Infrared thermography is a valuable tool for electrical maintenance.

It helps identify hot spots, loose connections, overloaded components, failing breakers, poor terminations, unbalanced loads and other conditions that may not be visible during a normal inspection.

The advantage is clear: thermography can inspect electrical systems while they are energized and operating under load.

The risk is also clear: energized electrical equipment can expose workers to shock and arc flash hazards.

The source JM Test article explains that thermographers must understand approach boundaries, worker qualifications, risk assessment, PPE requirements and the safest distance from energized electrical equipment before beginning the inspection.

For Canadian workplaces, this topic should be framed around CSA Z462, applicable Canadian occupational health and safety requirements, site procedures, the authority having jurisdiction, and the employer’s electrical safety programme.

Why Electrical Thermography Is Performed Energized

A thermal camera detects heat.

For electrical inspections, that usually means the equipment must be energized and carrying normal operating load for the scan to be useful.

A de-energized panel may not show the same thermal pattern because current is not flowing through the conductors, breakers, bus, lugs or terminations.

Electrical thermography can help detect:

• Loose connections
• Overloaded circuits
• Unbalanced loads
• Hot breakers
• Overheating fuses
• Poor terminations
• Failing contactors
• Transformer heating
• Motor control centre issues
• Distribution panel hot spots
• Switchgear abnormalities
• Cable termination problems
• Early signs of component failure

The original article makes the same point: thermography can inspect energized systems and identify hot spots that may require corrective action, but the work can expose the thermographer to shock and arc flash hazards.

The Two Main Electrical Hazards

Electrical thermography around energized equipment involves two different hazards:

1. Shock
2. Arc flash

They are related, but they are not the same.

Shock Hazard

A shock hazard exists when a worker may contact, or come too close to, exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts.

Shock risk depends on:

• Voltage
• Distance
• Exposure time
• Current path through the body
• Worker movement
• Equipment condition
• Insulation and barriers
• PPE and tools
• Whether parts are exposed

The source JM Test article explains that shock boundaries are based on voltage and apply when a person could touch or come close enough to be exposed to energized electrical parts.

Arc Flash Hazard

An arc flash hazard exists when an electrical fault could release thermal energy.

Arc flash risk depends on:

• Available fault current
• Clearing time
• Equipment type
• System voltage
• Working distance
• Equipment condition
• Doors or covers open
• Task being performed
• Maintenance condition
• Incident energy
• PPE rating

CCOHS defines the arc flash boundary as the distance where a person without PPE may receive a second-degree burn if an arc flash occurs. It uses the common threshold of 1.2 cal/cm², or 5 J/cm².

Shock Boundaries vs Arc Flash Boundaries

Shock and arc flash boundaries answer different safety questions.

A worker may be outside the shock boundary but still inside the arc flash boundary.

A worker may also be inside both boundaries at the same time.

That is why thermography planning should not only ask, “Will I touch anything?”

It should also ask:

• Will doors or covers be opened?
• Will exposed energized parts be present?
• Will the thermographer cross a shock boundary?
• Will the thermographer cross the arc flash boundary?
• Does the task increase the likelihood of an arc flash?
• What PPE is required?
• Is the thermographer qualified for the work?
• Can the scan be done from farther away?
• Can IR windows or viewing ports reduce exposure?

Limited Approach Boundary

The limited approach boundary is a shock protection boundary.

CCOHS describes the limited approach boundary as the distance from exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts that a person may approach when a shock hazard exists, if they are wearing appropriate PPE and are supervised by a qualified person.

In practical terms, this boundary controls how close workers and others can get to exposed energized equipment.

For thermography, this matters when panel doors are open, covers are removed, or energized conductors or parts are exposed.

A thermographer should know whether the camera position, body position, tripod, lens, tools or other equipment will cross the limited approach boundary.

Restricted Approach Boundary

The restricted approach boundary is closer to the exposed energized part.

CCOHS describes the restricted approach boundary as the distance from an exposed energized electrical conductor or circuit part that only a qualified person may approach when there is increased likelihood of electric shock due to electrical arc-over combined with inadvertent movement.

This boundary is especially important because crossing it requires a higher level of electrical safety control.

For thermography, the safest plan is usually to avoid crossing the restricted approach boundary entirely.

