Certified Thermal Electrician™
Standards Equivalency & Alignment Statement
1. Purpose
This statement documents the equivalency of the Certified Thermal Electrician™ (CTE) program to recognized Level I Infrared Thermography training and qualification standards. It demonstrates alignment with NFPA 70B, NFPA 70E, ASNT SNT-TC-1A, and ISO 18436-7, confirming that CTE graduates meet or exceed Level I competencies for electrical thermographic inspections.
2. Governing Reference Standards
| Standard | Scope of Relevance | CTE Program Alignment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard NFPA 70B (2023) §11.17 | Scope of Relevance Defines requirements for qualified persons performing electrical thermographic inspections. | CTE Program Alignment CTE graduates are trained as qualified persons per §3.3.24 and §11.17.2, capable of performing inspections per §11.17.4–§11.17.7. |
| Standard NFPA 70E (2024) Article 100 | Scope of Relevance Defines a qualified person as one who has demonstrated skills and safety training. | CTE Program Alignment CTE includes electrical safety, approach boundaries, and PPE integration with thermographic tasks. |
| Standard ASNT SNT-TC-1A (2020) | Scope of Relevance Establishes Level I–III competency frameworks for thermography. | CTE Program Alignment CTE meets and exceeds Level I requirements, specialized in electrical systems. |
| Standard ISO 18436-7 | Scope of Relevance Specifies qualification of infrared thermography personnel. | CTE Program Alignment CTE learning outcomes align with Level I objectives, customized to electrical environments. |
3. Curriculum & Competency Alignment
| Competency Area | ASNT/ISO Level I Requirement | CTE Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Competency Area Infrared Theory & Heat Transfer | ASNT/ISO Level I Requirement Basics of radiation, conduction, and convection. | CTE Coverage Module 1: conductor heating, contact resistance, and load imbalance. |
| Competency Area Camera Operation & Calibration | ASNT/ISO Level I Requirement Focus, range/span, emissivity, and reflection compensation. | CTE Coverage Module 2: hands-on labs with copper, aluminum, and zinc-coated lugs. |
| Competency Area Safety Practices | ASNT/ISO Level I Requirement Work procedures, PPE, hazard recognition. | CTE Coverage Module 4: NFPA 70E and NEC integration, energized work boundaries. |
| Competency Area Reporting & Documentation | ASNT/ISO Level I Requirement Proper format and content of inspection reports. | CTE Coverage Module 6: pre/post templates aligned with NFPA 70B §11.17.6–§11.17.7. |
4. Qualified Instructor Credentials
All CTE courses are developed and instructed by Paul Abernathy, Master Electrician and NFPA NEC Committee Member (CMP-5 & CMP-17). His electrical and code expertise meets or exceeds the Level III instructor expectation for thermography training in electrical applications.
5. Certification Scope & Designation
Graduates of the Certified Thermal Electrician™ program are qualified to perform thermal inspections on:
- Panelboards, switchgear, and MCCs
- Transformers, busbars, and terminations
- Conductors, cables, and circuit breakers under load
They are recognized as Qualified Persons under NFPA 70B §11.17 and NFPA 70E Article 100.
6. Conclusion
- Meets or exceeds Level I thermography competencies under ASNT and ISO frameworks.
- Fully satisfies NFPA 70B & 70E “Qualified Person” definition.
- Delivers code-specific, electrician-focused training unmatched by generic IR programs.
