This Android camera accessory helped me spot a hidden electrical hazard just in time
A $450 thermal camera accessory for Android phones detected a dangerous, overheating plug invisible to the naked eye.
In a real-world test, ZDNET's Adrian Kingsley-Hughes used the Thermal Master P4 thermal camera to identify a critical electrical hazard. While investigating a burning smell in a commercial kitchen, a visual inspection failed to locate the source. By plugging the accessory into an Android phone, Kingsley-Hughes scanned a tight space under a counter and immediately spotted a glowing hotspot on the screen—an overheating electrical plug that was on the verge of failure, preventing a potential fire.
The Thermal Master P4 is a $450, pro-grade accessory that transforms an Android smartphone into a powerful diagnostic tool. It features dual-lens thermal imaging, delivers high accuracy and image quality, and comes with a robust app for professionals. While it lacks iPhone support and carries a premium price, its ability to visualize heat makes it invaluable for non-destructive inspections in electrical work, home maintenance, and industrial settings, offering a versatile solution for spotting hidden problems.
- The $450 Thermal Master P4 accessory plugs into Android phones to add thermal imaging capabilities.
- In a test, it identified a dangerously overheating electrical plug hidden from view, averting a potential disaster.
- The tool is praised for pro-grade image quality and accuracy but lacks iPhone support and is pricey.
Why It Matters
Provides professionals with a portable, powerful tool for non-invasive safety inspections to prevent electrical fires and equipment failures.