Most electrical problems don't happen all at once. They build over time—a loose connection here, an overloaded circuit there. Left unchecked, those small issues can lead to equipment failures, production delays, or even a fire.
For breweries, the stakes are especially high. An electrical issue that shuts down a refrigeration system can affect fermentation temperatures. A problem with a packaging line can bring production to a halt. When you're trying to maintain product quality and keep operations running, even a short interruption can be costly.
Infrared thermography helps you spot hidden electrical problems before they interrupt production.
How infrared thermography works
Electrical equipment naturally generates heat during normal operation. But when a connection loosens, a circuit becomes overloaded, or a component begins to fail, it often gets hotter than it should.
An infrared thermography scan uses a thermal camera to identify those hot spots—often before there's a visible sign that something is wrong. That gives you time to investigate and make repairs before a small issue turns into an expensive disruption.
Where thermal imaging can help breweries
Every brewery relies on equipment that runs day after day. Thermal imaging can help identify electrical issues in systems like:
- Fermentation temperature control systems: Catch electrical issues that could affect product quality and consistency
- Refrigeration and glycol systems: Detect overheating components before they lead to equipment failures or put inventory at risk
- Packaging and canning lines: Identify electrical problems that could cause unexpected downtime
- Pump motors and process equipment: Spot early signs of electrical or mechanical issues before they become bigger problems
- Distribution panels and motor control centers: Locate hidden electrical faults that could affect multiple systems
Finding these issues early can help reduce unplanned downtime, protect equipment, and keep production moving.
What an infrared thermography scan can detect
A scan can uncover electrical issues that may not be visible during routine inspections, including:
- Loose or deteriorating electrical connections
- Overloaded circuits or unbalanced electrical loads
- Failing breakers, fuses, and contactors
- Hot spots in wiring, panels, and bus bars
- Early signs of equipment failure
Identifying these issues early makes it easier to prioritize maintenance and schedule repairs before they affect operations.
What to expect during the inspection
An infrared thermography inspection is designed to fit into normal operations. Equipment remains in service while a thermal camera scans critical electrical components for abnormal heat.
After the inspection, you'll receive a report with thermal images, identified issues, and recommended next steps to help prioritize repairs.
For safety, a qualified electrician must be on-site to open electrical panels and provide access to the equipment being inspected.
An added benefit for eligible EMC policyholders
Eligible EMC policyholders can receive a complimentary infrared thermography scan and report through EMC's risk control services. It's a practical way to identify hidden electrical issues, prioritize maintenance, and improve system reliability without adding another inspection to your maintenance budget.
Policyholders are only responsible for the cost of the on-site electrician.
Stay ahead of electrical problems
Electrical issues don't always announce themselves. More often, they develop gradually until a piece of equipment fails or production is interrupted.
Infrared thermography helps you find those hidden problems early, giving you the opportunity to make repairs before they lead to downtime, product loss, or costly damage.
It's one more way to help keep your brewery running smoothly—so you can spend less time worrying about equipment and more time focused on brewing great beer.