What Is Electrical Thermal Imaging?

For example, one connection that appears warmer than comparable connections deserves attention, but the surveyor still needs to consider their respective loads. The image should lead to a reasoned recommendation rather than an automatic instruction to replace the equipment.

Fluke explains that thermal cameras cannot see through electrical cabinets or solid metal bus trays. Access, viewing position and the surfaces visible to the camera determine what can be examined. Reflections and surface properties affect interpretation. An inaccessible component should be recorded as outside the inspection, rather than quietly treated as satisfactory.

Provide the equipment list, previous reports, circuit information and normal operating pattern. Identify whether the survey is intended to investigate a particular symptom, establish a baseline or support planned maintenance.

Agree which equipment should be operating and how the load will be recorded. An inspection during an unusually quiet period may not represent the conditions associated with a recurring problem. Production cycles and intermittent equipment can therefore influence the visit timing.

Access arrangements must be planned by competent people. Opening electrical equipment can expose serious hazards; building users should not remove covers to help obtain an image. HSE explains the need to manage electrical risks in its electrical safety guidance.

A useful report identifies each surveyed asset and includes the thermal image, a corresponding ordinary photograph where useful, operating conditions, observations and recommended action. It should distinguish urgent concerns from planned investigation and record equipment that could not be assessed.

Allocate each recommendation to an owner and retain the investigation result. If a connection is repaired, a later comparison under suitable operating conditions can help assess whether the unusual heating has been resolved. Keep the repair record alongside the original finding so future reviewers understand the history.

No. It provides information about temperature patterns under the survey conditions. An electrical installation condition report involves a different inspection and testing scope. Use the two as complementary evidence where appropriate.

No. Loading, component behaviour, ventilation and other conditions can influence temperature. The cause needs investigation before selecting a repair.

No. Some defects do not create a visible temperature difference, and inaccessible or lightly loaded equipment limits what can be seen. The report should explain the inspected scope and operating conditions.

Read about electrical thermal imaging services, fault finding and diagnostics and planned maintenance, or explore the Knowledge Centre.