You can read about for what purpose a thermal imaging inspection of electrical installations is performed here: Fire inspection of electrical installations
Tests of electrical installations – what do they consist of?
Thermal imaging surveys of electrical installations are rapidly gaining popularity as a reliable diagnostic method, valued for its efficiency, precision and ability to detect potential hazards early.
The use of these surveys makes it possible to identify the source of problems and prevent failures that can lead to serious damage and fires to installations and, in extreme cases, the entire building. An additional advantage is the ability to present the results of thermal imaging surveys as evidence of proper building management in the event of insurance claims, which can increase the chances of obtaining compensation.
In order to carry out a thermal imaging survey, a specialized camera is required to record the thermal radiation emitted by electrical components. Our company uses modern equipment such as FLIR E95 and T1020 cameras, which are characterized by high resolution and sensitivity, allowing precise measurements. The camera takes a picture – the so-called thermogram – showing the temperature distribution in various parts of the installation, such as switchgear, power lines, connectors, circuits, motors and other equipment. Analysis of the thermogram makes it possible to determine whether the temperature of each component of the installation is within a safe range.
It is worth noting that simply performing a thermogram is only the beginning. The key is the correct reading and interpretation of the results, which requires knowledge of the construction of electrical installations, the characteristics of the materials from which they are made, and knowledge of environmental influences that can affect the measurement result. For example, wind, ambient temperature, and the specifics of the load on the current paths can significantly alter the interpetation of the values read on the thermogram.
Our company TERMOCENT offers services performed by experienced specialists with the appropriate qualifications:
– qualification certificates of thermographer category 2 in accordance with ISO 18436-7:2008
– qualification certificates of 1 energy group without restrictions D1 and E1.
– calibration certificate of thermographic camera.
We have numerous realizations of thermographic research to our credit. So you can be sure that the test results will be accurate and useful for maintenance or investment decisions.
We offer different types of thermal imaging surveys tailored to customers’ needs. Depending on the specifics of the installation and technical requirements, we distinguish between surveys:
- Inspection – consists of a quick check of the basic elements of the installation, such as switchgear and connectors, which allows the identification of the most failure-prone points.
- Periodic – these are detailed analyses performed on a regular basis, thanks to which it is possible to monitor the technical condition of the installation on an ongoing basis and prevent more serious failures.
- advanced – include an extended report and comprehensive analysis of temperatures, of all key elements of the installation, especially in large industrial facilities, where the continuity of plant operation depends on the efficiency of the installation.
We can distinguish several types of thermal imaging of electrical installations. Among others, the following can be verified.
- Insulation resistance: allows to check the condition of cable insulation and detect any leaks,
- Grounding resistance: allows verification of how effective the installation is in protecting against electrical discharges,
- resistance of lightning protection system: it is used to check how effectively the object is protected from lightning,
- Short-circuit loop impedance: this is a way to test the efficiency of a facility’s fire protection.
Take care of the security of your building with TERMOCENT!
Call at +48 530 105 398 or email: kontakt@termocent.com
Why is regular inspection of electrical systems so important?
Let’s take as an example two manufacturing plants where we performed inspections, for the sake of anonymity let’s call them: Plant A, and Plant B. At both plants, inspections were performed annually until 2020. Below (Figures 1 and 2) is how the number of defects and their priority evolved in each year at the plants.
At Plant A (Figure 1.), due to the increased number of priority 1 defects (requiring immediate repair), it was decided that starting in 2021 the thermal imaging survey of electrical installations would be carried out every six months. This allowed to locate malfunctioning equipment earlier and reduce the number of priority 1 defects.
Chart 1. Plant A – increased frequency to semi-annual inspections after 10 defects were identified in June 2019.
Plant B (Figure 2), on the other hand, skipped an inspection at the end of 2021. Failure to follow TERMOCENT’s recommendations to repair the equipment outlined in the inspection report led to a fire at the plant, the cause of which was one of the malfunctioning pieces of equipment. Another inspection took place more than 1.5 years later. It turned out that by abandoning annual inspections, the number of defects (Figure 2) had increased to 15 in which: 7 of them were priority 1 (requiring immediate repair), 7 of them priority 2, and 1 priority 3. Not only did the number of defects almost triple, but the sheer severity of these defects did as well.
