Electrical Thermography
Infrared thermography is a valuable tool in determining the condition of an equipment or an object. Basically all objects emit thermal energy which can be viewed with an infrared camera whose purpose is to convert this electromagnetic thermal energy radiated to electronic video signals.
Results may be interpreted by obtaining a thermal image and determining temperatures at the suspect areas. These temperatures can be compared to equipment thermal ratings and recommendations made.
As a connection deteriorates, the resistance to the flow of electrical energy increases. This electrical energy is transformed into thermal energy, which shows up as increased temperature. Wherever there is increased resistance caused by a condition such as a bad connection or overload, it will show up in the infrared image as a brighter spot.
Fluctuating or high loads, vibration, metal fatigue, age and specific operational environments such as extreme ambient temperatures, wind, chemicals or dirt in the atmosphere will all increase the speed of degradation and the number of faults in the electrical system.
What Electrical Equipment Should Be Checked?
- Switchgears & Switchboards
- Transformers (Dry Type / Oil Filled)
- Bushings (HV / MV)
- Cable Terminations / Splices
- Disconnect Switches / Transfer Switches / Safety Switches
- Power Fuses / Fuse Cutouts
- Circuit Breakers
- Rotating Machines (Motors / Generators)
- Motor Controllers / Motor Starters
- Battery Systems
- Capacitor Banks
- Busways / Bus Ducts
- Distribution Panels / Electrical Panels
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies
- Voltage Regulators
- Lightning Arresters
- Cooling Systems
When scanning electrical equipment, we use a special infrared thermal camera that picks up any “hot spots” which require your attention. We then create reports detailing each fault and severity. The report also includes a recommended time frame to fix the fault.
Our service gives you a detailed thermographic record of any problems detected, so you can take action before breakdowns occur.
- Conduct thermal inspections of all energized electrical equipment.
- Provide a thermal report of found problems.
- Recommend or perform necessary corrections.
- And conduct another inspection to make sure that the problem has been corrected.
Other infrared scanning companies ONLY gives you reports with hotspots, Cal-Scan provides you thermographic reports of all equipment scanned, even without hotspots, so you can use our report as a baseline for your next thermal inspection.