What is recommended to identify hot spots in concealed areas during overhaul?

• A. Use TIC/FLIR imaging to identify hidden heat and verify with visual signs.
• B. Rely solely on odors to determine heat.
• C. Inspect only the surface and ignore concealed spaces.
• D. Use only a moisture meter.

Answer: (A)

Thermal imaging is the essential tool for finding hidden heat in concealed areas during overhaul. A TIC/FLIR camera senses infrared energy and translates it into a heat map, revealing hot spots behind walls, in insulation, voids, ductwork, or equipment that you can’t see with the naked eye. This lets you map where heat is concentrated, prioritize openings to investigate, and safely plan extinguishment or suppression of smoldering material before it reignites. Once a hot area is identified on the image, you verify it with actual visual signs at the site—discoloration, melted insulation, charring, or other abnormalities—to confirm the heat source and avoid chasing false positives.

Relying on odors is not reliable, since smells can dissipate, be masked, or not appear at all even with active concealed heat. Inspecting only the surface misses hidden heat entirely, and a moisture meter by itself doesn’t indicate where heat is or if concealed fires exist. The combination of TIC/FLIR imaging to locate potential hot spots, with visual confirmation, provides the most effective and safe approach for thorough overhaul investigations.