Application of Infrared Thermometers in Electrical Equipment: Introduction
In the following applications, infrared thermometers can effectively prevent equipment failures and unplanned power outages.
Connectors - Electrical connections can gradually loosen connectors due to repeated heating (expansion) and cooling (shrinkage) to generate heat, or surface dirt, carbon deposits and corrosion. Non-contact thermometers can quickly identify temperature rises that indicate a serious problem.
Motor - To preserve the life of the motor, check that the power connection wires and the circuit breaker (or fuse) are at the same temperature.
Motor Bearings - Check for hot spots and repair or replace them regularly before problems cause equipment failure.
Motor Coil Insulation - Extend the life of your motor coil insulation by measuring its temperature.
Measurements Between Phases - Checks that wires and connectors in induction motors, mainframe computers and other equipment are at the same temperature between phases.
Transformer - Windings of air-cooled devices can be measured directly with an infrared thermometer to check for excessive temperatures, any hot spots indicate damage to the transformer windings.
Uninterruptible Power Supply - Identify hot spots on the connecting wires on the UPS output filter. A cool spot may indicate an open circuit in the DC filter line.
Backup Battery - Check the low voltage battery to make sure it is connected properly. Contact** with the battery terminals may heat enough to burn the battery core rods.
Ballast - Check for overheating of the ballast before it starts smoking.
Utilities - Identify hot spots for connectors, wire splices, transformers and other equipment. Certain models of optical instruments have a range of 60:1 or even greater, bringing almost all measurement targets within range.
