Thermal patterns indicate that breakers have connection issues at the back of the panel.
Identifying electrical faults early can reduce the likelihood of a fire. These circuit breakers look just like any other circuit breakers: a set of electrical devices mounted in a steel box. But inside, invisible to the human eye, was a hidden danger. This image shows yellow for hotter temperatures, black for colder temperatures. The breakers were smoldering at 159.7 degrees. Thermography made the danger visible.
Inspectors used a thermal imaging camera to “see” the heat so that the hidden wiring issue can be corrected. Without a repair, the problem could have resulted in an electrical fire – a leading cause of building fires. Just as photography means “writing with light,” thermography means “writing with heat.”
A thermal camera captures infrared images of electrical components, revealing hidden defects that the eye cannot detect. Cincinnati Insurance loss control consultants are trained to use thermal cameras as a part of value-added services they provide when visiting customer locations.
How Thermography Inspections Can Help a Business
In addition to the cost of a fire loss and its effect on insurance, a business could experience downtime, loss of reputation or even employee injury. Even if an identified problem would not result in a fire loss, being alerted to potential issues can help a business balance the electrical load, increasing efficiency and potentially saving money.
After touring a facility and imaging a suspected issue, the loss control representative alerts the business owner, providing infrared photos of the potential problem. The business owner then engages a licensed electrician to correct the problem, thus avoiding a potential fire.
Important things to know when using thermography:
- More than 25% of workplace fires can be linked to electrical systems.
- The age of your electrical system does not guarantee trouble-free operation. Electrical issues are found in new construction as well as old.
- If thermography reveals a problem, a qualified, licensed electrician should be called to confirm issues and make repairs.
- Successful use of this technology requires the proper skillset and knowledge.
All of Cincinnati’s loss control consultants have received classroom and hands-on training, learning the theory of thermography as well as the use of thermographic cameras. Cincinnati business policyholders can request loss control services through their local, independent insurance agent.