Thermal People

What is an electrical infrared inspection?

Thermographers using thermal infrared cameras perform electrical infrared inspections. An infrared camera senses temperature changes in a room or space and transforms these readings into a digital image display on the screen of the camera. The thermographer inspects all aspects of the electrical system and equipment, including connectors, transformers, main switchgears, motor control centers, disconnects, and capacitor banks. Electrical problems such as ground faults, faulty electrical components, overloaded circuits, dirty connections, and loose connections produce heat as conductors create more resistance, and these areas of heat are captured by the thermal camera’s digital display. A trained thermographer analyzes the digital image and can pinpoint trouble spots anywhere in the electrical system or equipment.

Who can benefit from electrical infrared inspections?

Electrical infrared inspections are recommended for many businesses. Any factory or industry that relies on electrical equipment for production is a good candidate for an electrical infrared inspection. Electrical infrared inspections can also be performed on transmission lines, power generation facilities, and substations. The predictive maintenance of an electrical infrared inspection can save significant amounts of time and money by uncovering pending electrical problems before they become disastrous.

What can you expect from an electrical infrared inspection?

The thermographer assigned to the electrical infrared inspection first meets with the site staff to discuss what areas will be included during the inspection and what type of reporting is expected. Reports can be given as a video tape of the inspection, a written or verbal report, or a combination of these. Typically, an electrical contractor or facility engineer will escort the thermographer through the facility and explain the various electrical components, remove electrical panels, and answer questions about the facility related to the inspection. For an accurate predictive maintenance report, electrical circuits should be loaded for at least 50% of total capacity. The inspection does not disrupt normal production activities, and potential problems that are apparent only during daily operations can be noted. The thermographer documents the inspection with an infrared camera, recording individual thermal images and videos of the areas, and provides a complete report of the findings as well as advice on how to manage any electrical problems. Inspectors can help prioritize necessary repairs and upgrades.

What are the advantages of an electrical infrared inspection?

Current and potential electrical problems are detected through electrical infrared inspections without dismantling or disrupting the electrical system. The process is safe and reliable, and it is nondestructive to walls and surrounding areas. By hiring a thermographer for electrical predictive maintenance, businesses experience less equipment down time for two reasons: the inspection does not interrupt normal business activities, and the predictive maintenance results in fewer unscheduled repairs. Predictive maintenance is a proactive method of increasing energy efficiency, reducing equipment damage, and improving profits. The return on investment for an electrical infrared inspection is four times the cost of the inspection in terms of labor and materials required for electrical repairs.

Submitted by, Nigel Dunglauder on 2009-04-01

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