Services
What is Thermal Imaging?
Thermal imaging is based upon the science of infrared energy (otherwise known as “heat”), which is emitted from all objects. The energy from an object is also referred to as the ‘heat signature’ or ‘heat profile’, and the quantity of heat, in the form of radiation emitted tends to be proportional to the overall heat of the object.
By accurately measuring the heat emitted from an object in various locations a very detailed map of the object can be created. This map informs the technician of where the cold, warm and hot locations are on the object.
This information can then be translated, depending on the thermal map of the object, to ascertain whether the profile, or signature heat map being viewed is the correct one.
In the example below the images show a normal view of some switch gear on the left. On the right the thermal or heat image of the same switchgear. The different colours represent the different temperatures of the object. In this example the cooler colours are green and the warmer colours are orange and red.
Want to know more or talk to us about your thermal imaging requirements? Contact us.
How can thermal imaging help my business?
If you use equipment, either mechanical or electrical the chances are that at some stage it will break down or fail. The idea of thermal imaging or ‘Thermography’ is to look at objects in a non-destructive manner (this means we don’t usually need to touch or disassemble the object) for problems.
Most problems will reveal themselves as increases in temperature, say a bearing on a mechanical machine or an arcing cable inside an electrical device. By comparing the normal heat signature of a device against anomalies you can guage issues most of the time before they cause serious issues.
As with most things if you catch an issue early enough you can remedy a resolution quickly and avoid costly repairs or downtime. Thermography also helps in building a heat map profile of the machine or electrical system so you can monitor its performance and spot any problems early. Also, if things have actually started to fail, thermal imaging can help in locating problems without costly disassembly in the first instance.
Need a quote or to discuss your requirements? Call us using the details here or use the convenient contact form for a fast and easy response.
When do I need thermal imaging?
A guide for ideal predictive maintenance intervals
For electrical switchboards and mechanical assets: thermal imaging should be undertaken on a regularly schedule, at least yearly. For commercial clients, aligning this vital service with other essential maintenance such as test and tag services and RCD testing leads to ’When Do I need Thermal Imaging’ cost savings and minimises disruption to operations.
Talk to us about our full predictive maintenance programs combining electrical switchboard testing, emergency light system testing, and test and tag services.
Where cooling panels such as those used in insulated refrigeration applications are the focus, we suggest a thermal inspection should be undertaken upon installation or within the first 12 months to establish structural integrity and provide a baseline. Ideally after this initial inspection, maintenance inspections should be undertaken every three years for asset integrity and intelligence.
Pre-purchase inspections, once-off fault analysis and leak detection should be undertaken as required or in the event of irregular operation, temperature change, suspected fault or where a baseline assessment is required.
Servicing and suggested schedules
Tap or click on each box below for more details.
Electrical switchboards
Annually
Mechanical Equipment
Annually
Cooling panels
On installation or within 12 months of installation, and then every 3 years for integrity.
Full predictive maintenance program
Annually
Once-off fault analysis
As required, or in event of irregular operation, temperature change, suspected fault, baseline assessment or after an event.
Pre-purchase, or lease commencement
As required.
Leak detection
As required, or in event of irregular operation, increased water usage, moisture detection.
Our range of services include -
Asset Management
Manage you assets proactively and reduce your commercial insurance premium with regular predictive maintenance inspections of assets, plant and equipment. We help businesses identify potential issues and prevent costly downtime by tracking change and trend in your asset condition, detecting equipment anomalies, overheating, leakages and energy inefficiencies. Providing one-off inspections or full predictive maintenance programs for
- Electrical switchboards
- HVAC and Mechanical equipment
- Cooling Panels (insulated refrigeration panelling)
Diagnostic
Fault Finding Building Diagnostics: Our thermal imaging services help property owners, builders, and inspectors identify once-off faults including insulation defects, air leakage, moisture intrusion, and other building performance issues. Improve your building’s energy efficiency, comfort, and longevity with our comprehensive building diagnostics.
Leak Detection: Our high-resolution cameras have increased thermal sensitivity and under the right conditions are able to identify hidden water and moisture issues without resorting to destructive testing. Ask us today about infrared thermal imaging to detect water leaks and moisture damage.
Discovery
Pre-purchase thermal inspections are a must have when selling, buying or renovating your home or investment property to predict faults, property damage, structural integrity, leak detection and asset lifecycle stage.
Baseline condition thermal inspections are critical before purchasing commercial property or lease commencements, thermal scanning to assess condition, predict faults and identify damage, moisture, structural integrity, and likely asset lifecycle stage.
What type of things can you you check?
Thermal Imaging NQ specialises in thermography for businesses that involves electrical or mechanical devices.
