Product Name: testo 860i thermal imaging camera

Date of Launch: 17th March 2025

Supporting Statement

The testo 860i Wireless Thermal Imaging Camera is a cutting-edge tool designed for HVAC professionals, electricians, and building inspectors. Its primary applications include rapid diagnostics of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems, as well as building inspections and industrial maintenance. The device excels in identifying temperature anomalies, detecting insulation faults, locating leaks in underfloor heating systems, and assessing electrical panels for hotspots. Its humidity mode also enables mould risk assessment in indoor environments, making it a versatile solution for ensuring system efficiency and indoor air quality (IAQ). The testo 860i’s smartphone integration via the Testo Smart App allows for real-time analysis and reporting, streamlining workflows across commercial, industrial, and residential settings.

Key Features
• Smartphone Integration via Testo Smart App: The device connects wirelessly to smartphones or tablets (iOS 17+ / Android 14+) via Bluetooth, enabling remote operation, real-time thermal image display, and instant report generation. The app supports seamless data management and sharing, enhancing on-site efficiency.
• High-Resolution Thermal Imaging: With a 256 x 192 pixel infrared resolution and thermal sensitivity of 0.05°C, the testo 860i delivers ultra-sharp thermal images for precise diagnostics.
• Application-Specific Measurement Programs: The DeltaHeat function quickly determines temperature differences between flow and return lines in heating systems, while DeltaCool assesses differential temperatures in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. The humidity mode uses a traffic light principle to evaluate mould risk.
• Seamless Connectivity: The testo 860i integrates with other Testo instruments, such as the testo 770-3 clamp meter and testo 605i thermohygrometer, for comprehensive thermal, electrical, and humidity analysis.
• Robust Design: IP54-rated for dust and water resistance and drop-resistant up to 1.5 meters, the device is built for rugged field use.
• PC Compatibility: The Testo IRSoft software for Windows 10/11 allows detailed image analysis and reporting for professional documentation.
• Flexible Operation: The device can be used wirelessly or attached directly to a smartphone for one-handed operation, simplifying fieldwork.
• USB-C Charging: The rechargeable battery eliminates frequent battery replacements, and the USB-C connection ensures easy recharging.

Energy Efficiency Advantages
The testo 860i enhances energy efficiency by enabling rapid identification of inefficiencies in HVAC systems, such as uneven heat distribution, insulation faults, or faulty components. By pinpointing these issues non-destructively, the device helps optimise system performance, reducing energy waste and operational costs. The DeltaHeat and DeltaCool functions ensure precise temperature differential measurements, allowing technicians to fine-tune heating and cooling systems for maximum efficiency. This contributes to lower energy consumption in commercial and residential buildings, aligning with Net Zero carbon targets.

Cost Comparison, Lifetime Running Costs, and Payback Period
The testo 860i thermal imaging camera offers a cost-effective solution for professionals seeking high-performance thermal imaging. Priced at £379, it is competitively positioned, offering superior IR resolution (256 x 192 pixels) compared to some competitors with lower resolutions and a broader measuring range (–20°C to 350°C) than others in its class. Against lower-priced competitors (£226 and £199), the testo 860i provides enhanced connectivity through integration with all Testo instruments via the Smart App and includes advanced PC-analysis software (IRSoft), features not fully matched by others. While its battery life of 2 hours is shorter than some competitors, its robust drop-resistant design and 11 colour palettes ensure versatility and durability, justifying its price with long-term value.
In terms of lifetime running costs and payback period, the testo 860i excels due to its compatibility as it enables seamless integration with other Testo instruments, reducing the need for additional equipment purchases. Its high thermal sensitivity (< 50 mK) and accuracy (± 2°C or ± 2%) ensure reliable diagnostics, minimising costly errors in applications like HVAC, electrical inspections, or building diagnostics. The inclusion of IRSoft for detailed analysis enhances efficiency, reducing labor time compared to competitors lacking similar software. With its competitive initial cost and enhanced functionality, the testo 860i delivers a rapid payback period by improving workflow efficiency and reducing diagnostic errors, making it a smart investment for professionals seeking long-term reliability.

Environmental Issues Addressed
The testo 860i supports environmental sustainability by optimising HVAC system performance, which directly reduces energy consumption. Its ability to detect insulation faults and leaks in heating systems prevents energy waste, contributing to lower carbon footprints in buildings. The humidity mode helps mitigate mould growth, improving indoor air quality and reducing health risks. By enabling non-destructive diagnostics, the device minimises the need for invasive repairs, reducing material waste and environmental impact.

Conclusion
The testo 860i Wireless Thermal Imaging Camera redefines smart HVAC diagnostics with its innovative use of smartphone integration, high-resolution imaging, and application-specific measurement programs. Its ability to enhance energy efficiency, streamline workflows, and address environmental concerns makes it a standout contender for the HVR Awards 2026 Ancillary Product of the Year. By empowering professionals with precise, efficient, and sustainable solutions, the testo 860i is an essential in any toolkit.

Entry ID: 10127

Supporting Documents

testo-logo-colour-XL-300-DPI-1.pdf

Supporting Documents

testo-860i-application-floorheating-clip-off-183-en-scaled.jpg, t860i-2024-lp-banner-08-1800×1200-1.webp, t860i-2024-lp-banner-02-1800×1200-1.webp, testo-8xx-heating-installations-image-v1_master.jpg, testo-860i-application-heatpump-770-3-1087-en-scaled.jpg, testo-860i-application-electrical-maintenance-1311-en-scaled.jpg