Emergency Lighting Testing: What is it, and how often should it be done?

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Emergency lighting is a standard part of an evacuation strategy for most business premises. They ensure the quick and safe evacuation of individuals from a building in an emergency situation as well as providing lighting during a power failure/fire event. They are a requirement for commercial/industrial premises, (as well as multi-residential properties (e.g. strata title buildings), and residential properties used for business purposes), under the Building Code of Australia, which also dictates emergency lighting testing requirements. Due to the critical nature of emergency and evacuation lighting, testing needs to be detailed and thorough, so if you’re looking for emergency lighting testing in Brisbane, ensure you hire only trained professionals. In this article, we shed more light on emergency lighting testing, including how often it should be done.

What is emergency lighting testing?
Emergency lighting testing is conducted to test and ensure the proper functioning and maintenance of emergency and evacuation lighting systems, including exit lights, installed in a building. It includes testing both maintained and non-maintained emergency lighting systems.

It is a detailed procedure that is carried out by trained technicians, which includes testing lights, making necessary repairs and recording/logging the results of the testing as evidence of compliance.

The test is designed to check the condition and capability of the emergency lighting system, and includes:

Checking all components of the lights, and replacing any defective parts e.g. lamp replacements
A 90-minute discharge test to ensure all the lights will work in the event of a power outage; For this the technician simulates a power outage
Replacing any lighting/devices that fail to work

How often should Emergency Lighting Testing be conducted?
Due to the critical nature of emergency and exit lighting, they require regular inspection, testing and maintenance. According to Australian Standards AS2293.2, emergency lighting testing must be conducted every 6 months. The emergency lighting testing should be carried out by a trained and qualified technician/electrician.

In addition to this, emergency and evacuation lighting are also required to undergo an annual test. The annual test includes the 6 monthly test checks as well as additional inspection/cleaning of fittings and reflective surfaces on all lighting systems.

Why is Emergency Lighting Testing important?
Emergency lights are an essential safety feature of a building as they help guide the occupants of the premises safely and quickly towards the emergency exits in the event of an emergency and/or power failure.

In addition to their practical function i.e. providing illuminated evacuation paths and lighting, which help prevent accidents and injuries during an evacuation process, they also help to keep people calm in situations that can often cause panic e.g. fires.

However, in order to ensure emergency lights function properly any and every time they are needed, maintenance and testing are essential. Non-functioning emergency lights can only aggravate an emergency situation as occupants would naturally expect some form of lighting guidance that can help them safely navigate out of a building. If your emergency lighting fails to kick into gear when most needed, it can cause panic and heighten the risk of accidents and injuries. They can also act as guiding agent for first responders such as firefighters and other disaster management groups by providing them with better visibility.

Lastly, but quite importantly, Brisbane emergency lighting testing is mandated by Building and Fire Safety Codes and non-compliance can result in heavy penalties.

Book emergency lighting testing in Brisbane
Emergency lighting testing is critical and is mandated by law. To ensure the safety of all occupants in a building, it’s important to book in regular emergency lighting testing as required by Australian Standards, to ensure all lighting systems are in good working condition and are able to function properly at all times.

Remember, it’s important to always hire qualified technicians to conduct emergency lighting testing, as they have the required expertise, tools and knowledge of all compliance requirements.

If you need emergency lighting testing in Brisbane, contact the professionals at Azz Industries so you can rest assured your emergency lights are not just functional, but also meet all required Australian Standards.

Azz Electrical are specialists in the electrical industry, including large scale electrical work such as retail premises, commercial offices, shopping centres and strata title buildings. They are known for their seamless, no-fuss services and providing highest quality electrical work in Brisbane, at affordable prices. Contact Azz Industries today for your emergency lighting testing and repairs in Brisbane.

How to find your next electrician

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When building or renovating your office or commercial building it is crucial that any electrical work is done by a qualified electrician. Not only is unlicensed electrical work illegal within Australia, it carries significant danger of fire, electrocution or electric shock, and can also void your insurance should an incident occur. As a result, hiring a qualified and professional electrician is imperative to any commercial or retail electrical jobs; however, it can be challenging to know if the electrical company you’re engaging with will complete their tasks to a professional standard.

There are a few things to look out for to help take the guesswork out of finding your next commercial electrician in Brisbane.

