Connecticut’s Leading Commercial Electrical Contractor

CT’s Top Commercial Electrical Contractor

Prevent Failures. Meet Code. Stay Safe.

Infrared Thermography for Mission-Critical Electrical Systems

Our certified thermographers perform predictive electrical maintenance to uncover hidden electrical risks before they become costly failures or safety incidents. Meet the new NFPA 70B standard with annual electrical infrared inspections from C&H Electric.

TRUSTED BY CONNECTICUT'S LEADING CRITICAL FACILITIES

What is Infrared Thermography?

Electrical infrared thermography inspections are a predictive maintenance technique used to detect hot spots and anomalies in electrical systems before they lead to failure.

It uses infrared cameras to capture thermal images of electrical equipment, such as switchgear, panels, breakers, transformers, and bus ducts. These images show heat patterns that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

Why is it Important?

Infrared thermography offers a proactive solution to electrical system maintenance with the following advantages:

  • Prevent Downtime: Predicts and prevents unexpected system failures, reducing costly downtime.
  • Safety & Compliance: Ensures compliance with industry standards like NFPA 70B and NFPA 70E to enhance workplace safety.
  • Optimize Efficiency: Extends the lifespan of electrical components and improves electrical efficiency.
  • Maintain Operations: Inspections are conducted while equipment is energized so no interruptions to service is required.

How it Works

Our certified technicians utilize advanced thermal imaging cameras to scan your equipment while it’s operational. This process allows for the identification of anomalies without downtime. After the scan, we provide a comprehensive report featuring thermal images and actionable prioritized recommendations to address any detected issues.

Key components typically included in these assessments are:

  • Electrical switchgear
  • Distribution and Branch Panels
  • Transformers
  • Motor control centers (MCCs)
  • Disconnects
  • Bus Ducts

What You Get

When you engage C&H Electric for thermal imaging, you’ll receive more than just a scan — you get a comprehensive risk reduction service tailored for commercial electrical systems.

  • Onsite inspection by ANSI Certified Thermographers who are also Licensed Electricians
  • High-resolution infrared images of all scanned equipment
  • Detailed report with identified anomalies, severity levels, and corrective action recommendations
  • Documentation aligned with NFPA 70B standards — ready for insurance or compliance review
  • Post-report meeting to review findings and recommendations

FAQs

Electrical equipment can overheat due to several factors, including loose or corroded connections, which create high resistance and excessive heat buildup. Overloaded circuits and unbalanced loads force equipment to operate beyond its capacity, increasing the risk of failure. Insulation breakdown can cause short circuits, while poor ventilation and dust accumulation restrict heat dissipation, trapping excessive warmth inside components. Failing components, such as aging breakers or transformers, may also generate abnormal heat patterns. Routine infrared inspections help detect these issues early, reducing the risk of equipment failure and costly downtime.

Yes, according to the 2023 update of NFPA 70B, infrared thermography inspections are now mandatory for all electrical equipment at least once every 12 months. Equipment classified under “Physical Condition 3,” which includes items where urgent actions were identified in previous scans, must be inspected every six months. 

No, infrared thermography is a non-disruptive process. It allows for the inspection of electrical without requiring equipment shutdowns, ensuring that operations continue uninterrupted during the assessment. 

Infrared thermography inspections encompass a broad range of electrical and mechanical equipment to ensure comprehensive system reliability and safety. Key components typically included in these assessments are Switchgear, Motor Control Centers (MCCs), Distribution Panels, Disconnects, Branch Circuit Panels, Bus Ducts, Transformers, etc.

C&H Electric focuses on supporting key facilities across Connecticut USA, including Government Facilities, Healthcare Institutions, Schools, Industrial Plants, Commercial Properties, etc.

IR windows are specialized, non-conductive viewing ports installed on electrical equipment like switchgear and panelboards. They allow thermographers to perform infrared inspections without opening energized panels, significantly improving safety and efficiency.

By using IR windows, facilities can:

  • Comply more easily with NFPA 70E by reducing arc flash exposure during inspections

  • Minimize downtime by enabling more frequent, non-invasive thermal scans

  • Identify hot spots earlier — before they become costly failures or safety hazards

C&H Electric offers both IR window installation and ongoing infrared inspections, helping you maintain a proactive electrical maintenance strategy.