Can thermal camera see through glass?

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Do you experienced a thermal camera phone? Thermal cameras are widely used in various industries (like agriculture, appliances overhaul, fire rescue, etc.) for detecting and measuring temperature differences in objects. Thermal imaging works by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by objects, which is then converted into an image that shows the temperature distribution of the object. However, one common question that arises is whether a thermal camera can see through glass.

The short answer to this question is no, thermal cameras cannot see through glass (However, sometimes you can see the outline of some of what's outside when you look close to the glass.). This is because glass is a poor conductor of heat and does not emit any significant amount of infrared radiation. As a result, thermal cameras are unable to detect any temperature differences on the other side of the glass.

However, there are certain circumstances where thermal cameras may be able to detect temperature differences through glass. For example, if there is a significant temperature difference between the inside and outside of a building, thermal cameras may be able to detect this difference through the windows. This is because the temperature difference will cause some heat to be transferred through the glass, which can then be detected by the thermal camera. It is just like you can use thermal camera to see people through thick smoke.

Another factor that can affect whether thermal cameras can see through glass is the type of glass being used. Some types of glass, such as low-emissivity (low-e) glass, are designed to reflect infrared radiation. In these cases, thermal cameras will not be able to detect any temperature differences on the other side of the glass.

In summary, while thermal cameras (include thermal imager part and thermal camera smartphones) are incredibly useful tools for detecting temperature differences in objects, they are unable to see through glass due to its poor heat conductivity and lack of infrared radiation emission.

Read also,

• Infrared camera vs thermal camera, what are the differences?
• Can I use my phone as a thermal camera?
• Can a thermal camera detect hidden cameras
• Can a thermal camera find water leaks
• Can a thermal camera detect moisture
• Can a thermal camera see through clothes?
• What phones have thermal camera?
• What does thermal imaging detect