The Complete Inspection Camera and Leak Detection Guide

Inspection Cameras

Also sometimes referred to as snake cameras, inspection cameras are used to collect video footage from locations that are tricky to access. A type of digital camera, they are typically compact and flexible enough to access even the smallest and narrowest of spaces. One of the main purposes of inspection cameras is the investigation and exploration of plumbing systems. They are also often used in mechanical repairs and medical diagnostics. Most inspection cameras include a handheld unit with a long, flexible arm fitted out with a miniature camera used to access hard-to-reach places. Some inspection cameras feature a small screen that lets viewers look at live footage while others stream the footage to a remote screen such as a mobile phone, tablet or laptop via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Borescope cameras 
The term borescope cameras covers any inspection camera type that is not designed for human medical use. Borescope cameras are either rigid or flexible. While standard borescope cameras are normally sufficient for most industrial inspections, some borescope cameras are fibrescopes, which means that they feature a fibre optic or rod-based lenses.  

Handheld video inspection cameras 
Handheld video inspection cameras are more compact and lightweight than their standard counterparts. They are also usually cordless for better portability. As such, handheld video inspection cameras are commonly used to inspect areas that can be tricky to access such as drains or wall cavities. 

Wireless inspection cameras 
Used for a variety of purposes, wireless inspection cameras or remote inspection cameras can transmit video footage to remote screens such as phones, tablets or laptops via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This can be critical in situations and environments where it would be highly inconvenient or impractical to have a camera with a connected lead. Most modern inspection cameras offer a wireless option. 

Flexible inspection cameras with light
As their name suggests, this type of inspection camera features a flexible probe with a light. Flexible inspection cameras not only let users obtain footage from inaccessible areas but also offer illumination for a more thorough inspection of dark spaces. As such, they are commonly used to inspect pipework and plumbing, as well as wall cavities. 

Telescopic inspection cameras 
As their name suggests, telescopic inspection cameras are mounted on telescopic poles that can be extended to inspect elevated objects. Telescopic inspection cameras are normally rigid but often come with a flexible head with a light at the end of the pole. 

Mechanical inspection cameras 
Mechanical inspection cameras or engine inspection cameras are used to inspect elements of vehicles that are difficult to access such as fuel tanks and engine chambers. Mechanical inspection cameras usually come with flexible probes that send images back to the user. 

Gas leak detectors 

Certain gases can be difficult to detect since they are odourless and colourless.  Designed to detect combustible gases, gas leak detectors are used to locate leak sources, even in cases where the pipework is not visible. This is important because some gases, such as carbon monoxide, can be fatal if inhaled. Most gas leak detectors feature both visual and audible alarms to alert users about any potential risks.  

Digital multimeters 

Also called digital multitesters, digital multimeters measure different parameters associated with electrical circuits and electronics including current, voltage and resistance. As such, they can be used instead of ammeters, voltmeters and ohmmeters. Digital multimeters are used in a variety of applications including wiring installation, testing of lighting setups and plug sockets, measurements associated with electric motors, power supplies and batteries, as well as troubleshooting of electronic circuits. Modern digital multitesters also offer a variety of additional functions, making them suitable for a huge range of tasks. Some of these include the ability to measure both AC and DC currents, settings for continuous and diode testing, and inductance testing. 

Digital multimeters come in the form of compact handheld devices or semi-permanent installations. Compact digital multimeters are lightweight and highly portable, which makes them perfect for work in the field and inspection of difficult to access machinery and circuits. While larger bench-top digital multimeters are less portable, they tend to be more accurate and detailed when it comes to taking measurements. They can also take more measurements per second. As a rule of thumb, the smaller the digital multimeter, the less sensitive and accurate it is.

Standpipes

Designed to provide water to building occupants and the fire department, standpipes join hose connections with a water supply. The main function of standpipes is providing water for hose lines in strategically-chosen locations inside buildings. While some older buildings only feature standpipe systems as a fire protection measure, many modern structures have both a standpipe system and a fire sprinkler system. These are typically installed in larger spaces and multistory buildings. 

Pressure test pumps 

Used with water, ethylene or oil, pressure test pumps are used to test for leaks in pneumatic and hydraulic systems. They are commonly used to test joints in heating installations, and refrigeration and compressed air systems. Many pressure test pumps come with automatic valves that make it easy for users to pressurise the system. Some pressure test pumps can also be connected to a water supply system for speedy filling. 

Laser distance meters and ultrasonic distance meters 

Laser distance meters can measure distances of up to 30 metres with an accuracy level of É3 millimetres. They achieve this by measuring the time between the moment the device sends out a pulse of light and detects its reflection once it reaches the target. These measurements are then converted into distance. Laser distance meters are fast and simple to use. They can also be used in the dark and to measure upwards.  

As opposed to laser distance meters, ultrasonic distance metres measure distance by measuring the speed of sound rather than light. However, since sound is more difficult to focus than light, they tend to be less accurate (accuracy of several centimetres) than laser distance meters (accuracy of several millilitres). In addition, ultrasonic distance metres can only be used in areas with a smooth and flat surface and are limited to measuring distances of up to 15 metres.

Ultrasonic leak detectors 

Finding gas leaks can be tricky, particularly outdoors in unfavourable conditions. Ultrasonic leak detectors are not affected by bad weather. They are also not affected by other contaminants that may be present in the air. In fact, ultrasonic leak detectors are so powerful that they can detect any gas leaks, no matter their chemical composition. Ultrasonic leak detectors work by detecting the ultrasonic sound produced by a leak and since they only focus on a specific sound frequency they are not affected by voice, traffic or wind noise. 

Drain keys, manhole lifting keys and hydrant keys 

Drain keys are used to lift objects such as tub drains and other access covers. They are usually made from stainless steel for maximum durability and are ideal for removal and maintenance purposes. As their name suggests, manhole lifting keys are used to lift manhole covers. More specifically, they are inserted into the slots or keyholes (most manholes have two keyholes) in a cover before it is lifted. Manhole lifting keys need to be turned after insertion to lock in place before the cover is lifted and moved. Unlike drain keys and manhole lifting keys, hydrant keys are used to open underground hydrant valves. Hydrant keys usually come with an aluminium bar that is used as a leverage point. 

 

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