Electrical Thermal Imaging for Insurance

Learn why insurers request electrical thermal imaging, what switchboard inspections cover, and what to expect from the report

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Why Insurers Request Electrical Thermal Imaging

Electrical faults can generate abnormal heat before visible damage or complete failure occurs. For this reason, insurers may request electrical thermal imaging to help assess the condition of switchboards and identify developing issues that could increase the risk of fire or equipment damage. These conditions are not always visible during a standard visual inspection, particularly when deterioration is at an early stage.

An electrical thermal imaging inspection uses an infrared camera to compare surface temperature patterns across energised electrical components. Unusual heating may be associated with loose cable terminations, high-resistance connections, overloaded cables or switchgear, uneven loading between phases, and failing components.

A warm component is not automatically faulty. Electrical equipment naturally produces heat while operating, and the significance of a temperature pattern depends on the equipment type, circuit loading, and comparison with similar components. Professional interpretation is therefore an essential part of an insurance thermography inspection.

For a broader explanation of the technology, learn how thermal imaging works.

thermal image of an overheating circuit breaker

What Does an Insurance Thermal Imaging Inspection Cover?

The inspection scope will depend on the site, the electrical equipment present, and any specific wording supplied by the insurer or broker. Inspections commonly include main switchboards, distribution boards, metering panels, motor control centres, control panels, switchgear, and other nominated critical electrical equipment.

Where accessible, the inspection may assess breakers, fuse gear, contactors, isolators, busbars, cable terminations, lugs, links, and associated connections. Thermal imaging requires a clear line of sight to the inspected surface. Equipment hidden behind covers, barriers, internal assemblies, or other obstructions cannot be assessed directly. Switchboard covers need to be removed so internal components can be viewed directly by the thermal camera. This work must be completed safely by a suitably qualified person.

Electrical equipment should normally remain energised and carry a representative operating load during the inspection. A loose or deteriorated connection may not produce a meaningful temperature difference when very little current is flowing. Wherever practicable, machinery, heating, air-conditioning, production equipment, and other significant loads should be operating normally.

The findings represent a snapshot of operating conditions during the inspection. Changes in electrical load, ambient temperature, equipment duty cycle, airflow, and site operation may affect the temperatures observed.

Learn more about our electrical thermal imaging inspections

What Should an Insurance Thermal Imaging Report Include?

A professional electrical thermal imaging report should clearly document the site details, inspection date, agreed scope, and electrical assets inspected. It should also identify any equipment that could not be assessed because of access restrictions, insufficient load, isolation, or other site conditions.

Where an anomaly is identified, the report should include a thermal image and a corresponding visual photograph so the affected component can be located easily. The thermal pattern should be assessed, assigned an appropriate priority rating, and supported by a clear recommendation for further investigation, repair, or monitoring.

The report should also record relevant operating conditions and explain the limitations of the inspection. This gives the client, electrician, insurer, or asset manager appropriate context when reviewing the findings and planning corrective work.

Correct interpretation requires both thermography experience and an understanding of electrical systems. Reflections, surface materials, equipment design, normal loading, nearby heat sources, and camera settings can all affect the apparent temperature shown in a thermal image.

Auckland Thermography inspections are completed by an ITC Certified Thermographer and EWRB Registered Electrician. Reports provide clear documentation suitable for supporting insurer requirements, maintenance planning, and follow-up electrical work.

Insurer requirements can vary between policies and properties. Providing the insurer’s request or policy wording before the inspection helps ensure the proposed scope and report format are appropriate.

Thermal image of a loose termination on a contactor

Using a thermal camera to inspect a commercial switchboard

Requirements, Inspection Frequency and Next Steps

Is Thermal Imaging the Same as an AS/NZS 3019 Periodic Assessment?

No. Electrical thermal imaging and an AS/NZS 3019 periodic assessment are separate services.

Thermal imaging examines surface temperature patterns while electrical equipment is operating. It is primarily used to identify abnormal heating that may indicate a developing connection, loading, or component issue.

An AS/NZS 3019 periodic assessment involves a broader inspection and testing process to assess the condition and safety of an electrical installation. Depending on the insurer and policy, a property may require thermal imaging, a periodic assessment, or both.

Clients should check the exact wording supplied by their insurer or broker before arranging the work. Auckland Thermography can review the request and confirm which service appears to be required.

How Often Is Electrical Thermal Imaging Required?

There is no single inspection interval that applies to every property. The required frequency may depend on the insurer, policy conditions, building use, electrical load, site risk, equipment age, previous findings, and the client’s maintenance programme.

Some properties are inspected annually, while others may have a different insurer-specified interval. The property owner or manager should confirm the required frequency and scope directly with the insurer or broker.

Regular inspections also allow current thermal patterns to be compared with previous results. This can help identify changes in equipment condition before they develop into more significant faults.

What Happens If a Hotspot Is Found?

When an abnormal thermal pattern is identified, it is documented in the report and assigned a priority rating based on the temperature difference, operating conditions, equipment involved, and apparent level of risk.

The report provides recommended next steps, but repairs are generally arranged separately through the client’s electrician or electrical contractor. Depending on the finding, corrective work may involve inspecting and re-terminating a connection, checking torque, assessing circuit loading, replacing a deteriorated component, or carrying out further electrical testing.

After repairs have been completed, follow-up thermal imaging can be arranged where required to confirm that the abnormal temperature pattern is no longer present under suitable operating load.