Infrared thermography has become a cornerstone of building safety inspections in Florida, especially with updated safety standards and recertification requirements. Florida Engineering offers specialized services that include detailed infrared thermography inspections, ensuring compliance with state and county regulations while helping you detect hidden issues and protect your property.
What Is Infrared Thermography?
Infrared thermography is a non-invasive method of detecting thermal anomalies using advanced imaging cameras. It allows for the identification of hidden electrical, structural, and environmental issues that are invisible to the naked eye, providing early detection to prevent costly repairs or safety hazards.
Why Infrared Thermography Is Essential for Florida Buildings
Florida’s climate poses unique challenges for building maintenance, such as high humidity, coastal corrosion, and heavy wind loads. Infrared thermography helps mitigate these risks by:
- Identifying Electrical Faults: Detect hotspots and potential fire risks.
- Locating Moisture Intrusion: Prevent mold growth and structural damage.
- Improving Energy Efficiency: Spot insulation gaps and HVAC inefficiencies.
- Supporting Milestone Inspections: Ensure compliance with Florida’s 30-year structural inspection mandate.
Regulatory Compliance and Advanced Certification
Florida Engineering meets and exceeds regulatory requirements for infrared thermography inspections. As certified Level II or III Thermographers, we comply with the 2021 Minimum Inspection Procedural Guidelines for Building Electrical Recertification, approved by the Board of Rules and Appeals (BORA) on November 18, 2021. This includes providing:
- A notarized certification letter verifying our Level II or III credentials and experience.
- Detailed statements confirming inspection of all required equipment in accordance with the BORA-approved guidelines.
- Comprehensive reports that include thermal and visual photos, equipment data, and prioritized action plans.
What Type of Equipment Needs to Be Inspected?
For recertification in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, infrared thermography is required for electrical systems operating at 400 amperes or more, including:
- Busways and switchgear
- Panelboards (excluding dwelling unit load centers)
- Disconnects, starters, and control panels
- Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
- Transfer switches (manual/automatic)
- Exhaust fans, transformers, and more
Each report includes a summary list of all inspected equipment, including labels, nameplate data, location, measurement dates, and local time. If certain equipment is not inspected (e.g., due to safety issues or access restrictions), the report will explain why.
How Is the Inspection Conducted?
Our inspections are conducted with precision, adhering to stringent standards and best practices:
- Camera Specifications: Details about the thermal camera used, including manufacturer, resolution, accuracy, and calibration.
- Environmental Considerations: Documentation of ambient temperature, wind speed, and other factors that may affect results.
- Operational Details: Includes information on loads, phases, voltage, and service type (e.g., delta, wye).
- Thermal and Visual Photos: Each thermal photo is paired with a visual image of the equipment, both with and without covers. A consistent palette is used unless an alternative is needed for issue identification.
- Thermal Scale and Measurements: All thermal photos include a temperature scale for easy interpretation, along with precise measurement determinations.
Comprehensive Reporting
Our detailed reports include:
- Root Cause Analysis: Identification of potential causes (e.g., overload, unbalance, or open circuit) and severity levels.
- Prioritization: Recommendations for immediate repairs or scheduled maintenance.
- Code Violations: Observations of improper wiring, fuses, breakers, or other non-compliant installations.
- Anomaly Detection: Notes on color changes, corrosion, or visible damage.
- Grounding and Bonding Scans: Inspections of main load centers and meter centers to ensure grounding compliance.
All findings are documented with actionable recommendations to address any anomalies or code violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How frequently should infrared thermography inspections be conducted?
- Annually for commercial buildings or critical systems.
- Every 10 years as part of Florida’s milestone inspection requirements.
2. Is infrared thermography invasive?
No. It is a non-invasive, non-disruptive process, allowing your building to remain fully operational during inspections.
3. What types of issues can thermography detect?
- Electrical faults
- Moisture intrusion
- Structural weaknesses
- HVAC inefficiencies
4. How accurate is infrared thermography?
When conducted by certified Level II or III thermographers using calibrated equipment, the results are highly accurate and reliable.
5. What equipment requires thermal inspection?
As per Florida regulations, equipment like switchgear, VFDs, disconnects, and transformers must be inspected for systems operating at 400 amperes or more.
Why Choose Florida Engineering?
At Florida Engineering, we combine advanced technology, professional expertise, and regulatory compliance to deliver superior thermography inspection services. Here’s why we’re the best choice:
- Certified Professionals: Level II or III Thermographers certified per the 2021 BORA guidelines.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: High-resolution thermal cameras for detailed inspections.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Detailed reports that exceed industry standards.
- Commitment to Compliance: Full adherence to Florida’s updated building safety laws.
Request Your Infrared Thermography Inspection Today!
Protect your property, ensure compliance, and prevent costly repairs with Florida Engineering’s expert thermography inspection services. Contact us today to schedule your inspection or request a free quote.
Contact Us – The Milestone Experts Near Me – Florida’s Condominium Inspections
- Phone: 941-391-5980
- Email: contact@fleng.com
- Address: 4161 Tamiami Trail, Suite 101, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
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Related Services
- Milestone Inspections
- Energy Calculation Services
- 25,30,40,50,60 Year Recertifications
- Pool Engineering Services
- Turnover Inspections
[This above text is for information purposes only and does not constitute engineering or legal advice. Please consult a professional engineer and licensed attorney for any specific answers to your questions about Milestone Inspections and the legal obligations milestone inspections entail.]
