The temperature is a physical property that quantitatively expresses the difference between hot and cold. Every object emits energy in the electromagnetic spectrum, and the wavelength of that energy depends on the materials the object is made of. For example, if the wavelength of the energy emitted is in the visible range (between 400 nm and 720 nm), then the object would be visible. If the wavelength of the emitted energy is beyond 720 nm, then the object would be invisible. This infrared energy can be captured using a Thermal Imager.
Thermography is the process of using heat signatures to map out an object. All objects emit infrared radiation based on their temperature, and thermal imagers can detect this. By using the black body radiation law, thermography makes it possible to see one’s environment, even in the dark.
Infrared thermography is a powerful tool that can be used to identify problems in energized electrical panels or components without dismantling them. These problems may include unbalanced loads, poor connections, deteriorated insulation, or any other issue that could lead to excess power use, increased maintenance costs, or catastrophic equipment failure.
Why is thermography testing of electrical panels important?
1. Thermography testing can help identify potential problems with electrical panels before they cause major damage.
2. By identifying potential problems early, thermography testing can help prevent electrical fires and other disasters.
3. Thermography testing can also help improve the efficiency of electrical panels, saving money and energy.
4. Overall, thermography testing of electrical panels is important for safety, efficiency, and preventing costly damage.
Benefits of Doing Thermography Testing of Electrical Panel
- Ensure that all components have been installed correctly and are not damaged.
- Reduces downtime
- Reduces risk of equipment failure
- Increases safety
- Improves insurability
- Improves system performance
- Checks if components and systems work correctly and match the design goals.
- Saves money
How is Thermography Testing of Electrical Panels Done?
The infrared camera or thermal imager used by the inspector is a device that measures the natural emissions of infrared radiation from a heated object and produces a thermal picture. Modern thermal imagers are portable and easy to operate, so testing can be done without interrupting production or causing downtime.
Thermal testing can identify the following factors:
- High resistance connections
- Hot spots
- Overloaded cables
- Overloaded fuses or breakers
- Imminent motor or conveyor bearing failure
- Motor windings overheating
- Overheating in distribution equipment
- Phase load imbalance
- Hot spots in high-level lighting (easily scanned from the floor)
- Heat build-up in overcrowded trunking
- Thermal insulation breakdown (hot or cold)
- Thermal loss
- Damp ingress