A short circuit is an electrical issue that can cause severe damage to equipment and systems, as well as pose a safety risk. It occurs when two points in an electrical circuit that normally should not be in direct contact become connected, resulting in an uncontrolled flow of current.

Infrared thermography stands out as an effective tool for identifying short circuits. When a short circuit is present, an increase in temperature is generated in the affected area due to the heightened current flow. Thermography can capture this abnormal thermal elevation on the surface of components, enabling technicians to pinpoint the exact location of the short circuit.

An example of how infrared thermography can detect short circuits is within electrical panels. If a short circuit exists in a panel, thermography can reveal areas with higher temperatures that indicate the presence of the issue. This allows for early intervention to resolve the short circuit and prevent more severe damage.