Infrared thermography, or thermal imaging, is quickly becoming one of the preferred methods for identifying inefficiencies and required preventative maintenance in electrical systems, but also for early detection of potentially hazardous conditions. In some cases, your insurance companies may even require an annual thermal inspection of electrical systems. So what is infrared thermograph, how can it detect problems with electrical systems and what are the benefits of infrared inspection?
What is thermal imaging of electrical systems?
While operating, electrical components generate heat due to electrical resistance. As the components of the electrical system deteriorate, their electrical resistance increases causing the component to heat up more. Other issues, like loose connections or overloaded circuits, also heat up and lead to hot spots. Over time, the deteriorated components or loose connections will lead to failures or hazards. Thermal imaging detects the elevated temperature, therefore identifying the otherwise invisible issues, before they become hazardous or cause failures.
How is thermal imaging performed?
Infrared inspection of electrical systems starts with ensuring that the system is operating at an appropriate loading level, in order to exercise the components and ensure that hot-sports will be identified during the inspection. Next, the electrical components are photographed with a thermal imaging camera. It is important that the camera is properly calibrated and operated by a trained thermographer, to ensure accurate temperature readings. Often, electrical components are hidden behind enclosures, which need to be open to gain a direct view of the components – for your safety, it is important to ensure that only a qualified electrician opens any electrical panels that may expose electrical circuits. After thermal images are captured, they are analyzed and a report is generated, often using specialized software. The report identifies any areas with higher than normal temperatures therefore identifying problem areas in the electrical systems and any preventative maintenance that may be required.
Stan-Elex will deliver a thermal imaging inspection of your electrical system, performed by a certified thermographer, to ensure that the thermal image had been acquired correctly, and a certified electrician, to make sure that the electrical systems were safely accessed and properly loaded during the thermal inspection. You will receive a standard-compliant report including the thermal images and analysis of the inspected systems.
