[ Spotlight: ECA online store ]
tool manufacturers. But for those who have bought, used or tested these tools, they are good quality devices, powered by reliable Li-ion batteries from Sony, and have proven themselves to be value for money – often with features and benefi ts beyond that of alternative products. The Durofix 6V AA battery-powered
inspection camera is a great example of what the company brings to the market. It is a good value inspection camera that can be powered either by AA batteries or with the Durofi x brand’s 10.8V Li-ion batteries.
In brief, the specifi cation of the camera is as follows: ■ 8mm camera head; ■ LED lighting at camera head, the brightness of which can be controlled;
■ Up to 2.5 x magnifi cation; ■ 2-inch LCD screen; ■ 2-metre waterproof fi bre optic cable; ■ 180° angle change; ■ Soft rubber grip; ■ Hook for tool belt; and ■ Video-out socket
At two metres, the very fl exible fi bre optic cable is the ideal length; one metre in many instances is insuffi cient and three metres and over can become too unmanageable. The 8mm camera head also means that if you have to drill an inspection hole, it’s a lot less obtrusive than some of the bigger cameras with a 17mm head. It also means you can position the camera in tighter spaces and confi ned areas where other cameras can’t go. The operation of the camera is simple, with four
buttons: on/off, LED brightness control, 180° angle change, and magnifi cation control to allow you to zoom in. The camera is light and robust, and has a rubber grip that makes it ideal for use by tradesmen. It runs on AA batteries that typically give approximately
14 hours’ use. However, with the Durofi x 10.8V Li-ion battery pack, the camera can deliver 16 hours of use on one full battery charge – and the batteries take only 15 minutes to recharge fully.
Inside story Inspection cameras provide access to see things that you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to see. They can be used to look beneath fl oorboards and fl ooring, behind drywalls, inside ducting or trunking, in roof and ceiling spaces and inside equipment and machinery, with the LED lights at the camera head providing illumination. Although Durofi x advises that the camera has been tested to withstand contact with a 240V live wire, the company recommends a safety fi rst approach and asks users to ensure that the device doesn’t come into contact with live cables. Most tradesmen, at one time or another, have had to be
sure of the location of wiring or pipes and so have ended up taking down drywall, removing panels, obstructions or lifting up fl ooring to locate something. The cost of labour
and materials in those circumstances can mount up, as well as adding time to a job and its completion date. A camera that can be used in those circumstances will avoid unnecessary work – and cost.
Special deal The managing director of Concept, the company that distributes Durofix in the UK, comments: ‘The camera has proven
to be very popular with all trades, so much so that at the last two trade shows we have done we sold out of the cameras, principally to electrical contractors. We are surprised at the diversity of circumstances in which people are using the cameras, but what is commonly said by all is that it saves time and money when its needed, and often saves using a third party.
which involves the combined with impac t
Cameras are much more affordable now and have become a part of the armoury of many tradesmen.’ The ECA has secured a special deal for its members Durofi x inspection camera, the high quality Durofi x screwdriver, for just £199 plus VAT for the pair (while stocks last). Alternatively,
the camera with the AA Battery option costs just £115 plus VAT. However, for just an extra £84 more, you can get the full
combo pack which allows for the interchangeable battery from the impact driver to be used within the camera. These prices include free delivery to UK addresses. See the ECA and ELECSA online shops to order the products.
■ For more information on the products mentioned, visit
www.eca.co.uk or
www.elecsa.co.uk and go to the shop sections.
Inspection cameras are now much more affordable and have become a part of the armoury of many tradesmen
January 2012 ECA Today 25
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