Electrical Thermal Scanning Frequency. Are there any Requirements?

Electrical Thermal Scanning Frequency. Are there any Requirements?

Currently in Australia, there is no legislative requirements for thermal scanning of electrical equipment, however the majority of insurance companies are now requesting annual thermal scanning reports for higher-use electrical systems, such as in manufacturing or the military and bi-annual for lower power consuming installations such as office buildings and retail premises.  Your insurer can provide advice regarding the frequency required.

In 2023 the United States updated the NFPA 70B, ‘Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance’ to include a chapter identifying the frequency of maintenance required for electrical equipment. The chapter stipulates thermal inspections between 3 and 12-months depending on the circumstances and equipment – something other countries like Australia may soon follow.

Whilst this can serve as a guide for how often thermal scans should be conducted, the main reasons for having them are preventative maintenance and safety.  Where continual electrical supply is critical, or where electrical equipment is exposed to the elements, or where electrical load is particularly high – more frequent inspections can prevent costly issues from occurring.

Thermal Scanners has been engaged by an Australian supermarket chain to conduct thermal scans of their electrical systems and provide reports across their numerous retail sites Australia-wide.  Whilst attending one site in Queensland, several large scale faults were uncovered by thermal imaging.  In one instance, a faulty electrical contactor within the freezer system was detected emitting heat over 120 degrees celsius, melting the surrounding insulation, scoring cables and posing an imminent risk of failure and fire.  In the event of a failure, the loss of cooling to the freezer would have rendered the entire stock of frozen goods lost.  With the fault identified, the supermarket was able to quickly schedule the item replaced whilst the system was operated on temporary alternate power.  It is estimated that an interruption to the power supply would have resulting in around a $300,000 – $500,000 loss in stock and trade.  In the event of fire, the potential damage to the system, infrastructure and water damage from the emergency response would have been in the millions.

Electrical equipment plays an integral role within of a wide array of processes.  Along with the regular items found in offices such as computers, lighting & communications or industrial systems like machinery, furnaces and hoists there are systems for refrigeration, air-conditioning, fire-suppression, elevators and so on.  In order to keep these systems running, we recommend regular and comprehensive thermal scanning of all your critical electrical supply equipment…

• Main Switch Board
These typically receive the power from the electrical provider and then distribute it across the site. There is usually one main switch board per feed into the site or transformer.

• Distribution Boards
These receive the power from the main switch board and then distribute it to sub boards, individual circuits and equipment.

• Sub Boards
These receive the power upstream from distribution boards or main switch boards and distribute it to individual circuits and equipment.

• Power Factor Correction Units
These help to balance the power factor of a site and are attached to the main switch boards, usually found on larger sites or ones with heavy machinery

• Tee Off Boxes
These are on larger sites typically high rises. They act as a tap off / termination point for the floors power and board requirements.

• Meter Panels
For most sites these are at the main switch board. On sites where there is multiple tenancies or residential locations such as high rises, then there is meter panels every 1-3 levels.

• Mechanical Services Switch Boards
These are on sites which have larger HVAC systems such as chillers or on buildings that have essential evacuation equipment. High rise apartment complexes feature stair pressurisation fans and smoke extraction equipment.

• Control Panels
These usually control either individual machines, pumps or electrical equipment.

Thermal Scanners is Australia’s premier group of qualified electrical scanning technicians providing thermal scanning as well as Ultrasonic & TEV partial discharge detection.  If there’s anything you would like to discuss further about your requirements for scanning of your electrical switchboards and equipment, feel free to get in touch or book an inspection today.