Are 'Low Cost' thermal imaging cameras a threat to Professional
In my opinion, as the Managing Director of Red Current Ltd, the increase of ‘low cost’ thermal imaging cameras onto the market is positive to generating and sustaining new business in the main application areas we operate in.
On the electrical application, it will not be long before a thermal imaging camera will be part of every electrician’s tool kit and will be used on a daily basis as part of their maintenance activities. In fact many of Red Current’s customers already have their own infrared cameras but still continue to use our services. The main reasons for this are:
1. COST: Although the camera’s are cheaper, there is no comparison in terms of the specification with the high end cameras used by professional thermal imaging companies. This enhanced specification enables large amounts of electrical distribution equipment to be surveyed far quicker and far more effectively than the cheaper rivals. Often the cost of a survey programme is far cheaper than the ongoing costs associated with training/certification and annual camera calibration, leaving aside the upfront investment costs of purchasing the camera and software.
2. QUALITY:Professional Thermal imaging companies such as Red Current Ltd that specialised in Electrical surveys, have a vast experience of the various failure modes of electrical equipment and are therefore more likely to identify faults long before they become a problem enabling remedial works to be scheduled around production operations and minimising downtime and repair costs.
3. THIRD PARTY CREDIBILITY:An increasing number of our customers are requiring a thermal imaging survey in support of a third party contract requirement. This could be to demonstrate equipment health/performance as part of commissioning activities, or to satisfy an insurance policy endorsement. In either case, the level of Training/Certification required is often beyond that of most ‘in-house’ engineers. In most cases, Professional Thermal Imaging Companies use surveyors that are trained and certified to BINDT (British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing) PCN Level
2. The BINDT PCN Certification scheme: is the only recognised Thermography certification scheme for the UK and Europe.
I think the only real threat comes from companies that market themselves as professional Thermography Companies but are employing untrained/uncertified people using the cheaper/low end thermal imaging cameras to provide the service.
Here is a question: "Is the quality, accuracy and level of service likely to be affected by the specification of the equipment that is used?". Most serious thermography companies will use nothing less than the high end cameras. An example of a suitable camera for electrical surveys would be the Flir ThermaCAM P600 Series camera. It has the required temperature range, accuracy, sensitivity and resolution needed for all electrical applications.
Contact Us to find out more about Red Current's Electrical Thermal Imaging Surveys.
