A clear thermogram is useful. An actionable report is better.
Thermal imaging Sydney: Priority 1 & 2 switchboard case studies
Thermal imaging in Sydney is most valuable when infrared findings are paired with electrical context: where the heat is, how large the temperature difference is (Delta T), how urgent the priority rating is, and what facilities or maintenance teams should consider next.
The two anonymised switchboard examples below are genuine AGE Electrical Testing Services findings. Client and site identities are withheld. Temperatures and classifications are taken from the inspection records — nothing here invents outcomes or claims that thermography alone confirms the exact fault cause.
What switchboard thermal imaging is looking for
Electrical thermography scans live switchboards and distribution boards under normal load. Abnormal heat may be consistent with issues such as high-resistance connections, overloaded circuits, phase imbalance, or deteriorating components — patterns that visual checks alone can miss.
AGE inspections are carried out by a team that includes in-house electrical engineers and Category 2 or higher thermographers. Findings are documented with annotated thermal images, reference comparisons, Delta T, priority ratings, and recommended next steps for investigation or repair by a qualified electrician.
What Delta T and priority ratings mean
Delta T is the temperature difference between a suspected hotspot and a comparable reference point (for example a neighbouring phase or a similar component under similar load). A larger Delta T generally signals a more significant anomaly — but ranking still depends on context, location, and load.
AGE reports typically use priority ratings so maintenance can sequence work:
- Priority 1 – Immediate Action Required — urgent electrical investigation recommended
- Priority 2 — investigate and rectify before further deterioration can contribute to equipment damage or an unplanned outage
Thermography highlights where to look. Confirming root cause and completing repairs remains an electrical investigation and maintenance task.
Case study 1: Priority 2 — localised heating on a three-phase A/C circuit
During a switchboard thermal imaging inspection, localised heating was identified at the lower termination of a three-phase air-conditioning circuit.
| Reading | Value |
|---|---|
| Fault temp (max) | 52.1°C |
| Reference temp (normal) | ≈ 25–26°C (report panel: 25.2°C) |
| Delta T | ≈ 27°C |
| Classification | Priority 2 |
The remaining phase temperatures were comparatively balanced. That balance helped distinguish a localised termination anomaly from the more even heating that might be expected when a three-phase A/C circuit is simply operating under load.
Framed as Priority 2, the finding gave the maintenance team a clear prompt to investigate and rectify the connection before further deterioration could contribute to equipment damage or an unplanned outage. (This article does not claim a specific repair has already been completed.)
Case study 2: Priority 1 — severe overheating of a mechanical services time switch
A separate inspection identified severe localised overheating on a Hager EHN011 24-hour time switch within a mechanical services distribution board.
| Reading | Value |
|---|---|
| Fault temp (max) | 113.2°C |
| Reference temp (normal) | 37.9°C |
| Delta T | 75.3°C |
| Classification | Priority 1 – Immediate Action Required |
The location and severity of the thermal anomaly were consistent with possible causes such as a high-resistance connection, deteriorating internal contact, or component failure. Infrared imaging does not, by itself, prove which of those mechanisms is present — that requires electrical investigation.
Recommended actions in the report included:
- Check circuit loading and wiring configuration
- Inspect and re-terminate associated connections
- Replace the time switch if there is evidence of overheating, loose terminations, or internal damage
For another Sydney Priority 1 time-switch hotspot narrative, see The Hidden Dangers Thermal Imaging Revealed in a Sydney Switchboard.
From thermal image to actionable report
Identifying a hotspot is only the start of useful switchboard thermal imaging.
AGE reports aim to give facilities managers, strata managers, and maintenance contractors something they can act on, including where relevant:
- Thermal (and, where useful, visual) images
- Maximum fault temperature and reference temperature
- Delta T analysis
- Component and switchboard identification
- Fault observations written in plain language
- Defect priority classification
- Recommended corrective actions for qualified follow-up
That documentation supports preventative maintenance planning, contractor briefings, asset records, and risk-management or insurance files — without pretending that a scan alone “solves” the fault or guarantees that fires, outages, or failures will never occur.
What facilities and maintenance teams should do next
- Treat priority ratings as a work order signal — Priority 1 findings need urgent electrical investigation; Priority 2 findings should be scheduled before they escalate.
- Hand the report to a qualified electrician — terminations, loading, and component condition need hands-on verification.
- Keep the annotated images and Delta T figures with the asset record — they make reinspection and contractor handover clearer.
- Book switchboard thermography as part of preventative maintenance — especially for mechanical services boards, high-load A/C circuits, and critical distribution equipment across Sydney sites.
Book thermal imaging in Sydney
If you manage commercial, strata, industrial, warehouse, or healthcare sites in Sydney and want switchboards checked with clear, prioritised reporting, see Thermal Imaging Sydney or call AGE Electrical Testing Services on 1300 06 06 17 / hello@agetesting.au.
Frequently asked questions
What is Delta T in electrical thermography?
Delta T is the temperature difference between a hotspot and a comparable reference point. It helps assess how significant an overheating component may be, alongside location, load, and priority classification.
Can thermal imaging confirm the exact cause of a hotspot?
Not by itself. A thermogram shows abnormal heat. Possible causes — such as high-resistance connections or internal component issues — should be confirmed through electrical investigation.
What is the difference between Priority 1 and Priority 2?
Priority 1 means immediate action is required. Priority 2 means the issue should be investigated and rectified before further deterioration can contribute to damage or an unplanned outage.
Do you shut power off for switchboard thermal imaging?
Inspections are typically performed on energised equipment under normal operating load so heat patterns reflect real service conditions.
Who carries out AGE thermal imaging inspections?
AGE’s team includes in-house electrical engineers and Category 2 or higher thermographers, with reporting written for facilities, maintenance, and risk-management use.
