What is an electrical thermal imaging survey?
An electrical thermal imaging survey uses infrared technology to detect heat patterns in electrical systems. It identifies faults such as overheating components, loose connections, and overloaded circuits—issues that may not be visible during standard inspections like EICRs.
Why is thermal imaging important for electrical systems?
Thermal imaging helps prevent:
- Unplanned downtime
- Fire hazards
- Equipment failure
- Insurance claims due to electrical faults
It complements regulatory inspections by detecting issues that traditional methods often miss.
Who conducts the surveys at Red Current?
All surveys are carried out by electrically qualified thermographers certified to PCN/ITC Category 2 or higher. Our team also completes NICEIC-approved 18th Edition training, ensuring technical competence and compliance with ISO 18434-1:2008 and ISO 18436-7:2014 standards.
What industries benefit from these surveys?
We serve all sectors—from manufacturing and data centres to healthcare and education. Any organisation relying on uninterrupted electrical performance can benefit from proactive fault detection.
What standards do your reports comply with?
Our reports are:
- ISO 18434-1:2008 compliant
- Prepared by certified professionals
- Peer-reviewed by senior surveyors
- Designed to meet insurer requirements
See more about the relevant UK standards for Electrical Thermal Imaging Surveys.
How do Red Current’s surveys differ from others?
We don’t just detect faults—we deliver:
- Structured, standardised inspections
- Peer-reviewed reports for accuracy
- Continuous innovation in methodology
- Zero disruption to your operations
Choosing a provider based solely on cost can compromise reliability. Our surveys are built to protect your systems and reputation.
What types of faults can thermal imaging detect?
Common issues include:
- Overheating components
- Loose or corroded connections
- Phase imbalance
- Faulty breakers or fuses
- Overloaded circuits
These faults often precede serious failures and are invisible to the naked eye.
Will the survey disrupt our operations?
No. Our surveys are non-invasive and conducted without interrupting your workflow. We work flexibly around your schedule to minimise impact.
How often should we schedule a survey?
Frequency depends on your risk profile, insurer requirements, and operational criticality. Many clients opt for annual or biannual surveys as part of their preventive maintenance strategy.
Can thermal imaging help with insurance compliance?
Yes. Our reports are tailored to meet insurer expectations, helping you demonstrate proactive risk management and potentially reduce premiums.
What happens after the survey?
You’ll receive a detailed report highlighting:
- Fault locations and severity
- Thermal images with annotations
- Recommended actions
- Compliance notes
We’re also available to discuss findings and support remedial planning.
How do I book a survey?
You can request an estimate directly or contact our team to discuss your requirements. We’ll tailor the service to your site, systems, and operational needs.
Do we need to prepare our site before the survey?
Yes, we recommend:
- Ensuring all electrical systems are live and under normal load
- Providing access to distribution boards and control panels
- Informing staff of survey activity (if needed for safety or access)
We’ll guide you through any specific prep during booking.
What equipment do you use?
We use high-spec FLIR thermal imaging cameras with calibrated sensors and advanced analytics. Our equipment is maintained to manufacturer standards and suitable for industrial environments.
Can you survey systems in hazardous or sensitive environments?
Yes. We have experience working in:
- ATEX-rated zones
- Clean rooms
- Data centres
- Healthcare facilities
We’ll assess access and safety requirements during planning.
What’s the difference between a thermal imaging survey and an EICR?
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) checks wiring and compliance. Thermal imaging detects heat anomalies that may indicate faults before they become failures. Both are complementary—thermal imaging adds predictive insight to your maintenance strategy.
How do you prioritise faults in your reports?
We use a severity matrix based on:
- Temperature differential
- Load conditions
- Component type
- Risk of failure or fire
Each fault is colour-coded and accompanied by clear recommendations.
Can you survey during weekends or out-of-hours?
Yes. We offer flexible scheduling to suit operational needs, including evenings and weekends. This is especially useful for sites with restricted access or critical uptime requirements.
Do you offer remedial services?
We focus on diagnostics and reporting. However, we can liaise with your electrical contractors or facilities team to support remedial planning and ensure faults are addressed appropriately.
How secure is the data from our survey?
All images and reports are stored securely and shared via encrypted channels. We comply with GDPR and ISO standards for data handling and confidentiality.
Can you survey renewable energy systems?
Yes. We can inspect:
- Solar PV arrays
- Battery storage systems
- EV charging infrastructure
- Associated switchgear and inverters
Thermal imaging is especially useful for spotting hotspots in high-current DC systems.
What if no faults are found?
That’s good news. Your report will confirm system health and serve as evidence of proactive maintenance—useful for insurers, auditors, and internal compliance.