If the inspection can be performed without crossing the restricted approach boundary, the risk is lower.

If crossing it is unavoidable, the work must be controlled under the site’s electrical safety procedure and performed only by qualified workers using the required safe work practices and PPE.

Arc Flash Boundary

The arc flash boundary is not based only on voltage.

It is based on the amount of thermal energy that could be released during an arc flash event.

The source article explains that the arc flash boundary is normally found on the equipment arc flash label or determined from an arc flash study, and that the boundary can vary because it depends on circuit-specific conditions.

CCOHS explains that the arc flash boundary is the distance at which a person without PPE may receive a second-degree burn if an arc flash occurs.

During thermography, this boundary matters because the thermographer may need to stand close enough to see the target clearly.

If the thermographer must work inside the arc flash boundary, arc-rated PPE may be required based on the arc flash label, incident energy analysis, CSA Z462 method, employer procedure and site risk assessment.

Why Distance Matters

Distance is one of the most important controls during electrical thermography.

The source JM Test article summarizes the idea clearly: the farther the thermographer is from shock and arc flash hazards, the safer they are.

Distance helps because:

• Shock risk decreases when the worker remains outside approach boundaries.
• Arc flash exposure changes with working distance.
• The thermographer may avoid unnecessary interaction with energized equipment.
• Less body area may be exposed.
• The worker may be able to stay outside the highest-risk zone.
• The inspection may be completed with less intrusive setup.

This is why camera selection matters.

A thermal camera with the correct resolution, lens, focus, temperature range and image quality may allow the inspection to be done from a safer position.

A low-resolution or poorly suited camera may force the thermographer closer to the equipment.

Is Electrical Thermography Energized Work?

Electrical thermography is usually performed while equipment is energized, but the risk depends on how the inspection is performed.

There is a difference between:

• Scanning through a closed IR window
• Scanning equipment with doors closed
• Opening a panel door
• Removing covers
• Crossing a limited approach boundary
• Crossing a restricted approach boundary
• Touching or adjusting energized parts
• Using tools near exposed conductors
• Changing equipment state
• Interacting with equipment in a way that increases arc flash likelihood

The original source article says thermography may not require an energized electrical work permit in some cases if the qualified person uses safe work practices, does not cross the restricted approach boundary, and does not interact with equipment in a way that increases the likelihood of an arc flash event.

For Canadian content, this should be written carefully.

CSA Z462:24 includes updates to requirements around electrically safe work conditions, energized electrical work permit exemptions, and verification of absence of voltage at each point of work.

The employer’s electrical safety programme, site procedure, AHJ requirements and applicable Canadian OHS rules determine whether a permit, additional authorization or qualified worker support is required.

When Thermography May Require Extra Controls

Electrical thermography may need extra controls when:

• Doors or covers are opened
• Exposed energized parts are visible
• A shock boundary is crossed
• The arc flash boundary is crossed
• The equipment is in poor condition
• The equipment is showing signs of failure
• The area is congested
• The worker cannot maintain safe distance
• The scan requires a ladder or awkward body position
• The camera operator is not a qualified electrical worker
• Equipment must be manipulated
• Covers must be removed or replaced
• The scan is performed in a production-critical area
• PPE could reduce visibility, mobility or communication
• The arc flash label is missing or outdated
• The equipment condition is unknown

The source article notes that poor safety records, inadequate maintenance, poor equipment condition and symptoms of impending failure can increase the risk and may even make the inspection unacceptable until risk is reduced.

Risk Assessment Before Thermography

A risk assessment should be completed before scanning energized electrical equipment.

It should consider both electrical and non-electrical hazards.

Electrical hazards may include:

• Shock
• Arc flash
• Arc blast
• Exposed energized parts
• Stored energy
• Faulted equipment
• Poor equipment condition
• Missing labels
• Unknown incident energy
• Inadequate working space

Non-electrical hazards may include:

• Slips and trips
• Ladders
• Poor lighting
• Hot surfaces
• Moving equipment
• Noise
• Confined spaces
• Chemical exposure
• Poor access
• Weather
• Traffic
• Production activity
• Limited escape route

CCOHS notes that workers must know how to select, use and care for required PPE and understand PPE limitations. It also states that PPE may include hard hats, face shields, balaclavas, hoods, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection and footwear when there is arc flash risk.

