IR thermography: see problems before they happen.
Infrared thermography uses thermal imaging to identify hot spots in electrical equipment — loose connections, failing breakers, overloaded circuits — before they fail catastrophically. Standard preventive maintenance.
By Steven Lockhart · Reviewed by Alex Towery, C-10 #989290
Updated 2026-06-16
IR thermography scope: thermal imaging camera scan of all electrical equipment under load (panels, sub-panels, switchgear, transformers, motor connections, large equipment terminations), comparison of like equipment for delta temperature anomalies, identification of issues by severity (critical hot spots requiring immediate attention vs developing issues for monitoring), written report with thermal images and findings. Marin commercial IR scan typical $800-$3,500 depending on building size.
01Why thermography works.
Electrical connection failures and overload conditions create heat. Loose bolted connections, oxidized terminals, failing components, overloaded circuits — all generate excess heat before they fail. Heat is detectable visually with thermal imaging long before connection completely fails. Catching issues in heating stage allows scheduled repair vs emergency replacement after failure. Cost differential is significant: scheduled repair $200-$500 typical; emergency replacement after failure $2,000-$20,000+ depending on damage scope.
Most major electrical failures (panel fires, breaker explosions, transformer failures) showed thermal warning signs days to months before catastrophic event. Annual IR scan catches developing issues during this warning period. Routine scan cost is low ($800-$3,500 annually); catastrophic failure cost is high (equipment damage, business interruption, fire damage, sometimes injury). ROI on IR scanning program is overwhelming when calculated against avoided failure cost.
02What we look for.
Bolted connection heating
Loose or oxidized bolted connections heat up under load. Most common finding. Severity ranges from minor (re-torque next maintenance window) to critical (immediate attention, risk of failure).
Failing components
Breakers with internal degradation, contactors with worn contacts, motor connections developing problems. Identified by hotter-than-normal operation.
Load imbalance
Three-phase circuits with imbalanced load show different temperatures on each phase. Mild imbalance acceptable; significant imbalance indicates problem (often single phasing of motor).
Overloaded conductors
Conductors running hotter than normal indicate overload, even if breaker hasn't tripped. Sometimes early warning of load growth requiring upgrade.
03Scan execution and reporting.
Scans must be performed under load — equipment running at typical operating load. Off-load scans miss most issues because heat differential isn't present. We schedule scans during normal operations or specific high-load periods (mid-morning for commercial, afternoon for cooling-load-dependent buildings). Some equipment requires opening covers for direct line of sight to terminations; we coordinate with operations for cover removal scope.
Report includes: thermal images of each finding alongside visible-light images for context, delta T (temperature difference between hot spot and reference), severity rating (NFPA 70B or company-specific scale), recommended action and urgency, photos and locations for tracking. Used for maintenance prioritization and historical comparison (year-over-year tracking reveals slow-developing issues).
Common questions.
How often should I do IR scans?
Annual scan is industry standard for commercial. Some facilities scan more frequently (semi-annual or quarterly) for critical operations or known problem equipment. Insurance carriers sometimes require annual scanning for premium discount or coverage. Industrial facilities with extensive equipment often run continuous monitoring with fixed thermal cameras at critical points; commercial typically does annual handheld scans.
Will the scan disrupt operations?
No — scans happen during normal operations with equipment running normally. Some panels require cover removal for direct line of sight; cover removal/replacement is 5-10 minutes per panel. No power interruption needed. Scan technician works around operations rather than disrupting them. Typical Marin commercial scan: 4-8 hours on-site for full building, no operational impact.
What if scan finds critical issues?
Severity ratings drive response timing. Critical findings (severe hot spots indicating imminent failure risk): immediate attention recommended, sometimes equipment isolation pending repair. Major findings: address within 30 days. Minor findings: address at next scheduled maintenance. Cosmetic/trending findings: monitor at next scan. We can provide remediation services or owner can use other contractors; report findings stand independently.
Are there utility or insurance rebates for IR scanning?
PG&E doesn't currently offer specific rebates for IR scanning, but some commercial property insurance policies offer premium reductions for documented IR scanning programs. Verify with specific insurance carrier. Most Marin commercial owners pursue IR scanning for the maintenance value rather than rebate; modest investment with substantial avoided-cost return.
How do you handle pricing — flat fee or hourly?
Both, depending on scope. Routine service calls and predictable scope (panel replacement, EV charger install, transfer switch install, fixture replacement) are flat-fee quoted up front. Diagnostic visits and emergency scope are hourly because we don't know what we'll find. Either way, you get a written quote before work starts on anything significant, and we don't proceed beyond the quote without your sign-off.
How quickly can you schedule?
Depends on scope and season. Emergency dispatch: same-day across Marin County (1-3 hours business hours, 1-4 hours after-hours). Same-day standard service: 3-6 hours from call when capacity allows; otherwise next business day. Scheduled service work: 1-3 weeks typical. Larger projects requiring permits and PG&E coordination: 4-12 weeks depending on scope. We're upfront about timeline at the quote stage.
What warranty do you offer on work?
Our standard residential warranty: 2 years on labor, manufacturer warranty on parts (varies by product — typically 1-10 years). Major installs (panels, generators, EV chargers) often have longer manufacturer warranties (5-10 years). If there's an issue with our work in the warranty period, we come back and fix it at no cost. We also stand behind work past warranty — repeat customers and referrals matter more than a transactional fix.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. California State License Board C-10 Electrical Contractor #989290, in good standing. Carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance as required by California law. Bondable on projects requiring it. Happy to provide proof of insurance to clients or property managers on request. License lookup: cslb.ca.gov.
Talk to a licensed electrician in Marin.
Family-run, C-10 #989290, 20+ years in the trade. Honest scoping, fair pricing, work that lasts.