Electrical systems are essential for any property. Unfortunately, some electrical problems are not able to be detected without causing equipment failures, pricey repairs and even catastrophic fires. Thermal Inspections in Ontario can identify these problems without causing additional damage to the property.

Using state-of-the-art infrared imaging, thermal inspections can identify heating irregularities in the electrical panels and wiring. Since overheating is a sign of electrical problems, property owners can save more money by conducting a thermal inspection compared to the cost of repairing the damage that would be caused by the electrical fault.

In this article, we will explore how thermal inspections work, the importance of thermal inspections in regards to electrical faults, and how thermal inspections can help you and your property.

What Are Thermal Inspections?

Thermal inspections are the use of infrared cameras to identify the heating of systems and structures. In comparison to regular inspections, which are limited to visual inspection, thermal cameras can detect heating that is beyond the visible spectrum.

Each electrical component will operate and produce normal heating. However, when that heating becomes excessive, it will signify one (or more) of the following problems:

Loose electrical connections

Overloaded circuits

Failing breakers

Damaged wiring

Corroded terminals

Unbalanced electrical loads

Defective switches

Professional Thermal Inspections in Ontario can spot issues before they cause problems.

Why Electrical Hotspots Develop

Electrical hotspots can be caused by a number of conditions, including:

Loose Connections

In the case of loose connections, electrical terminals can become resistant. As electricity flows through that point, significant heating will occur.

Overheating equipment can melt insulation over time.

Overloaded Circuits

Circuits carrying more current than intended heat up.

Thermal imaging finds overloaded panels, preventing failures.

Corrosion

Electrical connections are susceptible to corrosion with exposure to moisture.

Thermal cameras easily capture the heating effects of corrosion.

Aging Equipment

The aging of breakers, switches, and transformers is natural and expected.

Thermal inspections help determine if the aging of these items includes the need for replacement.

How Does a Thermal Inspection Work?

Thermal cameras detect infrared light to measure surface temperatures of electrical equipment.

A panel is typically surveyed with a technician scanning temperatures of individual components.

Individual breakers that are significantly hotter than the rest indicate a thermal inspection problem.

Additionally, the overheating of wiring, bus bars, connectors, and transformers can easily be detected during the inspection.

This helps identify defects without the need for opening the equipment.

Some Problems Thermal Inspections Find

The most common findings of the professional thermal inspection are:

Overheated Circuit Breakers

Each circuit breaker is expected to operate within a temperature range.

One breaker operating outside that range and significantly hotter than the other circuit breakers indicates one of the following:

Overloading

Internal damage

Poor connections

Replacing the breaker before it fails is more prudent.

Loose Bus Bar Connections

Bus bars move electrical current within the various sections of the electrical panel.

Hot connections caused by a poor or loose connection create a thermal inspection problem that is of increased concern due to the potential for failure and a significant fire.

This is easily detected with thermal imaging.

Faulty Fuses

Aging or failed fuses are typically an inspection problem due to overheating and are always in need of replacement.

Motor Issues

Industrial electric motors often malfunction due to:

    Bearing failures

    Winding problems

    Electrical imbalances

With these problems, excessive heating occurs before mechanical failures.

Transformer Issues

Heating in transformers is normal, but uneven in heating can mean:

    Internal insulation failures

    Overloading

    Electrical imbalances

Thermal inspections can help identify these problems earlier.

Thermal Inspections in Ontario

Higher Fire Prevention

Overheating electrical components is a cause of many electrical fires. Thermal inspections help to identify hotspots and reduce fire risks.

Lower Downtime

Unpredictable electrical failures halt business operations. Inspections reduce the risk of failure by identifying issues earlier.

Lower Repair Costs

Ignoring minor electrical issues will increase the cost of repairs. It is much cheaper to fix a loose connection than to replace an entire electrical panel due to a failure.

Improved Reliability

Eliminating excess heat will help electrical components improve long-term reliability.

Non-Destructive Testing

Unlike other testing methods, infrared inspections do not require dismantling of the electrical systems. Inspections can be done while keeping the system operational.

Who Uses Thermal Inspections

Almost every industry can use thermal inspections in Ontario. Some industries include:

    Manufacturing

    Warehousing

    Retail

    Healthcare

    Offices

    Education

    Residential

    Data

    Industrial

Every building that has electrical systems can use infrared inspections.

Why is Preventive Maintenance Important

Thermal inspections should not be seen as a one-time service. Electrical systems will age and equipment will deteriorate over time due to environmental conditions and heavy use. Frequent thermal inspections will allow maintenance teams to identify issues and address them before systems break.

This strategy reduces the need for emergency repairs and enhances safety.

Thermal Imaging Other Than Electrical Systems

Electrical inspections are one of the most popular usages for infrared inspections, but there are many other uses for infrared technology.

Thermal imaging can be used for:

Roof moisture

Water leaks

Missing insulation

HVAC issues

Steam leaks

Friction

Pipe insulation issues

Many of the companies that do electrical thermography also do building diagnostics.

For example, companies that doleak repair in Montreal use infrared cameras to find moisture leaks that are concealed behind walls, ceilings, and floors, so they do not have to tear the whole thing down.

This helps contractors fix leaks and avoid mold and further damage to the structure.

Indicators for Building Thermal Inspections

When you have:

Breakers that trip often

Flickering lights

Electrical burning smells

Hot outlets

Buzzing panel

Increased electricity costs

Old electrical equipment

New changes to the electrical systems

Large industrial equipment

Inspections are mandated by insurance

Then you should consider doing a thermal inspection. Preventative inspections should still be done for issues that may not be visible.

What is Done During a Thermal Inspection?

A thermographer that is certified will first examine the electrical systems.

Then, the infrared cameras will be used on:

Main electrical panels

Distribution boards

Circuit breakers

Switchgear

Transformers

Disconnect switches

Motors

Control panels

Electrical connections

The system will create thermal images that represent the normal and abnormal temperatures.

The thermographer will then create a report that details the:

Thermal images

Temperature readings

State of the Equipment

Hotspots

Recommend repairs

Suggests when repairs are due

This report will also let building owners know which repairs are the highest priority.

Why Use Thermal Inspections?

Hand held IR cameras may be used by almost anyone, but understanding and interpreting thermal images is more than just a skill anyone can pick up.

Professionals are trained and skilled in:

- Electrical loads

- Temperature variances

- Emissivity

- Reflection errors

- Environmental factors

- Equipment standards

Professionals are able to analyze systems to determine false indications of overheating.

Doing professional inspections also means getting service reports and documented inspections to meet various compliance needs.

Conclusion

Hazardous electrical Hotspots may be concealed long before they signal visible equipment failures. Without the correct specialized inspection tools, the conditions may remain undetected until significant deterioration occurs to the equipment, costly electrical downtimes are incurred, or worse, an electrical fire may begin.

Professionals who offer thermal inspections in Ontario provide an efficient, safe, and non-invasive method of determining the risks of electrical overheating.

Thermal inspections also provide an advantage of determining the failures of electrical connections translating into reduced costs for needed repairs and replacing the entire electrical system.

Using thermal inspections as a part of planned maintenance is a worthwhile investment for both the safety of your building and a means of protecting the building's structural system.