At Volta Compliance, we specialise in providing comprehensive thermal imaging surveys to identify potential issues. One of the most common questions we hear is – “What do the colours on thermal imaging reports signify?”
In this blog post, we’ll explain the basics of thermal imaging, including the different colours, and explore the benefits of understanding your report.
Also known as infrared thermography, thermal imaging is essentially a technique that captures heat emitted from objects and surfaces. It creates a colourful visual map of surface temperatures of areas in a room, such as floors, walls or ceilings. These images are made from thousands of temperature measures from infrared-sensing equipment.
This non-invasive method allows electrical contractors to detect temperature anomalies in your electrical systems. These anomalies can indicate issues such as overheating components, loose connections or failing equipment which – if left undetected – can lead to costly hazards and downtime.
Every object emits infrared radiation as a function of its temperature. Thermal imaging cameras detect this radiation and translate it into a visual spectrum of colour – typically as a rainbow or ironbow palette.
The resulting images, called thermographs, provide valuable insights into the thermal performance of your electrical systems.
Thermal imaging scans are highly effective at identifying faults. However, they do not negate the need for regular full inspections of your electrical systems. Think of them as an important extra level of maintenance.
The frequency of thermal imaging reports will depend on the type of your business. We recommend scheduling one every 12 months – especially if your business has a lot of heavy usage equipment.
Thermal imaging reports use a range of colours to represent different temperatures. A rainbow palette has more contrast than the ironbow palette, and also differentiates temperature differences more clearly. In contrast, the ironbow palette has a steady colour and brightness gradient, meaning it can be interpreted even when reproduced in greyscale.
Colours you’ll typically encounter in both palettes include:
Thermal imaging plays a huge part in identifying a wide range of issues within electrical systems. Common problems that thermal imaging reports uncover include:
When you receive a thermal imaging report from Volta Compliance, it will include a detailed analysis of the findings, along with the corresponding thermographic images. Here’s how to interpret the key sections:
These images are the heart of the report, visually representing the temperature distribution across your electrical systems. Pay close attention to areas highlighted in warmer colours, as these often illustrate potential areas of concern.
Each image is accompanied by temperature readings, often presented as a gradient bar or numerical data. This information helps you understand the severity of temperature anomalies.
Our thermal imaging reports include actionable recommendations based on the findings. These may involve immediate repairs, scheduled maintenance or further investigation to confirm that your systems are operational and safe to use.
Understanding the colours in your thermal imaging report is important, but you should also be familiar with the broader benefits of this technology. Key areas that our clients benefit from thermal imaging include:
By identifying issues early, thermal imaging means you can undertake preventative maintenance, reducing the risk that you’ll suffer from unexpected failures and costly downtime.
Detecting and addressing overheating components and loose connections can prevent electrical fires and other hazards, allowing you to gain the peace of mind that your premises and staff are safe and protected.
When you’re running a business, every penny counts, and you can ill afford to waste money on inefficient systems. Thermal imaging identifies areas where you can improve, reducing your operational costs.
Regular thermal imaging inspections help your business comply with safety regulations and standards and provide you with documented evidence of proactive maintenance efforts.
Understanding the colours in your thermal imaging report is essential for identifying potential issues and optimising the efficiency of your electrical systems. By partnering with Volta Compliance, you’ll receive accurate, insightful and actionable information that helps you keep your business running smoothly and safely.
We provide ourselves on delivering top-quality thermal imaging services to businesses across Yorkshire. Our experienced team uses the highest quality equipment to conduct thorough inspections and provide detailed reports tailored to your specific needs.
Whether you’re looking to enhance the safety of your electrical system, improve efficiency or simply gain peace of mind, get in touch with our friendly team today. Call us on 0113 436 0402 or email [email protected].