Quantitative imagers with a minimum array size of 320 x 240, and a NETD less than 50mK. The camera should also be equipped with a lens selected for the appropriate field of view for the equipment being inspected.

The better the tool, the better the results. High resolution will allow for a greater level of detail and in turn allow for more thorough analysis.

It is preferable that a thermographer have training under ASNT recommended guidelines SNT-TC-1ATC-101A. Ideally they should hold a Level 2 certification, or A level 1 under the direction and oversight of a higher level certified thermographer.

ASNT recommended guidelines SNT-TC-1ATC-101A detail training requirements for thermographers. Training received should adhere to these guidelines at a minimum. Currently there is not a requirement for certification and no official governing body requiring training. The ASNT guidelines are the current best practice.

The types of inspections the thermographer is experienced with are important. If you are inspecting electrical systems, their experience should be relevant. If you are doing building envelope inspections, the same holds true.

This requirement depends on the company you contract for the inspections. Many thermographic inspection companies can provide the additional service, but you should expect an additional fee for this service.

Infrared is a “line of site” inspection which means that the infrared camera, no matter how good it is, cannot see through panels, but rather it sees the temperature of the surface closest to the lens.

No work will be performed on live electrical equipment. The infrared camera and thermographer will make an image and analysis of the components. If there is a potential issue, the only intrusion into a panel would be with an approved meter to measure amperage on a circuit. No repairs should be attempted “live”.

As a general rule, no. This may vary depending on an individual company’s policies. Under OSHA rules, thermography falls under testing and troubleshooting which is permissible live.

A competent vendor should meet with their site contact and conduct a Job Hazard analysis. Each person involved with the inspection should understand the purpose, the risks, and mitigation methods to ensure a safe inspection.

Generally no, unless a client specifically needs an NIST Traceable calibration. Competent thermographers verify camera calibration periodically and it is a reasonable question.

You can ask your provider if their reporting meets NFPA 70B requirements for reporting. You should also ask for a sample report and verify that their report contains all the elements required under NFPA.

NFPA 70B (2023 edition) mandates detailed thermographic reports for electrical equipment, requiring documentation of inspector/equipment info, operating conditions (load, temp, humidity), and specific findings like location, thermal/visual images, temperature differentials (ΔT), and recommended actions, ensuring all key data for safety and compliance is recorded for a comprehensive record. Reports must show that inspections were performed under normal load conditions and include details such as emissivity settings.

Temperature change compared to a similar component under the same conditions (delta T) is the most common way to categorize severity. The rating should also consider the amperage rating of a component and what the actual amperage loading was at the time of the anomaly finding.

No. There is no accurate way to determine If or When a component will fail. There are a multitude of variables affecting a component which all play a role in the time line of equipment life span. Infrared allows you to see a “snapshot” in time to give some insight as to the current state of health of a system.

Planning the inspection so that equipment is under its usual or maximum loading at the time of the inspection is necessary for an optimal outcome.

This depends on the contractor. The preference should be to use an infrared inspection company that is an independent party with nothing to gain by finding thermal anomalies. Their only interest should be in providing a fair and unbiased assessment of your electrical systems.

The data collected by the thermographer is your data. Anomalies should be trended year over year if it is an anomaly that cannot be easily repaired, or parts are not available.

They do not have a history of providing inspections, They cannot provide references. Their thermographer is not certified. They do not adhere to NFPA 70B. They are using infrared to sell you repair services. They are using outdated technology. They do not confirm equipment loading. They tell you their camera can “see through” the panels and they don’t need to remove covers.