Thermal Imaging Electrical Distribution
Commonly Inspected Components
- (3 phase) Power distribution
- Fuse boxes
- Cables & connections
- Relays/Switches
- Insulators
- Capacitors
- Circuit breakers
- Controllers
- Transformers
- Motors
- Battery banks
Typical Reasons for Temperature Hotspots or Deviations
- Unbalanced loads
- Harmonics (3rd harmonic current in Neutral)
- Overloaded systems/excessive current
- Loose or corroded connections increased resistance in the circuit (typically one side of components heats up)
- Insulation failure
- Component failure
- Wiring mistakes
- Underspecified components (like fuses) would heat up on both side of the fuse
Infrared imaging and temperature analysis are a necessity to efficiently and accurately monitor substations, transmission lines, power connections, and other transmission equipment. With the revolutionary Infrared Solutions product line you will be able to diagnose potential problems before they become catastrophic, saving significant dollars on extensive repairs and downtime. By utilizing infrared technology, electric utility companies will be able to increase reliability, conserve costs, and save money. Below are some sample images of an infrared inspection conducted during a routine predictive maintenance check.
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DLW1 D R2766 at Hwy Z & 21- Lower portion of elbow was 82.5 deg F, (50 deg above ambient) - circuit load was not checked. The warm part is where the elbow is over the bushing, a likely heat source is either the probe and socket or the OCR bushing. This did not appear to be a pin and connector heat source. DLW substation- high side switch- latch appeared warm 52 deg F (ambient approx 30 deg)
WIN- Alliant GOAB- center contact on (East circuit) 1654 A. Ambient ~21.2 deg, switch temp approx 54 deg F- not serious- should be checked again.
12/23/03, 7:25 AM at LWS- high side switches, step-down and substations okay.
12/23/03, 8:25 AM at WIN- see above photo and notes
12/23/03- QNC- High side switch and substation okay.
12/23/03- DLW- High side switch in substations warm- see above photo Substation okay.
12/23/03- DLW 1 D, R 2766 at Hwy Z and 21- see photos
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