Thermal Imaging for Plant Electrical Systems

Many electrical system problems are caused by excessive heating, which is associated with high resistance or excessive current flow. While any current flowing through an electrical circuit will create some heat, an abnormally high level of current or resistance in that circuit will lead to the generation of abnormal amounts of heat. This both wastes energy and can cause system damage which will result in unexpected down time.

Typical Reasons for Temperature Hotspots or Deviations Include the Following:

• Unbalanced Loads
• Harmonics (3rd Harmonic Current in Neutral)
• Overloaded Systems and Excessive Current
• Loose or Corroded Connections Causing Increased Resistance in the Circuit, Typically on One Side of the Component
• Insulation Failure
• Component Failure
• Wiring Mistakes
• Underspecified or Inadequate Components, such as Fuses

With our infrared thermography capabilities, we are able to see these otherwise invisible thermal signatures, identifying impending damage before it occurs. We have extensive experience with our specialized infrared equipment, making us your ideal partner for the identification and remediation of excessive heat and potential points of failure.

Commonly-Inspected Components Include:

• Incoming Utility
• Switch Gear
• Disconnects
• MCCs
• Bus ducts
• Cables and Connections
• VFDs
• Soft Starts
• Circuit Breakers
• Transformers
• Motors
• Gear Boxes
• Battery Banks

You can depend on SEI for all of your electrical system thermal imaging needs, and we can discover the weak points in your plant’s electrical system. Call us today at 919-362-0007 or contact us to learn more about how we can meet all of your electrical contracting and thermal imaging needs in Raleigh, NC and throughout Central North Carolina.

SEI provides industrial electrical contracting services serving clients in the Triangle Area and throughout Central North Carolina and operates a U.L. Listed panel shop.