Electrical failures rarely happen without warning, they often start with heat. Hidden inside switchgear, panels, or transformers, small temperature anomalies can grow into costly shutdowns or even safety incidents.
Infrared (IR) Testing helps facility inspectors see what the naked eye can’t — using thermal imaging to identify abnormal heat patterns before they cause system damage or downtime. As part of an NFPA 70B-compliant Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP), IR testing is one of the most effective predictive maintenance tools available today.
Infrared thermography is a non-contact, non-invasive inspection technique that detects heat patterns in electrical and mechanical equipment. Specialized IR cameras capture temperature differences that signal potential issues such as:
- Loose or deteriorating connections
- Overloaded circuits or phase imbalance
- Failing breakers and contact wear
- Damaged insulation or wiring
IR testing allows facilities to monitor equipment while energized and operating under normal load, minimizing disruption.
Infrared thermography provides real-time insight into your electrical system’s health without shutting anything down.
Many equipment failures begin with small issues that generate excess heat. Over time, these hidden defects increase resistance and degrade components — until they fail completely.
Infrared testing helps detect:
- Loose lugs or terminations
- Corroded or oxidized connections
- Overloaded feeders and breakers
- Unbalanced load distribution
- Failing mechanical bearings
By catching abnormal temperature rise early, IR testing allows maintenance teams to correct issues before they escalate into electrical fires, arc-flash events, or costly downtime.
Most electrical failures start with heat. Infrared testing finds them long before they become emergencies.
Infrared inspections are more than a best practice — they’re supported by industry standards that define safe and compliant maintenance practices:
Standard | Requirement |
NFPA 70B (2023) | Recommends thermographic inspections for electrical equipment under load as part of predictive maintenance. |
NFPA 70E | Requires equipment to be properly maintained to prevent arc-flash and shock hazards. |
OSHA 1910.303(b) | Equipment must be used and maintained within ratings — IR testing confirms proper conditions. |
These standards make infrared thermography an integral part of a compliant Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP), one that prioritizes safety and reliability.
Infrared testing isn’t just recommended, it’s a documented method for maintaining OSHA and NFPA compliance.
IR testing delivers measurable value for every type of facility from healthcare to manufacturing:
Benefit | Impact on Facility |
Early Detection | Prevents unplanned outages and production loss |
Safety | Reduces risk of arc-flash and electrical fires |
Reliability | Extends equipment life and stability |
Compliance | Supports NFPA 70B documentation and audits |
Efficiency | Improves energy performance by minimizing heat loss |
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, predictive maintenance programs including IR testing can reduce unscheduled downtime by up to 50% and cut maintenance costs by up to 40%.
Annual infrared inspections are one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your facility safe, efficient, and compliant.
The NFPA 70B (2023) standard recommends performing infrared inspections at least annually for most facilities and more frequently for critical operations such as hospitals, data centers, and industrial plants.
Inspection frequency should consider:
- The criticality of equipment
- Load variability and operating hours
- Environmental factors (dust, humidity, vibration)
- Previous inspection results and trends
Tracking results over time allows facilities to identify patterns and predict potential failures before they occur.
Unlike vendors that only deliver thermal images, C&H Electric provides full-service infrared testing — combining certified thermographers with licensed electricians capable of resolving issues on-site.
Our services include:
- Comprehensive thermal imaging and reporting
- Analysis and prioritization of findings
- Immediate corrective maintenance or scheduled repairs
- Integration into facility-wide predictive maintenance programs
Learn more about this in our related post: Is Your Infrared Thermography Vendor Full Service?
Infrared testing works best when combined with other predictive tools such as ultrasonic testing, voltage and current analysis, and insulation resistance testing. Together, they form a complete Predictive Maintenance Program (PMP) that helps facilities:
- Prioritize repairs by severity
- Plan maintenance during scheduled downtime
- Support NFPA 70B Electrical Maintenance Program documentation
- Improve long-term reliability and energy performance
Predictive maintenance isn’t about fixing what’s broken — it’s about preventing it from breaking in the first place.
Keep Your Equipment Running Reliably
Infrared testing is a small investment with big returns — protecting people, assets, and operations. Whether your goal is compliance, uptime, or safety, it’s one of the simplest ways to prevent electrical equipment failure.
Contact C&H Electric today to schedule your infrared inspection and strengthen your electrical maintenance program.
References
- National Fire Protection Association. (2023). NFPA 70B: Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance. Quincy, MA: NFPA.
- National Fire Protection Association. (2024). NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. Quincy, MA: NFPA.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2024). 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S – Electrical.
- U.S. Department of Energy. (2023). Operations and Maintenance Best Practices: A Guide to Achieving Operational Efficiency.
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. (2022). IEEE Standard 493: Recommended Practice for the Design of Reliable Industrial and Commercial Power Systems.