Solar loading I have been asked quite a lot recently about the effect of sunshine in outdoor electrical inspections. Strong sunlight will cause solar loading, this means that the sun will heat the objects that it is shining on. While we don’t normally worry about colour in thermography, colour will strongly affect the amount of … Read More
Electrical Thermography
How wrong can my temperatures be?
How wrong can my temperatures be? I have often been asked this question by students, and it does surprise them when they find out. The accuracy of high quality cameras is +or- 1 degrees or 1%, whichever is the greatest (low quality cameras it can be +or- 5 degrees). This means then under … Read More
Introducing our Flir T1K
We have taken yet another step to improve the quality of the services delivered to our customers with the introduction of our Flir T1K. This groundbreaking camera offers the highest resolution on the market in a portable system, and Thermal Vision are the first thermographic consultancy to introduce this to the Irish Market. With … Read More
What resolution thermal camera is needed for electrical inspections?
This is a question often asked, and it is a difficult question to answer. The answer is also very subjective. Lets assume the following. The camera will be operated at close focus, with a standard 20-25 degree lens. Close focus in this case will be about 30cm, and this is quite close to an electrical … Read More
Condition Monitoring Standards & Guidelines
Condition Monitoring Standards & Guidelines BS 5760-5. Reliability of systems, equipment and components; Guide to failure modes, effects and criticality analysis (FMEA and FMECA) ISBN 0580 196607. BS 5760-7 (IEC 61025). Reliability of systems, equipment and components. Fault tree analysis. ISBN 0580 203387. CMGEN, General requirements for qualification and PCN certification of condition monitoring and … Read More
Benefits of thermography on electrical systems
I am often asked about the benefits associated with electrical thermography. First I have to say that every installation is different and the benefits found by one site may not be true for somewhere else. The following are some benefits commonly attributed to electrical thermography. Reduction of fire risk Overheated components do pose a very … Read More
Low Delta T electrical anomalies found with thermography
I have come across much discussion online about Delta T and their importance. Some people consider low Delta’s to be irrelevant. I even came across the following statement “some people call for a repair with temperature differences of 5 Deg C. I say no need”. From a personal point of view I consider it unprofessional … Read More
How often does thermography have to be done on our electrical system?
Question “How often does thermography have to be done on our electrical system?” Answer; Firstly, In most countries thermography is not a legal requirement, however there are other reasons that it should be done. Some insurance companies require thermography to be done as part of their insurance requirements. They do this to mitigate losses. Their … Read More
Opening panel covers for electrical thermography
It saddens me that I have to revisit this topic again, but I recently came across a company from the UK that carry out most of their electrical thermography with covers on and doors closed. There were almost no covers removed for inspection (only hinged doors on AHU’s were opened). I was asked to review their work, … Read More
Aluminium vs copper
Is there a difference between a bad aluminium and copper connections (everything else being equal?) Yes, aluminium and copper and different materials with different properties, and this can have an affect of the failure mode of a connection. Copper has a melting point of about 1050°C, whereas aluminium melts at about 660°C. This is a … Read More
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