Question:

Hi Lewis Bass,

We just built a new distribution warehouse in Oregon, and our insurance company is requesting thermographic inspections before they’ll finalize our policy. We weren’t expecting this request from our insurance company at all. Do we really need it? And what exactly are they looking for?

– Uninsured in Oregon

Lewis Bass:

Hi Uninsured in Oregon,

Great question! Believe it or not, this situation is becoming more common as insurers get stricter about electrical safety in commercial facilities. Let’s walk through why your insurance company would request this type of inspection be performed and what this type of service can help your facility avoid in terms of fire safety.

Thermographic inspections (aka infrared thermography or IR scans) involve using thermal imaging cameras to detect “hot spots” in your electrical system that aren’t visible to the naked eye. These hot spots are often the early warning signs of loose connections, overloaded circuits, or insulation breakdown, which are problems that can cause fires if left unchecked or if they are not repaired when discovered.

Insurers have a vested interest in minimizing fire risk, especially in facilities like warehouses that may store flammable goods or operate around-the-clock. Many policies now include language requiring a baseline thermographic scan before activation, plus periodic follow-ups.

In your case, the insurance company is likely asking for proof that your newly installed electrical infrastructure doesn’t pose an elevated fire hazard, and thermographic scanning is their way of verifying that.

If your insurer is asking for a thermographic inspection, don’t panic, but do take it seriously. A fast and thorough inspection now can save you from premium hikes, policy delays, or worse: electrical fires that put lives and operations at risk.

 

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