That means our expert technicians can analyse a wide range of moving and static devices and provide a report on their thermal state.
How much does this type of service cost?
Thermal imaging is cost dependent on the analysis being undertaken and the amount of time required to conduct the thermographic survey.
Please use the convenient contact form below and provide the details of what you’d like Thermal Imaging NQ to do. We’ll get back to you very quickly with a quote. We may have to contact you further to check on details of your requirements, however, we do not spam mail or call you without reason.
Frequently asked questions - FAQ's
Thermal imaging, also known as thermography or infrared imaging, is a technology that captures and visualizes the temperature differences of objects and surfaces by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by them. This non-contact, non-invasive method allows for real-time identification and assessment of various issues, such as heat loss, equipment faults and leakages all while equipment is operational.
In practice there is no difference between thermal imaging, thermal scanning, thermal testing, infrared imaging, infrared inspections and infrared thermography – the terms are often used interchangeably though they have slightly different definitions. If you have a specific need, please contact one of our team to discuss.
Thermal imaging cameras detect infrared radiation (heat) emitted by objects and convert it into an electronic signal. This signal is then processed to create a visual representation called a thermogram. The thermogram uses a colour palette to represent temperature variations, making it easy to identify and analyse thermal patterns, hot and cold spots in the image. Thermal imaging technology is most effective when analysing equipment under normal operations, so there is no downtime during testing.
Thermal Imaging NQ uses the highest quality infrared cameras and industrial grade equipment to service our clients. When combined with the experience of our certified thermographers, who are also qualified, experienced electricians, there is no substitute for quality.
Our Testo t890 thermal imaging camera is one of the latest in infrared management systems, with powerful telephoto lenses and super-resolution technology for outstanding image quality and increased thermal sensitivity for the highest thermographic demands.
Using higher quality equipment means we can capture more detailed and higher quality data, and therefore capable of more powerful analysis of your asset condition.
It also means that even the smallest measurement objects such as electronic components or those off in the distance, such as on large industrial plants, can be safely recorded thermographically in high resolution. Even thermal processes can be analysed over time using the fully radiometric video measurement (and this is really neat to watch!)
Thermal imaging gives you an informed and current snapshot of the operating condition of your asset, avoiding equipment failure and the high costs associated with reactive maintenance and unscheduled downtime.
It is one of the best forms of predictive maintenance; identifying and correcting problems before they become serious.
Thermal imaging has a wide range of applications across various industries, including:
- Industrial and commercial sectors (electrical, mechanical, and HVAC system inspections)
- Construction and building diagnostics (insulation, moisture, and air leakage detection)
Thermal inspections are a matter of routine for many commercial and industrial facilities, with regular thermography surveys of electrical infrastructure recommended if not required by most insurers. Commercial purchases and lease commencements also benefit from a baseline thermal inspection to assess condition, predict faults and identify damage, moisture, structural integrity, and likely asset lifecycle stage.
We have experience undertaking thermal imaging services for both commercial and residential clients across a number of applications, including electrical, mechanical, cooling and building material in structural systems such as rooftops, walls and flooring. Thermal inspection services include:
- Electrical switchboards
- Mechanical equipment
- Cooling Panels
- Building materials
- Leak detection and water damage
- Full predictive maintenance program
- Once-off fault analysis
- Pre-purchase or lease commencement
There are many items that will work with thermography (thermal imaging), however, materials that transfer heat or are good thermal conductors provide the best results.
Yes, thermal imaging is a non-contact and non-invasive technology, making it a safe and efficient method for various inspections and assessments. It does not emit any radiation or require any physical contact with the objects being examined.
Certain assets however should only be inspected by properly licenced persons. Electrical equipment for instance should only be inspected under the supervision of a fully licenced electrician. Our certified thermographers are also experienced licenced electricians.
Like all maintenance, it is ideal to undertake thermal imaging on a regular schedule to make the most of the predictive nature of the technology, and the asset intelligence that trend analysis can provide. The focus of the thermal inspection determines the ideal time between survey visits.
We’ve developed a guide for ideal maintenance intervals across a range of assets. Click here for the servicing guide.
Baseline assessments are ideally undertaken pre-purchase. If you believe that a part or equipment is not performing well and you want to check on its thermal signature a once-off analysis can be arranged. We would be happy to discuss your individual needs with you
We conduct thermal imaging for clients Australia-wide, tip of Cape York to the tip of Tasmania and all the way west. Born and bred in the North, we have a network of qualified technicians across the country, travelling often and as required. For offshore thermal inspections please contact our head office using the details below.
CONTACT US
You can send Thermal Imaging NQ a message via the form, or use the details below to contact the team directly.