Frequently Asked Questions
Guidance and clarity for safer, more reliable facilities
Find clear answers to the most common questions about thermal imaging, building compliance, and Brady Infrared’s specialized inspection services.
General Infrared Inspection FAQs
An infrared inspection uses thermal cameras to detect abnormal heat patterns that indicate issues such as electrical faults, moisture intrusion, or mechanical wear.
They are highly reliable when conducted by certified thermographers using calibrated equipment under proper conditions.
Yes. It's non-contact, non-invasive, and does not interfere with normal building operations.
It helps identify problems before failure occurs, reducing downtime, safety risks, and repair costs.
Arc Flash & Electrical Safety Studies
Yes. We offer inspection services that support data collection for arc flash studies and safety labeling.
Infrared inspections detect overheating components, loose connections, and load imbalances that often precede arc flash incidents—helping prevent failures before they occur.
While not always required, it’s strongly recommended. Infrared inspections provide valuable real-world load data that improve the accuracy and safety of arc flash analysis.
Electrical Infrared Inspections
It’s a non-contact thermal scan used to detect hot spots, faulty connections, or load imbalances in electrical panels under load.
Annual inspections are recommended, or more frequently for high-risk or critical systems in accordance with NFPA 70B.
No, an accurate Infrared inspection requires equipment to be under normal operating conditions, so that heat related problems can be detected.
Building Recertification (25/30/40 Year Inspections)
It’s a mandatory structural and electrical inspection required by Florida municipalities after 25, 30, or 40 years of building age.
Multi-family, commercial, and industrial buildings typically require recertification depending on location and age.
Yes. Thermal imaging helps identify hidden electrical faults and structural heat anomalies without destructive methods.
Outdoor Utility Infrared Inspections
We inspect substations, transmission lines, switchgear, and transformer yards for both public and private utilities.
Our reports include thermal severity levels and recommend actions based on failure risk and equipment load.
Yes. We use FAA-certified drones equipped with thermal cameras to inspect transformers, conductors, and insulators safely.
NFPA 70B / Compliance
NFPA 70B covers preventive maintenance practices, while 70E addresses electrical safety procedures for personnel. Infrared supports both.
Yes. Our reports include timestamped images, issue grading, and recommendations suitable for audits and insurers.
Yes. NFPA 70B now recommends thermographic inspection as part of predictive maintenance programs.
Building Envelopes / Roof Scans / Drone Inspections
Yes. Thermal imaging highlights temperature differences caused by trapped moisture, revealing leaks or water-damaged insulation without invasive testing.
Absolutely. Insulation gaps appear as hot or cold patches on thermal images, allowing precise detection of energy loss and thermal bridging.
We inspect flat, low-slope, and some pitched roofs. Thermal scans help identify trapped moisture and heat anomalies.
Drones provide fast, safe access to large or elevated areas, capturing detailed thermal data from rooftops and façades without ladders or scaffolding.
Insurance & NFPA 70
NFPA 70B covers preventive maintenance practices, while 70E addresses electrical safety procedures for personnel. Infrared supports both.
While 70E focuses on electrical safety and arc flash protection, infrared inspections identify risks that contribute to arc flash events.
Yes. Many insurers require or recommend annual thermographic inspections to reduce liability and improve risk ratings.