Explain how emissivity, reflected temperature and heat transfer affect the accuracy of a thermal image.
Engineering & Maintenance
Infrared Thermography for Electrical and Mechanical Inspection
Learn to plan and run infrared thermography surveys on electrical and mechanical assets, classify thermal anomalies correctly, and report findings that get repairs actioned before failure.
🗓️Duration5 training days
📚Content4 modules · 8 sessions
🎓On completionAccredited attendance certificate
About the programme
Course Overview
A loose connection inside a switchboard or a failing bearing under a coupling guard gives no visible warning before it fails, yet both radiate heat long before they cause an outage. Infrared thermography turns that invisible signal into an image a technician can interpret and act on, without opening a panel or stopping a machine. This course covers the physics of heat transfer and emissivity that make thermal images reliable rather than misleading, camera selection and calibration checks, and the survey technique needed to scan switchgear, connections and motor control centres safely under load. It extends into mechanical and process applications, including bearings, couplings, insulation, steam systems and building envelopes, and covers the severity classification schemes used to decide whether a finding needs immediate action or routine monitoring. Practical sessions use real thermal images and route-based survey planning exercises, and the course explains the competency levels defined in ISO 18436-7 so participants understand what each level of certification permits. Participants finish able to plan a survey route, capture a usable image, classify the anomaly and write a report that leads to a completed repair.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Select and calibrate a thermal imaging camera appropriate to the electrical or mechanical target being surveyed.
Scan switchgear, panels and connections safely under load and interpret the resulting thermal patterns.
Classify thermal anomalies by severity using a documented criteria scheme rather than visual impression alone.
Apply thermography to mechanical targets, including bearings, couplings, insulation and steam systems.
Plan a route-based survey programme that repeats scans at defined intervals across a defined asset population.
Write a thermography report that records findings, severity and recommended action clearly enough to trigger repair.
Who Should Attend
Electrical technicians and engineers carrying out live thermal inspections of switchgear and panels.
Condition monitoring specialists adding thermography to an existing vibration or oil analysis programme.
Reliability and maintenance engineers planning route-based predictive inspection schedules.
Facilities engineers inspecting building envelopes, insulation and mechanical plant for heat loss.
Safety and electrical compliance officers reviewing thermal survey evidence for switchgear condition.
Technicians preparing for ISO 18436-7 thermography competency certification.
Course Modules
Select any module to see its sessions and points.
01Thermal Imaging Fundamentals and Equipment Selection
2 sessions · 8 points
Session 1Heat Transfer, Emissivity and Reflected Apparent Temperature
- Explain conduction, convection and radiation as the heat transfer mechanisms a thermal camera actually detects.
- Set emissivity values correctly for different surface materials to avoid systematic temperature errors.
- Correct for reflected apparent temperature from nearby hot or cold sources during a survey.
- Recognise environmental conditions, such as wind or direct sunlight, that distort outdoor thermal readings.
Session 2Camera Selection, Resolution and Calibration Checks
- Match camera resolution and thermal sensitivity to the size and distance of the targets being inspected.
- Perform pre-survey calibration checks against a known reference temperature source.
- Choose lens and filter options appropriate for electrical, mechanical or gas-related applications.
- Maintain camera calibration records as part of an auditable inspection programme.
02Electrical Inspection Techniques and Anomaly Classification
2 sessions · 8 points
Session 1Load-Based Scanning of Switchgear, Panels and Connections
- Plan a safe scanning sequence for live switchgear that respects arc flash and access restrictions.
- Confirm sufficient load current is present before scanning, since low load can mask a developing fault.
- Compare temperatures across similar phases or components to identify relative rather than absolute anomalies.
- Distinguish a genuine electrical hotspot from reflected heat or a low-emissivity surface artefact.
Session 2Severity Classification and Thermal Anomaly Criteria
- Apply a documented severity classification scheme based on temperature rise above reference components.
- Prioritise findings that combine high temperature rise with high load current or critical circuit function.
- Recommend an inspection interval or immediate shutdown based on the classified severity level.
- Record baseline images so future scans can be compared against a documented starting condition.
03Mechanical and Building Envelope Applications
2 sessions · 8 points
Session 1Thermography of Bearings, Couplings and Insulation Systems
- Scan bearing housings and couplings to detect abnormal heat consistent with developing mechanical faults.
- Identify insulation degradation on piping and vessels from surface temperature anomalies.
- Correlate thermal findings on rotating equipment with vibration or lubrication data before recommending action.
- Distinguish normal operating heat patterns from early-stage mechanical fault signatures.
Session 2Steam System, Refractory and Envelope Inspection Uses
- Use thermography to identify failed steam traps and condensate line blockages from surface temperature patterns.
- Inspect furnace and kiln refractory for hot spots that indicate lining wear or damage.
- Survey building envelopes for insulation gaps, air leakage and moisture ingress using thermal patterns.
- Combine thermal survey findings with other inspection data before recommending refractory or envelope repair.
04Survey Programmes, Standards and Reporting
2 sessions · 8 points
Session 1Route-Based Survey Planning and ISO 18436-7 Competency Levels
- Design a route-based survey programme that covers critical assets at a repeatable interval.
- Sequence survey routes to minimise access, safety and production interruption during scanning.
- Explain the competency levels defined in ISO 18436-7 and what each level of certification permits.
- Plan training and mentoring so survey quality remains consistent as new personnel join the programme.
Session 2Report Writing, Trending and Verification of Repairs
- Write inspection reports that state the finding, severity, recommended action and required timescale clearly.
- Attach comparable thermal and visual images so a non-specialist reader can understand the finding.
- Trend repeat findings on the same asset to judge whether a developing fault is stable or worsening.
- Verify completed repairs with a follow-up scan before closing the finding in the tracking system.
What the participant receives
4 course modules
A structured syllabus
8 training sessions
across 5 days
32 detailed points
Applied, detailed content
Accredited attendance certificate
On completing the programme
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