Your electrician utilises up-to-date techniques and materials

Incorporating up-to-date techniques and information into their work is indicative of a conscientious electrician, staying on top of industry updates and news and ensuring their training is reflective of the industry standard. Utilising new and innovative materials and resources within their work ensures that your commercial electrical services are completed with longevity and quality in mind, and includes the safest materials available. 

Your electrician is accredited with the relevant licensing and insurance 

Arguably the most important factor to look for when hiring your next commercial electrician is ensuring that their staff have the required qualifications and accreditations or are training under an appropriate trade school. Moreover, any professional electrical company will ensure that any trainees are supervised and complete  jobs to their level of skill and qualification, not beyond. In addition to the required qualifications, your electrical company should also have the necessary business insurance to provide you with peace of mind that should anything go awry, they are covered. Finally, ensuring the electrical company you choose to complete your work should be a registered business and be trading under the appropriate and required industry regulations. Any reliable and legitimate company should be able to answer any questions regarding their qualifications, training, and industry regulations.

Your electrician can perform installations and maintenance 

Any quality electrical company should be well versed in a variety of services, including both installations and maintenance. Should you encounter any issues in the future, you want your electrical company to have the skills to service their work, saving you the hassle of having to find an alternative company. Whilst some companies may specialise in certain areas such as solar installation, for standard retail and commercial electrical services, your electrician’s skills should extend to installation and maintenance of standard and common services. 

Your electrician is knowledgeable on a wide range of electrical services 

An experienced and qualified commercial electrician should be able to provide knowledge on a wide range of electrical services, and should be able to provide you with answers on any questions you may have. From basic electrical services to more complex tasks, your electrician should lead with confidence, backed by experience and knowledge. 

Safety is your electrician’s first priority

Above all else, safety should always be the number one priority for any electrician. With the risks associated with the role, necessary precautions should always be taken to ensure the safety of not only the tradesman, but additionally the client and any surrounding homes or buildings. All commercial electrical services should be conducted in accordance with workplace health and safety policies, and all staff should be trained in identifying hazards and controlling risks. Additionally, a quality electrical company will regularly conduct staff safety assessments and offer ongoing training and support for all employees to ensure the competence of all staff. 

Quality Local Electricians

Azz Industries are specialists within the electrical industry, working in large-scale businesses such as retail and commercial offices, shopping centres, and strata title buildings. Backed with years of experience, Azz Industry professionals pride themselves on being the best electrical installation and service providers in the South East Queensland region. With a wealth of knowledge, and safety at the forefront of their business model, Azz industries are here for all of your electrical needs.

The Importance of Infrared Inspection

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Are you looking to elevate the quality and safety of your home’s or business’s electrical and wiring systems? If so, you may need to call an electrician to perform an infrared inspection. An infrared or thermal imaging inspection is defined as a high-tech, non-invasive inspection that allows the inspector to show their clients the condition of their property. It can display information that may not be revealed during traditional inspections. Read more to learn about the importance of doing an infrared inspection.

Find Hot Spots Caused by Defects in Connections and Components

An infrared inspection can detect hot spots in the home’s or building’s electrical connections and components. The use of an infrared camera can inspect electrical equipment by detecting excess heat, which is often the first sign of trouble.

Thermal imaging can also detect imbalanced or overloaded circuits, damaged switches, faulty fuses, loose connections, and material or component defects, leading to equipment failure. Since electrical issues can potentially lead to fires, this is a significant safety concern.

An infrared inspection is usually done annually, often as part of a property’s regular preventive maintenance. This type of test allows for the thorough examination of a large amount of electrical equipment in a relatively short time. It takes less time than the traditional method of physically inspecting and tightening electrical equipment and components.

This electrical inspection can also help locate faulty or damaged electrical components that may not be found during regular physical inspections. These inspections can also identify and pinpoint problems before they lead to power outages, equipment damage, or fires.

Improve Profitability and Reduce Maintenance Expenses

Another major benefit of conducting an infrared inspection is that it can considerably improve the profitability of business establishments and reduce operating, testing, and maintenance expenses.

It does this by quickly pinpointing electrical system issues, reducing downtime and electrical equipment damage, and preventing disastrous and costly system failures. It also allows engineers, electricians, and facility managers to set or establish repair priorities. So it can significantly improve the efficiency of preventive maintenance.

