What Is Infrared Thermography?

Infrared thermography is a non-contact inspection method that uses specialized infrared cameras to detect and measure heat patterns emitted by electrical, mechanical, and other equipment. Because temperature changes can reveal developing problems that are not visible to the human eye, infrared thermal imaging is widely used for preventative and predictive maintenance. ElectricIR™ provides professional thermography inspections performed by certified thermographers who are trained to identify abnormal thermal conditions and potential equipment problems.

During an infrared thermography inspection, a thermal imaging camera scans equipment while it is operating under normal conditions. The camera detects differences in surface temperature and creates a thermal image that allows the thermographer to identify abnormal heat signatures. In electrical systems, excessive heat can indicate loose connections, increased electrical resistance, overloaded circuits, phase imbalance, deteriorating components, or other developing problems. Detecting these conditions early gives maintenance teams an opportunity to investigate and correct problems before they lead to equipment failure, fire hazards, or unexpected downtime.

What Does Infrared Thermography Inspect?

ElectricIR performs electrical infrared inspections across a wide range of commercial, industrial, institutional, and mission-critical facilities. Thermal imaging can be used to inspect energized electrical equipment without requiring the system to be shut down, allowing equipment to be evaluated under actual operating conditions.

• Electrical Panels and Distribution Boards
• Main Switchboards and Disconnects
• Switchgear and Switchboards
• Transformers and High Voltage Equipment
• Main Distribution Panels
• Motor Control Centers (MCC)
• Circuit Breakers and Disconnects
• Bus Duct Systems
• Generator Controls and Transfer Switches
• Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
• Machine Control Panels
• Electric Motors and Mechanical Equipment

How Infrared Thermography Finds Electrical Problems

Electrical components normally generate some amount of heat while carrying current. When a connection becomes loose, a circuit becomes overloaded, or a component begins to deteriorate, electrical resistance can increase and produce an abnormal temperature rise. Thermal imaging allows a certified thermographer to identify these temperature differences and determine whether further investigation or corrective maintenance may be appropriate.

Thermography can also provide valuable information for recurring predictive maintenance inspections. By documenting thermal images and equipment conditions during scheduled inspections, maintenance teams can compare results over time and identify changes in equipment temperature or condition. ElectricIR provides detailed reports with thermal images, visual documentation, identified deficiencies, and recommendations to help facility managers prioritize corrective action.