Thermography Of Electrical Panels

This type of fault is easy to detect using infrared cameras.

Thermography of electrical panels.

Thermography is a method of inspecting electrical and mechanical equipment by obtaining heat distribution pictures this inspection method is based on the fact that most components in a system show an increase in temperature when malfunctioning. Infrared thermography is a test that can be utilised to identify unbalanced loads poor connections deteriorated insulation or any other issues in energized electrical panels or components without dismantling the components. Some insurance companies require thermography to be done as part of their insurance requirements. They do this to mitigate losses.

Electrical thermography serves this purpose and helps you to detect any electric problem before it arises. Question how often does thermography have to be done on our electrical system answer. Statistics reveal that electrical equipment damage and lost connections cause 25 30 of all failures to switchboards switches circuit breakers and cables. Using thermal imaging cameras we can help you to inspect electrical systems in your premises.

Based on the scan results a schedule to rescan should be based on the types of equipment power consumption and age of the electrical systems. The two nfpa documents that have changed the face of infrared thermography over the last few decades are nfpa 70b and nfpa 70e. In a typical manufacturing plant infrared thermography inspections did on electrical systems such as electrical switchboards high voltage distribution equipment motors corresponding controllers transformers and other control panels. Businesses with high electrical demands should have a thermographic scan performed at least annually on critical systems such as circuit panels switchgears and transformers.

70b is the recommended practice for electrical equipment maintenance while 70e is the standard that covers electrical safety in the workplace. Electrical thermography can diagnose faults in electrical systems. Firstly in most countries thermography is not a legal requirement however there are other reasons that it should be done. Infrared electrical inspections find hot spots caused by defects in connections and components.