What is InfraRed Thermography?

InfraRed Thermography is an inspection with thermal imaging, with non-contact measuring

the surface temperatures and provides a thermal image. The thermal image shows both
heating patterns and measure the temperature during full operation, without being
in contact.
The imager has a special detector and lens to measure infrared radiation which is invisible
for the naked eye. The digital image is a separate built-in digital camera.

Infrared image

Digital image

How does it work?

When there is higher electrical resistance usually at the connection points; the temperature
increases when the current passes. This increase in temperature which follows Ohm's Law,
the thermal imager will measure and presents it as a thermogram.
You can see the beginnings of "overheat" in the early stages, long before the emergence of
burnt contacts and fire hazards.
The thermal image above shows a clear hotbox at a connection point on the contactor, which
appear as bright color in the image and a marker which measures the temperature.

Which problems can be detected? Here is a few examples:

Terminals; Loose / poor

connection at the
terminal block.

Fuses; Internal failure

which can be detected
at an early stage.

Plugs; Internal poor

connection.

Transformers; Unbalanced
load and loose connectors.

Contactors; Burned
contacts and loose
connectors.

Why do we get those problems?

Bad contacts occurs over time in all electrical installations and equipment's, on both new and
old and the causes can be many:

Incomplete work (materials, acreage, torque, etc.)

Oxidation or corrosion
Vibrations
Metal fatigue
Varying loads, which can cause metal to alternately expand or shrink

Most problems in electrical systems are caused by abnormal heating due to high resistance
or excessive current flow. Infrared thermography is used to quickly locate "hot spots" so
repairs can be made before catastrophic failures.
Poor connections, current overload and phase imbalance problems can be identified safely
using non-contact thermal imaging. Electrical switchgear, motor control centers (MCC),
data centers, transformers, fuses, circuit breakers and panel boards can all be inspected using
infrared thermography.
Motors and circuits can have hundreds of electrical connections that can become loose or
faulty. Motors are rated by class for their maximum operating temperature. Temperatures in
excess of these maximum ratings will cause damage to insulation on the windings and greatly
shortening the lifetime of the motor.
An infrared survey can help small issues from becoming disasters. Repairing a loose
connection which is easily found with a Thermographic scan is a small and wise investment
compare to if its undetected and could result in big losses and damages associated with fire.
It is recommended to include Thermographic Surveys in the Preventive Maintenance System
to be conducted annually which means a huge safety improvement. It is also recommended to
do an Inspection on newbuild vessels to detect loose connections at an early stage.

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