Bosch Thermal Campus

Everything there is to know about thermal imaging

Our Thermal Campus gives you the opportunity to broaden your knowledge in the area of thermal imaging and to get to know our temperature measuring tools better. On this page, you'll find videos that will introduce you to the functionality of our products in detail.

In addition, you can watch a range of interesting application videos that show you the many versatile ways in which you can use our tools. Thanks to the PDFs provided, you can access all the information digitally at any time or save this for consultation at a later point.

NEW
Boost your application range with a thermocouple

Measuring air and liquid temperature with the
GIS 1000 C Professional

As the GIS 1000 C Professional is k-type ready, it can also measure contact temperatures. The temperature in liquids, reflective areas, and air flow is quickly determined by connecting a thermocouple (k-type) to the thermo detector. Using the thermocouple with the detector enables readings from surfaces with strong reflections that have a low emissivity, resulting in improved measurement accuracy. This additional function is ideal for a wide range of applications where it is necessary to measure with a thermocouple.

Use the thermocouple in heating or air conditioning systems for easy measurement and precise results.

Measuring in contact temperature mode* is straightforward:

  • open the flap at the top of the GIS 1000 C detector

  • connect the thermocouple

  • select ‘contact temperature’ mode on the display

  • place the probe onto the surface to be measured**

  • wait briefly until the value has stabilised

* Standalone contact temperature mode is only available for GIS 1000 C with baretool number 3601K83371.
For others, the contact temperature is visible within the other modes.

** Using a thermocouple means contact with the object measured.
Therefore, watch out for potential dangers due to temperature, voltage, or a chemical reaction

Six tips for carrying out
an inspection
Optimising the image display via colour palettes

Before you begin taking the measurement, there are a few things that should be noted. The GTC models include features such as a variety of different options for the colour scale, depending on your preference. These options include intuitive flame-like colours, the rainbow colour scale, a psychological colour scheme or plain greyscale.

For smaller temperature differences, it is recommended to use a high-contrast colour palette (e.g. the rainbow scale), whilst larger variations in temperature make a low-contrast scale (e.g. flame colours) the more intuitive option.


Optimising the image display via the temperature scale

In order to configure the thermal image so that it is rich in contrast and consequently provides conclusive information, the scale needs to be adapted under certain circumstances. To this end, our thermal imaging cameras offer a practical lock function that allows you to optimise this scale quickly and easily.

For instance, if you wish to carry out a thermographic analysis of a window under which a radiator is located, the presence of this radiator will alter your entire thermal image, in the sense that the temperatures around the window will be less clearly differentiated. One possible way to avoid this is to approach the window with the thermal imaging camera to the point where the heating system is no longer visible in the thermal image field. Then lock the colour scale by pressing the top right button – and you can now obtain a detailed image even from far away. Alternatively, this can be implemented in manual mode.


Take the time and conditions of the measurement into consideration

Wherever possible, you should measure objects only when they are dry, since rain and other forms of precipitation can influence the surface temperature. Similarly, measurement of objects that have been significantly exposed to sunlight should also be avoided, since the surface can be considerably warmed as a result of this. If you plan to take thermal images outside, we also recommend that you do this in the early hours of the morning. High humidity and wind can also have a negative impact on the accuracy of the measured values and should therefore be avoided.

We also advise against taking measurements in the direct proximity of heat sources (e.g. ovens). It may be possible, however, to shield these off from the rest of the measurement and thus reduce their influence. In most cases where thermal imaging of buildings is required, autumn and winter tend to be the ideal seasons for taking measurements. At these times of year, the temperature difference between the interior and the exterior is great enough for problem areas to be located effectively (recommended minimum temperature difference: 10 °C).


Taking the emissivity and reflected temperature into consideration

If you intend to determine a precise value in degrees Celsius (°C), you should account for the emissivity and the reflected temperature in every case. This way, you can prevent measured values from being rendered incorrectly as a result of strong reflections.

You can determine the emissivity from the preset materials in the tool or estimate it on the basis of the surface quality. In order to determine the reflected temperature, you should first check whether the reflection in question is direct or indirect. Direct reflections frequently occur on smooth surfaces and can be recognised as a reflection in the thermal image (e.g. on a glass pane). In such cases, the temperature value of the object being reflected can be used as the reflected temperature. In contrast, indirect reflections mainly occur on rough surfaces (e.g. plaster). In this case, determine the average temperature in front of the object to be measured and set this as the reflected temperature.


Corrective actions for highly reflective surfaces

For excessively reflective surfaces, such as bare metal, we recommend the use of matt black adhesive strips or special sprays. If you apply these to the reflective object, you can take its temperature after a short waiting period and reliably determine this on the basis of a high emissivity. The influence of the reflection of one's own body heat can also be minimised by measuring at a slightly slanted angle.

Alternatively, using a temperature probe (type K) with the GIS 1000 C infrared thermometer can help. Using the temperature probe avoids any reflection and the temperature is directly measured by coming into contact with the object.


The correct distance to the object to be measured

In order to guarantee thermal images of high quality, you should keep to a minimum distance of 30 cm when taking a measurement. A two-step procedure has proven to be effective in this regard.

For instance, if you are examining a wall for insulation problems, a preliminary inspection from a further distance will provide a good initial overview. A second image capture – this time at a closer range – will then provide more detailed information and be significantly more reliable, since any distance-related errors can then be ruled out at this stage. Because the measuring distance has such great influence on the quality of the measurement, this should generally be taken within the closest possible range to the object.


Download centre
Even more information for professionals

In our PDFs, you will find information on the general basic principles of thermal imaging, as well as useful tips on how to correctly carry out an inspection. In addition, you can download complete background information for individual trades and learn how you can make more efficient use of our temperature measuring tools in your daily work.

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Introduction to thermal imaging

  • Background knowledge on the topic of thermal imaging
  • Six tips for carrying out an inspection

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Thermal brochure

All of the information about our thermal tools at a glance

  • Presentation of the Bosch thermal trio
  • Product comparison
  • Areas of application
  • Six tips for carrying out an inspection
  • Application overview

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Application overview

Find the right product for your application

  • General comparison of our thermal tools
  • Electrics
  • Plumbing, heating and air conditioning technology
  • Window construction
  • Renovation work
  • Vehicles
  • Agriculture

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Electrics

Information and tips relating to the following applications

  • Monitoring of fuse boxes
  • Inspection of cable connections
  • Inspection of electrical components

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Plumbing, heating and air conditioning technology

Information and tips relating to the following applications

  • Inspection of underfloor heating and pipe routing
  • Locating of heating pipes and leaks
  • Examination of radiators
  • Monitoring of air conditioning systems

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Window construction

Information and tips relating to the following applications

  • Search for insulation faults and thermal bridges
  • Determining areas with penetrating water or that are not leak-tight

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Interior finishing work

Information and tips relating to the following applications

  • Drywall
  • Painting and plastering work
  • Renovation and maintenance
  • Property market

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Vehicles

Information and tips relating to the following applications

  • Inspection of front and rear window pane heating
  • Monitoring of seat and exterior mirror heating
  • Checking of the air conditioning system
  • Monitoring of the car fuse box
  • Inspection of the engine compartment
  • Examination of the exhaust system
  • Checking of the coolant cycle

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