Infrared or thermal imaging inspections can also lead to improved overall quality and lower insurance premiums. In most instances, the quality could be a result of processes that run consistently and reliably.

When one effectively deals with electrical issues or problems, all the systems will operate optimally. Optimization of systems allows the business to deliver high-quality products and services and boosts the trust of their customers.

Finally, when a business entity experiences fewer power outages and interruptions because they conduct a regular infrared inspection, this improves their cash flow.

AZZ Industries – We Specialise in Retail and Shopping Centres

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Whether you run a factory or an office, you will need your power source managed efficiently. Opting forcommercial electrical services is the best choice you can make for quality electrical systems services. We can effectively manage your energy planning and consumption.

There are several benefits you get from choosingAZZ Industries, including:

  • Full-service electrical solutions
  • Safe electrical equipment installation
  • Going beyond standard services
  • Better overall rates
  • Customised device packages
  • A plethora of services under one umbrella

Services That Make your Contractor the Best

Before you choose a contractor, verify the services they willprovide. In the section below, we will discuss all the services that aquality contractor will offer.

Electrical Installations

Installation is one of the most basic services you want from your service provider. A contractor should offer you an array of solutions and assistance in installation and maintenance. They should offer services like upgrading equipment, finding faults in existing equipment, and replacing equipment.

A good contractor will also extend their services to network cabling, lamp replacements, and switchboard upgrades. You should also look for an overall package that will help you set up your building and its maintenance.

Thermal Image Scans

Thermal image scans can reduce the chances of electrical fires within switchboards. Industrial buildings have a considerable amount of electricity tapped in and being circulated by switchboards. Therefore, the risk of a fire breakout is not something you want to take lightly.

Acommercial electrician can discover loose connections and fix them. They can also detect overheating issues before they become a nuisance or a disaster.

Safety Switch Testing

Installing safety switches is extremely important to avert accidents resulting from electric shocks. Most of the deaths recorded in Queensland because of electrocution could have been prevented had safety switches been installed. This service is one of the most important ones that an electrical contractor can offer.

Data and Fibre Installations

Network and data cabling isvital for commercial buildings because they have a whole body of technology relying on the power supply. That’s why industrial electricians should do an on-site survey and develop a suitable design before installation. They may also consult engineers to give you the best network and data cabling services.

Lighting Upgrades

Most standard companies use LED lighting throughout the building. They also offer to replace old or damaged lights with to newer and better ones. They should make sure that you get equipment that consumes less power and runs the least risk of accidents. Making the right choice when hiring a contractor can spare manyunnecessary expenses and risks.

Conclusion

Whether you have a small business or a large-scale factory in Brisbane, it is necessary to hire the bestcommercial electricalservices. The good news is that some companies offer top-notch services that can become an indispensable part of your business.

Since it is a matter of efficient work and safety, do not forget to cross-check the contractor’s services before hiring them.

The 3 Differences between Commercial and Residential Electricians

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If there’s something strange (or weird) with your home or building’s wiring or other electrical components, who are you going to call? Nope, you don’t call the Ghostbusters, but the – electricians! In general, an electrician is a highly-skilled tradesman who is adept at installing and repairing wiring and all the components in any electrical system, including lighting, computer networks, air conditioning and security systems etc. However, electricians differ in skill sets and working environments. Let’s look at the top 3 differences between residential and commercial electricians.

They Differ In Their Areas of Specialization

Although a commercial electrician and a residential electrician have one thing in common, which is they take care of a home or building’s wiring and other electrical components, they somehow differ in their areas of specialization.

A retail electrician is a highly-skilled professional who works for the construction, servicing, restoration and review of electrical and insulation systems of a residential building. On the other hand, commercial electricians specialize in the areas of electrical installations, safety checks and servicing in manufacturing, retail and other commercial workplaces. A retail electrician designs and schedule electrical systems which comply with industry standards and city or town electrical codes.

They Differ in Duties and Scope

A commercial electrician‘s duties and responsibilities slightly differ that of a residential electrician. For starters, the duties of commercial electricians include new construction of new equipment or repair of existing equipment, repairs of cooling and heating facilities, installation of security systems (like alarms, switches and lights), installation of cables which comply with city guidelines and codes, and handling a team of trained electricians. But, they all do these in a commercial setting like in a factory, mall, high-rise office block or warehouse.

