{"id":5783,"date":"2026-03-12T13:24:52","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T12:24:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/termocent.com\/?p=5783"},"modified":"2026-09-12T10:16:03","modified_gmt":"2026-09-12T08:16:03","slug":"thermal-imaging-inspections-of-electrical-installations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/blog\/thermal-imaging-inspections-of-electrical-installations\/","title":{"rendered":"Thermal imaging inspections of electrical installations: guidance, standards and insurer requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Spis tre\u015bci<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/blog\/thermal-imaging-inspections-of-electrical-installations\/#What_is_a_thermal_imaging_inspection_of_an_electrical_installation\" >What is a thermal imaging inspection of an electrical installation?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/blog\/thermal-imaging-inspections-of-electrical-installations\/#Standards_and_guidance_relevant_to_electrical_thermography\" >Standards and guidance relevant to electrical thermography<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/blog\/thermal-imaging-inspections-of-electrical-installations\/#What_can_be_included_in_the_inspection\" >What can be included in the inspection?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/blog\/thermal-imaging-inspections-of-electrical-installations\/#Conditions_required_for_a_useful_survey\" >Conditions required for a useful survey<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/blog\/thermal-imaging-inspections-of-electrical-installations\/#Thermal_imaging_equipment\" >Thermal imaging equipment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/blog\/thermal-imaging-inspections-of-electrical-installations\/#How_are_the_results_assessed\" >How are the results assessed?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/blog\/thermal-imaging-inspections-of-electrical-installations\/#Classification_and_repair_priorities\" >Classification and repair priorities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/blog\/thermal-imaging-inspections-of-electrical-installations\/#What_should_the_report_contain\" >What should the report contain?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/blog\/thermal-imaging-inspections-of-electrical-installations\/#What_decisions_can_the_inspection_support\" >What decisions can the inspection support?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/blog\/thermal-imaging-inspections-of-electrical-installations\/#How_often_should_the_inspection_be_repeated\" >How often should the inspection be repeated?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/blog\/thermal-imaging-inspections-of-electrical-installations\/#Competence_and_independence_of_the_inspection_provider\" >Competence and independence of the inspection provider<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/blog\/thermal-imaging-inspections-of-electrical-installations\/#Arrange_an_electrical_thermography_survey_with_TERMOCENT\" >Arrange an electrical thermography survey with TERMOCENT<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_thermal_imaging_inspection_of_an_electrical_installation\"><\/span>What is a thermal imaging inspection of an electrical installation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A thermal imaging inspection is a non-contact diagnostic survey carried out while electrical equipment is operating. A thermal imaging camera records surface-temperature patterns, helping the thermographer identify anomalies that may require further technical assessment.<\/p>\n<p>The inspection records the condition of accessible components at the time of the survey. It can support preventive maintenance, fire-risk management and decisions about further testing or repair. It does not replace the electrical measurements required by law or by the site\u2019s maintenance procedures.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Standards_and_guidance_relevant_to_electrical_thermography\"><\/span>Standards and guidance relevant to electrical thermography<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The reference documents used for a survey depend on the installation, the commissioning party and the purpose of the inspection. Documents that may be relevant include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>ISO 18434-1 \u2014 thermography used in condition monitoring and diagnostics of machines,<\/li>\n<li>ISO 18436-7 \u2014 qualification and assessment of personnel who perform machinery condition monitoring using thermography,<\/li>\n<li>IEC TS 62446-3 \u2014 outdoor infrared thermography of photovoltaic modules and plants,<\/li>\n<li>ASTM E1934 \u2014 infrared examination of electrical and mechanical equipment,<\/li>\n<li>VdS 2858 and VdS 2859 \u2014 guidance and recognition requirements used in electrical thermography,<\/li>\n<li>APSAD D19 \u2014 guidance for infrared thermography inspections of electrical installations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>No single document in this list applies automatically to every installation. Before the survey, the parties should agree which procedure and reporting requirements apply to the commissioned scope.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_can_be_included_in_the_inspection\"><\/span>What can be included in the inspection?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The survey may cover low-voltage equipment and selected medium- or high-voltage equipment that is optically accessible to the camera.