INTRODUCTION

Thermal imaging is the non-contact detection and measurement of

temperature differences and the assignment of colors based on temperature.
Infrared thermography will be presented as an inspection technique to
gather and present information about the system at a specific time. Infrared
thermography will not be promoted as a remedial measure. An infrared
inspection of an electrical system or rotating equipment does not assure
proper operation of such equipment. Other tests and proper maintenance are
necessary to assure their reliable performance.
NECESSARY CONDITIONS FOR INSPECTION
Assure that the equipment to be inspected is under adequate load, create
satisfactory loads when necessary, and allow sufficient time for recentlyenergized equipment to produce stable thermal patterns. Measure electric
loads when requested by the infrared thermographer. Equipment to be
inspected shall be energized and under adequate load; ideally this is normal
operating load. Whenever possible, similar components under similar load
shall be compared to each other. Components exhibiting unusual thermal
patterns or operating temperatures shall be deemed as exceptions.
Commonly Inspected Systems
Electrical:
1. Three Phase Distribution
System
2. Fuse Boxes
3. Cables & Connections
4. Relays/Switches
5. Insulators
6. Capacitors
7. Substations
8. Circuit Breaker
9. Controllers
10.
Transformers
11.
Motor
12.
Battery Bank
Mechanical:
1. Motors
2. Pumps
3. Heat Exchangers
4. Bearings
5. Gear Boxes
6. Drive Belts

Building Thermography

Energy Audits

Moisture Detection

Roof moisture and leak

detection

Construction Details
and Verification

Concrete inspections

Refrigeration and cold

storage cooling losses
Air Leakage

The passage of air

through the building
envelope, Doors, wall,
window, joint etc,

Exterior wall electrical

outlets

Recessed light

Attic penetration

Ducts/vents

Improper air movement significantly reduces the thermal integrity and

performance of the envelope and is therefore a major contributor to
energy consumption in a building as well as poor air quality.

Reasons for Temperature hotspots in Electrical System

1.
2.
3.
4.

Unbalanced Load
(3rd )Harmonics current in neutral
Overloaded systems/excessive current
Loose or corroded connections increased resistance in the
circuit(typically one side of the components heat up
5. Insulation failure
6. Component Failure
7. Wiring Mistakes
Reasons for Temperature hotspots in Mechanical /Electromechanical
System
1. Bad cooling due to reduced air flow
2. PQ problems like unbalance, overload of 5th harmonic
(voltage) will cause heat dissipation
3. Bad alignment
4. Insulation Problems with motor windings
5. Bearing Problem :Lubrication, Wear & Tear
6. Friction due to wear, misalignment or inadequate lubrication
Advantages of Thermography
Allows us to stop fighting Fires and fix problems before they result in
equipment failure.
Benefits of detecting Problems before Failure:
Increased safety
Improved reliability
Better assurance of repair
Reduced unscheduled outages
Commissioning of new installations
Improved Production rate and Quality
Reduced maintenance and Repair Costs.
From a return on investment perspective, infrared inspection programs have
proven that on average for every $1 spent on infrared electrical inspections,
there is a $4 return on investment for materials and labor from fixing the
problems before it fails..."

Case Study: