Infared Thermography Inspection Services in South Florida
As part of their building safety and recertification program, Miami-Dade County requires an infrared thermography inspection report of electrical systems operating at 400 amps or more to be included with the electrical inspection. From July 1, 2023, Broward County will require thermography inspections as well.
An infrared thermography inspection utilizes an approved infrared imager, operated by a qualified technician, to scan and capture video or still infrared images of electrical components. The technician then qualitatively and quantitatively analyzes the images to determine whether the electrical components are operating within the safe limits of their design and capability and to identify potential thermal anomalies throughout the electrical system. The inspections require the electrical equipment to be powered on and operating normally under load as well as unhindered access to electrical service and other specified equipment.
Thermographer Qualifications
Infrared inspections must be performed by a certified Level II infrared thermographer with at least five (5) years of experience inspecting electrical installations in commercial buildings. For more information, refer to Miami-Dade County’s Advisory Memo (Advisory Memo: Thermography Inspections and Clarifications).
Whether you are a property owner, manager, or community association, Building Mavens’ qualified thermographers are available to provide your Florida Infrared Thermography Inspection needs. Contact our team today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Broward and Miami-Dade Counties require buildings seeking recertification with electrical services operating at 400 amperes or more to have a thermography inspection. However, the individual equipment does not need to be rated at 400 amperes or more. Applicable equipment includes busways, switchgear, panelboards (except in dwelling unit load centers), disconnects, variable frequency drives (VFD), starters, control panels, timers, meter centers, gutter, junction boxes, automatic/manual transfer switches, exhaust fans, and transformers, which all require a thermography inspection. Condominium units are, however, excluded from the thermography inspection.
Infrared thermography uses thermal imaging to detect variations in temperatures across surfaces, identifying potential problems like water leaks, insulation failures, or electrical issues that are not visible to the naked eye.
Yes, by identifying areas of heat loss or gain, you can address insulation problems or air leaks, leading to more efficient energy use and lower utility bills.
Annual inspections are recommended to monitor the building’s condition over time, though more frequent checks may be necessary for buildings with known issues or after major repairs.
No. Thermography is a noninvasive method that does not require physical contact with surfaces, allowing inspections to be conducted without disrupting building occupants or operations.
It can detect various issues, including electrical hot spots, moisture intrusion, deficient insulation, and structural defects that could lead to energy loss or safety concerns.
When performed by trained professionals like our team at Building Mavens, thermography is highly accurate, providing a clear picture of potential issues that may not be visible through other inspection methods.
Yes, infrared thermography is versatile and can be applied to any type of building, from residential homes to large commercial or industrial facilities.
The time varies based on the building’s size and complexity, but most inspections can be completed within a day.
While infrared thermography doesn’t directly detect mold, it can identify conditions conducive to mold growth, such as moisture accumulation.
The cost of an infrared thermography inspection can vary widely based on several factors, including the size of the property, the complexity of the structures involved, and the specific requirements of the inspection. To get a precise estimate, it’s best to consult with us or any professional inspection service that offers infrared thermography. We will consider the specifics of your property, such as square footage, type of construction, and any particular areas of concern you have, to provide a tailored quote. Keep in mind that while cost is an important factor, the expertise of the inspector and the thoroughness of the inspection are the more important factors to consider for identifying potential issues and saving on future repair costs. When it comes to quality work, you typically get what you pay for.
