FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS
How Are You Able to See Problems in Electrical Systems using Infrared Thermography?
Almost all electrical issues or faults create resistance within the circuit. We see this resistance in the form of heat. Using our high resolution FLIR thermal imaging system, we are most often able to pinpoint the exact cause of the issue.
What Kind of Problems Do You Find While Doing an Infrared Inspection or Thermal Scan on Electrical Switchgear?
A thermal scan of electrical switchgear can show us many things such as loose connections, overloaded circuits, deteriorating components, faulty breakers, load imbalances, and faulty contact points are some of the more common issues we see.
Does Infrared Testing of Electrical Equipment Interrupt Normal Operations?
No. During a thermal scan of electrical systems the system or component is preferred to be under load and normal operation. Most devices have a service interlock that allows access for inspection without shutting the equipment down.
Do Electrical Panel Covers Need to Be Removed?
For the most thorough infrared inspection, it is recommended to remove the panel covers and dead fronts.
How Long Does an Electrical Thermal Inspection of Switchgear Normally Take?
The amount of time it takes to complete the thermal scan depends on if panel covers are being removed. If they are being removed the next factor is who is removing them. Our largest facilities can take up to a week.