Miami-Dade County has made significant changes to the 40-year recertification requirement for commercial buildings since the Surfside condo collapse in 2021.
One change includes lowering the age of a building to 25 or 30 years rather than 40, and another significant change is the introduction of an infrared electrical inspection performed by a certified Level II thermographer.
BIS is currently one of the only building inspection firms in the area that holds a Level II thermography certification, and it’s a crucial certification to hold, as building safety is more heavily scrutinized following the Surfside collapse.
Read on to learn more about what a Level II thermographer does and why it’s crucial you hire an inspection firm that employs one.
What Is a Level II Thermographic Inspection?
A thermographic inspection is part of your building’s electrical system inspection that analyzes the operating temperatures of your system and the equipment, looking for thermal anomalies.
It is an infrared evaluation of the electrical equipment that looks for excessive heat on various apparatuses. It also looks for issues such as faulty fuses, loose wires, overloaded switches, and more.
The results of overheated electrical equipment can range from poor functionality to fire or explosion, posing an immediate threat to the building’s occupants.
Aside from enhancing the safety of your building, proper infrared electrical inspections also reveal whether your equipment is functioning efficiently. Faulty equipment is not only a hazard, but it’s also a drain on your finances when it causes unforeseen outages or unscheduled maintenance.
Why Do You Need a Certified Level II Thermographer?
In short, new laws require that a certified Level II thermographer complete a building’s 40-year recertification inspection with the approved equipment. This is an updated requirement since the Surfside collapse.
This is necessary for buildings with electrical systems operating at 400 amperes or greater to meet the required guidelines for continued operation and occupancy.
This is because a Level II thermographer uses equipment that lower-certified thermographers are not trained to use. This allows Level II thermographers to recognize thermal anomalies in your electrical system before they become a safety hazard.
A certified Level II thermographer has advanced training in analyzing thermal images with advanced camera operation and temperature measurement. They can identify not only what electrical equipment is overheated but what the severity is.
A proper electrical inspection not only reaffirms the safety of your building but also looks after your investment.
Whether it’s time for your recertification or if you’re interested in an inspection before buying property, a quality inspection is never something you should leave to chance.
Don’t Wait For Your Recertification Inspection to Hire a Level II Thermographer
One of the biggest side effects of the Surfside collapse is the increased precaution in government regulations and building owners.
As mentioned, the initial inspection date has been lowered to 30 years for most buildings and 25 for those closer to the ocean. And that number is likely to continue to go down. What’s more, many business owners are not waiting until their recertification date to have their recertification inspection.
This means appointments are booking up fast, and with BIS being one of the few companies with a certified Level II thermographer on staff, you can’t afford to hesitate.
Get the Best Building Inspection With BIS
Owning commercial property comes with many rewards, and when it comes to the risks, you must take proper precautions. Hiring a top-level firm like BIS for your building inspection is where you should start.
Our team of fully licensed and certified engineers and inspectors has completed over 75,000 building inspections with a 99% approval rating from our customers.
And as one of the only firms in the Miami-Dade area with the Level II thermographic certification, we’re the best team for your job.
Contact us today to schedule your building inspection.
