---
title: "What Is Thermal imaging? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "Thermal imaging uses an infrared camera to find hot spots on electrical equipment, such as loose or overloaded connections."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/thermal-imaging
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Commercial

# Thermal imaging

Thermal imaging uses an infrared camera to find hot spots on electrical equipment, such as loose or overloaded connections.

The Department of Energy's weatherization glossary defines infrared imaging as the use of an infrared camera to generate a visible picture of surface temperature patterns. On electrical equipment, a hot spot can show a loose or overloaded connection before it fails.

Technicians scan panels, [switchgear](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/switchgear) and breakers while they are energized, using protective gear under rules such as [NFPA 70E](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nfpa-70e). It finds problems without opening walls. It fits a maintenance plan under [NFPA 70B](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nfpa-70b). See [commercial electrical maintenance](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/commercial-electrical-maintenance).

[Daniel Electric can helpCommercial electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/commercial-electrician)

## Related terms

-   [NFPA 70B](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nfpa-70b)
-   [Switchgear](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/switchgear)
-   [NFPA 70E](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/nfpa-70e)
-   [Arcing](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/arcing)

## Sources

1.  [U.S. Department of Energy: Weatherization Assistance Program Glossary](https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2016/06/f32/glossary.pdf)

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## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

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