subject: Test And Tag Mackay: Spotting Red Flags In Electrical Systems [print this page] Thermal imaging services or infrared thermography is part of the science of infrared imaging. Although they include other applications in the medical (to detect changes in skin temperature), veterinary (like when detecting lameness in a horse), automotive and construction (heat loss in a building), commercial infrared imaging is mostly usedto inspect and maintain electrical systems since they were first appeared about 40 years ago.
Factors
What most people don"t know is that electrical wirings will start to disintegrate after installation. But there are other factors that can speed up the corrosion. These include faulty installation, vibrations, and environmental stresses.The insulated rubbers in cords and wires that are constantly exposed to a heated environment, for example, can melt and decay much faster than electrical components in a neutral setting.
The crucial thing is to detect these problems as soon as possible before they get worse. Testing services would prevent corrosion and disintegration, which in turn prevent fires and electrocutions. Ignoring the problem will turn a less than 10-dollar replacement of a defective fuse into something more expensive when your main panel blows up.
What to look for?
Licensed technicians who use thermal imaging will check the RCD or circuit breaker with the power that exceeds at least 40% of the maximum load. The technician will always benchmark the results with the ideal load in normal operation conditions.
Generally, he will look for equipment, appliances and components or "hotspots" that are operating at elevated levels compared with the rest of the electrical system. Typically, a hotspot seems to be warmest when captured by the cameras in thermal imaging services. The differences between the hot spot and the normal spot are very glaring when viewed in the thermal camera. When this happens, the technician will immediately take note and make his recommendations to the establishment owner or the household owner.
When will you take action?
When it comes to electrical connection, global standards show that when the variance in temperature between the hotspot and the normal connection in the electrical components surpasses 25 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius), you should call an electrician immediately to make the necessary corrections. The overheating component that is detected in the testing services should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Your electrical problem could be as simple as a loose connection or a much complex one with systemic failure in the way the wirings are installed.
