thermal images to get you thinking

[123]

So.... any roi figures?? ... for an IR Camera?

ps.The Fluke 435 i have, repaid itself in the first 8 months, which relates to a 29% ROI. That was in a 12 month period. Good Investment.

[Dave A]

123, it helps if you get a decent contract to kick off the operation We broke even in 6 weeks.

I'd been keeping an eye on the field since 2004 when I first came across these cameras at a convention in the USA. When opportunity and capital cost came together in 2008, we were ready to run with it.

Otherwise, I tend to agree with you and Murdock - it's tough to justify and probably a long haul to break-even if you haven't got the business ready to hand. It hasn't exactly proved to be a quick and easy grower. We're still at the early adoption stage here in South Africa, I think.

But the price of the technology keeps coming down, the equipment and support software is getting smarter and smarter, and at quite a rapid rate. There was a time when "a pc in every home" was a pipe dream. I predict we'll get to the stage where an IR camera in many a toolbox will become a reality too one day.

[AndyD]

I looked at purchasing a Flir unit a couple of years ago but I couldn't justify the cost against the mostly indirect income it would generate just being used as a day to day diagnostic tool. I looked at using it as a separate business entity which made a lot more financial sense on paper but I didn't want to commit the capital for setup with a specialised employee who would require ongoing training and vehicle etc.

Once in a blue moon when I need a thermal analysis I just sub contract the work to a local company.

I agree with Dave though, if the equipment costs keep coming down at this rate it would be worth a reconsider.

[murdock]

anyone know what the going rate is for thermographer these days?

i charge R4500.00 ex vat as a standard rate for a call out within a 50 km radius...to any of my regular customers only...if i am onsite busy with a break down there is no additional fee.

this rate does not apply if i am busy with a project on the site...this service and power quality analysing is free or should i say...included in the contract price...because part of the commisioning includes doing a full thermal scan of all equipment installed the 435 gets connected for the duration of the commissioning...to test all aspects of the supply...which also verifies if our design criteria is correct.

[Dave A]

Murdock, always tough to say what a "going rate" is as there are so many factors to "worth". Ultimately if you have customers paying your tarrif, you're in the game and that is what counts.

That said, IMO for a thermographer-come-MIE of your experience with the subject being electrical installations, your rate sounds entirely reasonable.