Good preparation starts with information and coordination
A productive infrared electrical inspection begins before the thermographer reaches the first asset. The provider needs to know what equipment is included, when it operates and how the visit will be coordinated. Your facility team can make the work more useful by organizing those details in advance.
Preparation does not mean opening electrical equipment yourself. It means getting the right people, records and operating information into the planning conversation so qualified personnel can determine the appropriate inspection approach.
1. Create a clear equipment list
Identify the buildings and assets you want included. Use existing asset IDs where possible, and note equipment names that differ between your maintenance system, drawings and field labels. If the list is incomplete, tell the provider rather than assuming every electrical asset will automatically be included.
Separate essential scope from optional additions. For example, you may need a defined group of production feeders evaluated while also wanting a recommendation for a future facility-wide survey. Recording those as distinct objectives helps avoid confusion over the visit’s coverage.
2. Share previous findings and known concerns
Gather the last inspection report, any open recommendations and records of relevant repairs. Highlight equipment that has been replaced, relocated or assigned a different function. If operations staff have reported an issue, provide their description without turning it into a diagnosis.
A short planning note can be more useful than an unorganized folder of old reports. Identify what changed, where the supporting record can be found and the question you want the new visit to answer.
3. Discuss operating loads and production timing
Tell the provider when equipment normally runs and whether the proposed appointment overlaps with that operating period. Describe intermittent loads, seasonal activity and any process that cannot run during the visit. The inspection team can then explain the implications for coverage and interpretation.
If a particular asset will be idle, ask how it will be recorded in the report and whether a separate visit or another evaluation method is appropriate. Do not create unusual operating conditions solely to make equipment available without coordination through the facility’s authorized personnel.
4. Coordinate access and site requirements
Name a facility contact who understands the equipment locations and can resolve access questions. Discuss check-in, restricted areas, production rules and any site-specific orientation. Confirm who is responsible for electrical access, hazard assessment and any required work authorization.
Electrical work practices must address the hazards involved. OSHA’s electrical work-practice requirements address deenergization, qualified persons and protective measures. An infrared survey appointment does not replace the employer’s electrical safety responsibilities. Do not remove covers or expose live parts as an informal preparation task.
5. Decide what the report needs to support
Ask how inspected assets, unavailable assets and observations will be identified. Discuss how findings will be prioritized, what operating information will be recorded and how a concern needing prompt attention will be communicated. Agree on a report recipient before the work begins.
- Who reviews the findings and assigns follow-up actions?
- Which asset identifiers should appear in the report?
- How will access or operating limitations be documented?
- Will a separate testing or repair scope be needed after review?
6. Leave room for follow-up decisions
Allow time between inspection, report review and a planned shutdown. Depending on the findings, your team may need additional information before choosing corrective work. The survey itself is not a promise that repairs, parts or outage arrangements will be available immediately afterward.
For facilities in Salem, Vancouver and Boise, Colvin Infrared can discuss infrared inspection services around your equipment and operating schedule. Request an inspection planning conversation and share your equipment list, previous findings and preferred timing.
Featured image: Florent Bertiaux · Pexels License. Stock photograph used for illustration.
