Justin Sheard, Fluke Thermal Imaging Expert
Colocation data centers are the nerve centers of modern digital infrastructure, and any unplanned outage can be financially devastating. According to Uptime Institute, the average cost of a data center outage is a staggering $8,851 per minute. As high-density compute environments continue to grow, proactive thermal inspections are now critical for maintaining uptime and ensuring safety.
Recent updates to NFPA 70B (2023) have solidified thermal inspections as a required element of preventive maintenance. For colocation engineers, facility managers, and contractors, knowing how to execute these inspections safely and effectively is key to meeting compliance goals and protecting mission-critical assets.
The Ti480 PRO provides high resolution, LaserSharp™ Auto Focus, and Fluke Connect® integration for real-time data logging and team collaboration.
Step-by-Step: Conducting Thermal Inspections in Colos
Step 1. Identify Key Inspection Points
Focus your inspections on high-risk electrical and mechanical components:
- Main power entry points
- UPS systems and battery banks
- Power Distribution Units (PDUs), switchgear, and transfer switches
- Rack-level breakers, busways, and panelboards
- Cooling systems and motors
These locations are central to data center reliability and are subject to high loads, making them prone to thermal anomalies.
Tip: Create an efficient map or walking path that ensures no asset is missed and valuable time is not wasted traveling past and back to these high-risk components.
Step 2. Properly Position Yourself
Using an infrared thermal imaging camera, maintain proper stand-off distances for accurate image framing.
Tip: Proper thermal imaging inspection positioning depends on several factors:
- Distance: The ideal distance depends on the resolution of your thermal camera. Higher-resolution cameras allow for inspections from farther away while still capturing fine details. If you're inspecting small anomalies, closer proximity ensures better accuracy.
- Field of View (FOV): A wider FOV allows you to scan larger areas quickly, but it may reduce detail. Narrower FOVs provide more precision for detecting small temperature variations. You can use an FOV calculator to determine the best setup for your camera.
- Resolution: Higher resolution sensors (e.g., 640x480 or 1024x768) provide more detail, making it easier to identify subtle temperature differences. Lower resolutions may require closer inspection to detect issues effectively.
Step 3. Look for Common Failure Modes
In data centers, look for loose connections, overloaded circuits, or phase imbalance, depending on the asset being inspected.
Step 4. Track and Compare Results
Conduct comparative scans seasonally or under different load conditions to track changes over time.
Step 5. Look for Trends
Document thermal signatures at the rack level to identify emerging issues.
Using IR Windows for Safe, Repeatable Scans
IR windows enable safe, non-intrusive inspections without removing panel covers, significantly reducing arc flash risk.
- The Fluke CV401 ClirVu® IR Window (95 mm) offers:
- Clear, consistent field of view
- Arc-rated protection
- Easy installation on switchgear and PDU panels
Pairing the Ti480 PRO with IR windows allows you to:
- Conduct repeatable inspections with minimal disruption
- Log inspection data using Fluke Connect for audit trails and analysis
Compliance-Driven Inspections: NFPA 70B and 70E Alignment
Under NFPA 70B, annual thermal inspections are a maintenance requirement. Using IR windows supports NFPA 70E by reducing exposure to arc flash zones and minimizing the need for PPE.
For colo operators balancing internal and tenant-owned infrastructure, thermal imaging offers transparency and safety in shared environments. Document findings and create reports that satisfy auditors and reassure tenants.
Wrap-Up: Pro Tips + Optional Tools
- Combine visible and infrared images to enhance inspection reports
- Use thermal imaging software to trend hotspots and flag repeat issues
- Pair inspections with airflow and environmental sensors for a full-picture cooling analysis
By following these best practices, you’ll not only improve reliability and safety but also align with critical compliance standards in your data center operations.
About the Author
Justin Sheard is an accomplished product development leader specializing in thermal and acoustic imaging technology, particularly in preventive maintenance applications. With multiple patents and published works, Justin is a thought leader in the industry. He is dedicated to shaping the future of preventive maintenance through innovative imaging solutions that help maintenance professionals prevent unplanned downtime and improve operational efficiency. Connect with Justin on LinkedIn.