1. Do we need to shutdown
The plant needs to be operational during the inspection. Fully loaded is optimum for an infrared scan. Poor electrical connections generate heat that can cause power loss at the connection. The higher the load is, the more power is dissipated at the connection.

2. Do the panels need to be opened
The panels must be opened to establish the cause of the fault, but, due to liability constraints, thermographers are not allowed to open or physically touch your equipment. If the thermographer opens panels, delays and cost increases can result.

3. Do we need to provide qualified assistants
A qualified person, familiar with the equipment and a thorough understanding of safety requirements, plays an essential role in an infrared survey.

4. That equipment is new; there is no reason to check it.
Age has no relevance to hot connections. Poor initial installation / workmanship has been the cause of many failures.

5. Is a hot spot bad?
* It is a power loss. You are paying extra in your electrical bill for all hot connections. Therefore, a hot connection reduces plant efficiency.
* Failure. Most damage occurs when the electrical connection actually fails. The arc that is caused when the connections separate will melt most metals. A connection that would have cost R200 in parts and labor could cost the owner in excess of R500 k.