Chart 2. Plant B – increase in defects by leaving 2020 defects unrepaired and extending the re-inspection date to 18 months.
One example of how a lack of systematic inspection affects the priority of a defect can be seen in Photo 1, a device that received a passing grade during the 2020 inspection. The sections of the device marked with red areas 1 and 2 in photo 1 (from 2020) can be seen in successive close-ups: in photo 2 and in photo 3 (both photos already taken during the 2022 inspection).
Photo 1. Thermogram of a properly working device in 2020, with marking the locations of future defects in areas “1” and “2”.
Photo 2 shows the connector of a device whose fault we classified as priority 1, requiring immediate repair/replacement.
Photo 2. Thermogram taken after 18 months showing a priority 1 fault in one of the connectors in the device.
Photo 3 shows the same device during the 2022 inspection, whose defect we classified as priority 2, requiring repair within 2 months.
Photo 3. Thermogram taken after 18 months showing a priority 2 fault in one of the connectors on the device.
Had the thermal imaging inspection been commissioned earlier, it is likely that the malfunctioning device could have been pinpointed with a lower fault level (priority 3) and would have significantly reduced the costs associated with repairing the device and would have avoided the immediate risk of fire.
Book an appointment for a thermal imaging study now!
Call at +48 530 105 398 or email: kontakt@termocent.com
Thermal imaging surveys of electrical installations – why is it worth it?
Is a thermal imaging survey of the electrical system really necessary? It all depends on whether you want your company to be as protected as possible from major failures, and to be able to successfully claim compensation in the event of a malfunction.
The most important issue is always safety. A faulty electrical system does not always give concrete symptoms – until an accident occurs. If one of the employees gets hurt, the fault (in the legal sense, but also in the moral sense) falls on the employer, as does the need for financial compensation for a preventable accident.
It is also clear that defects mean costs. They involve repairing damaged plumbing components, but often also the need for major renovation if the premises or building is damaged.
If you count on luck and do not carry out regular inspections because the company is insured – you could get a shock if there is a malfunction. The insurer will not pay the claim if the failure was caused by negligence on the part of the owner – and it is considered such a failure to inspect the condition of the installation. Keep in mind that inspections are mandatory at least once every 5 years, and in the case of installations exposed to harmful weather conditions – once a year.
Where can thermal imaging measurements of electrical systems be performed?
When is it a good idea to conduct thermal imaging studies of electrical switchgear? What companies should opt for thermal imaging of electrical installations? These are rather tricky questions, because the answer is always the same: every facility with an electrical system is obliged to regularly inspect its condition.
This is particularly relevant for the following entities:
- Production and processing plants: the amount of equipment using electricity can lead to overloading of the installation,
- warehouses: the ideal condition of the electrical system must be given special emphasis, especially by owners of automated warehouses, that is, warehouses operated mainly by robots,
- Office, service and commercial facilities: failure of the installation will prevent the operation of the entity at least for some time, generating huge losses,
- facilities of a nature, sports, cultural and entertainment: a malfunction in the installation will not only prevent the event from taking place, but will also endanger the health and lives of thousands of people,
- Multi-family and single-family buildings – even in private houses and apartments, the good condition of the electrical system is the basis for safety.
With the safety of people, the efficiency of the equipment and the continuity of the facility’s operation in mind, thermal imaging surveys of the electrical system are therefore really worth carrying out everywhere.
Take care of the security of your building with TERMOCENT!
Call at +48 530 105 398 or email: kontakt@termocent.com
Guidelines for thermographic surveys in Poland for insurance purposes
In Poland, regulations for thermal imaging surveys of electrical switchgear have not been clearly defined. The thermal imaging survey of electrical installations for insurance should usually be performed in terms of either VdS or ASTN standards.
Get a thermal imaging study done at TERMOCENT!
Call at +48 530 105 398 or email: kontakt@termocent.com
