Infrared thermometer is used in electrical system fault diagnosis
Infrared thermometers prove to be a money-saving diagnostic and preventive tool during electrical system and equipment maintenance inspections. Full-line long-range infrared thermometers are accurate from 1-4% of reading and can take measurements from up to 180 feet away, depending on the model. These instruments are lightweight, have a rough anti-slip surface and are easy to use.
Measuring electrical equipment
Non-contact infrared thermometers can measure the surface temperature of an object from a precise distance, making it an indispensable tool in electrical equipment maintenance operations.
Applications in electrical equipment
In the following applications, infrared thermometers can effectively prevent equipment failures and unplanned power outages.
Connector - The electrical connection part will gradually loosen the connector due to repeated heating (expansion) and cooling (contraction) to generate heat, or surface dirt, carbon deposition and corrosion. Non-contact thermometers can quickly identify temperature rises that indicate a serious problem.
Motor - To preserve the life of your motor, check that the supply connections and circuit breaker (or fuse) are at consistent temperatures.
Motor Bearings - Check for hot spots and regularly repair or replace them before problems cause equipment failure.
Motor Coil Insulation - Extend the life of your motor coil insulation by measuring its temperature.
Phase-to-Phase Measurements - Check that wires and connectors on induction motors, mainframe computers, and other equipment have the same temperature between phases.
The windings of transformer-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 - Determine the heating point of the connecting wires on the UPS output filter. A cold 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. Poor contact with the battery terminals may heat up enough to burn the battery core.
Ballast - Check for overheating of the ballast before it starts to smoke.
Utilities - Identify hot spots on connectors, wire splices, transformers and other equipment. Some models of optical instruments have ranges of 60:1 or even greater, allowing almost all measurement targets to be within the measurement range.
