An effective way to detect vulnerable hot spots in your electrical systems is through an accurate electrical thermal imaging service. This enables you to scan equipment and systems for any inconsistencies or serious faults. Read on to find out more
Thermal imaging is a diagnostic method that allows us to identify and understand changes in electrical networks. It uses infrared technology to find existing faults or areas where faults could develop in the future.
Most people are familiar with the concept of night vision. The ability of using heat to be able to see in the absence of visible light. Thermal imaging is an effective form of night vision technology.
It can be used in many industries to scan, inspect and discover problems and used preventatively to save time, stress and finances. For example,
Temperature is the keyword when it comes to thermal imaging. The imaging is used to detect systems that are running at very high temperatures, as this can lead to overload and system failure. Electrical components like fuse and control panels or switchboards can all be easily scanned from the outside, making it an easy way to inspect how your electricals are working.
Thermal imaging shows you an object’s heat that radiates from itself. This is shown on the screen through a myriad of colours. Colder temperatures are represented by blue, purple or green and warmer temperatures show red, orange or yellow.
As all objects omit some kind of infrared radiation, the thermal camera picks up heat. So, if you get a thermal scan of your electrical systems, the results will show you if your network is overheating and what you can do to strengthen it and fix any faults.
However, remember that thermal imaging scans don’t negate the need for regular full inspections of your electrical systems. It is a helpful method in identifying faults but should be used in addition to electrical inspections by professional engineers.
Thermal imaging is most valuable because it makes invisible problems visible before they become dangerous. Electrical faults generate heat long before they cause a breakdown or trigger a trip. And a thermal survey can identify a range of specific issues that standard visual checks will miss.
Loose connections are among the most common findings. When a connection is not properly secured, electrical resistance increases at that point and generates excess heat. This applies equally to corroded terminals and deteriorating cable insulation, both of which show as hotspots on a thermal image well before they develop into a live fault.
Overloaded circuits produce a distinct heat signature, as do failing components such as contactors, relays and circuit breakers. In three-phase systems, an imbalanced load (where current is not distributed equally across the three phases) will appear as a temperature differential that flags a problem capable of causing premature motor burnout or equipment failure.
Distribution boards and switchgear can also be inspected non-invasively. This is particularly useful in industrial environments where high-voltage equipment is housed in enclosures that cannot be opened safely during a standard inspection.
For a thermal imaging survey to produce accurate results, electrical systems need to be operating under normal working conditions at the time of the survey. Equipment that is switched off or running at very low load will not generate enough heat to produce a meaningful reading.
In practice, this means the best time to carry out a survey is during a normal working day, when the site's electrical systems are under typical operating load. Carrying out a survey during a shutdown or over a weekend will limit what can be detected. A qualified engineer will note load conditions in the survey report and flag where low load levels may have affected results.
Thermal imaging and an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) are complementary. Neither replaces the other. An EICR is a periodic inspection of your fixed wiring installation, testing whether it meets the requirements of BS 7671 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. It’s designed to assess the fundamental safety and design of your installation.
Thermal imaging does something different. It detects heat-related faults like loose connections, overloaded circuits, failing components. These faults can develop between EICR cycles and that a fixed wire test is not designed to identify. IET Guidance Note 3 specifically recommends thermal imaging as a diagnostic tool to supplement your EICR programme, not replace it. Running both gives you the most complete picture of your installation's condition.
When you decide to arrange a regular thermal imaging service, you are ensuring safety when it comes to electrical networks. Other benefits include:
It is good practice to use electrical thermal imaging to review your systems on an ongoing basis. This allows you to have a regular method of ensuring your network is still compliant and safe. At Volta Compliance, we recommend that you schedule a thermal imaging scan at least once a year to give you peace of mind.
Whether you want a stand-alone service or an ongoing preventative maintenance package, Volta’s expert team can help with both options. Simply contact our team today to request a quote for our services.
