Why Unseen Faults Are the Most Dangerous

In any industrial or commercial electrical system, it’s not always the obvious issues that lead to disaster. The most dangerous faults are often hidden—inside cables, connections, or switchgear—where they quietly worsen over time. By the time a fault becomes visible or causes an outage, it can mean serious equipment damage, expensive repairs, or even safety hazards.

That’s where infrared scanning (or electrical thermal imaging) makes the difference.

What Is Infrared Scanning?

Infrared scanning is a non-invasive, non-contact method that uses thermal imaging technology to detect heat patterns in electrical systems. When electrical components overheat—whether due to poor connections, overloads, or internal damage—they emit a heat signature that’s invisible to the naked eye but clear as day through a thermal camera.

How It Works

A trained technician uses a specialized thermal camera to scan:

• Switchgear panels

• Transformers

• Cables

• Distribution boards

• Industrial machinery

The camera detects temperature differences across components, highlighting problem areas before they fail. The data is then compiled into a detailed report that pinpoints issues and suggests solutions.

What It Detects

Infrared scanning uncovers problems that standard inspections often miss:
✅ Hot spots in connections and terminals
✅ Overloaded circuits
✅ Phase imbalances
✅ Internal transformer issues
✅ Hidden cable faults

Common Issues Infrared Scanning Identifies

🛠 Loose connections – The leading cause of overheating and electrical fires.

🔥 Overheating components – Parts stressed beyond their safe limits, ready to fail.

⚡ Load imbalances – When one phase carries more load than others, putting systems at risk.

Industries That Benefit the Most

Infrared scanning is ideal for:

• Mining and petrochemical plants

• Manufacturing facilities

• Municipal electrical systems

• Commercial buildings

• Agricultural operations

• Renewable energy plants

In any industry where uptime is critical, infrared scanning offers peace of mind and real cost savings.

Infrared vs. Manual Inspections – What You’re Missing Without It

A standard manual inspection can only see so much. Loose connections may look fine. Overloaded circuits may show no visible damage. Internal faults? Impossible to detect by eye.

Infrared scanning gives you a clear, data-backed view of your system’s health. You spot risks early, avoid unplanned shutdowns, and plan maintenance with precision.

Book a Preventative Scan With SWITCHGEAR’s Expert Team

Don’t wait for a breakdown. SWITCHGEAR offers fast, reliable infrared scanning services across South Africa, helping you protect your people, equipment, and bottom line.