Infrared Thermography & Ultrasonic Testing
FAQ
What is infrared thermography and why is it important for electrical systems?
Infrared thermography is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that uses thermal imaging cameras to detect heat anomalies in electrical equipment. Electrical faults, loose connections, overloaded circuits, and failing components all generate excess heat before they cause visible damage or failure. By identifying these hotspots early, thermography allows facilities to address problems proactively — preventing equipment failure, unplanned downtime, arc flash incidents, and fire hazards.
What is ultrasonic testing and how does it complement thermography?
Ultrasonic testing detects high-frequency sound waves produced by electrical discharge activity such as arcing, tracking, and corona — issues that are invisible to thermal cameras. Used together, infrared thermography and ultrasonic testing provide a comprehensive picture of electrical system health. Thermography identifies heat-related faults while ultrasonic testing catches discharge-based faults, making the two methods highly complementary for a complete electrical asset assessment.
What is BCES IQ and how is it different from other thermography programs?
BCES IQ is BCES Global's proprietary electrical asset management and diagnostic system. Unlike standard thermography programs, BCES IQ integrates infrared thermography and ultrasonic testing data into a centralized digital platform, giving clients a complete, organized record of their electrical asset health over time. This means clients don't just receive a one-time report — they gain an ongoing, trackable view of their system's condition, making it easier to plan maintenance, demonstrate compliance, and make informed capital investment decisions.
What types of facilities benefit from infrared thermography and ultrasonic testing?
Infrared thermography and ultrasonic testing are valuable for any facility that relies on electrical infrastructure, including commercial office buildings, industrial manufacturing plants, data centers, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, utilities, municipalities, and retail or mixed-use developments. Any facility with switchgear, transformers, panel boards, motor control centers, or distribution equipment can benefit from regular thermographic inspections.
How often should infrared thermography inspections be performed?
Most industry standards and insurance providers recommend infrared thermography inspections at least once per year. High-criticality facilities such as data centers, hospitals, and continuous-process manufacturing environments may benefit from more frequent inspections — quarterly or semi-annually. BCES Global can assess your facility's risk profile and recommend an inspection frequency appropriate for your operations and compliance requirements.
Does infrared thermography require equipment to be de-energized?
No — one of the primary advantages of infrared thermography is that it is performed on energized equipment under normal operating load. This means inspections can be carried out without interrupting operations or taking equipment offline. Ultrasonic testing is similarly non-invasive and does not require de-energization, making both methods ideal for facilities that cannot afford downtime.
Does BCES Global provide thermography services across North America?
Yes. BCES Global provides infrared thermography and ultrasonic testing services to commercial, industrial, and institutional clients across North America, including Canada and the United States. Our team is experienced in working within diverse facility environments and can coordinate scheduling to minimize disruption to your operations.
What deliverables does BCES Global provide after a thermography inspection?
Following an inspection, BCES Global provides a detailed report through the BCES IQ platform documenting all identified anomalies, thermal images, ultrasonic findings, severity classifications, and recommended corrective actions. Reports are prioritized by urgency so facility managers and maintenance teams can address critical issues first. Historical data is retained within BCES IQ to support trend analysis and long-term asset planning.
Can infrared thermography help with insurance and compliance requirements?
Yes. Many property insurers offer premium reductions or require regular thermographic inspections as a condition of coverage for commercial and industrial facilities. Thermography reports also support compliance with electrical safety standards including CSA Z462 and NFPA 70E. BCES Global's inspection reports are formatted to meet documentation requirements for both insurance and regulatory purposes.
How do I schedule an infrared thermography inspection with BCES Global?
To schedule an inspection or request a quote, contact BCES Global directly at +1-866-909-8344 or through the contact form at bcesglobal.com. Our team will assess your facility's needs, provide a scope of work, and coordinate a convenient inspection time that minimizes impact on your operations.