Infrared Thermometer---Electrical System Fault Diagnosis
Tools for diagnosing and preventing electrical system and equipment failures
In electrical system and equipment maintenance inspections, infrared thermometers prove to be a money saving diagnostic and preventive tool. Raytek's full line of long-range infrared thermometers are accurate from 1-4% of reading and, depending on the model, can take measurements from as far as 180 feet away. These instruments are lightweight and have a rough, non-slip surface for ease of use.
Measuring electrical equipment
Non-contact infrared thermometers can measure the surface temperature of an object from a precise distance, making them an indispensable tool in electrical equipment maintenance operations.
Applications in electrical equipment
In the following applications, Raytech 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. Some models of Raytek optical instruments have a range of 60:1 or even greater, so that almost all measurement targets are within the measurement range.
