Any overheating in an electrical component is a sign that there is a current and ongoing problem, or the potential for there to be one. Any fault in a circuit can generate heat, such as a short circuit, excessive voltage, elevated resistance or loose connections. Circuit breakers and fuses are built into circuits to mitigate these circumstances, but quick detection of these problems is essential for various reasons:
- To prevent machine downtime
- To prevent equipment damage
- To prevent electric shock
- To prevent the outbreak of a fire
Often a small problem of overheating in a circuit can lead to a much bigger problem if it is not identified, and using a thermal imaging camera is now one of the most popular ways to quickly and easily detect circuit problems and overheating components in electrical devices.
What is thermal imaging?
Thermal imaging is the use of a hand-held test instrument which detects temperature variations in an electrical component. The thermal imaging camera captures infrared radiation which is emitted by an overheating object and this is converted into an image displayed on a real-time LCD screen. The image uses the colour spectrum to give a clear indication of where hotspots are occurring – red/yellow/orange for extreme temperatures and green/blue for cooler temperatures – and hence can offer the user an immediate indication of where problems are. On most models the screen also gives a specific temperature reading.
Using a thermal imaging camera, such as the TIS 1900 supplied by Test Instrument Solutions, means we can ‘see’ heat that would otherwise be undetectable, unless we touched it, or saw it develop into a much bigger problem. So regular use of a thermal imaging camera enables us to carry out routine inspections of key electrical devices so that we can:
- Quickly identify potential overheating problems
- Safely detect issues in a non-contact way
- Carry out non-destructive testing using a system that doesn’t disrupt operations and systems
How to use a thermal imaging camera to detect electrical problems in a component
- Make sure the thermal imaging camera is suitably calibrated.
- Adjust the settings of the thermal imaging camera to reflect the environment and how close to the object you are able to get. The camera should have settings for sensitivity which help you allow for obstacles and distance, and therefore ensure you always achieve an accurate reading.
- Methodically scan the component, this should start with an overview of the whole area surrounding the component.
- Scan specific areas more closely where this is possible, targeting wires and connections where overheating problems are more likely. Where these are not visible, any heat being emitted from them will still be detectable, so you may need to make an estimated guess at where these are located, for example, behind a motor’s outer casing.
- Monitor each area and record temperature findings where necessary. Any readings out of standard temperature limits should be acted upon without delay.
Thermal imaging gives us real time feedback and simplifies the detection process so we can identify potential hotspots much quicker. If you require any further information or advice on using a thermal imaging camera, then contact our team of experts at Test Instrument Solutions today.
Video Demonstration
Take a look below at a product demonstration video of the TIS 1900 (thermal imaging camera):
Please note that this section is for information purposes only. Anyone using equipment referred to in this section must be suitably qualified and/or experienced within the respective field. If in doubt before use, please consult a qualified electrician or engineer & thoroughly read all instruction booklets.