Thermography is also popularly known as infrared inspections, based on sensing the heat produced from an object’s surface in infrared radiation form. An infrared camera has emerged as a common infrared thermal imaging tool. Thermography is a harmless test method employed for identifying poor connection, damaged insulation or other possible issues in energised components. You must always opt for regular thermography inspections without fail. Issues like these or unstable loads may cause additional power usage, higher maintenance expenditures, or hazardous equipment failure. These problems subsequently result in spontaneous service disruptions and equipment destruction of several other woes.

In this post, we are discussing the various aspects of thermographic inspections of your electrical switchboards and components:

Significance of Thermography

Energised electrical structures produce heat as a result of electrical resistance. When components begin to deteriorate, their resistance rises and it may lead to a localised rise in heat. In the same manner, an ineffective connection will have increased resistance than the effective connection including an increased temperature profile. Thermography is ideally used for spotting these temperature variations.

How is Thermography useful?

Reports claim that 10% of fire incidents take place in manufacturing properties. These fires are linked to electric system fiascos including electrical insulation, terminals, and other component failure. Such failure may expose the employees to live electrical circuits. They may sustain serious injuries or even die due to electrocution. When high resistance connections are spotted and repaired, the possibility of electrical wire breakdown will be less likely. Electrical and mechanical condition monitoring is a must for all properties and organisations. An expert electrician knows how to monitor these in a timely and effective manner.

When will I Require a Thermographic Scan?

All properties can reap the advantages of a thermographic scan. Properties that may witness increased power consumption, several branch circuits, and distribution subsystem, or heavy tools may need it the most. And, all the business organisations requiring high electricity must get the thermographic scan performed once a year. It should be performed on serious systems like circuit panels, transformers, switchgear, etc. Based on the results, the rescan must be scheduled on the basis of the equipment type, the power usage, and the electrical systems’ age. You must never undervalue the importance of thermal scanning.

Thermography Leads to Cost Savings

One major advantage of thermography is that when faults are spotted and repaired, it will lead to saving costs. It will become possible from energy savings, decreased outage, and repair charges. Increased resistance in circuits may lead to a rise in the current flow. When the flow of currents rise, the subsequent power consumption will also rise. Additionally, a rising current may cause severe electrical circuit components like fuses, circuit breakers, and transformers to fail ahead of time. Such failure may lead to increased maintenance and repair charges, and surging business interruptions.

Conclusion:

To boost electrical assets safety, always schedule a thermographic inspection as and when needed. A licensed electrician will not be able to carry out thermographic assessments of electrical devices for supplying reports to insurance companies. They must have a valid certification in infrared thermography.