There are few things as devastating for families or tenants than a fire in the place where they call home. Not only does it lead to insecure housing, fires often destroy the majority, if not all, of the belongings within the structure. Cooking, heating equipment, and electrical issues are the three leading causes of fires in buildings and homes. Of course, these are only a few causes of building fires, but in this blog, we’re going to focus on electrical issues and how a simple test can help identify faulty wires.
Regardless of the age of the building, wiring and electrical systems pose a threat to the integrity of the structure. Many people think of electrical fires and assume the wiring must be old and outdated. But in reality, all buildings are at risk. Although less common, it is still entirely possible to suffer fire damage in new builds. So what can we do to safeguard against this damage? Check the electrical systems in the building. On the surface, this sounds extensive, intrusive and damaging to the structure, but there are simple tests available to check the electrical systems.
Many insurance companies don’t just recommend commercial businesses get an infrared electrical system scan, they require it. To maintain good standing with insurance companies, a commercial business must mitigate risk by taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of patrons and occupants.
Benefits of Infrared Electrical System Scan
Scans increase the safety and efficiency of your building. These tests help you better understand your electrical systems without damaging the building. If electrical systems emit too much heat, scans can flag problem areas and professionals determine the best course of action. Read the list below for more of the benefits of an Infrared Electrical System Scan.
- Reduce the potential for personal injury and damage to buildings and equipment by making sure the electrical equipment is repaired or replaced prior to failure.
- Minimize charges on monthly electric utility bills by making sure equipment is performing at peak efficiency.
- Lower the cost of ongoing equipment repair and replacement by performing regular maintenance. If you wait for equipment to malfunction it can cause damage to other electrical equipment both up and downstream of the failure. The resulting loss can be more widespread than you realize.
- Avoid the disastrous effects of electrical outages on plant production schedules and customer commitments.
- Avoid the costs of temporary repairs to get production operating until full repairs can be completed.
Frequency
The frequency of inspection depends on environmental conditions, the age of the equipment and type of operations to name a few. For most buildings, an annual inspection is a good baseline for inspections. Speak to a professional, licensed contractor to determine the best timeline for inspections. Add this inspection to your regular maintenance checklist to make sure everything is in working order before the electrical systems have the opportunity to damage the building.
Who Should Perform The Test
Not everyone is certified to perform these tests, and more so, most electricians don’t have the equipment necessary for conducting these tests accurately. Look for certified thermographers with good reviews and a good reputation. Also look at the certification levels of these professionals. See a brief explanation of the certification levels below to learn more.
Level 1 Infrared Technology Certification
This is the first of three levels. Level 1 professionals are relatively new to infrared diagnostics. This is not to say they are entry-level technicians, but it does mean they are limited to operating infrared cameras and software to identify and measure thermal patterns,
Level 2 Infrared Technology Certification
The second level professionals are experienced and with their knowledge, are capable of troubleshooting issues. These professionals are able to provide recommendations and technical direction.
Level 3 Infrared Technology Certification
Level 3 is the most advanced level of professionals. Level three denotes a program, or program manager capable of writing maintenance and inspection practices. They can also develop testing criteria. With all of the abilities of levels one and two, level three thermographers can provide guidance and act as a resource for infrared Electrical System Scans.
If you’re looking for Infrared Electrical System scans, contact our team of Level 3 Thermographers to help you evaluate your electrical systems. At Building Envelope Allies, we don’t sell any electrical parts or services. We test and give unbiased reports to help you understand your electrical system and make the right decisions based on those results. We’re happy to talk with you about our professionals, systems, and testing. Contact us to get started and increase the safety of your building!