A retail electrician‘s duties are nearly almost the same as that of commercial electricians, but they do these in a residential building like a the typical suburban house, rental apartment or town home. Their responsibilities and duties include the preparation of technical drawings and interpretation of electrical plans, ensuring the proper operation of a home’s electrical components in compliance with city guidelines, installation of new cables; wires, lighting and electrical components, maintenance and diagnosis of electrical systems, and replacement of damaged or old electrical components.

They Differ in Working Environments 

A retail electrician is either self-employed or working for a construction firm. They go to work in a residential building and work either alone, or with a team of skilled electricians. Any new electrical components and cables, as well as existing or older systems, may be installed by the residential electrician.

On the other hand, commercial electricians are inside factories, malls, office buildings or warehouse blocks (or in any other large business entity or corporation). But, just like residential electricians, their work is also very physically demanding, because sometimes need to enter small spaces, move around a lot, and spend a lot of time standing or crouching!

I hope after reading this, you’ll somehow learn to differentiate the skill sets between a residential and commercial electrician, as well as have a greater appreciation of what they do!

Choosing between Halogen vs. LED Landscape Lighting

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When planning and designing your outdoor areas, one of the most important things to consider is lighting. And, when it comes to landscape lighting the most important decision you should make is using LED or halogen lights. To help you make an informed decision, AZZ Industries – the number one specialist in the Electrical Industry offering electrical services throughout Brisbane – has come up with the following comparison of LED and halogen landscape lighting key categories to help your decision.

Halogen vs. LED Landscape Lighting

  1. Cost

Even though many people consider LED lighting as a better option in most categories, the truth is, halogen bulbs win in the first category – initial cost. On the other hand, even though LED lights could cost you a bit more at the beginning, they will save you money over time due to the fact that they are extremely energy efficient and don’t require frequent replacement.

  1. Energy Efficiency

As we mentioned above, LED lights are the hands-down winner regarding their energy usage. Statistics show that if you use only LED bulbs in your household, you could see your energy bills drop by as much as 80%. Halogen bulbs use more energy and most of it they give off as heat which is why they get hot and don’t last as long. On the contrary, the heat produced by LED lights is drawn away from the bulb increasing its lifespan.

  1. Colour Output

In general, landscape lighting design requires warm light which is why you may decide to use halogen or other incandescent bulbs since they produce light in a warm yellow hue. But, you shouldn’t rule out LEDs because they have improved a lot in terms of colour. Although they were just bright white in the past, modern LED lights come in more calming hues which are also suitable for landscape lighting.

  1. Longevity

This is something we’ve already mentioned, but now let’s dig a bit deeper into it. LED lights can last up to a whopping 40,000 hours. So, when you compare halogen’s 2,000 to 5,000 hours, LEDs are obviously a better option considering longevity. But, what determines the end of their lifespan? Halogen bulbs either burn out or fail whereas LEDs experience light depreciation.

  1. Maintenance

The great thing here is that both halogens and LEDs require very little maintenance. However, you may remember that we already said how halogen bulbs require more frequent replacement compared to LED lights. Depending on usage, you should replace halogens every one to two years, whereas LED bulbs should be usually replaced in 10 to 20 years. Remarkable difference, right?

  1. Warranty

The last category you should have in mind when choosing between halogen and LED landscape lighting is the warranty. Namely, halogen landscape lighting systems don’t usually come with a warranty. On the contrary, LED landscape lighting typically comes with one. To ensure you have a warranty, just ask your professional electrician, preferably one from AZZ industries, and he’ll explain everything you need to know before installation.

Now that you know everything needed about halogen and LED landscape lighting, it’s time you make the right decision and contact AZZ Industries today!

What Makes a Good Commercial Electrician?

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Deciding on the best electrical services contractor can sometimes be a little confusing because there are SO many different types of electrical contractors and independent specialists who specialize in different aspects of the industry. So, before you even start searching make sure you know exactly what you need and make your decision based on your requirements.

