Electrical thermal imaging inspections are an essential component in ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical distribution systems. Across all industry sectors, for facility managers and insurers alike, proactively identifying potential faults as part of a preventive maintenance strategy helps prevent unplanned downtime, reduce the risk of electrically-related property damage, and protect against costly business interruptions and insurance claims.
While regulatory inspection and testing methods, such as EICRs, contribute to electrical safety and reducing risk, they fall short in detecting many types of faults that can lead to significant losses. Thermal imaging surveys fill this gap by identifying issues that EICRs cannot—such as poor connections, overloaded circuits, and faulty components or equipment.
A thermal imaging survey conducted by Red Current will help maintain system integrity while ensuring compliance with the Electrical Thermal Imaging Standard ISO 18434-1:2008.
Realising the full benefits of thermal imaging surveys depends entirely on the service provider you choose. Not all surveys are equal, and the quality can vary widely. Choosing a provider without robust systems and standards risks survey reports of limited value, potentially missing defects or misdiagnosing issues. Deciding solely on cost often compromises reliability and effectiveness, completely undermining the purpose of the survey.
At Red Current, our mission is to deliver industry-leading electrical thermal imaging surveys across all sectors, setting the benchmark for excellence, accuracy, and reliability. We are committed to helping businesses enhance safety, reduce risk, and improve operational efficiency through expert diagnostics and uncompromising service standards.
Our processes are built around continuous innovation, ensuring our systems and standards evolve to meet the highest expectations. We also prioritise the professional development of our thermal imaging surveyors, ensuring our expertise remains second to none. Our surveys guarantee the full potential of electrical thermal imaging is realised, significantly reducing the risk of property damage and business interruption—all while ensuring zero disruption to our clients' operations.
Our thermographers are certified to a minimum of PCN/ITC Category 1 and follow a structured development plan progressing towards PCN/ITC Category 3 certification (ISO 18436-7:2014). Furthermore, they complete NICEIC-approved, BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) - 18th Edition training, ensuring compliance with industry standards and a high level of technical competence. Every report undergoes rigorous peer review by a Senior Surveyor (PCN/ITC Category 2) to maintain the highest standards, ensuring that all anomalies are correctly identified and addressed.
We have established standardised processes to guarantee meticulous asset inspections, achieving accuracy, reliability & consistency across all reported results. Regular analysis of survey outcomes enables us to identify trends and refine Red Current’s survey and reporting methodologies. This continuous innovation ensures we deliver unparalleled service to our clients while adapting to evolving industry standards.
Professional development is at the heart of our operations. We foster a culture of continuous learning and resource sharing through our survey review and internal verification processes. By identifying and addressing improvements before reports are distributed, we enhance each surveyor's expertise. Misdiagnosed anomalies, adjustments, and additional insights are shared with the team, ensuring constant refinement of skills and knowledge.
Is there a legal requirement to complete thermal imaging surveys on electrical distribution systems?
Thermal imaging surveys are a crucial component of ensuring compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. These regulations place a legal obligation on property owners, facility managers, and tenants (if lease agreements specify electrical responsibility) to maintain safe and reliable electrical installations.
BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) recommends periodic Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) every 3 and 5 years for industrial and commercial facilities, respectively. However, these inspections are unlikely to uncover hidden risks, such as loose connections, overloaded circuits, and faulty equipment or components—issues that thermal imaging is uniquely capable of detecting.
Guidance Note 3 specifically recommends thermal imaging inspections, conducted by suitably trained and experienced practitioners, as a powerful diagnostic tool to supplement EICRs. By detecting subtle temperature anomalies, thermal imaging surveys proactively identify electrical faults before they escalate into failures or safety hazards. This non-intrusive technique strengthens compliance, enhances workplace safety, and minimises downtime, positioning thermal imaging as indispensable in meeting legal and operational requirements.
What qualifications, certifications and experience are needed to complete thermal imaging surveys of electrical systems?
To conduct thermal imaging surveys of electrical systems effectively and safely, professionals must meet specific qualifications, certifications, and experience requirements. These should align with international standards and industry best practices.
Standards and Certifications
- ISO 18434-1:2008 – Condition Monitoring and diagnostics of machines - Thermography: This international standard outlines the general procedures for conducting thermal imaging inspections, emphasising the importance of accurate diagnostics and compliance with safety protocols. This standard states that all Thermographers shall be qualified and assessed in accordance with ISO 18436-7.
