Due to advantages of non-contact,high-resolution,real-time and high-efficiency,infrared imaging detection technology has been widely used in the field of electromechanical equipment detection and fault diagnosis.This paper first introduces the research status of infrared thermal imaging detection technology in the field of electromechanical equipment,then mainly stduies the characteristics of infrared thermal imaging spectrum and the rule of temperature rise(degree)of the key components of electromechanical equipment,such as motor,drive system and electrical system,and summarizes the fault identification methods and evaluation criteria.Finally,the practicability and reliability of infrared thermal imaging technology in fault diagnosis of electromechanical equipment are illustrated by two application cases.