In case you are looking for electricians offering commercial electrical services, for example, installations and maintenance, then make sure that when you search online for electrical services near me, you choose companies who specialize in commercial services – just like Azz Industries. Due to their experience and diligence in large scale electrical work such as Retail, Commercial Offices, Shopping Centres, and Strata Title Buildings – Azz Industries became Brisbane’s leading contractor for commercial and industrial electrical services some time ago.

Let’s have a closer look at what makes a good commercial electrician.

What Makes a Good Commercial Electrician?

Here’s a list of the top traits of a professional commercial electrician:

  1. Creativity

First of all, a good commercial electrician will be creative when it comes to thinking of solutions quickly.

  1. Experience

In general, having basic electrical skills isn’t enough to be a leading commercial electrician. Namely, it requires lots of time and hard work to gain the experience needed. What’s more, the truth is that only experienced electricians can be adaptable and creative in their solutions.

  1. Communication Skills

Another key trait that makes a good commercial electrician is having great communication skills since commercial constructors typically work on big projects and have to communicate effectively both with the owner who hired them and other builders or contractors working on the same site. Also, they should be able to explain their job in clear language without using too technical words so that everyone can understand what they say.

  1. Professionalism

Last but not least, when hiring or conducting business with any type of service provider, professionalism is probably one of the crucial characteristics that help you make a decision. The same goes for hiring a commercial electrician. A good electrician will always present himself professionally and complete work efficiently and neatly regardless of the project.

Even though this isn’t an exhaustive list, we hope it gives you a good idea of the traits you should look for when hiring a quality commercial electrician. And if you want for the best, just contact Azz Industries!

 

Why is Commercial electrical Maintenance Important for your Business?

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In every business, electronic equipment and digital products help to keep your company operational. Failure of any of these electrical devices might render your business temporarily out of action, costing you time and money. In this article, we will go through some of the reasons why regular electrical maintenance is so important for your company.

Safety and Health

Electrical hazards are top on the dangers in the workplace list. Broken electrical devices and poor maintenance can easily lead to electric shocks, or even worse, to electrical fires, and endanger both you and your employees.

When you are doing hazard and safety inspections, it is important that you take every electrical item as a hazard itself. Make sure that each electrical item is positioned properly, with all of its components well maintained and wires correctly insulated.

In order to avoid unpleasant situations, such as electrical shocks or fires, the best solution for you is to find a good company and schedule regular electrical maintenance for your business.

Poor Energy Efficiency

When operating with defective, misfiring or old electrical devices, it can lead your company into extra costs

Preventing Major Electrical Problems

Regular electrical maintenance might just save you from much bigger electrical issues at your workplace. Luckily, you can always contact a professional company, as they can detect smaller issues and fix them before they become big, ugly and cost you a lot of time and money.

Preventing Disruptions to your Business

As a commercial property or business owner you are likely always looking to cut costs. While spending a little extra money on electrical maintenance might appear to be an unnecessary cost, it is quite the opposite. In fact, electrical maintenance services are specifically designed to save you money. If your systems undergo regular maintenance, you’ll be able to closely monitor your equipment, and stay on top of any fixes you require, and in the end, you will have fewer repair costs.

To conclude, undergoing regular commercial electrical maintenance is crucial for your business and for prolonging the lifespan of your electrical systems. We aim to save you money on repairs and replacements while simultaneously protecting your staff and yourself from hazards. So, don’t hesitate – contact the best brisbane electrical contractor – Azz Industries. Our services are guaranteed to be of the highest quality, as we only use the latest technologies. Contact us today, and schedule your regular electrical maintenance.

Converting from Halogen to LED

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People all over the world are switching from halogen lighting systems to LED (light-emitting diode) technology. So, the number one specialist in the Electrical Industry offering the ultimate electrical services throughout Brisbane – AZZ Industries – has decided to illuminate us and provide reasons why you should convert from halogen to LED lighting.

Yet, let’s first have a word or two about these two different types of lighting:

Halogen Lights

Halogen lights are the traditional incandescent bulb that uses heat to produce light. Halogen bulbs last longer than the older incandescent ones, up to three times as long, which is one of their main advantages along with being cheap, compact, and bright.

However, their major disadvantage is the fact that they are extremely hot, you can even burn your skin if you touch a halogen light. Plus, they emit infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

LED Lights

LED lights do not use heat as a source for light, but use electrons to produce light. The light-emitting diode technology results in electroluminescence, not incandescence.

