Thermal Imaging Cameras

[Hutch118]

Hi everyone, I am being constantly asked about this subject from industrial customers regarding surveys using the cameras etc.

Ive read up on most things regarding the cameras and uses etc and I realise the costs as well

1. Can someone tell me what the best all round units for general electrical use, mechanical use and for building surveys.

2. What is the best software that's user friendly and produces decent reports for customers.

3. What courses do I need to do and what qualifications are required to have an appreciation of what I'm looking at and how to interpret the results so I know what a problematic situation is or is developing into?

Thanks in advance everyone, I appreciate any help you can give me.

Eric

 

[Sparky Ninja]

Hi everyone, I am being constantly asked about this subject from industrial customers regarding surveys using the cameras etc.

Ive read up on most things regarding the cameras and uses etc and I realise the costs as well

1. Can someone tell me what the best all round units for general electrical use, mechanical use and for building surveys.

2. What is the best software that's user friendly and produces decent reports for customers.

3. What courses do I need to do and what qualifications are required to have an appreciation of what I'm looking at and how to interpret the results so I know what a problematic situation is or is developing into?

Thanks in advance everyone, I appreciate any help you can give me.

Eric

1. It depends on your budget TBH. I use an i7 and it has always satisfied the needs. Something I would have liked is the fusion images for detail comparison, but with an iphone in your pocket it isn't essential.

2. I use the free one from flir, and have my own software. The software isn't important realy.

3. For an appreciation you will want a recognised PCN Level 1, then level 2 to be setting up your own survey services. Then you will be on the international register.

Refer to the BiNDT for the PCN stuff. There are currently only three companies in the UK that provide PCN. All the other training companies will use the key three for their training, which is fully justified.

 

[Hutch118]

Thanks mate, very helpful and appreciated. Did you prefer the i7 to a Fluke?

Also got an I-phone so were set haha

 

[Sparky Ninja]

The flir was just the model of choice at the time for what I needed. I have used a fluke and it seemed good too.
You will see these cameras demonstrated at the Elex exhibitions and some wholesalers so it is really worth getting your hands on them first.

I stuck with flir as they seemed to have the most free accessible resources and reference material.

They also have numerous free courses you can do via e-learning from home with CPD certs you can print off.

 

[Hutch118]

Perfect, I had a look at a Fluke today and tried it various stuff I work on. Great bit of kit !! Looking to spend around 4-5k so looking for a wide scope of work to get into. Not just small jobs but building a business within an already existing one.

Thanks

 

[grantr37]

some people have asked me about thermal imaging as part of surveys, but not for electrical equipment, they wanted to see envelope heat loss and dampness.....everybody wants it once they find out about it and some people have got it into their heads that if you have the kit, you should be offering it free of charge as an extra on the EICR, unless you do a lot of work on the likes of UPS and Battery systems,Transformers, or run a sideline repairing lift/elevator/escalator motors etc then it will not be making any money to recover the purchase cost...you can rent one if they really want it and get the £250.00 a week back off of the punter....and see how keen they are after that gets mentioned....I bet they change their mind quickly...

 

[Hutch118]

some people have asked me about thermal imaging as part of surveys, but not for electrical equipment, they wanted to see envelope heat loss and dampness.....everybody wants it once they find out about it and some people have got it into their heads that if you have the kit, you should be offering it free of charge as an extra on the EICR, unless you do a lot of work on the likes of UPS and Battery systems,Transformers, or run a sideline repairing lift/elevator/escalator motors etc then it will not be making any money to recover the purchase cost...you can rent one if they really want it and get the £250.00 a week back off of the punter....and see how keen they are after that gets mentioned....I bet they change their mind quickly...

I know exactly what you mean Grant, everyone wants something for nothing these days !!
This has potential for me with the customers I have so I'm looking for a decent all round unit to work with. I work on mainly industrial equipment with a load of domestic and commercial stuff thrown in. It's hopefully an addition to what I do at present?

 

[ian.settle1]

It seems to becoming common practice now that clients want thermal images something to do with insurance companys.

We have a Raytek Ti30 which since Fluke took over Raytek have now rebadged it as Fluke along with changing the case colour from grey to yellow. We also have the software for it so can give a detailed report with the images and fancy 3-D images of tempreture etc

 

[stewartirt]

Hi there! We use both Fluke and Flir cameras in our offices. Our head office is in Dundee, if you would to sit down for a coffee and discuss infrared in depth - please give me a shout. Happy to discuss what its been like for us over the last 10 years. The company is called irt surveys my number is 01382 228700. Hope i can be of help.

Stewart.

 

[Paul Tuson]

There are a huge range of thermal camera's on the market. Ranging from around £1000 to £30000 and up.

It would be a good idea to look at the type of work your clients want. There is an excellent questionnaire that flir have produced that asks and answers the 10 questions to decide what type of camera to go for.

The i7 is a great piece of kit for most electricians applications and is available for hire at very reasonable rates but if you are testing things more than 5 or so meters from you a more specialised camera may be better.