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Thermal Imaging of Electrical Systems

Our non-invasive inspections identify hidden electrical faults, reducing downtime and extending the life of your equipment.

Keep your systems running smoothly with predictive maintenance and proactive fault detection.

Contact us today to schedule your thermal imaging survey

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Thermal Imaging Surveys
of Electrical Services

Ensure the safety and reliability of your electrical systems with professional thermal imaging inspections.

Thermal imaging is an essential complement to traditional Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs), providing a non-invasive method to identify hidden faults, overheating components, and potential hazards in your electrical infrastructure.

Regular thermal imaging surveys of your electrical services—including cabling, switchgear, and distribution panels—can prevent costly breakdowns, reduce fire risks, and extend the lifespan of critical equipment.

Electrical systems can develop faults that aren’t always visible to the naked eye. Overheating connections, loose terminals, or worn-out components can go unnoticed until they cause a failure.

Thermal imaging surveys use high-resolution infrared cameras to detect temperature variances within electrical systems, pinpointing potential issues such as overloaded circuits, faulty switchgear, and loose connections. Identifying these problems early can help avoid unplanned downtime and reduce the risk of electrical fires or equipment damage.

Thermal imaging works in tandem with your EICR, offering a more comprehensive assessment of electrical safety. While EICRs are designed to identify issues that are visible or easily accessible, thermal imaging detects problems hidden beneath insulation, inside electrical panels, or within wiring that’s hard to inspect.

By adding thermal imaging into your electrical safety programme, you gain a clearer picture of your electrical system’s health and can proactively address issues before they escalate into serious failures.

Our expert engineers will conduct a detailed thermal imaging inspection of your electrical infrastructure while your system is under normal operating load. This allows us to capture accurate heat signatures and identify potential hazards that might otherwise go undetected.

After the survey, you’ll receive a comprehensive report with infrared images, an analysis of potential risks, and tailored recommendations for repairs or maintenance.

Thermal Imaging of Production Line Equipment in Winery
Thermal Imaging of Production Line Equipment in Food Processing Plant

Thermal Imaging Surveys
of Production Lines and Control Gear

In industrial and manufacturing environments, production lines and system control panels are essential to operations. Electrical failures in these systems can lead to costly downtime, lost productivity, and expensive emergency repairs.

A single fault in a control panel can bring an entire production process to a standstill, causing significant financial and operational setbacks.

Thermal imaging surveys provide a proactive solution by detecting overheating components, loose connections, and overloaded circuits before they result in failures, ensuring continuous and efficient operation.

By incorporating predictive maintenance through regular thermal imaging inspections, businesses can reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns, extend equipment lifespan, and improve workplace safety.

As thermal imaging is a non-contact, non-invasive technique, inspections can be carried out while equipment remains operational, eliminating the need for costly shutdowns.

This enables businesses to prioritise maintenance based on real-time risk assessments, ensuring that critical issues are addressed before they escalate into major failures.

Whether you operate a manufacturing plant, automated production line, or industrial control system, thermal imaging is a cost-effective and essential tool for ensuring operational reliability and safety.

Thermal imaging of Electrical services

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Ensure your electrical installations are safe, compliant, and fully operational.

Detailed thermal imaging reports by qualified electrical engineers
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Serving Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire & Kent

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Call us on 01276 300 351

FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Popular Questions

Got questions about thermal imaging for electrical services? You’re not alone! 

Our thermal imaging inspections help businesses detect hidden electrical faults before they become serious hazards.

Whether you’re wondering about compliance, safety benefits, or how the process works, we’ve got the answers.

Below, you’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions to help you understand why thermal imaging is a crucial part of electrical maintenance and fire prevention.

If you need more information, feel free to contact our expert team today!

General Requirements

Thermal imaging, also known as infrared thermography, is a non-contact diagnostic technique that detects heat patterns and temperature variations in electrical systems.

A thermal imaging camera captures infrared radiation emitted by electrical components and converts it into a visual heat map.

This allows us to identify overheating connections, overloaded circuits, and potential faults before they lead to system failure or fire.

Electrical components can develop faults that generate excessive heat, often long before they fail or cause visible damage.

Thermal imaging helps detect these hidden issues early, preventing electrical fires, equipment failures, and costly downtime.

By proactively identifying problems, businesses can maintain a safer working environment and comply with electrical safety regulations.