A good thermography programme should make the risk assessment routine, not optional.

Qualified Worker Requirements

Electrical thermography near energized equipment may require qualified electrical workers.

CCOHS describes a qualified person as someone trained in, and knowledgeable about, equipment construction, operation, work methods, procedures, work permits, PPE, insulating materials, tools and test equipment.

A person may be skilled with a thermal camera but not qualified for electrical approach boundaries.

That distinction matters.

A good thermographer should understand:

• Thermal camera operation
• Electrical equipment layout
• Shock boundaries
• Arc flash boundaries
• Electrical PPE requirements
• Equipment labels
• Safe approach distances
• Site permits
• When to stop work
• When to ask for a qualified electrical escort
• When the inspection should not proceed

A qualified electrician may understand electrical hazards but still need thermography training to capture useful thermal images.

The best inspection team often combines both skill sets.

Unqualified Workers and Thermography

An unqualified worker should not be allowed to enter restricted approach boundaries.

CCOHS says unqualified workers should stay a safe distance away from exposed energized conductors or circuit parts and should not cross into the arc flash boundary unless wearing appropriate PPE and supervised by a qualified person. It also states that unqualified workers should not enter the restricted approach boundary.

For thermography, this means a non-electrical thermographer may need:

• A qualified electrical escort
• Clear work instructions
• Pre-job briefing
• Defined approach limits
• PPE selected by the electrical safety programme
• A camera/lens setup that allows greater distance
• A stop-work rule if boundaries cannot be maintained

Do not assume a person is qualified for energized electrical work just because they are certified in infrared thermography.

PPE for Electrical Thermography

PPE selection depends on the hazards present.

Possible PPE may include:

• Arc-rated shirt and pants or coveralls
• Arc flash suit or hood
• Arc-rated face shield
• Balaclava
• Safety glasses or goggles
• Hard hat
• Hearing protection
• Rubber insulating gloves
• Protectors
• Voltage-rated footwear where required
• Insulated tools if tools are used
• Other site-required PPE

CSA Z462:24 changed older arc flash PPE category language to “arc flash PPE minimum arc rating” values and relocated/revised the arc flash PPE selection table method.

For Canadian content, avoid relying on older “Category 1, 2, 3, 4, 5” language unless you are quoting a specific older label or historical source.

Use the PPE information provided by the current arc flash label, incident energy analysis, CSA Z462 method, employer programme and site procedure.

Arc Flash Labels and Thermography

Before beginning an inspection, check the equipment label.

A useful arc flash label may include:

• Nominal system voltage
• Arc flash boundary
• Incident energy
• Working distance
• Required PPE or minimum arc rating
• Shock boundaries
• Equipment ID
• Study date
• Source information

The source JM Test article notes that shock boundaries are often found on the arc flash label and that arc flash boundary information usually comes from the equipment label or arc flash study.

If the label is missing, outdated, illegible or inconsistent with the equipment, stop and confirm the requirement before proceeding.

Do not guess PPE based on panel size or voltage alone.

Camera Selection and Safe Distance

The thermal camera should support the safest practical inspection distance.

Important camera factors include:

• Infrared resolution
• Lens angle
• Focus capability
• Temperature range
• Thermal sensitivity
• Image quality
• Display visibility
• Battery life
• Ergonomics with PPE
• Ability to capture radiometric images
• Reporting software
• Digital zoom or interchangeable lens options
• Compatibility with IR windows where applicable

JM Test Canada lists a thermal imagers and IR thermometers collection with products from Fluke, FLIR, Fotric, SEEK and other options, including professional thermal cameras and infrared thermometers.

For electrical thermography, avoid choosing a camera only by price.

A camera that forces the worker closer to energized equipment can increase risk.

IR Windows and Viewing Ports

IR windows can reduce exposure by allowing thermographers to inspect energized equipment without opening the enclosure.

FLIR states that IR windows provide access for thermal inspection of energized electrical cabinets and can help reduce arc flash exposure by allowing inspections without opening the enclosure.

IR windows do not remove every risk.

They still require:

• Proper installation
• Correct window type
• Correct lens and camera setup
• Understanding of transmission loss
• Inspection planning
• Routine cleaning and inspection
• Documentation
• Site acceptance
• Manufacturer instructions

If an IR window is installed after the equipment was originally built, the modification may require engineering review, certification review, AHJ acceptance or electrical safety authority review before the equipment is re-energized.

