Electrical Defects
Thermal or infrared (IR) imaging in the practice of building inspection has been used to inspect electrical systems for some time now and its use has steadily grown increasingly popular. Since components in electrical systems almost always overheat before they fail, problem areas are more easily and safely found when viewed through an IR camera. Infrared imaging allows apparent temperatures to be seen as gradient colors, with hotter spots displayed as brighter colors, and cooler (and wetter) spots displayed as darker colors. When a malfunctioning electrical component or connection is generating more heat than it should be, its apparent temperature will make it stand out right away when viewed through thermal imaging.
Thermal or infrared (IR) imaging in the practice of building inspection has been used to inspect electrical systems for some time now and its use has steadily grown increasingly popular. Since components in electrical systems almost always overheat before they fail, problem areas are more easily and safely found when viewed through an IR camera. Infrared imaging allows apparent temperatures to be seen as gradient colors, with hotter spots displayed as brighter colors, and cooler (and wetter) spots displayed as darker colors. When a malfunctioning electrical component or connection is generating more heat than it should be, its apparent temperature will make it stand out right away when viewed through thermal imaging.
What kinds of problems can be detected?
During an inspection, electrical equipment, such as distribution panel boards, switch boards, contacts, transformers, receptacles, and service and control panels, can be examined through an IR camera. By viewing apparent temperature differences, I can identify and document problems, such as loose connections and overloaded circuits, which are the most common causes of electrical fires. Other issues, such as transformer cooling problems, induced currents, arcing, and motor-winding faults, also become readily apparent.
Thermal imaging can detect electrical issues that include:
Thermal imaging can detect electrical issues that include:
- excessively hot or loose connections;
- overloaded wiring;
- overloaded circuits;
- overloaded transformers;
- overloaded motors;
- arcing; and
- excessive harmonics.
Advantages of Using an IR Camera for Electrical Inspections
Because viewing apparent temperature differences through an IR camera requires no physical contact and can cover a lot of space in one sweep, no other technology allows electrical faults to be found as safely and as quickly as thermal imaging. Another important benefit is that it allows problem areas and components to be located before damage from any serious failure or electrical fire occurs. This helps ensure safety. It can also save money that might otherwise need to be spent on extensive repairs.
Here’s a list of advantages of using an IR camera for electrical inspections:
Here’s a list of advantages of using an IR camera for electrical inspections:
- It’s non-contact, which helps ensure a safe inspection.
- It’s fast and accurate.
- It helps identify problems before they cause serious failure or an electrical fire.
- It’s non-intrusive, so there is no interruption of power during the inspection.
- It can be used as part of inspections that are conducted as preventative maintenance.
- IR equipment is light and portable.
- It provides documentation of problems.