Question for my IR Pros

2015-05-14 10_03_00-FLIR0010 - Windows Photo Viewer.jpg

What's the acceptable temperature for a battery in an emergency light?

Just playing in the office, shipping out some IR equipment today!

The problem is that you can't specifically say based on that image because you have to take into account the Emissivity and the Reflective Temperature in order to obtain true temperature readings. You also need direct line of sight to the component that is being measured. Also, too much background information in the image and obscure temperature readings if the camera is set in automatic scale. There is a lot more that goes into electrical thermal imaging, especially if you want true temperature measurement. Most electrical work is based on apparent temperature readings and compared to surrounding like components.

I definitely realize how complex it is and I also realize my lack of knowledge is a huge limitation... hence I'm not in the field making the real money like you guys!

I'm familiar with the reflection issue, but how would that apply here?

Also, assuming my reading was correct (it went as high as 109 degrees), is that typical for these units? I have no reason to suspect there is an issue by the way, just posing the question.

The complexity of the answers, the discussion that ensues, and the questions that come up as a result will help everyone!

I concur. That being said, even if you did all the necessary things to measure the temperature correctly, you'd still have to reference the battery manufacturer specs for what the maximum acceptable temperature is.

To elaborate slightly, you have to remember that everything in that room is emitting energy. That energy is bouncing off of your target and into your camera which is battery temperature + background. That background needs to be subtracted out to get the temperature of the battery. That being said, your battery isn't exposed so like sgilligan said, the actual temperature of the battery will be higher.

80 deg F for emergency exit lighting

William Chandler wrote:80 deg F for emergency exit lighting

Out of curiosity, where did you get that?

NFPA

Interesting. Thanks for that info.

glad to help. funny, it was an actual test question on my Fire Inspector I exam. I always test them with the IR thermometer and I've never found one much higher in temp.

William Chandler wrote:80 deg F for emergency exit lighting

There's the answer I was looking for!

Will take it down and order a replacement right after our fire department inspection next week

Wouldn't it be ironic if the emergency lighting caused the emergency?

So which camera did you take that with?

Wouldn't it be ironic if the emergency lighting caused the emergency?

That is why there is a heat rating required - these things are installed in near contact with drywall!

Juan Jimenez wrote:So which camera did you take that with?

That's my E6 toy. Been taking shots of everything and everyone.

MSX appears to diminish the need for high resolution images.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 05/16/2015 10:29 AM EDT

Yep, definitely running to hot. I have responded to many calls for "smell of something burning" in buildings and these are the culprit many times. Definitely replace.