Infrared thermal imaging is a powerful predictive maintenance tool for electrical applications, but it's not the only one. Vibration analysis and ultrasonic testing can pick up early warning signs of failure, and can help validate or supplement thermal imaging. Some thermal imaging providers looking to ascertain the severity of problems with more confidence say they're incorporating these and other measurement tools into their testing regimens.    

"We advise using at least three technologies to do diagnostic work," says Bryan Rupert, electrical safety consultant with Facility Results, Plymouth, Mich. "Ultrasonic testing done with a trained ear using non-contact earphones can pick up noises that can precede failure, such as arcing in a breaker, that allow you to be more predictive. And then once you think you've found an anomaly, a volt-ohm multimeter drop test can help further diagnose the problem. Some of these other inexpensive technologies can yield some high predictive value."