Thermal Imaging
What is Thermal Imaging?
Thermal imaging is a new tool for measuring heat-energy. All objects give off heat-energy in the form of infrared energy, which is normally invisible to the human. Thermal cameras allow us to "see" much more by translating the infrared energy into a visual picture. Every object is therefore measurable with a thermal camera. Thermal imaging can detect electrical problems by showing a corresponding heat-energy difference between the affected part and the surrounding environment. Higher resistance on a circuit will produce higher heat output from the affected parts. Faulty circuit breakers, fuses, transformers, worn-out insulation, loose wire connections, and dirty contact points can lead to failure of equipment, through heat (fire) or explosions (electric arcing). Thermal imaging can detect the excess heat caused by these conditions and allow us to change out or repair the affected part before failure occurs.Thermal imaging of electrical equipment allows non-contact analysis, improving safety for everyone.What is involved?
We have Level 1 Thermographers who can perform an assessment of your property or equipment, and prepare a detailed report for you. While on-site they take pictures of the equipment in both true-colour and infrared for comparison. After gathering details about the equipment in question, we prepare a report for you which outlines each item examined, details the problems as well as remedial action recommended. The report will detail which areas need repairs or scheduled maintenance as well as the urgency. Below are some examples of what an infrared camera can see, that our own eyes cannot. Overheating bearings, unequal load distribution, unbalanced phases, loose connections or terminals; all these result in extra heat produced, the precursor to fire. The thermal camera can detect the excess heat, allowing us to repair the situation before damage can occur.
Infrared Image |
True Colour Image |
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The bearings on this motor are over-heating, and may need to be replaced at next scheduled downtime. |
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| The 2nd phase of this contact block is warmer than the other 2, a clamp-on ammeter will indicate if imbalanced current is present, or if and electrical problem is arcing inside the breaker | |
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The left 2 of the fuses in this picture are warmer than the other, there may be an imbalanced load. |
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