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Infrared Thermography1

This paper discusses the application of Infrared Thermography (IRT) in electrical systems for preventive maintenance, highlighting its role in detecting hidden faults and enhancing safety. IRT allows for non-contact temperature measurement, identifying issues such as loose connections and overloaded circuits, thereby reducing maintenance costs and downtime. The document emphasizes the benefits of IRT, including compliance with safety standards and its integration with AI for automated diagnostics.

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35 views3 pages

Infrared Thermography1

This paper discusses the application of Infrared Thermography (IRT) in electrical systems for preventive maintenance, highlighting its role in detecting hidden faults and enhancing safety. IRT allows for non-contact temperature measurement, identifying issues such as loose connections and overloaded circuits, thereby reducing maintenance costs and downtime. The document emphasizes the benefits of IRT, including compliance with safety standards and its integration with AI for automated diagnostics.

Uploaded by

jayakrishna
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Journal of Advanced Electrical

Diagnostics
Volume 2 | Issue 1 | 2025

Application of Infrared Thermography in Electrical Systems for Preventive


Maintenance
Author: Jayakrishna Thiruvarangam
Level 2 Certified Thermographer
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.teknospaces.com
Contact: +91 7204247216 / +91 9945210759

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Abstract
Infrared thermography has emerged as a vital technique in the field of electrical diagnostics
and predictive maintenance. This paper explores the application of thermographic imaging
in identifying hidden faults in electrical systems, enhancing safety, and reducing
maintenance costs. Emphasis is placed on the principles of thermal imaging, its diagnostic
capabilities, common fault detection, and integration into preventive maintenance
programs.

1. Introduction
Electrical systems, whether industrial, commercial, or residential, are prone to faults that
may lead to equipment failure, fire hazards, or downtime. Traditionally, these faults remain
undetected until breakdown. Infrared Thermography (IRT) offers a proactive solution
through real-time, non-contact temperature measurement, highlighting thermal anomalies
invisible to the naked eye.

IRT has become an integral part of predictive maintenance strategies, offering early
detection of overheating components due to loose connections, overload, insulation failure,
or unbalanced loads.

2. Principle of Infrared Thermography


Infrared thermography operates on the principle that every object emits infrared radiation
proportional to its temperature. A thermal camera captures this radiation and converts it
into a thermal image (thermogram), where:
- Hot areas appear in red/orange/yellow.
- Cool areas appear in blue/green.

This temperature mapping allows identification of abnormal heat patterns that indicate
faults.

3. Applications in Electrical Diagnostics


IRT can be applied across a wide range of electrical components:
- Low & High Tension Panels
- Switchboards & Distribution Boards
- Motors, Transformers, UPS Systems
- Battery Banks and Circuit Breakers
- Cable Joints and Busbars

Through thermal imaging, potential problems can be visualized and corrected before they
evolve into critical failures.

4. Faults Detected Using Thermography


Common issues identified include:
- Loose or corroded connections
- Overloaded or unbalanced circuits
- Defective breakers or fuses
- Deteriorating insulation
- Improper cable terminations

These problems result in localized heating which, if not detected early, can lead to fire or
system failure.

5. Benefits and Advantages


The adoption of IRT provides several advantages:
- Non-invasive & contactless: Ensures technician safety.
- Live inspections: Systems remain operational during scans.
- Cost-effective: Reduces emergency repairs and downtime.
- Data-driven: Offers quantitative and qualitative results.
- Compliance & Safety: Assists in meeting ISO, OSHA, and NFPA safety standards.

6. Reporting and Analysis


A typical thermographic inspection report includes:
- Thermographic images with temperature scales
- Visual image comparison
- Identified anomalies with temperature difference (ΔT)
- Risk classification (Normal / Warning / Critical)
- Recommended corrective actions
Proper documentation supports future audits, insurance claims, and maintenance planning.

7. Industry Use-Cases
Thermography is widely used in:
- Manufacturing & Industrial Plants
- Data Centers & Server Rooms
- Power Generation Units
- Hospitals & Medical Facilities
- Commercial Buildings & High-Rise Towers

It’s also being integrated with AI for automated fault detection and smart diagnostics.

8. Conclusion
Infrared Thermography is a powerful diagnostic tool that transforms electrical maintenance
from a reactive to a predictive discipline. With increasing emphasis on safety, uptime, and
cost efficiency, thermographic inspections are becoming standard practice in all critical
infrastructure sectors.

References
1. NFPA 70B – Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance
2. ISO 18434-1 – Condition monitoring using thermography
3. IEEE Std 3004.8 – Infrared Thermographic Analysis
4. Fluke Corporation, “Thermography Guidebook for Industrial Applications”
5. IRINFO.org – Infrared Training Center Resources

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