- ISO 18436-7:2014 - Condition monitoring and diagnostics of machines — Requirements for qualification and assessment of personnel.: This standard specifies the qualification and assessment criteria for thermographers. It ensures that practitioners are competent in applying infrared thermography for condition monitoring and diagnostics. There are two training and qualification pathways that meet these requirements. PCN (Personal Certification in Non-Destructive Testing) which is operated by the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) and ITC (Infrared Training Centre) which is operated by Teledyne FLIR. Note that only the PCN pathway is UKAS accredited to comply with ISO 18436-7.
- ITC and PCN Certification Categories:
- Category 1: This entry-level certification is designed for individuals qualified to collect and document thermal data. However, they depend on higher-level professionals (e.g., Category 2 and 3) for detailed analysis and the approval of reports. For conducting thermal imaging inspections of electrical systems, Category 1 certified individuals must also demonstrate appropriate electrical qualifications. This ensures not only the safety of the inspection process but also a solid understanding of the systems, enabling accurate identification of anomalies and defects.
- Category 2: This certification is for individuals who have progressed beyond data collection to advanced competencies in thermographic analysis. Category 2 professionals are equipped to interpret thermal data, diagnose issues, and propose corrective actions based on their findings. With this level of certification, they are authorised to independently review, sign off, and approve thermal imaging survey reports. Their expertise ensures a thorough and reliable diagnostic process, enhancing both the accuracy of findings and the quality of recommendations for corrective measures.
- Category 3: This advanced-level certification is designed for experts in thermography who possess the highest level of competence in the field. Category 3 professionals are responsible for developing and overseeing thermographic programs, ensuring their alignment with industry standards and best practices. They establish procedures for condition monitoring and diagnostics, tailoring these frameworks to meet organisational needs. Additionally, they play a pivotal role in mentoring and training other thermographers, sharing their expertise to build and strengthen team capabilities. Their leadership ensures a systematic, accurate, and efficient approach to thermographic analysis and implementation.
Electrical Qualifications to Support Thermal Imaging Inspections
Electrical qualifications and practical experience are essential for individuals conducting thermal imaging surveys on electrical systems. A thorough understanding of electrical principles equips them to recognise potential issues and defects, as well as assessing their broader implications on system performance and safety. Additionally, qualified individuals are better prepared to identify and mitigate hazards, including the risks of arc flashes, electric shock, or fire, ensuring that the survey is conducted safely and effectively. Without these qualifications, both the accuracy of diagnostics and the safety of operations may be compromised.
A time-served electrical apprenticeship remains the most comprehensive demonstration of the qualifications and experience required for conducting thermal imaging surveys on electrical systems. This pathway typically includes foundational qualifications such as NVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation ensuring an in-depth understanding of electrical systems, practical skills, and safety regulations. Professionals who have completed this route are well-prepared to identify potential issues and defects with accuracy and assess their broader implications.
However, for those who have not undertaken such an apprenticeship, it is critical to hold, at a minimum, the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations certification, along with documented experience in electrical thermography. This ensures a sound understanding of electrical principles, the ability to recognise system anomalies, and the expertise to conduct inspections safely and effectively, meeting the demands of modern thermography practices.
At Red Current, all thermal imaging inspections of electrical systems are conducted by thermographers holding at least PCN/ITC Category 1 certification, in accordance with ISO 18436-7. These professionals possess the necessary electrical qualifications, including a time-served electrical apprenticeship or, at minimum, the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations certification, to ensure safety and accuracy in identifying anomalies. Each report undergoes a rigorous review and approval process by a PCN/ITC Category 2 thermographer. This aligns with the international standards outlined in ISO 18434-1:2008 and ensures compliance with best practices. Our commitment to maintaining the highest standards ensures all anomalies are identified accurately, safety protocols are upheld, and reporting criteria are fully met.
Can a thermal imaging survey replace the need for an EICR?
A thermal imaging survey cannot replace the need for an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). While thermal imaging surveys are excellent for detecting overheating components, loose connections, or other potential electrical faults without disrupting operations, they do not assess wiring configuration or circuit breaker functionality to ensure proper disconnection from the supply under fault conditions—an essential aspect of an EICR.