This lighting system is not only used for decorative purposes and house lighting but is also found in different industries, for example LEDs are used as the car’s headlights.

So, let’s have a look at the four main advantages and benefits of LED lighting systems which will definitely convince you to convert from halogen if you haven’t done so already.

  1. LEDs are Energy-Efficient

In general, LEDs use 90% less energy than halogen lights. The reason for this is that a traditional bulb uses lots of electricity to produce heat before producing light. On the contrary, once electricity passes through a LED light, it immediately produces light. And, since less electricity is needed to light a space, rather than heat a material which will then light a space, energy savings increase and so your energy bills reduce.

  1. LEDs Have a Long Lifespan

Typically, halogen light go out regularly and thus you have to replace them quite frequently. Fortunately, you won’t have to perform this annoying and boring task if you switch to a LED lighting system. The truth is, LEDs last 20 times longer when compared to halogen bulbs and that’s the main reason why electrical contractors offering professional electrical services recommend installing a LED lighting system.

  1. LEDs don’t Require Fitting Changes

Another great reason why you should opt for LED lighting is that you can replace almost every type of light fitting with a LED one. Popular light fitting options include spotlights, downlights, Edison screw, bayonet, strip lights, etc. In other words, you will save a decent amount of money by not having to do any retrofit work. If you are planning changes to your lighting or electrical systems, make sure to hire a professional team, like AZZ Industries, and just name your requirements – everything is possible with LEDs.

  1. LEDs are Eco-Friendly

Finally, as we already mentioned, LEDs use less energy which results in decreased overall energy demand. This won’t make much of a positive change to the environment if only a single household switched to LEDs. But, imagine how energy demand can reduce if we all install LED lights. Remarkably, right? Plus, another proof that LEDs are eco-friendly is the fact that they can be recycled.

Still need some convincing to switch from halogen to LED? Contact AZZ Industries and ensure you get professional information and recommendations.

Why Do You Need Preventative Maintenance?

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We can all agree that it’s better to detect equipment or electrical issues and solve them before any major failures occur. Undetected problems can cause serious damage to electrical equipment which sometimes cannot be repaired. 

Luckily, you can now rest assured your business is safe by hiring the leading contractor for commercial and industrial electrical services throughout South East Queensland – Azz Industries. And, since we only use the latest technologies, our electrical services are guaranteed as one of the best.


One of those latest technologies is thermography imaging which is highly beneficial in preventative maintenance to detect temperature changes in electrical systems. So, let’s have a look at the top reasons why your business should have regular thermography inspections:

  • Detect Faulty Components

First and foremost, thermography imaging is beneficial for detecting faulty or failing components which can be detected early without affecting your business negatively. The ability to find irregularities thanks to temperature measurements really comes in handy especially with concealed equipment and no warning signs. 

  • Low Maintenance and Replacement Costs

Another great benefit of having regular thermography inspections is that your business can save lots of money on replacing failed equipment by catching the problems early and solving them without paying a fortune. In the long run, performing regular thermography imaging on your equipment will ensure longevity and fewer replacements.

  • Reduce the Risk of Fires or Injuries

This is probably the most important reason why your business should have regular thermography inspections since some issues can lead to safety hazards and, unfortunately, be lethal. For instance, if faulty breakers or loose wiring is left untreated, a fire will likely break out. Similarly, faulty equipment increases the risk that your employees suffer from an injury. Hence, make safety your priority and protect your business and staff from any electrical hazards.

  • Protect from Downtime

This is probably the worst nightmare for every business-owner – shutting down operation for days, weeks, or months, and all because of a minor operating or equipment failure. However, by having regular thermography inspections performed on your equipment, you can ensure you avoid loss of production time and keep operations running smoothly and productively.


Schedule Your Regular Thermography Inspections at Azz Industries

To conclude, regular thermography inspections are crucial for prolonging the life of your equipment, saving money on maintenance and replacements, protecting your business and staff from hazards, and avoiding downtime. Hence, don’t hesitate – get help from the best of the best electrical contractors – Azz Industries. Contact us today or request a service! We offer no less than a seamless, no-fuss, practical, and affordable experience.