Snow melting system, buried up to 150mm below ground
FLIR E5 thermal imaging camera, post-construction system
A convenient, affordable solution for maintenance tasks


Accumulated snow in winter can cause traffic congestion and accidents. Recently, many local governments have been introducing underground snow melting systems to reduce snow-related accidents. These systems are constructed by burying heating wires and sensors up to 150 mm below the road surface.

On the 21st, FLIR Systems introduced an application example of the 'FLIR E5' thermal imaging camera equipment optimized for underground snow melting systems.

The snowmelting system uses temperature and humidity sensors to automatically detect snow and ice, energizing heating wires to generate heat and melt the snow or ice. Unlike calcium chloride spraying, it has the advantage of not polluting soil or water.

Since 2007, Namdong E&W has installed more than 500 snow melting systems for residential, public, and commercial facilities. In 2014, the FLIR E5 thermal imaging camera equipment was introduced into the system construction, supervision, and after-sales management regulations.

Kim Byeong-sam, CEO of Namdong E&W, said, “It is difficult to visually check whether the heating wires of the snow melting system are in good construction or operating condition because they are buried underground on the road,” and “Thermal imaging cameras are the optimal equipment to confirm to the client and construction supervisor whether the heating wires are operating normally by visualizing the lowest and highest temperatures in various colors within the image captured on the screen.”

According to CEO Kim, it is much more effective to check the reliability of invisible facilities on-site with a thermal imaging camera screen than to explain them in a hundred words.

CEO Kim said, “It is also convenient to use a thermal imaging camera when performing system maintenance after construction,” adding, “If there is a problem with the heating wire, the temperature of the faulty and normal areas are distinguished by different colors, so you can quickly identify and respond to the problem.”

◇ A popular thermal imaging camera that clearly displays object outlines.

The FLIR E5 is an entry-level thermal imaging camera used for electrical installation and inspection, as well as preventive maintenance. It provides both thermal and visual images, and FLIR's MSX technology clearly displays details like numbers and labels, as well as object outlines, in the thermal image.

The resolution is 10,800 pixels, and the measurement temperature range is -20℃ to 250℃. It supports a screen center point meter function for temperature measurement, and provides an area box tool that automatically tracks temperature maximum and minimum values. It is convenient to use as the task is completed by pressing the shutter toward the target object.

Its durability has also been proven, having passed a 2-meter drop test. The battery lasts up to 100 minutes on a single charge, and the removable lithium-ion battery can be recharged in under two hours using the optional charging cradle or in just two and a half hours when recharged directly from the camera body.