Normal Operating Condition Matters

Arc flash risk is influenced by equipment condition and the task.

Thermography may be lower risk when equipment is closed, properly installed, properly maintained, doors are secured, covers are in place, there are no signs of impending failure, and the thermographer is not interacting with the equipment.

Risk increases when:

• Equipment is damaged
• Covers are removed
• Doors are opened
• Parts are loose
• There is evidence of overheating
• There is arcing, smell or noise
• The equipment is dirty or wet
• The maintenance condition is poor
• The worker operates switches
• The worker removes or installs covers
• The worker reaches near energized parts

CSA Z462:24 added guidance on assessing the condition of maintenance of electrical equipment and systems.

A thermography route should not treat all equipment the same. A clean, closed, labelled panel in good condition is different from a damaged or failing enclosure with missing hardware.

Opening Covers for Thermography

Opening covers or doors changes the risk.

Before opening equipment, confirm:

• Who is authorized to open it
• Whether the equipment can be de-energized
• Whether energized opening is justified
• Whether a permit is required
• Whether the arc flash label is current
• Whether the thermographer is qualified
• Whether a qualified electrical worker must open the enclosure
• Whether PPE is required
• Whether the restricted approach boundary will be crossed
• Whether the cover removal increases arc flash likelihood
• Whether the equipment condition is acceptable
• Whether the inspection can be done through an IR window instead

A thermal scan should not create a greater risk than the condition it is trying to detect.

Working Distance and Image Quality

The thermographer must balance two things:

1. Stay far enough away to reduce electrical risk.
2. Capture an image good enough to identify the problem.

Moving farther away can affect image quality.

The inspection plan should consider:

• Target size
• Distance-to-spot ratio
• Camera resolution
• Lens field of view
• Focus
• Angle of view
• Reflections
• Emissivity
• Ambient conditions
• Access position
• Whether an IR window is present

A safer distance is only useful if the image can still support the maintenance decision.

That is why training, camera selection and procedure matter.

Electrical Thermography Checklist

Before the scan:

• Confirm authorization for access.
• Review site electrical safety procedure.
• Review arc flash labels.
• Confirm shock boundaries.
• Confirm arc flash boundaries.
• Confirm PPE requirements.
• Confirm qualified worker requirements.
• Confirm whether doors or covers must be opened.
• Confirm whether a permit is required.
• Confirm whether the equipment can remain closed.
• Confirm whether IR windows are available.
• Confirm normal operating load.
• Confirm equipment condition.
• Confirm escape path and working space.
• Confirm camera setup and battery.
• Complete a pre-job briefing.

During the scan:

• Maintain safe distance.
• Avoid crossing boundaries unless authorized.
• Do not touch energized parts.
• Do not move conductors.
• Do not operate equipment unless authorized.
• Keep body position outside the hazard area as much as possible.
• Maintain communication with the qualified electrical worker.
• Stop if equipment condition looks abnormal.
• Capture useful images and notes.
• Record load condition where possible.

After the scan:

• Restore covers and doors according to procedure.
• Report urgent findings.
• Save images and notes.
• Document inaccessible equipment.
• Identify panels that need follow-up.
• Recommend corrective action where needed.
• Keep thermal records for trending.

The source JM Test article includes a thermographer checklist covering access authorization, permits, risk assessment, boundaries, PPE and safe working distance.

When to Stop the Inspection

Stop the thermography inspection if:

• Equipment appears damaged
• There is smoke, smell, noise or visible arcing
• The arc flash label is missing and risk cannot be assessed
• Required PPE is unavailable
• A qualified worker is not available when needed
• The thermographer must cross a boundary without authorization
• Covers cannot be removed safely
• The equipment condition is poor
• The worker cannot maintain safe distance
• The area is congested or unsafe
• The task changes from observation to interaction
• The risk assessment changes during the job

The original article notes that if the risk is unacceptable, the correct decision may be to reduce the risk or not perform the inspection.

That is an important point for Canadian content as well.

Thermography is preventive maintenance. It should not become the cause of an incident.

Canadian Workplace Safety Context

Electrical safety requirements in Canada vary by jurisdiction and workplace.

