Insurance Companies Are Driving An Increase In Demand For Thermal Imaging Inspections

March 28, 2011 - PRLog -- With over 12 years experience in the use of thermography within engineering and NDT applications, Kristian Westerhold has decided to take on the challenge and start his own Thermal Imaging company. Based in Reading, Berkshire, Red Current Ltd is now providing thermographic services throughout the UK and Europe. With Insurance companies like NIG and Aviva, increasingly requiring thermographic surveys of electrical distribution systems , prior to providing cover to businesses in the commercial sector . It seems like Red Current Ltd has entered the market at the best possible time to achieve success.

The use of thermography within electrical and mechanical maintenance programmes is nothing new. Since the 1980s, the use of the technology has increased due to its unrivalled ability to identify faults, which if left undetected, would result in costly repairs and operational downtime. Awareness of this proven technology is increasing, none more so than amongst insurance underwriters, as more and more are reducing premiums for customers who employ the services of thermal imaging companies.

Unlike some other insurance policy endorsements, the feedback from customers having thermographic surveys carried out has been good. They are increasingly recognising additional benefits on top of the reduction on their insurance premiums.

Businesses are valuing the potential cost savings associated with reduced breakdown maintenance and production downtime. The use of thermal imaging identifies faults at an early stage, enabling remedial work to be planned around business operations. Also as faults are found early, the cost of remedial works is far less than if left to the point of causing equipment failure.

The surveys are giving facility managers an increased awareness of the condition of their assets which is improving asset management related business decisions. Fault reports are supported by a thermal image which enables even those without electrical knowledge, a full understanding of the problem and its implications. And as thermographic surveys can be completed with no interruption to business operations, it presents this service as a very valuable package to many businesses.

Kristian Westerhold, Managing Director of Red Current Ltd said “I am extremely pleased that Insurance providers are recognising the benefits of electrical thermographic surveys. My hope is this recognition will provide further impetus, to including thermographic inspections as part of the Inspection and Testing requirements of the IEE Wiring Regulations.”

With this increase in demand and the emergence of low cost thermal imaging cameras, more and more companies are offering thermal imaging services. Red Current Ltd is standing out from other companies by being one of few that only employ electrically qualified engineers, who are trained and certified by the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT). The BINDT Certification scheme is the only scheme recognised within the UK as complying with the requirements of ISO 18436 and is endorsed by the UK Thermography Association (UKTA).

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About Red Current Ltd:

Based in Reading, Berkshire, UK, Red Current Ltd use the most advanced thermal imaging cameras commercially available to provide thermal imaging services within electrical, mechanical and building applications throughout the UK and Europe.

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