Electrical maintenance

Thermal imagers from Testo enable reliable detection of thermal anomalies such as overheated lines, contacts or components in all kinds of electrical installations, for example:

In low-voltage systems: in control cabinets and electrical components
In medium-voltage systems: in electricity generators and transformers
In high-voltage systems: in power transformers and insulators

Using a thermal imager for the inspection is particularly safe and easy, as measurement is basically non-contact and doesn’t interrupt ongoing operations. This allows irregularities and weak spots to be detected, before a defect or an accident can even occur. Thermography therefore plays an essential role in ensuring efficient, safe and interruption-free system operations.

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To the maintenance guide

Low voltage

Application image for thermography in a control cabinet

In electrical installations or cables, increased temperatures are always an indication of faulty operation caused, for example, by:

an overload
an impending malfunction
a defect that already exists

For inspection and maintenance, thermography is your tool of choice. Non-contact measurements can be performed from a safe distance without having to interfere in operations. If an anomaly is detected, countermeasures can be taken quickly.

Thermal image for thermography in a control cabinet

Thermography of electrical components

The primary factor when performing a thermographic assessment of electrical components is the heat distribution within the individual components. This provides information about

proper functioning
the capacity level reached
the reliability and service life to be expected

A thermal imager allows fast, reliable assessment of a component’s operating state. If unexpected heat distribution indicates a malfunction or imminent end of the service life of a component, repairs can be scheduled before the entire system breaks down.

If many similar systems and control cabinets are regularly checked, this takes up too much time unnecessarily for the systematic storage of data. SiteRecognition technology from Testo

automatically recognises the measuring location
automatically stores the thermal images in defined folders
allows direct comparison with previous inspections

SiteRecognition not only relieves you of time-consuming, error-prone administration and archiving. It also offers you a simple and quick overview of all measurement data and the temporal development of the individual measuring points – conveniently and securely on your PC.

More information

Medium voltage

Transformers

Transformers and machines Depending on the type of insulation, the connections, cores or insulation in components of medium-voltage installations such as transformers can be inspected for thermal irregularities.

High voltage

Overhead power lines

Overhead power lines and substations The electrical connection points and insulators for overhead power lines in substations or the overhead power lines of high-voltage systems can be checked for maintenance purposes. Typically, these locations are difficult to access. Many points can be conveniently checked thermographically using a super telephoto lens.

Testo example application: Testing high-voltage systems (PDF, 264 KB)

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