Electrical thermal imaging: spotting trouble before it strikes

Thermal imaging technology is emerging as a vital tool for commercial property owners as they look to reduce costs from the associated interruption to their business activities.

Electrical faults pose a serious risk – not just to physical assets, but to continuity of service and revenue.

Whether you're managing a datacentre, hotel, food-processing facility, shopping centre or leisure complex, the challenge is the same – how to reduce the risk of electrical failure before it leads to downtime or costly claims.

As commercial property portfolios grow in size and complexity, it’s clear that risk management should grow with it too, and so thermal imaging surveys provide an important solution.

So, what exactly is electrical thermal imaging?

It’s a technology that offers an ability to uncover hidden electrical faults such as loose connections, overloaded circuits (a leading cause of electrical fires), component degradation, transformer cooling issues and motor winding defects.

Thermal imaging uses infrared cameras to detect abnormal heat signatures in electrical components, often the earliest sign of developing faults. Unaddressed, these issues can lead to fires, equipment breakdowns or unplanned outages.

Surveys are performed while systems remain live. This provides an advantage given equipment can be inspected without shutting down operations.

Because inspections are non-intrusive and carried out safely during normal operations, they cause minimal disruption – and identifying issues early is always preferable to dealing with the fallout of a major failure.

Thermal imaging is supplementary to routine electrical inspections such as EICRs (Electrical Installation Condition Reports), as it can detect defects that visual checks and standard testing methods will miss. By adding this layer of diagnostic insight, businesses can enhance the reliability of their electrical systems and support proactive maintenance planning.

What happens when a fault is found?

The survey team don’t shut down equipment themselves. However, if they identify a Priority 1 Anomaly – a serious defect needing immediate attention – they work closely with the client and their authorised on-site electrician to take swift and appropriate action.

Often, the first step is to reduce load on the affected system while a full repair is planned. The survey team always explain the severity of the issue so clients can assess the risk and respond in the way they feel is best.

Minimising disruption

A key benefit of thermal imaging is the time it gives people to decide on the best course of action.

This kind of foresight helps ensure smoother operations, reduces repair costs and helps prevent revenue loss and reputational harm.

Key benefits for commercial property owners and managers include:

• Lower risk of sudden failure
• Less unplanned downtime
• Stronger claims performance
• Better safety and compliance
• Smarter maintenance planning

Regular thermal imaging can also improve insurance outcomes. Insurers recognise that clients who identify and manage risks early are less likely to make significant claims and may reward that with more favourable terms.

Why expertise matters

Of course, the effectiveness of any thermal imaging survey depends on the people behind it. At Howden, we partner with Red Current thermal imaging, who are experienced, certified engineers who understand complex environments and can interpret findings in a way that supports informed decision-making.

Their advice is practical and tailored, not just technical. Inspections are scheduled and executed in ways that minimise interference with day-to-day operations.

For owners and operators of high-value commercial property in the UK, thermal imaging isn’t just an added service, it’s an essential part of managing electrical risk.

To find out how electrical thermal imaging can help you and your insurance package, please get in touch:

David Sabine, Divisional Director of Real Estate Practice

e. [email protected]

t. 07719 939 881