Thermal imaging can identify a wide range of electrical issues, including:

  • Loose connections – Increased resistance causes overheating.
  • Overloaded circuits – Excessive current flow leads to high temperatures.
  • Phase imbalances – Uneven load distribution between phases.
  • Faulty components – Failing circuit breakers, fuses, or transformers.
  • Insulation breakdown – Deterioration of cable insulation due to heat stress.
  • Harmonic distortions – Unusual heat patterns caused by poor power quality.

Many electrical fires start due to overheating connections, faulty wiring, or overloaded circuits.

Because thermal imaging detects excessive heat before smoke, sparks, or flames occur, it provides an early warning system.

By addressing issues identified in a thermal inspection, businesses can reduce fire risk, prevent equipment damage, and improve overall electrical safety.

While thermal imaging is not a specific legal requirement, it is widely recommended as part of preventative maintenance programs and insurance risk assessments.

Many businesses use thermal imaging to help comply with:

  • Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 – Requires electrical systems to be maintained safely.
  • BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) – Highlights the need for regular inspection and testing.
  • Fire Safety Regulations – Helps identify electrical fire hazards.
  • Insurance Requirements – Many insurers recommend or require thermal imaging as part of a risk management strategy.

Even if not legally required, regular thermal imaging inspections demonstrate due diligence in electrical safety and can help businesses avoid costly failures or liability issues.

Process & Benefits

A qualified engineer will use a high-resolution thermal imaging camera to scan your electrical systems, including distribution boards, switchgear, cables, and key components.

The camera detects heat variations and highlights areas that may indicate faults, such as overheating connections or overloaded circuits.

The inspection is non-intrusive, meaning there is no need to physically touch or dismantle electrical equipment, however, some electrical panel covers may need to be removed.

Don't worry, we'll carry out a risk assessment and bring safety equipment.

After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report with images, analysis, and recommendations for any necessary maintenance or repairs.

The duration depends on the size and complexity of your electrical installation.

A small commercial site may take around 3-4 hours, while larger industrial facilities could take several days.

Our engineers work efficiently to minimise disruption while ensuring a thorough inspection.

No, thermal imaging is a non-invasive, non-contact process that is conducted while your electrical systems are fully operational.

In fact, for accurate results, the system must be under normal load conditions to identify heat patterns and potential faults.

This means there is no downtime or disruption to your business during the inspection.

Thermal imaging provides several key advantages over standard visual inspections and electrical testing:

  • Early fault detection – Identifies overheating components before failure occurs.
  • Non-intrusive – No need to power down equipment or open electrical panels.
  • Cost-effective – Prevents expensive repairs and downtime by addressing issues early.
  • Improves safety – Reduces the risk of electrical fires and system failures.
  • Compliance support – Helps meet insurance and regulatory requirements.
  • Fast and efficient – Provides instant results with minimal disruption.

Thermal imaging surveys are designed to compliment traditional electrical inspections, not replace them.

The frequency depends on your business type, electrical load, and regulatory requirements.

However, general recommendations include:

  • Commercial buildings – Every 12 months as part of routine electrical maintenance.
  • Industrial sites & manufacturing – Every 6–12 months due to higher electrical loads.
  • Data centres & critical infrastructure – Every 6 months to prevent costly failures.
  • Insurance & compliance – As required by insurers or risk assessments.

Regular thermal imaging surveys help ensure ongoing safety, compliance, and equipment reliability, reducing the risk of unexpected failures.

Yes, infrared (IR) inspection windows can be installed on electrical switchgear to allow safe and efficient thermal imaging inspections without opening panels or exposing live components.

These specialised windows are made from materials that allow infrared radiation to pass through, enabling clear thermal readings while maintaining arc flash protection and electrical safety.

Benefits of installing IR inspection windows include:

  • Enhanced safety – No need to open live panels, reducing arc flash and electrical shock risks.
  • Compliance support – Helps meet electrical safety regulations and maintenance requirements.
  • Faster inspections – Reduces downtime and simplifies routine thermal imaging surveys.
  • Cost savings – Minimizes the need for PPE and specialised personnel during inspections.

If your facility relies on regular thermal imaging, retrofitting IR windows onto switchgear can make inspections more efficient, safer, and cost-effective.

Our team can advise on the best solutions for your setup.

Compliance & Safety

Yes, many insurance providers recommend or require thermal imaging as part of their risk management criteria.

Insurers understand that electrical faults are a major cause of fires and business interruptions, so they may request regular thermal imaging surveys as proof that you are proactively maintaining electrical safety.

Having a thermal imaging report can lower your risk profile, potentially reducing insurance premiums and ensuring compliance with policy conditions.

BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) does not specifically require thermal imaging, but it does mandate that electrical installations are maintained in a safe condition.

Thermal imaging is an excellent tool for early fault detection and is widely used alongside Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) to help meet compliance with BS 7671 and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

Thermal imaging is a key tool in preventative maintenance because it helps detect faults before they lead to breakdowns, failures, or fires.

Instead of waiting for electrical problems to cause system failures, businesses can use thermal imaging to:

  • Identify overheating components before they become critical issues.
  • Plan targeted maintenance instead of costly emergency repairs.
  • Extend the lifespan of electrical equipment by preventing excessive wear and damage.
  • Reduce the risk of unexpected downtime and business disruption.

By making thermal imaging part of your regular maintenance schedule, you can significantly improve electrical safety and system reliability.

Yes, after the survey, you will receive a detailed thermal imaging report that includes:

  • High-resolution infrared images of inspected components.
  • Temperature readings highlighting potential problem areas.
  • Analysis of detected faults, such as overheating, loose connections, or overloaded circuits.
  • Risk assessment, categorizing issues by severity (urgent, monitor, no action needed).
  • Recommendations for repairs, maintenance, or further investigations.

This report serves as valuable documentation for compliance, insurance, and maintenance planning.

If a thermal imaging inspection identifies an issue, the next step depends on the severity of the fault:

  • Urgent issues (e.g., severe overheating) – Immediate action is required to prevent failure or fire. A qualified electrician should carry out repairs as soon as possible.
  • Moderate risks (e.g., developing faults) – These should be scheduled for maintenance at the earliest convenience to avoid escalation.
  • Minor issues (e.g., slightly elevated temperatures) – These should be monitored in future inspections to track any changes.

We provide expert guidance on the next steps, ensuring faults are addressed before they become major hazards.

Suitability & Applications

Thermal imaging is beneficial for any business or facility that relies on electrical systems.

However, it is especially valuable for:

  • Commercial buildings – Offices, retail stores, and multi-tenant properties.
  • Industrial sites & manufacturing – Factories, warehouses, and production facilities with high electrical loads.
  • Data centres & IT infrastructure – Ensuring uninterrupted power supply and preventing equipment failures.
  • Hospitals & healthcare facilities – Maintaining electrical safety in life-critical environments.
  • Hotels & hospitality – Reducing fire risks in large buildings with high occupancy.
  • Education & public sector buildings – Ensuring compliance and safety in schools, universities, and government offices.

Any business looking to reduce downtime, improve electrical safety, and comply with regulations can benefit from thermal imaging inspections.

Yes, thermal imaging can be used in residential properties to identify potential wiring faults, overloaded circuits, and overheating connections. It’s especially useful for older homes, properties with high-energy appliances, or homeowners looking to improve electrical safety before buying or selling a property.

However, it is more commonly used in commercial and industrial settings, where electrical loads and risks are higher.

Thermal imaging is effective for most low-voltage and high-voltage electrical systems, including:

  • Distribution boards and switchgear.
  • Circuit breakers and fuses.
  • Busbars and panel boards.
  • Transformers and motors.
  • Cables and electrical connections.

However, it may not be as effective if:

  • The system is not under load (as it relies on detecting heat patterns).
  • The electrical components are heavily insulated, preventing heat detection.
  • The issue is unrelated to heat (e.g., software faults in digital systems).

A professional inspection will determine if thermal imaging is the right approach for your specific installation.

Yes! While primarily used for electrical inspections, thermal imaging can also detect:

  • Water leaks – Hidden leaks behind walls, under floors, or in roofs (by spotting temperature differences caused by moisture).
  • HVAC system inefficiencies – Heat loss in heating and cooling systems.
  • Mechanical faults – Overheating motors, bearings, and machinery components.

This makes thermal imaging a versatile tool for facility maintenance beyond just electrical safety.

Booking an inspection is simple.

Contact us, and we will:

  1. Discuss your needs – Understanding your electrical system and compliance requirements.
  2. Schedule a site visit – Arranging a time that minimizes disruption to your business.
  3. Conduct the survey – A professional thermal imaging engineer will inspect your systems.
  4. Provide a detailed report – With findings, risk assessments, and recommendations.
  5. Support next steps – Helping you implement corrective actions if any issues are found.

Regular thermal imaging inspections are a proactive way to maintain electrical safety, prevent costly breakdowns, and meet compliance standards.

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Got questions about electrical safety, fire alarms, or compliance testing? Let’s chat!

Expert advice on EICRs, PAT Testing, Fire Alarms & More
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