Dropped $300 on a thermal imaging camera for troubleshooting, worth every penny

I work commercial service in Houston and got tired of playing the guessing game on overloaded circuits in panel rooms. Picked up a basic FLIR model from a supply house last fall for about $300. First week I found a loose breaker on a 200 amp main that was running 30 degrees hotter than the rest. The customer said everything was fine but I showed him the picture and he approved a full panel swap on the spot. Saved me from coming back after hours when it would have failed anyway. That thing has paid for itself at least three times over since then. Has anyone else found a tool that seemed expensive but ended up making you money fast?

2 comments

2 Comments

reed.ray13d ago

Buddy of mine bought one and found a hot spot in his own panel the same day.

thea_knight13d agoMost Upvoted

Didn't you read something about how heat is the main reason electrical stuff fails? I swear I saw that in a trade magazine once. Sounds like that camera paid for itself real fast. Customer probably thought you were trying to upsell him until they saw that picture. Always satisfying when you can prove it with a thermal image, beats arguing with them.