Inspection cameras, often termed "snake cameras," are digital cameras that explore, inspect, view, or record various locations that are hard to reach. These cameras are extremely flexible and small, with the capability to slide into narrow spaces. They feature a flexible long arm or probe attached to the base unit while the camera is mounted on the probe’s end.
Furthermore, some cameras come wireless and with additional video relay viewing screens in camera kits. In addition, they are made from sturdy materials like ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and stainless steel.
How Many Types of Inspection Cameras are There?
These cameras come in various types, such as:
- Wireless Inspection Cameras
Wireless inspection cameras, often called remote inspection cameras, are a broad term for endoscopes and borescopes. These cameras broadcast their streaming videos to remote screens, such as phones, tablets, laptops, etc., using Wi-Fi. Bluetooth inspection cameras and multiple borescope models are examples of such cameras for remote viewing wireless functions.
The term "endoscope" is a generic term for miniature cameras mounted on a long, flexible, and thin probe designed for medical purposes. Generally, an endoscope is associated and assumed to be used for medical procedures only; however, in technical terms, any instrument associated with internal human body inspection is referred to as an endoscope.
Borescopes are best suited for daily equipment inspections and non-destructive industrial inspections. These cameras are classified as rigid and flexible borescopes, where flexible types are the most popular.
- Telescopic Inspection Cameras
These rigid inspection cameras are mounted on extended telescopic poles, making them ideal for inspecting high-altitude areas. Though they are rigid for high stability, they also have a flexible head mounted with a camera and lights on the pole.
- Flexible Inspection Cameras with Illumination
These flexible, illuminated cameras are designed to be used in dark areas where it is uncommon for natural light to penetrate. Illuminations offer various advantages using this camera with view field adjustments and zooming features for better and closer inspections. They are widely used for auto diagnostics, pipework analysis, and cavity wall inspections for a better and clearer view.
What are the Applications of Inspection cameras?
These snake cameras have diverse applications depending on the type of camera used for specific uses. Some of their uses include:
Endoscopic inspection cameras are widely used for medical purposes in surgery.
These versatile cameras also have a crucial role in property maintenance in diagnosing issues by using digital inspection cameras and plumbing cameras, such as pipework analysis, plumbing applications, cavity wall camera inspection, and HVAC systems.
Additionally, specific exploratory inspection cameras are used to evidence household pests, such as insects, vermin, and moulds.
Mechanical applications of inspection cameras include cameras for auto engine inspection, which offer a detailed visual inspection of various vehicle chambers like engines and fuel tanks.
