the Author
Andy Starnes is a Level 1 Thermography Certified Instructor and founder of Insight Training LLC.
