This Android camera accessory helped me spot a hidden electrical hazard just in time

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Picture the scene. You’re called into a bustling commercial kitchen to investigate a “strange, plastic burning smell.” The owners have already searched high and low but found nothing, so they bring you in for a second opinion. You conduct a thorough visual inspection, scanning every corner. Still nothing, yet the smell is unmistakable. 

It’s the kind of acrid smell that screams toxicity and danger. The smell is coming from under one of the counters, from a tight, awkward space that’s nearly impossible to access without dismantling everything.

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This is the situation I found myself in the other day. I crouched down, sniffed the air, and yeah, the acrid smell was definitely coming from near there somewhere. But I couldn’t see or reach anything. And if I wanted to dig deeper, I’d have to start tearing apart the counter, which would take time and create a big disturbance.

That’s when I pulled out my secret weapon. My Thermal Master P4 thermal camera for Android smartphones.

A quick scan, and, clear as day on the screen, I saw a glowing hotspot — a plug just out of sight, blasting out heat. That plug was seriously overheating, and I was shocked it hadn’t already failed. I was too caught up in the moment to snap a thermal image, but trust me, it was hot.

Problem detected. Disaster averted.

Thermal cameras are super useful

Regular readers will know I’m a big fan of thermal cameras, whether it’s the built-in ones on smartphones or the plug-in add-ons that turn your phone into a powerful heat-detecting device.

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Whenever someone asks me why I need a thermal camera, I’m ready to rattle off a dozen use cases that make it one of the most versatile tools you can own. Here’s a quick list of some of the things that I’ve done with my thermal cameras this year:

• Home maintenance: Detect heat loss, insulation gaps, or air leaks around windows and doors.
• Electrical troubleshooting: Spot overheating circuits, faulty wiring, or overloaded breakers before they become really dangerous.
• Automotive repairs: Diagnose overheating engines, brakes, or other car components.
• Search and rescue: Locate pets or people in dark or hard-to-reach spaces, like the time I found a cat trapped in a derelict building.

A thermal camera isn’t just another gadget that’ll languish at the bottom of your toolbox. It’s a game changer. And when it comes to tools that make your life easier (and safer), this device is worth every penny.

Small, but powerful

The Thermal Master P4 is the latest in a series of cutting-edge thermal cameras that keep getting better. Designed exclusively for Android users (sorry, iPhone fans), the P4 is a tiny unit weighing just 26.5 grams (about the weight of one AA battery). However, the device boasts an impressive 512×384 X³ IR resolution and 0.035℃ high sensitivity.

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This professional-grade infrared thermal imager also features a buttery-smooth 25Hz refresh rate, delivering crystal-clear and stable images. With its 15x digital zoom, the P4 makes it easy to detect even the most subtle temperature changes.

The P4 offers a wide temperature range of -4℉ to 1112℉ (-20℃ to 600℃), making it a versatile tool for a variety of applications. Whether you’re performing electrical inspections, HVAC maintenance, automotive diagnostics, or even tackling everyday household tasks, the P4 has you covered.

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I own quite a few standalone thermal cameras, but there’s one big problem: almost every time you need to use one, it needs charging. Not the P4. This device doesn’t require its own battery because it connects directly to any Android 6.0+ smartphone, which is far more likely to be charged and ready to go.

The P4 stands out from many other smartphone thermal cameras because it features a dual-camera system, one thermal and one visible. This capability allows the software to work its magic, delivering high-quality hybrid thermal/optical imaging.

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The P4 comes in a handy carry case to keep the camera safe, and you get the usual charging cable and manual.

ZDNET’s buying advice

I’ve been using the Thermal Master P4 for a few weeks now, and I have to say it’s a winner. The device is about as professional as plug-and-play smartphone thermal cameras get. The $399 price tag definitely places the P4 in the high-end category, but you’re getting a camera that, just a few years ago, would have cost thousands.

From the smoothness of the imaging to the accuracy of the thermal detection, and the variety of modes — IR, Pro-Mix, IR Fuse, and visible — it’s easy to spot what you’re looking for, no matter how complex the scene.

Also: I invested in a thermal imaging camera for my iPhone and Android – it’s already paying off

I’ve tested other cameras that looked good on paper but were disappointing in performance because either the image quality was so poor it was nearly useless, or the software was buggy and prone to crashing. The P4, however, delivers on all fronts.

Not everyone who can benefit from a thermal camera needs a $400 device. If you’re a hobbyist or DIYer, I suggest something like the Thermal Master P1. This device is a fantastic thermal camera that offers a great thermal range, resolution, and accuracy, all at a fraction of the price of its bigger sibling.

However, for professionals who need a camera for daily work that delivers top-notch performance and durability, the P4 is worth the investment. The device is not only cheaper and more convenient than high-end standalone cameras, but it also offers exceptional quality and a set of features that make it a reliable tool for demanding tasks.