Thermal imaging surveys are complementary to EICRs. While EICRs identify and address issues such as faulty or incorrect wiring and circuit protection, thermal imaging does not play a role in these areas. Conversely, EICRs are not designed to detect loose connections, overloaded circuits, or faulty equipment and components, which thermal imaging can identify. Each methodology has its unique strengths, and neither can fully replace the other.
To ensure compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. Both EICRs and Thermal Imaging Surveys should be undertaken to maintain safe and reliable electrical installations.
What should a thermal imaging survey report include?
Electrical thermal imaging survey reports should adhere to ISO 18434-1:2008 – Condition Monitoring and Diagnostics of Machines – Thermography. This international standard provides guidelines for survey procedures and reporting requirements, ensuring consistency, quality, and compliance in thermal imaging practices.
At Red Current, our reports not only comply with these standards but also go above and beyond. Every survey is conducted by electrically qualified PCN/ITC Certified Thermographers (See Required Qualifications), ensuring technical accuracy and expertise. Furthermore, each report undergoes a thorough review and approval process by a minimum of a Category 2 PCN/ITC Certified Thermographer, guaranteeing the highest level of quality and reliability.
- Detailed Descriptions of Defect
Unlike some providers who may simply report, “a hot spot was found on this asset,” we at Red Current deliver precise descriptions of each defect, suspected causes, and detailed remedial instructions. We clearly specify the urgency of the required actions, enabling stakeholders understand the findings and prioritise corrective measures effectively. - Advanced Component Databases
We continuously enhance our proprietary Component Databases, which catalogue various failure modes and corresponding temperature alarm levels. These databases leverage data from hundreds of thousands of thermal images gathered during our surveys since Red Current's establishment in 2010, ensuring robust and reliable insights into thermal performance across assets. - Comprehensive Coverage
A typical thermal imaging survey of a facility’s electrical distribution systems aims to inspect, as far as practicable, all electrical assets. This includes the main incoming supply transformers, distribution boards, control panels, and intermediary components, such as switch panels, busbars, and isolating switches. Ultimately, the survey encompasses the entire electrical supply network to identify and mitigate defects that could pose fire risks or lead to business interruptions.
If you would like to see a sample report, please get in touch with us directly, and we’ll be happy to provide one.
What specification thermal cameras are required to complete thermal imaging surveys of electrical systems?
To ensure compliance with ISO 18434-1:2008, thermal imaging cameras used for electrical inspections should meet the following:
- Optical Focus: The camera must have the ability to be optically focused, allowing precise adjustments for varying measurement distances and conditions. Fixed-focus cameras are not suitable, as they may compromise the precision and adaptability required for diagnostics outlined in ISO 18434-1:2008.
- Detector Resolution & Spatial Resolution (IFOV): The thermal camera must provide suitable spatial resolution for the target size and distance, as required to maintain measurement accuracy in compliance with ISO 18434-1:2008. For most applications, working at short distances (i.e. 1-2meters), a minimum detector resolution of 240×180 pixels and an IFOV (Instantaneous Field of View) of 1.75 mrad/pixel should be sufficient to meet diagnostic requirements.
- Thermal Sensitivity (NETD): A sensitivity of 100mK (0.1°C) or better is necessary to detect subtle temperature variations, aligning with the precision standards outlined in ISO 18434-1:2008.
- Temperature Range: The camera must be capable of measuring temperatures suitable for electrical systems, typically up to 650°C or higher, to meet the requirements for comprehensive diagnostics.
- Lens Options: Interchangeable lenses are recommended to accommodate various field conditions and measurement scenarios, enhancing flexibility as supported by ISO 18434-1:2008.
- Calibration: The camera must be calibrated to a traceable blackbody reference, ensuring measurement accuracy and compliance with ISO 18434-1:2008, which emphasises the importance of reliable and standardised data.
If you are looking to purchase a thermal imaging camera suitable for electrical thermal imaging applications, it is vital to ensure the above criteria are met. For expert assistance, contact the Red Current Thermal Imaging Camera Sales team to guide you in making the right choice.
What are the relevant UK standards for Electrical Thermal Imaging Surveys?
