UK Thermal Imaging Query

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Hi guys,

Just a quick one regarding thermal imaging really.

My business has had numerous requests to carry out thermal imaging assessments at various locations throughout the UK.
This is not something I am familiar with so have used the excuse of being unavailable due to workload in order that I might have some time to do some research on the subject.
Aside from the TI equipment being excessively expensive, I cannot seem to find any accredited courses that would fit the bill.

Do any of you know the best equipment to purchase which is not too expensive and are there any thoughts on training (or lack of)?

Thanks!

Mike.

 

[Cbelectrics]

Thermal imaging in context to doing what exactly?

 

[SparkyChick]

If the assessments are in the context of the fixed electrical installation, then really you're going to be looking for loose connections and potentially overloaded cables and equipment. They'll simply appear hot on the imaging.

A good example is loose protective device terminations in distribution boards... we've all seen the results of thermal issues caused by poor connections... thermal imaging in this context aims to prevent that from happening by detecting loose connections before they are an issue using the slight increase in temperature a failing connection will cause.

There have certainly been many instances where I would have liked a decent thermal imager on site. And yes they are expensive, but if there's no one else doing it you could potentially increase the prices you charge and cover the equipment costs.

 

[SparkySy]

I have one of these below, it is basic but has been very useful for distribution and contactor panels!
It has found some poor connections where the terminal has not been tightened up onto the bus bar.

Amprobe IRC-120 Thermal Camera | Amprobe

Designed for the professional, rugged, point-and-shoot functionality provides a visual heat map for quick identification of temperature related issues.

www.amprobe.com

 

[littlespark]

I’m seriously thinking of investing in a thermal image camera… even a little one that plugs into a smart phone.

Can be used to find cold spots on walls to help with damp and mould…. Hotspots in electrical works as explained above…

But also to confirm that something that is designed to heat up, is.


I know someone that has one fitted to a drone, and he sends it up wind turbines.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

Thermal imaging in context to doing what exactly?

Exactly what @SparkyChick has said below.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

If the assessments are in the context of the fixed electrical installation, then really you're going to be looking for loose connections and potentially overloaded cables and equipment. They'll simply appear hot on the imaging.

A good example is loose protective device terminations in distribution boards... we've all seen the results of thermal issues caused by poor connections... thermal imaging in this context aims to prevent that from happening by detecting loose connections before they are an issue using the slight increase in temperature a failing connection will cause.

There have certainly been many instances where I would have liked a decent thermal imager on site. And yes they are expensive, but if there's no one else doing it you could potentially increase the prices you charge and cover the equipment costs.

Nail on the head really.

To be honest, it isn't an area I've considered venturing down due to the high costs involved.
I'm a sole trader so competing against the large contractors out there doing this kind of work is generally not a good idea in my experience.

However, I'm still interested and if the research stacks up, I might invest and start trying to seal the deal with having the sudden rush of enquiries.

Agree with you on the loose terminals for sure, they're the primary cause of fires as we all know which is why I always use bootlace ferules where possible.

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

I have one of these below, it is basic but has been very useful for distribution and contactor panels!
It has found some poor connections where the terminal has not been tightened up onto the bus bar.

Amprobe IRC-120 Thermal Camera | Amprobe

Designed for the professional, rugged, point-and-shoot functionality provides a visual heat map for quick identification of temperature related issues.

www.amprobe.com

Oh nice....looks like a handy and compact little unit!! they don't make it anymore though and it's American. I'll check out what Fluke have to offer but the range is HUGE!!! £47k for the most expensive model!!!

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

I’m seriously thinking of investing in a thermal image camera… even a little one that plugs into a smart phone.

Can be used to find cold spots on walls to help with damp and mould…. Hotspots in electrical works as explained above…

But also to confirm that something that is designed to heat up, is.


I know someone that has one fitted to a drone, and he sends it up wind turbines.

Really good idea!! Never considered a drone to go explore high up. Love it!!

 

[SparkySy]

Oh nice....looks like a handy and compact little unit!! they don't make it anymore though and it's American. I'll check out what Fluke have to offer but the range is HUGE!!! £47k for the most expensive model!!!

I don't know how it was available in the UK, mine came from Edmundsons about 3-4 years ago and cost less than £500.
It is handy as you can save and download what it has recorded, just looked the really expensive ones.

I think you are looking at this from the wrong angle, as when customers know you have that capability especially commercial, industrial then it opens up more avenues.
It's another skill and as you are a sole trader (hopefully with low overheads) means you can make some good money from this extra service!

Mine has paid for itself many times over in the last few years and got me some really good new customers!
Sy

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

I don't know how it was available in the UK, mine came from Edmundsons about 3-4 years ago and cost less than £500.
It is handy as you can save and download what it has recorded, just looked the really expensive ones.

I think you are looking at this from the wrong angle, as when customers know you have that capability especially commercial, industrial then it opens up more avenues.
It's another skill and as you are a sole trader (hopefully with low overheads) means you can make some good money from this extra service!

Mine has paid for itself many times over in the last few years and got me some really good new customers!
Sy

Sorry bud, I'm not getting any notifications from replies.

Yeah, I agree with you here. I feel I need to invest and, with have some enquiries being made, I would be silly to not follow it through.
Have you done any training at all on the subject? I'm looking at thermal imaging courses and they're crazy expensive!!
There is nothing that is recognised officially though as far as training is concerned so I guess it's purely based on knowledge and experience (I'm pretty certain I could find a hotspot on a cable).

Interesting topic for sure......

 

[SparkyChick]

Sorry bud, I'm not getting any notifications from replies.

There was an issue that Dan has now resolved, so email notifications are working again

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

There was an issue that Dan has now resolved, so email notifications are working again

Yup, it certainly has been fixed!

 

[SparkySy]

I have had no formal training with one, they are pretty straightforward to use and navigate round.
If you have the work for one I would buy one!
It's amazing what you see giving off heat through one when y have one!

 

[M-B-Electrical-Services]

I have had no formal training with one, they are pretty straightforward to use and navigate round.
If you have the work for one I would buy one!
It's amazing what you see giving off heat through one when y have one!

Ah ok. That makes me feel a little better about doing it.
I've 25+ years experience to fall back on so I feel quite confident that I'll be able to make sense of it all.
Shouldn't be too difficult to create a report based on the findings.

I'm a supplier to a large "group" of companies and I'm lucky enough to have excellent relationships with the electrical project managers who don't mind sharing critical info from the big boys which helps me with my pricing etc etc.
It's not all positive of course as working for yourself is probably the most stressful thing I've ever done in my life!

Ok, I think I'll start taking a proper look at these devices then......

It's crazy how much of a narrow band we actually see in.....there's so much to see that can't be seen!