Which statement about the TIC's capabilities is incorrect?

Which statement about the TIC's capabilities is incorrect?

• A. The TIC can locate the source of a fire
• B. The TIC can see through smoke-filled compartments
• C. The TIC can locate personnel that are down
• D. The TIC cannot detect charged electrical cables

Answer: (D)

A Thermal Imaging Camera works by detecting infrared heat and translating it into an image of temperature differences. This lets you see where heat is concentrated, which helps locate the origin of a fire, see through smoke to find hotspots or people by their body heat, and spot a downed individual by their warmth. The statement that the TIC cannot detect charged electrical cables isn’t accurate. A live electrical conductor that is carrying current often produces heat, so a TIC can show hot spots on cables, panels, or connections that indicate energised equipment. It won’t tell you the voltage or confirm it’s safe, but it can reveal heat patterns consistent with energized components. The other two capabilities—locating the fire source and locating downed personnel—are valid uses of the TIC.

A Thermal Imaging Camera works by detecting infrared heat and translating it into an image of temperature differences. This lets you see where heat is concentrated, which helps locate the origin of a fire, see through smoke to find hotspots or people by their body heat, and spot a downed individual by their warmth.

The statement that the TIC cannot detect charged electrical cables isn’t accurate. A live electrical conductor that is carrying current often produces heat, so a TIC can show hot spots on cables, panels, or connections that indicate energised equipment. It won’t tell you the voltage or confirm it’s safe, but it can reveal heat patterns consistent with energized components. The other two capabilities—locating the fire source and locating downed personnel—are valid uses of the TIC.