The practical safety framework may include:

• CSA Z462
• CSA C22.1 Canadian Electrical Code
• Provincial or territorial OHS legislation
• Federal OHS requirements where applicable
• Owner safety rules
• Utility requirements
• Site electrical safety programme
• Electrical contractor procedures
• Arc flash study
• Equipment labels
• Manufacturer instructions

CCOHS lists CSA Z462 as a key workplace electrical safety standard and notes that other jurisdictional requirements may apply.

For Canadian pages, avoid presenting OSHA or NFPA 70E as the governing Canadian legal requirement.

NFPA 70E may still be useful as a technical reference for some organizations, but Canadian implementation should be checked against CSA Z462 and the applicable jurisdiction.

Thermography for Canadian Industries

Electrical thermography is useful across many Canadian sectors.

Commercial Buildings

Thermal scans can help identify hot breakers, overloaded panels, poor connections and HVAC electrical issues before they cause outages.

Data Centres

Data centres rely on thermal inspections for switchgear, UPS systems, PDUs, transfer switches and electrical distribution reliability.

Industrial Plants

Industrial sites use thermography for motor control centres, drives, transformers, distribution panels, switchgear and process electrical systems.

Mining

Mining sites often have harsh conditions, heavy loads, remote locations and high downtime costs. Thermography can support proactive maintenance.

Oil and Gas

Thermal inspections can support refineries, compressor stations, gas plants, terminals and production facilities.

Utilities

Utilities use thermal imaging for substations, distribution equipment, connectors, switchgear and high-load electrical assets.

Healthcare and Education

Hospitals, universities and schools rely on electrical reliability and may use thermography for preventive maintenance and risk reduction.

What Equipment JM Test Canada Can Support

JM Test Canada lists thermal imagers and IR thermometers, including Fluke, FLIR, Fotric and SEEK options, with some products marked in stock and others listed as call-for-availability.

JM Test Canada’s rental page also states that its rental division covers instrument and controls, electrical, communications, gas detection, utility products and mechanical equipment.

For Canadian article copy, keep the claim conditional.

Customers should confirm:

• Thermal camera availability
• Rental or purchase options
• Camera resolution
• Lens options
• Temperature range
• Battery and charger
• Reporting software
• Calibration or verification documentation
• Shipping timeline
• Accessories
• Suitability for electrical thermography

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Treating Thermography as No-Risk Work

Thermography can still expose workers to shock and arc flash hazards when equipment is energized, open or abnormal.

Looking Only at Shock Boundaries

A worker may avoid shock boundaries but still be inside the arc flash boundary.

Ignoring Equipment Condition

Poorly maintained or damaged equipment increases risk.

Using the Wrong Camera

Low resolution, poor focus or wrong lens choice may force the thermographer closer to the hazard.

Opening Covers Without Authorization

Opening electrical equipment can increase risk and may require qualified workers, PPE and permits.

Relying on Outdated PPE Language

CSA Z462:24 updated arc flash PPE terminology and related selection-table language.

Assuming OSHA Rules Apply Directly in Canada

Canadian workplaces should confirm CSA Z462, jurisdictional rules, AHJ requirements and employer procedures.

Forgetting Non-Electrical Hazards

Thermography routes often involve ladders, awkward access, noise, traffic, heat, confined areas and production activity.

Not Documenting Load Conditions

A thermal image is more useful when load and operating conditions are recorded.

Practical Takeaway

Electrical thermography is useful because it can identify hot spots while equipment is energized and operating under normal load.

That benefit also creates the main risk.

The thermographer may be near energized electrical equipment, exposed conductors, open enclosures, shock boundaries and arc flash boundaries.

A strong thermography programme should include:

• Pre-job risk assessment
• Review of shock and arc flash boundaries
• Qualified worker involvement
• Arc flash label review
• PPE selection
• Safe working distance
• Camera selection based on the task
• IR windows where practical
• Clear stop-work rules
• Documentation and reporting
• Canadian electrical safety procedure alignment

The original JM Test article is right to focus on distance. The safest inspection is the one that captures useful thermal data while keeping the worker as far as practical from energized hazards.

JM Test Systems Canada can support customers with thermal imagers, IR thermometers, electrical test equipment and rental options where available. Confirm current Canadian product availability, rental terms, accessories, calibration documentation and suitability for electrical thermography before booking.