IR Scanning of Electrical Panels
Electrical system reliability is critical in industrial and commercial settings, and one of the fundamental concerns in electrical design is preventing components and wiring from overheating. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has established strict standards to ensure electrical systems operate within safe temperature limits, considering factors such as wire size, distance, and environmental conditions.
Even when a system is properly designed, installed, and maintained, periodic inspections are essential to verify that electrical components are functioning correctly and to detect early signs of failure. One of the most effective tools for this purpose is Infrared (IR) Scanning, a non-invasive diagnostic technique that helps identify heat-related issues before they escalate into costly or hazardous failures.
The Role of Infrared Scanning in Electrical Safety
Loose or overloaded electrical connections are among the most common causes of overheating in electrical panels. If left unaddressed, these issues can lead to equipment failure, fire hazards, or unplanned downtime. An IR scan allows technicians to quickly and safely identify problem areas by detecting temperature variations that indicate potential issues.
Without infrared scanning, traditional methods for checking connections involve physically inspecting each conductor—either by tugging on wires or tightening electrical connectors. However, these methods pose significant risks:
Physical strain on components – Excessive force can damage electrical terminals or conductors.
Increased safety hazards – Manually testing connections on live circuits can lead to accidental equipment damage or personal injury.
By contrast, thermal imaging provides a safe, fast, and effective alternative, allowing technicians to visually identify temperature irregularities without direct contact.
How IR Scanning Works
Infrared cameras detect and measure temperature differences across electrical components, translating them into thermal images that highlight potential trouble spots. Loose connections, for example, appear as bright spots in the image due to excess heat buildup.
Most thermal imaging software includes features such as:
Color-coded heat maps – Different temperature ranges are displayed in contrasting colors, making it easy to pinpoint problem areas.
Grayscale shading options – Alternative visualization methods for different diagnostic needs.
Data reporting tools – Software-generated reports provide detailed temperature readings for various electrical zones, allowing for quick review and documentation.
By comparing temperature differences between similar components—such as side-by-side breakers—technicians can identify:
Loose electrical connections
Overloaded circuits
Failing components
Device malfunctions
Early detection enables proactive maintenance, helping companies avoid unnecessary downtime and costly emergency repairs.
The Benefits of Routine IR Scanning
A proactive approach to electrical maintenance offers several key benefits:
1. Increased Safety
Identifying overheating components reduces fire hazards and helps prevent dangerous failures that could put employees at risk.
2. Reduced Downtime
Addressing potential failures before they occur prevents unexpected outages and allows for planned maintenance shutdowns rather than costly emergency repairs.
3. Extended Equipment Lifespan
Keeping electrical systems within safe temperature ranges reduces stress on components, preventing premature wear and extending the lifespan of critical equipment.
4. Compliance with NFPA 70B (2023)
As of 2023, the NFPA 70B standard requires annual IR scanning of all electrical equipment, with exceptions based on specific equipment conditions outlined in Section 9.2. The updated standard shifts what was once a recommended best practice into a regulatory requirement.
This means that facilities must now integrate thermal imaging inspections into their regular maintenance plans. In some cases, more frequent inspections may be necessary based on environmental or operational factors, while others may qualify for extended intervals.
A free version of NFPA 70B (2023) can be accessed on the NFPA website (as of January 2025) under the “View Free Access” option for those who do not have the official published copy.
Make IR Scanning Part of Your Preventative Maintenance Plan
Incorporating infrared scanning into routine maintenance provides an added layer of protection for your facility while having minimal impact on operations. With comprehensive thermal imaging, businesses can detect, document, and address potential risks before they lead to system failures.
Ensure Your Facility Is Compliant and Your Employees Are Safe
At ESC, we specialize in:
Thermal Imaging Inspections
Arc Flash Studies
Electrical Safety Programs
Don’t wait for a failure to uncover issues in your electrical system. Contact ESC today to schedule a comprehensive IR scan and keep your facility running safely and efficiently.
