RESNET/BPI IR Training

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Permalink Reply by Michael Stuart on November 19, 2010 at 9:21am

Allen,

I know that it has been a topic of discussion. I can only imagine that it will be a question that will be asked with increasing frequency now that RESNET has published their document in an "Interim Guideline" format. Perhaps some of the "training reciprocity aggreements" that they two organizations have may come into play here for a similar standard.

Even though it is easier to use a thermal imager nowadays, most of us realize the fact that just because you own an imager doesn't necessarily mean that you are "qualified" to use if effectively. Minimum equipment and training standards need to be put into place and followed for anyone expecting consistent, reliable work with infrared. When done properly, as you will know with your years of experience, you can do some amazing things... and do them much faster, more efficiently, and less destructively than without the technology.

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Permalink Reply by Dennis McCarthy on November 21, 2010 at 7:28am

Regarding Ir training, the idea behind training for Ir camera competency & proficiency is knowing about the essentials of thermography and your cameras features and its performance. Level 1 is good - level, 2 is more in depth and helpful for becoming a Thermal imaging Pro.
I believe that there are (or will be) standards relating to resolution( ie 160x 160 res) to be the minimum - Resnet and Bpi are both works in progress so what ever is decided expect some
revisions. I would expect Resnet will have lower thresholds but in a general sense - There will be
stratifications in energy auditing - There are folks doing Value audits - aka $99. audits and there
are people who need Leed Ap auditors - cuz the deciders are seeking Leed - PLatinum desigination . To some degree the market will decide what works best- Btw using an Ir camera
to determine where insulation gaps are can be much different then detecting moisture issues.

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Permalink Reply by allen p tanner on November 21, 2010 at 7:48am

Thanks Dennis and Michael. Do either of you see moisture as a concern for a rater/auditor. Currently, BPI doesn't address issues such as radon, moisture, (other than visual mold), in the audit process. Should we suggest testing for radon because the house will be more air tight? What do we need to interpret when we see an anomoly that could be air leakage or a sign of an early moisture problem. Should we suggest further destructive detection by opening the wall?
Do you just scan the inside of the home, or attic floor, and exterior for heat loss?
Do you believe that temperature should be a concern in the interpretation of an IR scan? How?
nyenergyauditors.com
nyinfraredscan.com

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Permalink Reply by Dennis McCarthy on November 21, 2010 at 8:43am

Our use of Ir is limited to the paradigm of energy loss - I don't dwell on issues of IAQ, mold
or anything other than energy use . My company does energy loss analysis focusing on
getting peoples use of kWhs, and Btu & other energy use way down. Our company uses
our Ir cameras capabilities( ICI toughcam) to show air infiltration and exfiltration,& along with power meters - killa watt - and many other tools. We like to
use it to point out the waste between Led lighting and incandescent lights or to show the energy waste of items like printers,vcrs ( the transformers heat signature) illustrating energy loss that the
average home owner hears about, Energy vampires with there watt sucking made visual.The last question??? I/r imaging is all about discerning the contrasting heat signatures and patterns.
The use of a I/R camera is one of many tools use to gather data - proficiency in its use,comes
with alot practical & repeated use and Ir training (ie Snell group) and it also helps to have a speciality- Whether in auditing or preventive maint or Vetrinerian use and have the best model camera ( affordability is a common issue) to get
to results within a subset- Btw Just curious do you Own or rent your IR camera -

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Permalink Reply by allen p tanner on November 21, 2010 at 9:32am

I actually own several cameras Fluke TIR1 and Fluke TIR50. There are other good brands out there. I am sure you know that FLIR took their name from; forward looking Infrared that actually started out as a military application.
Fluke has supplied us with other tesk equipment over the years and gave us a great price on the cameras. They are dpop proof tested, which most other cameras are not.
I had a camera stollen out of my car several years ago. Fortunately, my insurance paid 80% of my loss, also had a notebook PC and other equipment taken. I upped my business insurance to cover more expensive equipment.Next camera will be rental with buy out option.
May get a FLIR B cam series as they are smaller than the Fluke equivalent. The bright yellow Fluke is great when tied to a tv monitor at home shows and demonstrations. It just 'is out there' for customers to see.

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Permalink Reply by Michael Stuart on November 21, 2010 at 10:10am

Allen,

Here is the present RESNET Infrared Interim Guideline released this September... definitely not Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3, but it should be sufficient for basic inspection work with some experience and proper equipment.

http://www.resnet.us/standards/RESNET_IR_interim_guidelines.pdf

It speaks to basic methods, "minimum" equipment standards, and "minimum" training and experience requirements. I do stress the word "minimum", as I know that you well understand that there is a big difference between just "using infrared technology" and "performing a professional and qualified inspection with infrared technology". There are many things that the thermographer will need to be responsible for when following this particular guideline, as he/she would with any standard. Some things may be judgement calls... calls that will only be as good as the thermographer's training, equipment, and experience allows. (One area cannot ever completely substitute for another.)

As long as there is proper training and oversight, and the helping hand and mentoring from others in the field, everything should work out reasonably well.

I am personally very glad that this type of guideline is being put into the public, but many of us have some concerns that it is just not strong enough, or specific enough in a few areas. Thermal imagers have become much less expensive and easier to operate in last several years, but the basics of how to interpret the images still requires appropriate training and experience to avoid sometimes costly mistakes.

Attachments:

• RESNET_IR_interim_guidelines.pdf, 261 KB

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Permalink Reply by Michael Stuart on November 21, 2010 at 10:31am

Allen,

Regarding the question on moisture... Moisture inside of building materials can negatively affect the R-value of those materials. (That sounds like an "energy efficiency issue" to me.) ;-)

In my opinion, the rater, building analyst, or envelope specialist does need to be aware of this, at least from a detection and impact standpoint. As far as performing destructive testing... I really don't know. Is that too far outside of usual scope? What kind of other liabilities does that open up? (or was that the point you were alluding to?)

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