How Thermographic Scan’s Can Keep People Safe & Prevent Building Fires

How Thermographic Scan’s Can Keep People Safe & Prevent Building Fires

Keeping occupiers and visitors safe is paramount for property owners and building managers.

Thermographic scans are essential early detection checks that can identify ‘hot spots’ in electrical equipment which can identify faulty electrical systems.

How do they prevent fires?

An annual scan as part of the routine maintenance can detect electrical hot spots, a sign of malfunction or overheating in key equipment that are likely to cause power outages, short circuits or fires. 

What is a Thermographic Scan?

Scans are undertaken by qualified professionals with handheld specialised cameras that capture infrared radiation (‘Hot Spots’). This is a non-invasive method used to identify and detect faults or potential issues in the wiring and electrical systems, including:

  • Electrical Switchboards
  • Motors including Bearings and Gearboxes
  • Electrical Panels
  • LV Equipment
  • Transformers
  • Power Factor Correction Units
Why Do You Need a Thermographic Scan for Your Building?

1. Safety of Tenants and Visitors

  • The safety of people in the building is of paramount importance. The building and loss of rental income can be insured, preventing fires is a legal requirement as a PCBU for the safety of tenants and visitors.

2. Fire Prevention

  • Electrical fires are one of the leading causes of property damage. Faulty wiring, overheating components, or loose connections can spark a fire if left unchecked. A thermographic wiring scan can detect hot spots before they turn into a major problem. By identifying areas at risk of overheating, you can prevent fires from starting and protect your property and rental income.

3. Reduced Downtime and Disruptions

  • For commercial properties, electrical issues can lead to significant downtime, affecting daily operations. A thermographic wiring scan can identify potential issues before they cause power outages or disruptions. This proactive approach helps maintain the smooth operation of your building’s electrical systems and avoids unplanned interruptions.

4. Compliance with Regulations and Insurance Requirements

  • Regular electrical inspections are required to comply with building codes and safety regulations. A thermographic wiring scan can form part of these inspections, ensuring that your building is in compliance. Additionally, many insurance policies require proof of regular electrical inspections, and failing to meet these requirements may affect your insurance cover.

A thermographic scan is relatively cheap when compared to a fire and potential for people being injured and damage to the building and loss of rental income. 

It is usually a requirement to meet local laws and regulations and also for insurance. 

Talk to your insurance adviser, they will be able to discuss your needs and assist with organising a thermographic inspection, if needed.

General Advice Warning

This communication including any weblinks or attachments is for information purposes only. It is not a recommendation or opinion, your personal or individual objectives, financial situation or needs have not been taken into account. This communication is not intended to be a constitute personal advice. We strongly recommend that you consider the suitability of this information, in respect of your own personal objectives, financial situation and needs before acting on it. This document is also not a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or a policy wording, nor is it a summary of a particular product’s features or terms of any insurance product. If you are interested in discussing this information or acquiring an insurance product, you should contact your insurance adviser to obtain and carefully consider any relevant PDS or policy wording before deciding whether to purchase any insurance product.

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