Search

Premium Membership ♕

Limited Time Offer: Save 15% on PRO Plan with discount code: LRN15 and study specialized LV/MV/HV technical articles and studies.

Home / Download Center / Electrical Engineering Books and Technical Guides / Electrical engineering guides / A Basic Guide to Thermography Method Of Inspecting Electrical Equipment

Thermography

Thermography is a method of inspecting electrical and mechanical equipment by obtaining heat distribution pictures. This inspection method is based on the fact that most components in a system show an increase in temperature when malfunctioning.

A Basic Guide to Thermography Method Of Inspecting Electrical Equipment (on photo: Technician use thermal imaging camera to check temperature in factory)
A Basic Guide to Thermography Method Of Inspecting Electrical Equipment (on photo: Technician use thermal imaging camera to check temperature in factory)

The increase in temperature in an electrical circuit could be due to loose connections or a worn bearing in the case of mechanical equipment. By observing the heat patterns in operational system components, faults can be located and their seriousness evaluated.

The inspection tool used by Thermographers is the Thermal Imager. These are sophisticated devices which measure the natural emissions of infrared radiation from a heated object and produce a thermal picture.

Modern Thermal Imagers are portable with easily operated controls.

The Thermal Image of electrical connector
Figure 1 – The Thermal Image of electrical connector

As physical contact with the system is not required, inspections can be made under full operational conditions resulting in no loss of production or downtime.

The thermography inspection tool is a device designed for plant condition monitoring, preventative maintenance and process monitoring applications. Potential applications include inspection of electrical equipment, mechanical equipment and refractory lined structures.


Measurement of Temperature using Infrared Methods

When using a Thermal Imager it is helpful to have a basic knowledge of infrared theory. An object when heated radiates electromagnetic energy. The amount of energy is related to the object’s temperature.

The Thermal Imager can determine the temperature of the object without physical contact by measuring the emitted energy.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The energy from a heated object is radiated at different levels across the electromagnetic spectrum. In most industrial applications it is the energy radiated at infrared wavelengths which is used to determine the object’s temperature.

There are various forms of radiated energy in the electromagnetic spectrum including X-rays, Ultra Violet, Infrared and Radio.

They are all emitted in the form of a wave and travel at the speed of light. The only difference between them is their wavelength which is related to frequency.

The human eye responds to visible light in the range 0.4 to 0.75 microns. The vast majority of infrared temperature measurement is made in the range 0.2 to 20 microns.

Figure 2 - The Infrared region of the Electromagnetic spectrum
Figure 2 – The Infrared region of the Electromagnetic spectrum

Although emissions are mostly unable to be detected by a standard camera the Thermal Imager can focus this energy via an optical system on to a detector in a similar way to visible light.

Title:A Basic Guide to Thermography Method Of Inspecting Electrical Equipment – Land Instruments
Format:PDF
Size:470 KB
Pages:14
Download:Right here | Video Courses | Membership | Download Updates
A Basic Guide to Thermography Method Of Inspecting Electrical Equipment
A Basic Guide to Thermography Method Of Inspecting Electrical Equipment

Premium Membership

Get access to premium HV/MV/LV technical articles, advanced electrical engineering guides, papers, and much more! It will help you to shape up your technical skills in your everyday life as an electrical engineer.
50% Discount 💥 - Save 50% on all 90+ video courses with Enterprise Membership plan.

More Information

6 Comments


  1. Rajesh Kumar
    Jan 25, 2023

    Hey, we required for the thermograpic scanning for the whole equipment,….Thank you for the opportunity in EEP


  2. THAR LWIN OO
    Jan 10, 2023

    I WOULD LIKE TO LEARN MORE ELECTRICAL TERMS AND KNOWLEDGE.


  3. Andy Smith
    Nov 09, 2022

    Thermographic testing is a good concept. Is it 100% effective in detecting faults ahead of them causing a fire? How does one check the effectiveness of the testing company to be used please?
    Many thanks


  4. ramadas
    Aug 03, 2022

    actually i don’t know how to test thermography, what type of instrument require for this test.
    thank you.


  5. zdravko maglic
    Apr 26, 2022

    Hi
    We are requested from big management to do Thermal electrical test and provide report !
    We are not familiar whit that testing we need help to by right equipment ,how to test whit equipment ,how to provide report ….
    Thank you


  6. Thermoeliteinc
    Mar 26, 2021

    great information
    keep sharing

Leave a Comment

Tell us what you're thinking. We care about your opinion! Please keep in mind that comments are moderated and rel="nofollow" is in use. So, please do not use a spammy keyword or a domain as your name, or it will be deleted. Let's have a professional and meaningful conversation instead. Thanks for dropping by!

  ×  4  =  twelve

Learn How to Design Power Systems

Learn to design LV/MV/HV power systems through professional video courses. Lifetime access. Enjoy learning!

Subscribe to Weekly Newsletter

Subscribe to our Weekly Digest newsletter and receive free updates on new technical articles, video courses and guides (PDF).
EEP Academy Courses - A hand crafted cutting-edge electrical engineering knowledge