EVERETT, WA -- (Marketwire) -- 07/21/09 -- Fluke Corporation, the world's leading supplier of handheld test and measurement equipment, is donating $100,000 worth of infrared thermal imagers to schools and training programs for use in teaching students to perform weatherization work and home inspections.

Through the new Fluke Weatherization Grant Program, announced today, instructors in accredited programs in building science, weatherization, energy conservation, home inspection and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) can apply for grants of Fluke IR-InSIGHT® Thermal Imagers for use in instructional programs. These IR-InSIGHT imagers are designed for inspecting building envelopes to spot leaks and find places where energy is being lost.

Twenty programs will be selected to receive one thermal imager kit including software, two rechargeable batteries, charger, operation manual and USB adapter. Fluke will announce the winners in September, 2009.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 includes several provisions modifying and expanding the scope of the energy efficiency and renewable energy incentives. Coupled with state and utility incentives, these measures have stimulated interest in the energy audits on which many energy conservation measures are based.

"Fluke is well known for supporting teachers and trainers through our Fluke Education Partnership Program," said Ken Konopa, President, Fluke Industrial. "Conserving energy and reducing our environmental impact today are concerns on the global, national and very personal level. Home inspections using thermal imagers can help identify where energy is being lost or wasted. The winning applicants will receive state-of-the-art test instruments they and their students can really use."

The IR-InSIGHT Thermal Imager is a portable thermal imager with outstanding image quality. Thermal imagers detect heat patterns or temperature changes in objects. These patterns or changes allow the user to discover problems effectively and efficiently. Users can capture up to 150 high quality infrared images and easily prepare reports from their PC. The IR-InSIGHT is optimized for roofing inspections, moisture (mold) detection, electrical inspections and energy audits. Each unit comes with two rechargeable batteries and a charger. The IR-InSIGHT cameras that Fluke is contributing have an estimated value of $5,000. They are demonstrator (used) units that have been inspected and tested for proper operation.

Grant applications available online

Complete guidelines and an application form are available at the Fluke Weatherization Solution Center at http://www.fluke.com/weatherization. Deadline for applications is September 14, 2009.

"The grant application process is simple and easy, and we encourage instructors to apply," Konopa said. "This is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen their programs and help students move ahead."

Fluke offers a wide range of thermal imagers and other test tools for measuring the performance and energy efficiency of building envelopes, electrical systems and systems for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). In addition to its electrical test tools, Fluke has introduced a wide array of air quality test instruments designed for use by HVAC technicians, indoor air quality specialists and energy auditors. Fluke tools are engineered to be durable, accurate, compact and easy to use.

For more information on the Fluke Weatherization Program, visit the Fluke Weatherization Solution Center, or contact Fluke Corporation, P.O. Box 9090, Everett, WA USA 98206, call (800) 44-FLUKE (800-443-5853), fax (425) 446-5116, or e-mail fluke-info@fluke.com.

Fluke Corporation

Fluke Corporation is the leader in compact, professional electronic test tools. Fluke customers are technicians, engineers, electricians, metrologists and building diagnostic professionals who install, troubleshoot, and manage industrial electrical and electronic equipment and calibration processes for quality control as well as conducting building restoration and remediation services. Fluke is a registered trademark of Fluke Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.