Thermal Imaging Resource Center
Every piece of equipment in your facility naturally emits invisible heat, signaling problems long before a breakdown occurs. Our non-contact thermal imaging services act as an early warning system, capturing a snapshot of hidden electrical and mechanical issues that we simply cannot see with our eyes. By identifying these problems early, we help you prevent downtime, prevent unplanned outages, and save thousands in emergency repair costs.
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Why This Matters
Nobody plans for an electrical failure.
A failed breaker, loose connection, or overheating panel can unexpectedly stop production, interrupt your business, damage equipment, or create a fire hazard.
The goal is to identify equipment that is operating hotter than it should be so repairs can be planned and made before failure may occur.
That's the value of a thermal inspection.
How Does Thermal Imaging Work.
Our eyes can only see what we define as visible light, but there is a much larger spectrum of light that we cannot see.
Every object naturally emits heat energy in the form of infrared radiation, which is invisible to the human eye. A thermal camera detects this hidden energy and converts it into a visual image, allowing us to see exact temperature differences.
The camera then converts those temperature differences into an easy-to-understand image that allows us to quickly identify components that need a closer look.
In the above picture can you see what we would see and what it looks like to a thermal camera.
What Can Thermal Imaging Find?
Thermal imaging is one of the best tools available for identifying developing electrical problems.
During an inspection we may identify:
Loose electrical connections
Overloaded circuits
Failing breakers
Contactors that may have worn components
Motor bearing problems
Unbalanced electrical loads
Transformer hot spots
High-resistance electrical connections
Components that may have cooling issues from buildup of dirt/dust
Remember...
Not every hot component is a problem.
Our job is determining whether that temperature is normal or a warning sign.
Prevent Problems Before They Happen
Most electrical failures don't happen instantly.
They develop over weeks, months, or even years.
A thermal inspection gives us a snapshot of your electrical system today.
When inspections are repeated on a regular schedule, we can compare images over time and identify equipment that is slowly changing.
That's called predictive maintenance, and it's one of the biggest advantages of thermal imaging.
Instead of reacting to failures...
You plan repairs before they become emergencies, and that will save time and money.
Who Can Benefit?
Commercial Buildings
Reduce downtime and identify developing electrical issues before they interrupt your business.
Manufacturing
Monitor switchgear, MCCs, motors, disconnects, and other electrical equipment while they remain in service.
Agricultural Facilities
Inspect grain handling equipment, dairy operations, irrigation systems, ventilation equipment, and electrical distribution systems before harvest or peak production seasons.
Residential Homes
Thermal imaging can help identify overheating electrical components, overloaded panels, and other hidden issues that may not be visible during a traditional inspection.
What Does a Thermal Inspection Look Like?
Our inspection process is straightforward.
Step 1
We discuss your concerns and determine which equipment should be inspected.
Step 2
We inspect your electrical equipment while it is operating under normal load.
Step 3
Thermal images are collected throughout the inspection.
Step 4
The images are analyzed using FLIR Thermal Studio software.
Step 5
You receive a report showing our findings, along with recommendations if corrective action is needed.
Getting the Best Results
Thermal imaging works best when equipment is operating normally.
To obtain the best results:
Equipment operating under normal load
At least one hour of run time before inspection Equipment in its normal operating condition
Electrical panels remaining closed until the inspection begins whenever possible
The more realistic the operating conditions, the more valuable the inspection becomes.
Ready to Learn More?
Whether you're responsible for a manufacturing facility, farm, commercial building, or your own home, thermal imaging provides valuable insight into the condition of your electrical system.
If you'd like to learn whether a thermal inspection is right for your property, we'd be happy to answer your questions.
Frequently asked questions
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Thermal imaging isn't just for factories.
It can benefit nearly any energized electrical system.
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Yes.
Every inspection is analyzed in FLIR’s thermal studio and includes observations, and recommendations so you understand exactly what was found.
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No.
Thermal imaging is an excellent diagnostic tool, but it is one part of a complete electrical evaluation.
Some problems don't create abnormal heat until they become more severe.
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It really varies, it depends on how much equipment there is to survey. There is also further processing of data that is done off site and returned to you in a report.
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