<\/p>\n<p>Typical items include:<\/p>\n<p>\u2714 switchboards and electrical cabinets<br \/>\n\u2714 cable connections and terminals<br \/>\n\u2714 contacts in electrical apparatus<br \/>\n\u2714 busbars<br \/>\n\u2714 transformers and instrument transformers<br \/>\n\u2714 electric motors<br \/>\n\u2714 power cables and cable bundles<br \/>\n\u2714 components of power-factor correction systems<\/p>\n<p>The final scope should identify the equipment to be examined and any areas that cannot be accessed safely.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conditions_required_for_a_useful_survey\"><\/span>Conditions required for a useful survey<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For a thermogram to be diagnostically useful, the operating and measurement conditions must be recorded and considered during interpretation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Representative electrical load<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The installation should be examined under a stable load that is representative of its normal operation and suitable for the selected procedure. The required load cannot be reduced to one universal percentage; it should be agreed for the installation and the purpose of the survey.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Optical access<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The camera must have a clear view of the components being assessed. Covers may be removed only by appropriately authorised electrical personnel and in accordance with the site\u2019s safety procedures.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Measurement parameters<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The thermographer should consider the parameters that can affect the recorded temperature, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>surface emissivity,<\/li>\n<li>reflected apparent temperature,<\/li>\n<li>air temperature and humidity,<\/li>\n<li>measurement distance,<\/li>\n<li>the load and operating state of the equipment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Safety<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The survey itself is non-contact, but it is carried out near energised equipment. Required approach distances, site rules and the responsibilities of authorised personnel must therefore be established before the inspection begins.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Thermal_imaging_equipment\"><\/span>Thermal imaging equipment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The camera must be suitable for the temperatures, distances, target sizes and diagnostic purpose involved. Relevant characteristics include detector resolution, measurement accuracy, thermal sensitivity, available lenses, adjustable compensation parameters and current calibration or verification records.<\/p>\n<p>One of the cameras used by TERMOCENT is the FLIR T1020:<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Object temperature range:<\/td>\n<td><b>\u221240\u00b0C to 2,000\u00b0C<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Infrared resolution:<\/td>\n<td><b>1,024 \u00d7 768 pixels<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Thermal sensitivity (NETD):<\/td>\n<td><b>&lt;0.02\u00b0C at 30\u00b0C<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Accuracy:<\/td>\n<td><b>\u00b11\u00b0C or \u00b11% at 25\u00b0C within the ranges specified by the manufacturer<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Spectral range:<\/td>\n<td><b>7.5 to 14 \u00b5m<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Lens:<\/td>\n<td><b>45\u00b0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5064 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/termocent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2026.02.26_Wytyczne_termograficzne_instalacje_elektryczne_htm_d411189f.gif\" alt=\"A FLIR T1020 thermal imaging camera used during an electrical installation survey\" width=\"529\" height=\"706\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The required equipment specification should be checked against the procedure adopted for the survey. A camera\u2019s specification alone does not determine the quality of the inspection: measurement conditions, personnel competence and interpretation are equally important.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_are_the_results_assessed\"><\/span>How are the results assessed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The thermographer assesses temperature patterns in the context of the component\u2019s design, load and operating conditions. The analysis may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>comparison with a similar component operating under a comparable load,<\/li>\n<li>temperature rise relative to a reference,<\/li>\n<li>absolute component temperature,<\/li>\n<li>temperature asymmetry in three-phase systems,<\/li>\n<li>an unusual temperature distribution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A higher temperature is not, by itself, a complete diagnosis. The cause and urgency of an anomaly should be assessed using the adopted procedure and, where necessary, additional electrical measurements or technical inspection.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Classification_and_repair_priorities\"><\/span>Classification and repair priorities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Different procedures may use different thresholds and priority classes. The report should therefore name the classification method, explain the criteria applied and relate the recommendation to the equipment\u2019s operating conditions.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of relying on a universal temperature table, the assessment should state:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>what was compared,<\/li>\n<li>under what load and environmental conditions the measurement was taken,<\/li>\n<li>what additional evidence supports the finding,<\/li>\n<li>what action is recommended and how urgently it should be considered.