Thermal Imaging or Thermography is the process of using a special camera designed to look only for heat by way of Infra Red (IR) energy waves.

Unlike Light waves, IR is invisible to the naked eye therefore so is heat. Potential problems can often be found due to an excess of heat being released by the component, even those which would normally produce some heat when performing at their optimum level.

If undetected these problems can lead to failure. These failures can result in expensive production loss or downtime and in the most extreme case can lead to fire.

Because heat cannot be seen and certainly any differences between normal temperature and raised levels due to possible malfunction could not be picked up by even the most highly skilled engineer, Thermography makes perfect sense to use as part of a normal maintenance schedule.

Thermography is a non-contact and non-destructive type of testing, and is an invaluable resource for predictive maintenance.

A regular programme of Thermal Imaging as part of routine maintenance can highlight potential problems long before any event. As a result any required repairs can be planned for in terms of both time and budget.

In electrical systems Thermal Imaging can find:

• Loose connections
• Overloads
• Phase imbalances
• Blocked or restricted cooling tubes in transformers
• High resistance in fuses and switchgear

Thermal imaging is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools for predictive maintenance. By detecting anomalies often invisible to the naked eye, thermography allows corrective action to be taken before costly system failures occur.

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