Thermographic Imaging in Melbourne
Thermal camera inspections that find hot spots before they cause fires — preventative maintenance for commercial switchboards and installations.
What Is Thermographic Imaging?
Thermographic imaging (thermal imaging) uses an infrared camera to detect temperature differences in electrical components. Hot spots reveal problems before they become failures:
- Loose connections – the most common cause of electrical fires, detected as hot spots on terminals and joints
- Overloaded circuits – cables and breakers running hotter than their design rating
- Failing components – circuit breakers, contactors and relays that are degrading
- Imbalanced loads – uneven current distribution across three-phase circuits
Thermographic imaging is a non-invasive, non-contact inspection method — no power needs to be turned off during the scan.
Thermal Camera Inspection
During a thermographic inspection we scan:
- Switchboards – every circuit breaker, busbar, terminal and connection point
- Distribution boards – sub-boards, motor control centres and plant room panels
- Cable joints and terminations – all accessible connection points
- Transformers and switchgear – temperature profiling of major electrical equipment
- Power factor correction panels – capacitor banks and harmonic filters
The inspection is performed while the equipment is under normal load — typically during business hours when power demand is high.
Hot Spot Detection
Hot spots are classified by severity:
- Green – normal temperature, no action required
- Amber – elevated temperature, monitor and re-check at next inspection
- Red – abnormal temperature, repair recommended within 30 days
- Critical – dangerous temperature, immediate repair required
Every finding is documented with a thermal image and a written report, so you can track issues over time and plan maintenance.
Preventative Maintenance
Regular thermographic imaging is a core part of preventative maintenance:
- Annual inspections – recommended for all commercial switchboards
- Pre-commissioning scans – baseline thermal image before the building is occupied
- Post-repair verification – confirm that repairs have resolved the hot spot
- Trend analysis – comparing scans over time reveals gradual degradation before it becomes critical
A single electrical fire can cost hundreds of thousands in damage, downtime and insurance excess. Thermographic imaging is a small investment that prevents catastrophic loss.
What to Expect
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to turn off power during the inspection?
How often should I have a thermographic inspection?
What happens if you find a hot spot?
Premium Service,
Quality Results,
Since 1963.
Over 63 years of trusted service across Melbourne
