Electrical Infrared Inspections

Infrared thermography is a fast, non-contact method for identifying abnormal heating on energized electrical equipment. Most electrical failures are preceded by elevated temperature caused by loose connections, overloads, phase imbalance, deterioration, or abnormal contact resistance. Infrared surveys support predictive maintenance by finding developing issues early—before they become downtime, damage, or safety events.

Request an IR Quote Scope Deliverables

Energized Inspections

Actionable Reports

Condition-Based Maintenance

Industrial + Utility

Scope

Common applications and equipment covered.

Distribution Equipment

Switchgear, switchboards, panelboards, MCCs, bus duct, disconnects, fused switches, and critical feeders.

Transformers & Conductors

Transformer terminations, cable lugs, splices, terminations, and bus connections where access allows safe imaging.

Protection & Controls

Protective relays, CT/VT circuits (as accessible), control power components, and heat-related control cabinet issues.

Rotating Equipment

Motor starters, contactors, and connections supporting process motors, including MCC buckets and drive cabinets.

VFDs & Power Electronics

Line/load terminations, reactors/filters, DC bus components (where visible), and abnormal heating signatures.

Substations

Accessible substation connections and terminations, including disconnects, CTs, PTs, and buswork (site dependent).

How Findings Are Evaluated

We document the problem, quantify it, and provide next steps.

Evaluation approach

Delta-T analysis: temperature rise above similar components under similar load.
Load awareness: operating load heavily impacts observed temperature; we note load conditions when available.
Thermal pattern recognition: loose connection vs overload vs phase imbalance vs harmonics/neutral loading.
Severity ranking: prioritize corrective actions based on thermal rise and risk.
Confirmatory recommendations: torque checks, ultrasonic, DLRO, current measurements, or follow-up scans.

Best practice: scan under load.

Infrared is most effective when equipment is operating under normal or elevated load. If load is low, anomalies may not present thermally. When needed, we recommend a follow-up scan during higher loading to confirm and trend.

Safety-first execution

Our inspections are performed with a focus on safe access, approach boundaries, PPE requirements, and site-specific rules. We do not compromise safety to obtain images.

Deliverables

Clear reporting that supports maintenance decisions.

Typical report contents

Visible + infrared images of each anomaly
Temperature readings and delta-T comparisons
Emissivity / reflected temperature assumptions (when applicable)
Asset identification and location references
Severity ranking and recommended corrective actions
Summary table of findings for maintenance planning
Optional: rescan / verification after repairs

IR photo gallery

Infrared image showing elevated temperature

Thermal image of breaker or fuse connection

Infrared inspection inside electrical panel

Process Overview

How an inspection is typically executed.

1) Scope + Access

Confirm target equipment, access windows, energized work constraints, and site safety requirements.

2) Field Survey

Perform systematic scans of equipment while energized, documenting anomalies and thermal patterns.

3) Analysis

Evaluate anomalies using delta-T comparisons, loading context, and pattern recognition.

4) Reporting

Deliver clear findings with severity rankings and recommended corrective actions.

5) Maintenance Support

Optional repair verification scans and trending support for condition-based maintenance programs.

6) Repeat / Trend

Establish baseline and repeat surveys at planned intervals to trend asset health.

Need an Electrical IR Survey?

Tell us what equipment you want scanned (switchgear, MCCs, panels, substations), access constraints, and typical loading. We’ll scope the inspection and return a quote.

Request an IR Quote