Your business needs protection from theft and vandalism.
With so many options on the market, it is challenging to pick the perfect security camera for your business.
Here, we will tell you exactly when you should consider using thermal security cameras to protect the perimeter of your organization.
Sirix has a lot of experience with perimeter security and uses thermal cameras at a variety of sites.
Here are 3 scenarios when investing in thermal camera is a good idea to make your business safer.
Let’s dive right in.
How do thermal cameras work?
The thermal camera detects heat radiated by the human body to identify persons.
The camera has an infrared-sensitive sensor.
When the thermal imaging sensor sees infrared radiation in its field of view, it renders an image that shows how hot different things are in the scene.
Because the human body gives off a lot of heat, people tend to stand out in thermal camera images.
As you can see in the image above, the human shape is easily recognizable among the other elements.
So, the thermal imprint left is obvious and easy for a security operator to find. Intruders are quickly spotted and deterred from entering your premises.
What are the advantages of thermal security cameras over other perimeter security solutions?
- They have a large coverage.
A single thermal camera is often enough to secure a large area. Some thermal cameras’ distance range can easily go up to 1 km.
- They detect humans behind obstacles.
A thermal camera can pick up the heat a person gives off even if they are hidden behind a wall or something else.
- They see in the dark.
Because their images do not depend on visible light, thermal cameras are also great for recognizing humans in low light or darkness.
- They work even when obstructed.
Dust, snow, rain, salt, or other elements can obstruct thermal camera lenses without affecting how well the thermal detector works.
Now, let’s talk about when it makes the most sense for a business to buy thermal CCTV cameras.
Here are 3 scenarios:
SCENARIO 1: Detect all threats and save money when protecting a large outdoor area that is not lit or surrounded by a fence
Why are they the best solution in this case?
Unlike other perimeter security solutions, thermal camera requires no light source to work well.
They can detect trespassers even in complete darkness, making them suitable for an outdoor area with no lighting.
Also, a single point of installation may be enough to keep your business safe. In fact, a thermal imaging camera can pick up things up to 1 km away, and sometimes even further. This makes them a good choice for protecting a large area.
As a side note, analytical detection manufacturers often require a minimum of 24px /m for a conventional camera, but 5px /m is usually enough for a thermal camera. (Each manufacturer may have a different suggestion for the best resolution.)
Conclusion
In this case, a thermal security camera is the easiest and most cost-effective choice.
SCENARIO 2: Spot thieves despite the fact that camera lenses on your site are prone to becoming filthy or occluded
Why are they the best solution in this case?
They can detect through occluded lenses.
As a result, they are an effective perimeter security solution for a range of sites where various elements can block the camera’s vision.
Here are a few examples of sites where thermal imaging can be beneficial:
- Construction sites
Most construction sites have a lot of dust, which can get on the lenses of cameras.
- Mines
Mines tend to release residues into the air, which can obstruct camera lenses.
- Facilities near large water sources
When a camera is near a large body of water, salt can build up on the lens.
- Facilities located in zones prone to inclement weather
Snow, rain, and fog can cause regular cameras to miss intrusion detection. They do well in extreme weather conditions.
Conclusion
In these contexts, you should use thermal cameras.
SCENARIO 3: Prevent disasters at sites where there is a risk of fire and electric shock
Why are thermal cameras the best solution in this case?
Certain types of software and thermal cameras can be used to measure sudden changes in temperature.
With the heat sensor camera, you may target specific zones on your site and instantly activate an alarm if the temperature changes.
So, they are great for preventing fires and monitoring electrical substations, electrical discharges, and other phenomena.
Conclusion
If your site is prone to fires, you should use thermal cameras.
Summary
They are an excellent choice for protecting your company’s perimeter in the following situations:
- When the coverage area is expansive
- When there is not enough light or there is not any
- To detect people when there are a lot of obstacles on your site
- When it is likely that your camera lenses will get dirty or blocked
- If there is a chance of fire or electric shock on your site
Still can’t decide if your business needs thermal cameras or not?
Find out what Axis Communications and Flir have to say about it.
Conclusion
So, that’s it!
You now know all the reasons to invest in thermal imaging technology & get the best thermal imaging cameras.
Does your company fit into one of the above scenarios?
Plan on getting the best thermal cameras for your business?
Tell us in the comments section below.
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