Thermal Imaging Inspections to Building’s Electrical Systems

Thermal Imaging Inspections to Building’s Electrical Systems

Thermal imaging inspections to electrical systems can help to prevent fires, explosions, or breakdowns. It can find loose connections, overloaded and/or fatigued components, uneven voltage distribution and blockages in cooling tubes of transformers. The principal advantage over other types of testing and inspection is the ease with which components can be checked in a non-intrusive and safer way.

Thermal imaging inspections of a building’s electrical system are crucial for safety and maintenance. Here’s why:

1. Identifying Anomalies: Thermal imaging cameras allow technicians to visualize the heat emitted by electrical components. By capturing thermal images, they can quickly spot temperature differences in industrial three-phase electrical circuits compared to their normal operating conditions. These differences can indicate potential issues such as unbalance or overloading.
2. Detecting Unbalance: Electrical unbalance can occur due to various factors, including power delivery problems, low voltage on one leg, or insulation resistance breakdown inside motor windings. Even a small voltage unbalance can lead to connections deteriorating, excessive current draw, and reduced motor torque. Severe unbalance can even blow a fuse or cause single-phase operation. Thermal imaging helps discover and diagnose these unbalances.
3. Preventive Maintenance: Regular thermal inspections are essential for pre-emptive maintenance. By visualising heat patterns, technicians can ensure that electrical systems operate within safe temperature ranges. Detecting abnormal heating associated with high resistance or excessive current flow helps prevent potential hazards that could lead to complete system failure and fires.
4. Comprehensive Analysis: Electrical thermal imaging provides a thorough assessment of the entire system, including hidden components not visible to the naked eye. This comprehensive analysis ensures the safety of the premises and its occupants.

In summary, thermal imaging inspections help maintain electrical safety, prevent hazards, and allow for timely corrective actions. If you suspect any issues with your building’s electrical system, consider arranging a professional thermal inspection with APT now. 😊

 The most common electrical issues identified with thermal imaging.

Thermal imaging is a powerful tool for detecting various electrical issues. Here are some common ones:

1. Loose Connections: Loose electrical connections generate heat due to increased resistance. These hotspots can be easily identified through thermal imaging. Loose connections can lead to arcing, voltage drops, and even fires.
2. Overloaded Circuits: Overloaded circuits cause excessive current flow, resulting in elevated temperatures. Thermal imaging helps pinpoint areas where circuits are handling more load than they should, allowing for timely corrective actions.
3. Imbalanced Loads: Imbalanced loads occur when one phase carries significantly more current than the others. This can lead to overheating in specific components. Thermal imaging reveals such imbalances.
4. Faulty Components: Failing components (such as switches, breakers, or fuses) often exhibit abnormal heat patterns. Detecting these anomalies early helps prevent system failures.
5. Corroded or Damaged Conductors: Corrosion or physical damage to conductors can increase resistance and cause localized heating. Thermal imaging identifies these areas for maintenance.
6. Insulation Issues: Poor insulation leads to heat leakage. By scanning electrical panels, junction boxes, and cables, thermal imaging detects insulation breakdowns.
7. Motor Problems: Overheating motors are a common issue. Thermal imaging helps identify faulty bearings, winding issues, or blocked ventilation.
8. Electrical Panel Hotspots: Panels with overloaded breakers, damaged bus bars, or poor connections exhibit hotspots. Regular inspections prevent potential hazards.

Remember that early detection of these issues through thermal imaging allows for proactive maintenance, reduces downtime, and ensures electrical safety. 😊

We provide Level 3 Thermal Imaging Surveys to electrical systems

Our team of Level 3 certified professional Thermographers are highly experienced in carrying out thermal imaging surveys and have many years’ experience in all aspects of engineering, construction, maintenance, management, and professional survey work. Our thermal imaging equipment is some of the most accurate on the market, ensuring we pick up faults that other equipment may miss.

If you would like to contact us for more information on our thermal imaging services, please contact us on 01525 303905 or email us at

in**@ap*************.uk