Common Infrared Inspection Findings & How to Address Them

Herzig Engineering
Dec 9
2 min read

Infrared inspections are one of the most effective preventive maintenance tools for identifying electrical and mechanical issues before they cause costly downtime or safety incidents. That's why the NFPA 70B requires they be done for all electrical equipment every year (at a minimum). Yet, many facilities don’t know what to do when problems are found. At Herzig Engineering, our infrared scanning services not only uncover hidden issues—we help you fix them before they escalate.

What Infrared Inspections Typically Reveal

Infrared thermography detects heat emitted from electrical components. Unusual heat patterns often indicate a problem. Some of the most common findings include:

Loose or Corroded Connections These issues cause increased resistance, leading to overheating. If left unchecked, they can trigger arc flashes or equipment failure.

Solution: Schedule timely repairs or tightening of connections. Our Infrared Scanning includes detailed reports with actionable next steps.

Overloaded Circuits Excessive heat in breakers, fuses, or conductors may point to overloading. This condition degrades equipment and elevates fire risk.

Solution: Perform a load analysis and redistribute loads if necessary. Herzig can coordinate with your team to optimize load distribution.

Imbalanced Loads Uneven heat signatures across phases typically indicate a load imbalance. This reduces efficiency and may shorten equipment lifespan.

Solution: Investigate load distribution and correct imbalances. Our Electrical Safety Audits help identify root causes and compliance gaps.

Faulty Components Overheated motors, bearings, or contactors can signal imminent failure.

Solution: Replace or repair affected components before they impact operations. Our inspections document temperature thresholds that exceed NFPA 70B guidelines.

Improperly Installed Equipment Incorrect installations often produce abnormal heating patterns. This may stem from poor workmanship or lack of adherence to code.

Solution: Review installation practices. Herzig’s team of licensed electricians can provide guidance for code-compliant installations and data accuracy.

How to Turn Infrared Data Into Action

The true value of an infrared inspection comes from follow-through. Herzig Engineering provides:

Comprehensive reports with annotated thermal images
Prioritized risk assessments
Corrective recommendations with timelines

We also track inspection history through our Client Portal, enabling proactive planning and long-term asset management.

Don’t Let a Small Hotspot Become a Big Problem

Infrared inspections uncover issues you can’t see—but they’re only useful if you act on them. Partner with Herzig Engineering to ensure findings are translated into meaningful safety and reliability improvements.

Related Services: Arc Flash Studies, Electrical Safety Training, Contact Us