Why buy thermal imaging cameras?

Thermal imaging cameras can detect extremely small temperature differences. Based on these temperature differences thermal imaging cameras are able to produce a crisp image on which the smallest of details can be seen. This makes them perfect tools for a wide variety of predictive maintenance applications. A thermal imaging camera is a reliable non-contact instrument which is able to scan and visualise the temperature distribution of entire surfaces of machinery and electrical equipment quickly and accurately. Maintenance programs utilising thermography have contributed to substantial cost savings for many users of thermal imaging cameras around the world.

Electrical cabinets and motor control centres (MCC) are regularly scanned with an infrared camera. If left unchecked, heat can rise to a point that connections melt and break down; as a result, fires may break out.

Besides loose connections, electrical systems suffer from load imbalances, corrosion and increases in impedance to current. Thermal imaging cameras can quickly locate hot spots, determine the severity of the problem and help establish the time frame in which the equipment should be repaired.

Examples of failures in low voltage equipment that can be detected with thermal imaging:

• High resistance connections
• Corroded connections
• Internal fuse damage
• Internal circuit breaker faults
• Poor connections and internal damage

These and other issues can be spotted at an early stage with a thermal imaging camera.

One of the many advantages of thermal imaging cameras is the ability to perform inspections while electrical systems are under load. Since using thermal imaging cameras is a non-contact diagnostic method, a thermographer can quickly scan a particular piece of equipment from a safe distance, leave the hazardous area, return to his office and analyse the data without ever putting himself in harm’s way.

Avoiding fires

A small electrical problem can have extremely far-reaching consequences. The efficiency of the electrical grid becomes low, and so the energy is spent generating heat. If left unchecked, heat can rise to the point where connections start to melt. Not only that, but sparks can be generated which could start a fire.

The effects of a fire are often underestimated. Besides the destruction of goods and machinery, the immense costs in production downtime, water damage and even the loss of human life are impossible to estimate.

About 35% of all industrial fires are created by electrical problems, resulting in losses of millions of dollars per year. Many of these problems can be avoided with the use of a thermal imaging camera. It can help to detect anomalies that would normally be invisible to the naked eye and to solve problems before production goes down or a fire occurs. This is just one reason why FLIR thermal imaging camera users report fast payback on their investment.

High voltage inspections

Heat is an important factor in high voltage installations. When electrical current passes through a resistive element, it generates heat. An increased resistance results in an increase in heat. Over time the resistance of electrical connections will increase, due to loosening and corrosion, for instance. The corresponding rise in temperature can cause components to fail, resulting in unplanned outages and even injuries. In addition, the energy spent on generating heat causes unnecessary energy losses.

Examples of failures in high voltage installations that can be detected with thermal imaging are:

• Oxidation of high voltage switches
• Overheated connections
• Incorrectly secured connections
• Insulator defects

These and other issues can be spotted at an early stage with a thermal imaging camera. A thermal imaging camera will help to accurately locate and determine the severity of the problem and to establish the time frame in which the equipment should be repaired.

Continuity is very important to utilities since many people rely on their services. Therefore thermal imaging inspections have become the core of utility predictive maintenance programs throughout the world.

Mechanical inspections and other applications

In many industries, mechanical systems serve as the backbone of operations.

Thermal data can be an invaluable source of complimentary information to vibration studies in mechanical equipment monitoring. By automatically detecting the hottest spot in an area, and superimposing this over an image, the temperatures of different motors can easily be compared. Further examination of the overheating motor can then be conducted.

Thermal imaging cameras are also widely used for inspecting refractory and pipework; and building inspections can also seamlessly be done with a thermal imaging camera.

From exotic and expensive technology to a tool for every electrician

Thermal imaging used to be an exotic and expensive technology that was only used by large industries and utilities that could afford it.

But thermal imaging has made its way to many other applications than electrical inspections only. Building inspectors have discovered thermal imaging for identifying energy losses. Research and development professionals use it for developing products. Captains and security professionals use the power of thermal imaging cameras to see clearly at night. The automotive industry uses thermal imaging cameras for driver vision enhancement. Thermal imaging cameras are integrated in selected models of leading brands like BMW and Audi. And there are numerous other applications.

Everyone should have access to thermal imaging cameras, whether they are a big industrial company, an electrician or even a consumer that wants to inspect electrical installations, and price should not be an object.