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-5068 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/termocent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/2026.02.26_Wytyczne_termograficzne_instalacje_elektryczne_htm_cdba5986.gif\" alt=\"TERMOCENT inspection labels used to record faults and repair priorities\" width=\"756\" height=\"569\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_should_the_report_contain\"><\/span>What should the report contain?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The report is a technical record of the inspection. Depending on the agreed scope, it may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>site details and the scope of the survey,<\/li>\n<li>the operating state and load of the installation,<\/li>\n<li>the measurement equipment used,<\/li>\n<li>the applicable personnel qualifications,<\/li>\n<li>a list of the equipment examined,<\/li>\n<li>thermograms and corresponding visible-light images,<\/li>\n<li>measurement and compensation parameters,<\/li>\n<li>assessment of identified anomalies,<\/li>\n<li>technical recommendations,<\/li>\n<li>identification of inaccessible components and other limitations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The report describes the condition observed during the inspection. It should not be treated as a guarantee of the future condition of the installation or as a substitute for other required tests.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_decisions_can_the_inspection_support\"><\/span>What decisions can the inspection support?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A properly planned inspection can help to:<\/p>\n<p>\u2714 identify thermal patterns associated with loose or deteriorated connections,<br \/>\n\u2714 direct further electrical testing or technical inspection,<br \/>\n\u2714 prioritise maintenance work,<br \/>\n\u2714 document the condition of equipment for an agreed risk-management or insurer procedure,<br \/>\n\u2714 reduce uncertainty when planning repairs and shutdowns.<\/p>\n<p>The survey can often be carried out while the installation is operating. Any access requirements, removal of covers or process restrictions must be agreed in advance.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_often_should_the_inspection_be_repeated\"><\/span>How often should the inspection be repeated?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There is no single interval suitable for every installation. Frequency should reflect the equipment\u2019s condition, load, criticality and operating environment, as well as maintenance and insurer requirements. The report can recommend a follow-up interval for a particular finding, but the final inspection programme should be set by the party responsible for the installation.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Competence_and_independence_of_the_inspection_provider\"><\/span>Competence and independence of the inspection provider<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The required personnel qualifications and degree of independence depend on the procedure under which the survey is commissioned. Where impartiality or independence is required, the provider should disclose relevant conflicts of interest and confirm the qualifications applicable to the agreed scope.<\/p>\n<p>Before commissioning the survey, ask the provider to identify:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>the procedure and acceptance criteria that will be used,<\/li>\n<li>the qualifications of the personnel assigned to the work,<\/li>\n<li>the equipment and calibration or verification records relevant to the survey,<\/li>\n<li>the planned report structure and any limitations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Arrange_an_electrical_thermography_survey_with_TERMOCENT\"><\/span>Arrange an electrical thermography survey with TERMOCENT<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Tell us what type of installation is to be examined, why the survey is required and whether the commissioning party or insurer has specified a particular procedure. We will use this information to define the scope, access requirements and reporting format before the inspection.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Call <a href=\"tel:+48530105398\">+48 530 105 398<\/a> or email <a title=\"Email TERMOCENT\" href=\"mailto:biuro@termocent.pl\">biuro@termocent.pl<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is a thermal imaging inspection of an electrical installation? A thermal imaging inspection is a non-contact diagnostic survey carried out while electrical equipment is operating. A thermal imaging camera records surface-temperature patterns, helping the thermographer identify anomalies that may require further technical assessment. The inspection records the condition of accessible components at the time [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5068,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5783","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles"],"acf":[],"permalink_manager":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5783","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5783"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5783\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5786,"href":"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5783\/revisions\/5786"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5068"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/termocent.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}