Find loose connections, overloaded circuits, and hidden faults before they cause fires. Five thermal cameras compared for resolution, battery life, connectivity, and real-world value on site.
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Written and reviewed by Andrew Moore, founder of Elec-Mate, against BS 7671:2018+A4:2026, IET Guidance Note 3 and the IET On-Site Guide.
For electrical work the specs that matter are detector resolution (aim for at least 160×120 pixels so hotspots are clear), temperature range and accuracy (around ±2°C), and a usable refresh rate. A thermal camera finds loose connections, overloaded circuits and failing devices inside consumer units and distribution boards before they fail — a non-contact survey carried out under load. FLIR and Hikmicro pocket cameras are the most popular with UK electricians; pick the resolution your budget allows, as it has the biggest effect on what you can actually see.
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A thermal imaging camera does something no other tool in your kit can do — it makes heat visible. Loose connections, overloaded cables, failing components, and imbalanced loads all generate excess heat before they cause visible damage, tripped breakers, or fires.
For electricians, thermal imaging is a diagnostic shortcut. Instead of checking every connection on a loaded board with the back of your hand (or worse, waiting for something to fail), you point the camera at the board and instantly see which connections are running hot. A 30-second thermal scan can identify a problem that would take 20 minutes of systematic testing to find.
Thermal cameras have dropped dramatically in price over the past five years. In 2020, a usable thermal camera for electrical work cost 1,500 pounds or more. In 2026, you can get a capable device for 350 to 600 pounds. There is no longer a cost excuse for not carrying one.
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A thermal camera earns its keep on site in ways that go beyond electrical fault finding. Here are the use cases that UK electricians report getting the most value from.
The FLIR C5 is a compact, pocket-sized thermal camera with a 160x120 sensor, built-in visible light camera, and FLIR Ignite cloud connectivity. It is the camera most commonly recommended by electricians who have used multiple models.
Thermal resolution: 160x120 pixels
Temperature range: -20 to +400 degrees C
Accuracy: +/- 3 degrees C or +/- 3%
MSX enhancement: Yes (edge overlay)
Visible camera: 5MP
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, FLIR Ignite cloud
Battery: Rechargeable, 4 hours
Street price: 500 to 600 pounds
Strengths: The 160x120 resolution is the sweet spot for electrical work — you can clearly identify individual terminals and connections on a consumer unit. MSX (Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging) overlays visible light edges onto the thermal image, making it much easier to identify exactly which component is hot. The form factor is pocket-sized — it genuinely fits in a trouser pocket, so you always have it to hand. FLIR Ignite cloud sync means images are automatically backed up and can be accessed from any device. The touchscreen interface is intuitive.
Weaknesses: Battery life is the main limitation — 4 hours is tight for a full day of inspections. Carry a USB-C power bank. The temperature range goes to 400 degrees, which is more than you need for electrical work (you are paying for capability you will not use). The 5MP visible camera is adequate but not outstanding.
Best for: Electricians who want one camera that does everything well. If you only buy one thermal camera, this is the one to buy.
HikMicro (part of Hikvision) has entered the thermal imaging market with aggressively priced cameras that outperform their price point. The B1L is the standout model for electricians.
Thermal resolution: 256x192 pixels
Temperature range: -20 to +150 degrees C
Accuracy: +/- 2 degrees C or +/- 2%
Fusion modes: PIP, blended, side-by-side
Visible camera: 2MP
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, HikMicro Viewer app
Battery: Rechargeable, 6 hours
Street price: 350 to 450 pounds
Strengths: The headline is the resolution — 256x192 pixels at 350 to 450 pounds is remarkable. This is a higher thermal resolution than the FLIR C5 at a lower price. Images are noticeably sharper, with better detail on individual connections. Battery life at 6 hours is better than the FLIR C5. The accuracy specification (+/- 2 degrees) is tighter than FLIR. Multiple image fusion modes give flexibility in how you present results to customers.
Weaknesses: The HikMicro software ecosystem is less mature than FLIR. The Viewer app works but lacks the polish and cloud integration of FLIR Ignite. The visible light camera at 2MP is noticeably lower quality than the FLIR C5 — fine for reference images but not for detailed photo documentation. The brand is less established in the UK electrical market, and some customers may have concerns about Hikvision-related products. The temperature range tops out at 150 degrees, which is sufficient for electrical work but limits the camera for other applications.
Best for: Electricians who want the best thermal resolution per pound spent and prioritise image quality over brand recognition and app ecosystem.
Fluke's entry into compact thermal imaging brings the same build quality and brand reputation that makes the Fluke 1664 FC a premium MFT. The PTi120 is designed specifically for quick thermal inspections by electricians and maintenance engineers.
Thermal resolution: 120x90 pixels
Temperature range: -20 to +150 degrees C
Accuracy: +/- 3 degrees C or +/- 3%
IR-Fusion: Yes (Fluke blend mode)
Visible camera: 2MP
Connectivity: Fluke Connect
Battery: Rechargeable, 4 hours
Street price: 550 to 700 pounds
Strengths: Fluke Connect integration — if you already use a Fluke 1664 FC MFT, the PTi120 feeds into the same app and cloud ecosystem. Build quality is excellent with an IP54 dust and splash rating. The form factor is genuinely pocket-friendly. The IR-Fusion blend mode overlays thermal data on the visible image for easy identification of hot spots. Fluke's calibration and support network is the strongest in the UK.
