Thermal Imaging Services

FAQs on Thermography

What is Thermography / Thermal Imaging?

Thermal imaging, also known as thermography or infrared imaging, is a vital non-destructive method for assessing the health of electrical systems. This innovative technique utilizes thermal cameras to capture temperature variations in components like cables, circuit breakers, and transformers. By analysing these heat patterns, CIRTA identifies potential issues before they escalate into serious problems such as fires or power outages.

Our technicians at CIRTA are qualified and certified thermographers adhering to the AS ISO 18436.7:2014 standards and committed to delivering high-quality thermal scanning services. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, we can provide both still and video infrared imagery options, as well as aerial thermal scans using our thermal drones. We provide thorough diagnostics and clear, actionable reports to ensure the safety and efficiency of your electrical systems. 

Why is Thermography Important?

Electrical system anomalies and failures, have cost businesses millions of dollars in losses with failed equipment downtime.
A thermal inspection can mitigate risks by detecting problems early  ensuring the electrical integrity of your infrastructure workplace safety.
Our team of experts aims to detect anomalies in electrical systems to prevent these failures to save you money and increases the longevity of your assets.

Thermal Scanning for Preventative Maintenance?

Electrical systems operate quietly and continuously and at some point they will fail, as we know nothing lasts for ever. Early detection is the key to longevity of your critical infrastructure and finding the malfunctioning components early, this can save you from costly repairs and significant downtime. Electrical failures can lead to long interruptions, impacting productivity in commercial and industrial environments. Incorporating thermal imaging into your routine maintenance schedule is a prudent investment that is worth making, yielding substantial returns by preventing major issues.

Recommended Frequency for Thermal Scanning?

Although there are no strict legal requirements for thermal scanning in Australia, it has become a best practice among businesses for preventive maintenance and insurance compliance. If your primary goal is to satisfy insurance requirements, it’s essential to consult your insurer about specific scanning intervals. Typically, office buildings should undergo thermal scans every one to three years based on power loads. High-demand sectors, such as manufacturing, require annual inspections, while environments like mining sites may need even more frequent evaluations which can be 3, 6 or 12 monthly, for best practice to fit into your preventative maintenance schedule.

How does it prioritising safety in facilities?

Safety is paramount for anyone managing public facilities. Faulty electrical equipment is the leading cause of fires in Australia each year, accounting for 20% of incidents. Then take into consideration all the near misses that may have occurred and not reported to the insurance companies.
So, with over 5,000 fire damage claims in commercial properties, the risks are significant, to your employees, your patrons, your infrastructures, your premises and the productivity of your business. In the event of a catastrophic failure, what will the cost be to your business?
Proactive measures, such as regular thermal scans of electrical equipment, help detect faults early is the key, effectively reducing fire risks and ensuring a safer environment for everyone involved.

Do I need thermal scans to meet insurance requirements?

While thermographic inspections are not legally required, many insurance companies now mandate regular thermal imaging of electrical systems. For instance, many insurance underwriters advise that scans must be performed exclusively by appropriate training and certification thermographer.
At CIRTA, all our technicians adhere to the standards set out by AINDT (Australian Institute of No Destructive Testing – recognised worldwide), are qualified trained and certified to AS ISO 18436.7:2014 certified and equipped with the latest technology electrical thermographic equipment, that can perform the diagnostic service and correctly interpret the results and our inspections include a detailed insurance-compliant report, ensuring that you meet all necessary requirements while prioritizing safety and reliability.

Why should you thermal scan buildings and houses?

Thermal scanning is an invaluable tool for maintaining the efficiency and integrity of your building, whether it’s a commercial facility, a body corporate property, or a residential home. Using advanced thermal imaging technology, CIRTA can identify energy loss from heat and cold leakage, inadequate insulation, electrical issues within switchboards, and hidden water damage, including roof leaks, rising damp, and moisture within walls and floors.
This proactive approach not only helps reduce energy costs but also ensures your property remains comfortable, secure, and free from hidden damages.
One of the significant advantages of thermal scanning is its ability to detect issues that are invisible to the naked eye.
Many problems, such as concealed roof leaks or rising damp, can lead to substantial long-term damage if left undetected. By conducting a thermal inspection, you gain critical insights that enable preventative maintenance strategies, ensuring peace of mind for property owners and managers.

Whether you’re preparing for a pre-purchase inspection or looking to improve energy efficiency, thermal imaging offers a reliable solution to safeguard your investment and protect against costly repairs.

Is thermography relevant for the Food Industry, Hospitality and Restaurants?

For the hospitality industry, maintaining high standards of quality and safety is paramount and thermal imaging allows for comprehensive inspections of electrical systems, refrigeration units, and kitchen equipment. Identifying potential issues before they escalate. This is particularly important if you have cold store refrigeration facilities. Maintaining optimal temperature control and equipment reliability is essential for preserving perishable goods and meeting regulatory standards.
Thermal scanning for insurance compliance allows facilities to identify insulation deficiencies, refrigerant leaks, and malfunctioning components that could compromise product integrity. This can help to optimize energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. 

Our tailored solutions are designed to fit your specific needs, ensuring that your hospitality site operates efficiently and safely so please pass our details onto your landlord as they might be required to do this anyway, so you are both covered under insurance!