Question 1

What is infrared thermography and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Infrared thermography is a non-contact measurement technology that detects and displays heat (infrared radiation) emitted by equipment and structures. A calibrated infrared camera creates a thermal image showing temperature variations across the target surface. Hotter areas appear as warmer colors; cooler areas as cooler colors. In electrical systems, areas of abnormally high temperature — indicating loose connections, overloaded circuits, or failing components — are visible as 'hot spots' that would be completely invisible to the naked eye.

Question 2

Does infrared testing require equipment to be de-energized?

Accepted Answer

No — in fact, infrared thermography specifically requires equipment to be energized and under load to be effective. The thermal signatures that indicate electrical problems only appear when current is flowing through the circuit. This is one of the key advantages of infrared inspection: it is performed on live, operating equipment with no need for shutdown. Most facilities can be inspected with zero disruption to normal operations.

Question 3

How often should infrared thermography inspections be performed?

Accepted Answer

NFPA 70B requires inspection intervals to be defined in your facility's Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP) based on risk assessment. For most commercial and industrial electrical distribution equipment, annual inspections represent the standard practice. High-risk environments — data centers, hospitals, continuous process facilities — may warrant semi-annual or quarterly inspections. After any major electrical change or repair, a follow-up thermal survey is recommended.

Question 4

What equipment does infrared thermography inspect?

Accepted Answer

Infrared thermography is applicable to virtually all energized electrical equipment, including: service entrance equipment, switchgear, switchboards, panelboards and distribution panels, motor control centers (MCC), transformers, bus ducts and cable trays, fused disconnects, circuit breakers, motors, generators, UPS systems, and battery systems. Thermal imaging is also used for mechanical equipment, roofing systems, and building envelopes.

Question 5

What is a 'hot spot' in electrical thermography?

Accepted Answer

A hot spot is an area of abnormally elevated temperature detected during an infrared inspection. In electrical systems, hot spots indicate locations where resistance is higher than normal — due to loose connections, corrosion, overloading, or component failure. Hot spots are classified by severity based on the temperature differential (delta-T) between the anomalous component and a reference: minor (monitor), moderate (schedule repair), severe (repair soon), critical (immediate action required).

Question 6

Is NFPA 70B really mandatory?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The 2023 edition of NFPA 70B uses mandatory 'shall' language throughout — replacing the permissive 'should' language of previous editions. Under NFPA's technical definitions, 'shall' indicates a mandatory requirement. While NFPA 70B is a standard rather than a regulation, it is increasingly adopted by reference in building codes, required by insurance carriers, and represents the established standard of care in litigation contexts.

Question 7

What is an Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP)?

Accepted Answer

An EMP is a written document that defines your organization's systematic approach to electrical equipment maintenance. NFPA 70B requires an EMP to include: equipment inventory, inspection and testing intervals, maintenance procedures, qualified personnel requirements, records management protocols, and corrective action procedures. The EMP must be facility-specific — not a generic template — addressing your actual equipment and operational constraints.

Question 8

How long does it take to develop an NFPA 70B-compliant EMP?

Accepted Answer

The timeline for developing a compliant EMP depends on facility complexity and the current state of your maintenance documentation. For a typical commercial or industrial facility starting from scratch, Invizions can typically develop a compliant EMP within 4–8 weeks — including equipment inventory, inspection schedule development, procedure documentation, and record management setup. For larger or more complex facilities, the timeline may extend to 3–6 months for full program implementation.

Question 9

Does NFPA 70B compliance affect my insurance premiums?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in many cases. Commercial property insurance carriers increasingly consider documented NFPA 70B-compliant maintenance programs and infrared inspection reports when pricing coverage. Facilities with current, well-documented programs may qualify for premium discounts. More importantly, facilities without documentation face significantly greater exposure in the event of a loss.

Question 10

What geographic areas does Invizions serve?

Accepted Answer

Invizions is headquartered in Norwalk, Ohio and provides services throughout the continental United States. We have extensive experience serving facilities in Ohio, Texas, and California, with clients in manufacturing, healthcare, energy, data centers, and commercial real estate nationwide. Contact us to discuss service to your location.

Question 11

What credentials do Invizions' inspectors hold?

Accepted Answer

Invizions' inspections are performed by Infraspection Institute certified thermographers. Rodney Scott, President and lead thermographer, holds Infraspection Institute Level III Certification (No. 4974) — the highest credential in the thermography field — and serves as an Infraspection Institute certified instructor. Field technicians Edward Will (Level II, No. 5233) and John Wasiniak (Level II, No. 6094) also hold Infraspection Institute credentials.

Question 12

What does an inspection report include?

Accepted Answer

Every Invizions inspection report includes: facility and equipment identification, inspection date and conditions, thermographer name and credentials, thermal and visual images for each finding, measured temperature data and delta-T calculations, severity classification per NETA standards, narrative description of each finding, and specific corrective action recommendations. Reports are formatted to satisfy NFPA 70B documentation requirements and insurance carrier requests.

Question 13

Can you train our internal staff in infrared thermography?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Rodney Scott is a certified Infraspection Institute instructor, qualified to deliver Level I Certified Infrared Thermographer® training at your facility or at designated training sites. The 5-day course leads to Infraspection Institute Level I certification. Contact Invizions for course scheduling and group pricing.

Question 14

What is the Extend-O-Valve?

Accepted Answer

The Extend-O-Valve is a transformer valve extension system developed and sold by Invizions, Inc. It allows transformer oil sampling from outside the substation fence, eliminating the need to enter the energized substation for routine oil sampling. The system is fire-rated to 2000°F, non-conductive, and pressure-rated to 11,000 PSI. Available as Kit #2 ($969) and Kit #3 ($1,919). See the product page for full specifications.

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