Finding hotspots can prevent fires

But once calving is through, the stock’s dried off and the time comes to check the shed, farmers should think about widening their existing maintenance plan to include thermal imaging which can look through their walls and behind their switchboards to check for potential fire risks.

Some farmers may not know this technology is commercially available. But there are thermal imaging companies which will visit your premises, run the equipment across your electrical systems and advise on whether any further action is needed.

Thermal imaging is a service FMG has been offering a number of its rural and commercial clients – with a particular focus on checking switchboards. The company said it decided to add the offering to its risk-advice service after analysing its claims data, which showed an increasing number of milking shed fire
claims. 

“Many people have a perception that milking sheds are almost impenetrable by fire with their concrete walls and foundations, understandably so. But in reality this isn’t the case,” says Conrad Wilkshire, FMG’s general manager advice and insurance.

Most dairy shed fires FMG dealt with were caused by faulty electrical switchboards, fuses, wiring or vermin infestations in the electrical components. Thermal imaging can be used to detect these frailties, as the hotter the object’s temperature, the more thermal energy it omits. A thermal imagery expert can point out where the hotspots are within the switchboard, and then let you know whether any action is needed.

“Once we looked further into thermal imaging, we knew we had to get on to it and let clients know it was available. Dairy farmers have a lot invested in their milking sheds, and here’s a simple, cost effective way of helping protect that investment, reduce the likelihood of interruption to their business and help keep staff and livestock safe from fire.

“This initiative has become so popular amongst our dairy clients that we have now also started offering it to commercial clients.”

FMG works with Thermoman. Since the partnership began in 2012, the two organisations have done 840 site visits for 617 of FMG’s rural and commercial clients. From those visits, 64 sites were seen to need immediate attention. In several cases clients had their dairy sheds or commercial properties checked that day by an electrician.

A further 347 sites were classified as needing their electrical systems checked in the near future.

Anne Saunders and Dr Gerry McSweeny of Wilderness Lodge are two business owners, who have recently had thermal image technology through their properties. 

They run two lodges, one in Moeraki and the other in Arthurs Pass. 

“We hadn’t heard of thermal imaging until FMG mentioned it to us. Given that help from the fire service is 30-60 minutes away we jumped at the opportunity to have thermal imaging added to the fire prevention measures we already have in place,” Saunders says.

“The assessment of our switchboards took just a couple of hours at each lodge and found eight faults of overheated circuits and connections. We got an electrician in to do minor maintenance work and everything was sorted.” 

Tel. 0800 366 466