Technical Bulletin: Use of Third-Party Thermal Imager Batteries in Bullard T3 and T4 Series Thermal Imagers. May 18, 2012 Overview Bullard T3NIMH Thermal Imager batteries utilize a high‐heat Ultem® thermoplastic outer housing that protects specially procured nickel metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable battery cells. Bullard T3NIMH batteries are specifically designed to operate in Bullard Thermal Imager products and accessories in order to deliver consistent, reliable, and measurable power over a long life when properly used, maintained, and stored.
Several third‐party battery manufacturers make rechargeable batteries for use in various brands of thermal imagers, including Bullard Thermal Imagers. However, Bullard does not authorize, provide specifications for, or endorse the production of third‐party batteries advertised for use in Bullard Thermal Imagers.
Bullard cannot and does not recommend or warrant the use of third‐party thermal imager batteries in Bullard Thermal Imager products or accessories. Any damages to Bullard Thermal Imagers or Thermal Imager Accessories resulting from the use of third‐party thermal imager batteries will not be covered under the Bullard Thermal Imager Warranty.
There are several key differences between Bullard T3NIMH Thermal Imager batteries and third‐party thermal imager batteries:
Battery Housing Bullard T3NIMH batteries are molded out of the same high‐heat Ultem® thermoplastic used in the production of Bullard Thermal Imagers and Bullard Fire Helmets. Third‐party thermal imager batteries do not use Ultem thermoplastic and are typically made using some form of ABS plastic, which can begin to melt at approximately 212°F. We have confirmed this in our lab. In a heat tolerance test, we exposed two third‐party thermal imager batteries and one Bullard T3NIMH battery to 350°F heat for 15 minutes (see Figs. 1 ‐ 3). The third‐party batteries melted and deformed severely enough to render them unusable. Deformation such as this can damage your thermal imager. The Bullard T3NIMH battery sustained no damage from this test and performed normally when used in a Bullard Thermal Imager and charger unit.
Fig. 1
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Fig. 2
Fig. 3
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