Thermography is a non-contact technology that measures infrared wavelengths to determine an object’s thermal radiation distribution at a safe distance and in real time. In other words, we can measure an object’s thermal representation, as well as temperature points (to the nearest 1000th) in real time.  Temperature is a key indicator of the “health” of an object – of both machines and the human body. As such, it is the most frequent measurement in the electricity field. By periodically measuring temperature indications, we are able to set up a thermal profile, which in turn allows us to predict an impending failure and prevents the cost of downtime. 

Electrical application of thermal imagers
Thermal imagers (as pictured above) are an easy way to identify apparent temperature differences in industrial three-phase electrical circuits compared to normal operating conditions.

By inspecting the thermal gradient of all three phases’ side-by-side, we can quickly spot performance anomalies on individual phases. The temperature differences are an indication of a power quality problem that may be due to unbalance, overloading, harmonics or open circuits.

Typically, new electrical components begin to deteriorate as soon as installation is complete: vibration, fatigue, environment and age cause the loosening of electrical connections whenever a load is put on to a circuit. In other words, all electrical connections will, over time, fail. 

But fortunately a loose or corroded connection increases resistance at the connection, which in turn results in an increase of heat. Thermal imaging can identify this fault before it results in a higher consumption of energy and additional costs for our clients.