Thermal imaging or thermography can detect electrical problems such as motor winding faults, transformer cooling failures, loose connections, overloaded circuits (the most typical cause of electrical fires), and induced currents.

A thermographic electrical survey examines electrical equipment while in use, posing no threat to business operations. This equipment includes but is not limited to distribution fuseboards, transformers, switch fuses, isolators, control panels, UPSs, battery banks, switchboards, MCB boards, and contactors. 

Since electrical thermal imaging scans are non-intrusive, your business activities can continue as usual while inspections go on securely and effectively. Read on to learn more about this powerful electrician inspection camera.

The functioning of a thermal camera 

A thermal camera can identify heat and translate it into an image. The camera comprises a housing, processing circuitry, lens, and thermal sensor. The lens directs the infrared light into a thermal sensor. Thermal detectors detect energy at wavelengths larger than visible light, which results in lower resolution and fewer pixels in thermal cameras. This implies that much larger sensor elements are required. 

The sensors display various colors when they detect different temperatures. Typically, hotter areas are colored brighter, and cooler areas are colored darker. Since most electrical components will be either hotter or colder than they should be when they malfunction, thermal imaging has become a popular tool for electrical inspections. For instance, an electrical connection or component about to break will produce more heat than expected, and thermal imaging will clearly show this increase in temperature.

Typical uses of thermal imaging

Thermal imaging helps scan switchgear, electrical cabinets, breaker panels, fuses, and bolted connections. It is also useful in the following electrical procedures because it can detect heat even in dim, cloudy, or smoke-filled areas: 

• Installing electrical equipment and wiring 
• Confirming that the equipment installation is adequate
• Swiftly looking for hot or cool places throughout broad regions 
• Identifying and fixing electrical connection problems 
• Ensuring adherence to safety precautions and standard electrical codes  
• Discovering damaged or inadequately sized cables or insulation.

Faulty wiring is one of the many possible causes of an electrical circuit’s rising heat levels. Thus, problems can be identified, and the number of malfunctions can be determined by analyzing the heat patterns in electrical components. 

Furthermore, the electrical component’s emissivity level affects the effectiveness of thermal imaging. Some objects have higher emissivity than others, which impacts the accuracy of the thermal imager’s surface temperature detection. 

Higher emissivity objects are better at emitting heat energy. Because of this, images of these kinds of items are typically sharper and more reflective than those of objects with low emissivity levels. Therefore, it is preferable to have a higher emissivity level.

Benefits of an electrician inspection camera

Here are the advantages of conducting a thermographic survey of electrical systems:

Inspections aren’t intrusive.

This is the fastest and safest method for determining electrical problems such as bad connections, overloading, phase imbalances, malfunctioning equipment, etc., and it does not interfere with ongoing activities.

It enhances periodic fixed-wire testing.

Electrical thermography finds electrical problems that fixed wire testing and inspections are unlikely to see. The purpose of periodic fixed wire testing is to verify that safety components like circuit breakers, fuses, and earth protection work as intended in case of a short circuit or fault load. These gadgets offer no defense against the dangers brought on by shoddy connections. It is advisable to perform thermal imaging after fixed wire testing to ensure the activity did not introduce any bad connections.

Possibility of prolonging equipment life. 

A thermographic survey is an exceptional way to determine how healthy equipment operates. It also helps extend the equipment’s operational life and identify areas for energy savings.

Scheduling of any necessary invasive maintenance at any time

Electrical thermography makes it possible to identify the specific equipment that needs repair and the extent of the flaw. This makes it possible to appropriately schedule maintenance around operational obligations to maximize the availability of machinery and plants.

Diminished expenses associated with malfunctions 

The cost of an electrical failure can reach several thousand pounds, depending on the kind of equipment and where it is located. This can include lost productivity, repairs, injury claims, etc. With thermal imaging, the associated cost of repairs is negligible compared to equipment failure because flaws are discovered early.

What is detectable using an electrician inspection camera?

Electrical connections and wiring 

Thermal imaging will highlight electrical connections with higher temperatures. A higher temperature in the connection could indicate a loose, overtightened, corroded, or more resistant connection. Resistance is typically seen in the warmest area when a specific location is heated. A chilly component indicates that the current has been redirected from the high-resistance link. 

Transformers

With a thermal imager, you can examine the surfaces of crucial transformers, cooling fans, pumps, cooling tubes, and external bushing connections. In most cases, the cooling tubes are warm. Therefore, any chilly tube indicates that the oil flow has been restricted. 

Early detection of a temperature rise is critical. A higher temperature will shorten the transformer’s lifespan. 

Imbalance in electricity 

Thermal imaging helps evaluate the heat from panels and connect points. You can trace the circuit and look at the related branches and loads whenever you detect greater temperatures. You can find an imbalance by comparing the photos from each electrical phase side-by-side and comparing the temperatures. A circuit that appears colder than it should be could indicate a component problem. Hot spots will emerge during the highly loaded phases. 

Centers for Motor Control 

Thermal imaging can show a highly loaded motor control center. Note the typical operating circumstances and contrast them with your results when assessing the thermal scan. Open every compartment of a motor control center under load to compare the relative temperatures of all the critical parts. This will assist you in writing your report. 

Conclusion 

A thermal inspection camera can increase your work’s productivity, precision, and safety on electrical systems. It also offers a workable option for electrical installations, routine inspections, repair, and maintenance.