Thermal imaging surveys are a non-disruptive way of inspecting electrical and mechanical installations under their normal working conditions.

Why undertake a thermal imaging survey?

Thermal imaging is a long established technology that has found many uses particularly with planned or preventative maintenance.

It’s great benefit is that thermal imaging is at its best when the surveyed item is operating under normal conditions which in turn negates the need to have disruptive isolation’s causing inconvenience to the workforce or building user.

When is it best used?

The best use of thermal imaging is to provide an interim non-disruptive inspection of the electrical and mechanical installation.

The Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) recommend routine inspections to the electrical installation between the formal periodic inspections. Thermal imaging is a great way to satisfy this requirement due to its non-disruptive nature.

What can be surveyed?

All aspects of the electrical installation can be surveyed and Electrical Test Midlands can provide you with expert guidance in making this decision.

Typical items that would be incorporated within a survey would be;

• Electrical Distribution Boards and Main Panel Boards
• Cable Runs & Terminations
• Power Busbars, electrical risers and tap off units
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Panels
• Motors and Pumps
• Critical or essential power
• External power supplies such as generators, Combined heating power (CHP) & UPS

Are there different service levels?

We typically undertake two service levels which offer a full report and analysis or a report by exception which just notifies you of equipment that is operating at higher than expected temperatures.

Which ever report you choose both reports include an inventory of items inspected and the respective measured temperature.

How do the reports get analysed?

All our operatives who undertake thermal imaging are electrically qualified inspection and test engineers, therefore most analysis is undertaken at the time of the survey and either acted on immediately or reported as necessary.

Additional analysis is undertaken by NICEIC accredited Qualifying Supervisors prior to you receiving your report further ensuring that the results obtained are reported accurately to you.

Are there any other benefits from a survey?

Typically when undertaking any inspection safety is quite often the main objective. However, many electrical installations require a higher integrity for the continuity of supply to maintain business critical services.

Though the installations may have undergone a thorough periodic inspection, frequently isolation of the critical parts will not be permitted to be inspected by the client due to the disruption it may cause. A thermal imaging survey of those parts of the installation maybe vital in identifying latent defects which in turn could lead to failure of the electrical supply.