Weaknesses: The 120x90 thermal resolution is the lowest in this review. While adequate for identifying obvious hot spots, it lacks the detail of the HikMicro B1L or FLIR C5 for pinpointing individual connections on a densely populated board. At 550 to 700 pounds, it costs more than the HikMicro B1L with lower resolution — you are paying the Fluke premium for build quality and ecosystem integration. Battery life at 4 hours matches the FLIR C5 limitation.
Best for: Electricians already invested in the Fluke Connect ecosystem who want thermal imaging that integrates seamlessly with their existing workflow.
The FLIR ONE Pro attaches to your smartphone (USB-C or Lightning) and turns it into a thermal camera. It is the cheapest way to get thermal imaging capability, but the trade-offs are significant.
Thermal resolution: 160x120 pixels
Temperature range: -20 to +400 degrees C
Accuracy: +/- 3 degrees C or +/- 5%
MSX enhancement: Yes
Visible camera: Uses phone camera
Connectivity: FLIR ONE app (iOS/Android)
Battery: Internal, 1 hour continuous
Street price: 300 to 400 pounds
Strengths: The price is the primary advantage — 300 to 400 pounds for 160x120 resolution with MSX is good value. The FLIR ONE app is well-designed with multiple colour palettes, spot temperature measurement, and image export. Using your phone screen means a larger, higher-resolution display than any standalone camera at this price. The 160x120 sensor resolution matches the FLIR C5.
Weaknesses: The 1-hour battery life is genuinely problematic — it drains your phone battery as well. The physical attachment is fragile and can be knocked off or damaged on site. You need to remove your phone case to attach it (or buy a specific compatible case). The ergonomics are poor — holding your phone at arm's length pointed at a consumer unit is awkward. It drains your phone battery, which is a problem if you also use your phone for certificates, photos, and navigation. The accuracy at +/- 5% is the worst in this review.
Best for: Electricians who want to try thermal imaging before committing to a standalone camera. It is a good learning tool and proof-of-concept device. If you find you use it regularly, upgrade to a FLIR C5 or HikMicro B1L within 6 months.
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Milwaukee's M12 thermal imager uses the M12 battery platform that powers their drill range. If you are already invested in Milwaukee cordless tools, the shared battery system is attractive.
Thermal resolution: 120x90 pixels
Temperature range: -10 to +400 degrees C
Accuracy: +/- 3 degrees C or +/- 3%
Image overlay: Basic blend mode
Visible camera: VGA
Connectivity: None (USB download)
Battery: M12 platform, 6+ hours
Street price: 500 to 650 pounds (body only)
Strengths: Battery life is excellent — the M12 platform batteries are robust and long-lasting. If you already own M12 batteries from other Milwaukee tools, you do not need to buy additional batteries. The build quality is designed for construction sites — it is tougher than the FLIR and Fluke pocket cameras. The pistol grip ergonomics feel natural for electricians used to holding power tools.
Weaknesses: No wireless connectivity — images must be downloaded via USB, which is a significant limitation for modern workflows. The 120x90 thermal resolution is tied for the lowest in this review. The visible camera is VGA quality, which is poor by 2026 standards. The image quality and software features are noticeably behind the thermal imaging specialists (FLIR, HikMicro). If you do not already own M12 batteries, the total cost including battery and charger pushes it above 700 pounds.
Best for: Electricians heavily invested in the Milwaukee M12 ecosystem who want a thermal camera that shares batteries with their existing tools and can survive rough treatment on site.
The thermal camera market is full of misleading specifications. Here is what actually matters for electrical work.
1st: HikMicro B1L (256x192) — 350 to 450 pounds
2nd: FLIR C5 (160x120) — 500 to 600 pounds
2nd: FLIR ONE Pro (160x120) — 300 to 400 pounds
4th: Fluke PTi120 (120x90) — 550 to 700 pounds
4th: Milwaukee M12 (120x90) — 500 to 650 pounds
1st: Milwaukee M12 (6+ hours with M12 battery)
2nd: HikMicro B1L (6 hours)
3rd: FLIR C5 (4 hours) and Fluke PTi120 (4 hours)
5th: FLIR ONE Pro (1 hour)
Best overall: HikMicro B1L — highest resolution at the lowest price
Best all-rounder: FLIR C5 — best software, good resolution, pocket-sized
Best entry point: FLIR ONE Pro — cheapest way to try thermal imaging
Best overall: FLIR C5. The combination of 160x120 resolution, MSX image fusion, FLIR Ignite cloud integration, and a pocket-sized form factor makes it the most practical thermal camera for day-to-day electrical work. The software ecosystem is the most mature and the brand is universally recognised.
Best value: HikMicro B1L. If raw thermal resolution per pound is your priority, the B1L at 256x192 pixels for 350 to 450 pounds is unbeatable. You get clearer, more detailed thermal images than the FLIR C5 at a lower price. The trade-off is the less mature software ecosystem.
Best for trying thermal imaging: FLIR ONE Pro. At 300 to 400 pounds with no commitment to a standalone device, it is the lowest-risk way to discover whether thermal imaging adds value to your workflow. Just accept the battery and ergonomic limitations.
Thermal imaging is not a replacement for proper testing with your multifunction tester. It is a complementary diagnostic tool that helps you find problems faster, demonstrate findings to customers, and add professionalism to your inspection reports.
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