Infrared thermography is the most effective and efficient technique for surveying electrical equipment for components that have deteriorated and become defective. Faulty assembly/installation, normal wear, chemical contamination, corrosion, or all of the above can lower the conductivity and raise the componentresistance level of the component in question.

Such a rise in component resistance will increase the amount of power dissipatedin the form of heat. This in turn will cause an increase in thetemperature of the component.

This excessive heat, evidenced by the increased surface temperature of the component, can be easily noted and the temperature rise measured, by the infrared imager.

An infrared survey is conducted while electrical/mechanical equipment such as motor control centers, switch gear, circuit breaker panels, substations, and etc., can be readily accessed for component parts whichare operating at excessive temperatures, thus indicating potential problems.

In power generating, transmission and distribution systems, electrical energy is transformed from one facility to the next through a series of mechanical interfaces associated with connectors, insulators, switches, bushings, buses, etc. Each such interface represents a point where conductivity may be reduced with a resultant temperature increase, again pointing to a potential problem.

Routine infrared inspection of electrical components is thus a valuable preventative maintenance tool whereby early corrective action may be taken to prevent costly breakdowns and/or plant hazards.