Thermographic Surveys

Thermographic Surveys refer to the entire assessment process of inspecting electrical components and assets to detect abnormal temperatures. The survey also involves a detailed report with findings and actionable guidance. Thermal imaging is a technique used as part of the Thermographic Survey. It’s the process of capturing images that display temperature variations.

The frequency of Thermographic Surveys depends the type of equipment or asset, and how often it is used. Generally, Thermographic Surveys should be carried out in between the period of formal inspections to identify potential issues. For example, every 1-3 years for buildings and at least once a year for electrical systems. In higher-risk environments such as areas that carry ATEX ratings, surveys may be required more frequently.

Despite Thermographic Survey’s not being regarded as a legal requirement in the UK, the global organisation National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) mandates that a Thermographic Inspection is conducted every 12 months, across all electrical equipment under standard 70B. Although, the NPFA do not hold legal power in the UK to enforce this. However, the HSE could choose to cite this along with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 in a claim if required.

BREEAM stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology. It sets the standards for building and works ratings. Maintaining compliance with BREEAM is important for ensuring your building meets regulations and environmental performance standards.

There are two main types of Thermography:  Active Thermography: Which uses an external heat source to create a temperature difference.  Passive Thermography: Which uses the natural heat emitted by the object being inspected.  Using thermal imaging cameras, Thermographic Surveys identify potential hazards that may not be noticeable during a routine visual inspection. If left undetected, these hazards could be critical to your operations, causing issues such as gas leaks, overheating, faulty insulation, or blocked pipes – therefore it’s important to identify them as soon as possible.  Thermographic Surveys can identify abnormal temperature distribution to detect faults early.  Most assets have a spike in temperature (hot or cold) before they fail, which is why infrared cameras are so effective as they can spot temperature changes immediately.

Equipment can have abnormally high temperatures for many reasons, including faulty insulation, overloaded sockets, loose connections, or legacy and outdated equipment. Gradual wear and tear over time can also increase the risk of higher temperatures and may lead to equipment failure.  For example, distribution boards are commonly susceptible to overloaded electrical circuits – leading to a surge in temperature. Without proper detection and diagnosis, equipment could continue to operate at high temperatures, leading to severe safety risks such as accidents and fires. Thermographic Surveys help to identify hazards early, so they can be repaired or replaced before they cause further risks and create unplanned downtime.

Electrical Surveys can detect various potential faults, including:

• Poor connections: Loose or corroded connections generate excess heat due to increased resistance.
• Overloaded cables: Carrying more current than rated can cause overheating, leading to insulation damage, arcing, or fires.
• Faulty electrical equipment: Transformers, junction boxes, and other equipment may overheat due to internal malfunctions.
• Hidden hazards: Thermal imaging can uncover overheating cables concealed behind walls or enclosed spaces.

Regular electrical surveys help identify these issues early, preventing failures and improving safety.

Building Surveys use infrared imaging to identify:

• Heat loss and gain areas: Pinpoint where heat is escaping or entering to improve ventilation efficiency.
• Building envelope performance: Assess insulation effectiveness to minimize energy consumption and maintain optimal indoor temperatures.
• Air leaks and gaps: Detect drafts around windows, doors, and other structures to enhance airtightness and energy efficiency.

These surveys help improve building performance, reduce energy costs, and enhance overall comfort.

Mechanical Surveys help detect potential faults by analysing temperature variations, including:

• Bearing failures: Excessive heat indicates friction or wear between bearing surfaces.
• Misalignment: Uneven temperature distribution can signal friction and vibration issues.
• Damaged belts: Heat buildup may suggest worn or mismatched belts causing friction with pulleys.

Early detection of these issues helps prevent breakdowns, reduce downtime, and extend equipment lifespan.