Thermography: Seeing the Heat Before the Fire

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.

This loss control information is advisory only. Not all exposures are in this article. Contact your local, independent agent for insurance coverage advice and loss control information. Neither The Cincinnati Insurance Company nor its affiliates or representatives offer legal advice. Consult with your attorney about your specific situation.

The selection of a particular service provider is the independent choice of the policyholder. Service providers are not affiliated with The Cincinnati Insurance Companies. Cincinnati and its employees make no warranties and assume no liability for services, products or loss control measures provided by service providers.