See Problems Before They Become Failures
Electrical systems often show signs of trouble long before they fail—but only if you know where to look. At Legacy Industries, we use advanced infrared thermal imaging to detect hot spots, overloads, loose terminations, and hidden faults in your electrical infrastructure. Our certified technicians interpret thermal data to prevent fires, breakdowns, and costly downtime across Upstate South Carolina, North Georgia, and Western North Carolina.
What Is Thermal Imaging?
Thermal imaging (also called infrared scanning) captures invisible heat signatures emitted by electrical equipment. Abnormal heat often signals resistance, overload, or poor connections—all early warnings of failure or fire risk.
Using industry-standard IR cameras, Legacy Industries inspects panels, switchgear, transformers, motors, and distribution systems without interrupting operations.
Benefits:
- Early fault detection without shutdowns
- Lower maintenance and repair costs
- Improved equipment reliability and uptime
- Enhanced safety and fire prevention
- Documentation for insurance and compliance
Key Components We Inspect
| Component | What We Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Main Switchboards & Panels | Overheating breakers, lugs, or bus bars | Prevents arcing and equipment failure |
| Subpanels & Disconnects | Loose terminations, load imbalance | Reduces fire and outage risk |
| Transformers | Core heating, winding imbalance | Identifies early insulation failure |
| Motors & VFDs | Bearing or winding hot spots | Extends lifespan and prevents downtime |
| Control Cabinets | Overloaded relays or wiring | Improves control system reliability |
| Lighting & Distribution Circuits | Excessive heat at connections | Ensures consistent performance and efficiency |
How Thermal Imaging Works
- Setup & CalibrationOur technician configures a high-resolution infrared camera, adjusting emissivity and range for accurate readings.
- Scanning Under LoadWe scan energized systems operating at normal capacity to capture real-world thermal data.
- Image CaptureEach target is photographed in visible and thermal spectrum, identifying temperature differentials.
- Analysis & InterpretationWe compare results against ambient reference points, load, and manufacturer standards.
- Reporting & RecommendationsYou receive a detailed report showing affected components, temperature deltas, severity rankings, and corrective actions.
Applications of Infrared Thermography
Residential
- Detect overheating breakers or faulty outlets
- Evaluate panelboard terminations and neutral bars
- Identify overloaded circuits before tripping
- Locate energy loss points for better efficiency
Commercial
- Inspect office, retail, and medical electrical gear during operation
- Prevent failures in lighting, HVAC, and refrigeration circuits
- Support insurance inspections and safety audits
- Verify performance after electrical upgrades or repairs
Industrial
- Analyze high-current feeders, MCCs, switchgear, and process equipment
- Detect imbalance or phase loss in motors and drives
- Validate connections after maintenance shutdowns
- Support OSHA/NFPA compliance for predictive maintenance programs
What We Identify with Thermal Imaging
| Issue | Thermal Signature | Result if Uncorrected |
|---|---|---|
| Loose termination | Localized hot spot | Arcing, conductor damage, potential fire |
| Overloaded circuit | Uniform overheating | Nuisance trips, insulation failure |
| Imbalanced phases | Uneven heating on legs | Motor vibration, reduced efficiency |
| Faulty breaker | Excessive heat on pole | Breaker failure or trip under load |
| Failing motor bearing | Circular hot spot on housing | Seizure, equipment shutdown |
| Transformer defect | Differential heat in coils | Power loss, insulation breakdown |
Advantages of a Thermal Imaging Program
Predictive Maintenance: Identify problems early to schedule repairs during planned downtime.
Safety: Reduce electrical fire risks by detecting overheating components.
Energy Efficiency: Correct load imbalance and poor connections that waste energy.
Documentation: Provide proof of maintenance for insurance and facility audits.
Compliance: Supports NFPA 70B and OSHA 1910 recommendations for electrical preventive maintenance.
Detailed Deliverables
Each thermal imaging report includes:
- Annotated thermal and visible-light images
- Component descriptions and temperature deltas
- Severity codes (Critical, Serious, Monitor)
- Recommended corrective actions
- Maintenance and re-inspection intervals
Reports are delivered digitally with clear visuals suitable for facility records, insurance, or audits.
When to Schedule a Thermal Scan
- Annually for residential systems
- Quarterly or semiannually for commercial buildings
- Before and after major maintenance or upgrades
- After storm events or unexplained tripping incidents
- When adding new loads or electrical equipment
Complementary Services
- Torque verification and re-termination of flagged connections
- Breaker and panel maintenance for overheating prevention
- Load balancing and power quality analysis
- Integration into preventive maintenance plans
- Surge protection evaluation
Safety & Compliance
Our technicians operate under strict NFPA 70E safety protocols, maintaining safe distances, PPE use, and energized work permits where required. Every camera is calibrated and traceable to ISO standards for accuracy.
Industries Served
- Manufacturing and processing plants
- Healthcare and laboratory facilities
- Distribution centers and logistics warehouses
- Education and municipal infrastructure
- Commercial offices and retail centers
- Residential and multi-unit housing complexes
Service Areas
Thermal imaging and fault detection available across:
- Greenville
- Spartanburg
- Anderson
- Simpsonville
- Laurens
- Gaffney
- Western North Carolina
- North Georgia
We provide convenient scheduling to minimize disruption and align with facility operating hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does thermal imaging require shutdowns?
No, it’s a non-contact, non-invasive method done on energized systems during normal operation.
How accurate is thermal imaging?
Our cameras detect temperature changes as small as 0.1°C, offering precise fault localization.
Do you provide repair services for detected issues?
Yes. We correct identified faults promptly, ensuring the system returns to safe and reliable operation.
Is infrared scanning required by insurance?
Many insurers now require annual IR scans for commercial and industrial facilities as part of risk reduction.
Can you include thermal imaging in maintenance plans?
Absolutely—it’s a standard component in our preventive maintenance programs.
Protect Your Property and Operations
Electrical faults rarely happen suddenly—they develop slowly. Legacy Industries helps you see them before they cost you. Our certified infrared thermographers deliver precise imaging, actionable reports, and repairs that keep your systems safe, efficient, and compliant.
Phone: (864) 431-4670
Email: tyler.abbott@legacyind.net
Service Region: Upstate South Carolina and surrounding areas