Electrical thermal imaging surveys are essential for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of electrical systems. In the UK, these surveys are governed by several standards and regulations that outline best practices and compliance requirements:
- ISO 18434-1:2008 - Condition monitoring and diagnostics of machines — Thermography — Part 1: General procedures. This standard introduces the application of infrared thermography for machinery condition monitoring and diagnostics. It includes general procedures, safety recommendations, data interpretation, and reporting requirements. Additionally, it specifies that personnel conducting thermal imaging surveys should be trained and certified in accordance with ISO 18436-7:2014.
- ISO 18436-7:2014 - Condition monitoring and diagnostics of machines — Requirements for qualification and assessment of personnel — Part 7: Thermography. This international standard specifies the requirements for qualification and assessment of personnel conducting condition monitoring and diagnostics using thermal imaging. It ensures that professionals are certified to perform accurate and reliable surveys. See here for more information on thermography qualifications & certifications.
- Electricity at Work Regulations (1989): These regulations mandate the safe operation and maintenance of electrical systems in workplaces. Thermal imaging surveys play a crucial role in identifying potential hazards, such as overheating components, loose connections, and overloaded circuits, to prevent electrical accidents.
- BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) - Guidance Note 3 specifically recommends thermal imaging inspections as a powerful diagnostic tool to supplement EICRs. The guidance emphasises safety during thermal imaging surveys, particularly when working near live electrical systems. It highlights the importance of adhering to safety protocols to minimise risks and covers considerations such as Safe Working Practices, Risk Assessments and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
All electrical thermal imaging surveys conducted by Red Current fully comply with the relevant standards and regulations detailed above, ensuring safety, accuracy, and reliability in every survey.
What are the benefits of electrical thermal imaging surveys?
Electrical thermal imaging surveys offer a range of benefits, particularly in safeguarding the integrity and enhancing the performance of electrical systems. They ensure systems remain safe, reliable, and capable of meeting the evolving demands of businesses and consumers alike. So long as the inspections are completed by suitably qualified and experienced personnel using suitable specification thermal imaging cameras, the surveys can offer the following benefits:
- Early Fault Detection
Thermal imaging cameras can detect even the smallest temperature variations, making it possible to identify defects such as loose connections, overloaded circuits, and failing components long before they result in failure. Early detection allows for repairs to be strategically planned around operational requirements and scheduled during appropriate outages, effectively preventing unplanned downtime. - Cost Savings
Thermal imaging surveys are an exceptionally cost-effective predictive maintenance tool, allowing electrical assets—such as distribution boards, control panels, and isolators—to be inspected safely and efficiently. On average, a single surveyor can inspect approximately 60 assets per day during a typical survey.
Further to this, preventive maintenance is almost always more economical than emergency repairs or equipment replacement. This becomes even more significant when considering the potential production losses caused by failures. In industrial and commercial settings, downtime can incur substantial expenses. Early intervention not only minimises these risks but also ensures continuity and operational efficiency. - Non-Intrusive and Safe
Electrical thermal imaging surveys should be conducted under normal operating conditions, ensuring that system loadings are representative of typical usage. This approach eliminates the need for shutdowns, allowing businesses to continue operations without any disruption. Additionally, the methodology enables surveyors to safely inspect live electrical systems from a secure distance, without requiring any physical intrusion into panels. - Regulatory and Insurance Compliance
Thermal imaging surveys play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. This compliance, coupled with the recognised reduction in the risk of electrical fires and business interruptions that these surveys deliver, has led to their increasing recommendation—and often requirement—by real estate insurers as part of policy endorsements. - Optimise Equipment lifecycle and Identify Energy Savings
Thermal imaging surveys frequently identify defects in supplied equipment that is not operating as intended, often drawing more load than necessary and resulting in unnecessarily high energy costs. Additionally, equipment operating under higher load conditions—and therefore at elevated temperatures—experiences accelerated degradation. By detecting these issues early, thermal imaging surveys help optimise equipment performance and extend its operational lifecycle. - Visual and Clear Reporting
Thermal imaging reports offer valuable visual evidence, such as infrared images, which simplify the process of communicating findings to stakeholders and clients. Red Current's thermal imaging reports are widely regarded as industry-leading, not only meeting the stringent requirements of the ISO Standard ISO18434-1:2008 but also exceptional at presenting defects and anomalies in a clear and accessible manner. Our approach ensures that all stakeholders can grasp not only the root causes of issues but also their severity and the potential impact on facility operations.