Getting warmer

摘要

John H. Waggoner, senior instructor at FLIR's Infrared Training Centre, highlights why infrared thermal imaging devices make sense for electricians. Heat is a byproduct of operating any sized electrical circuit. Most problems in electrical systems display themselves in terms of heat. Electricians must be able to classify a circuit as normal when the load is on, or identify when it is abnormal and identify the issues that presents - finding hot spots that need attention. In recent years, new infrared thermography - also called thermal imaging - has come on the market. The non-contact method includes cameras that help electricians and service technicians find and solve problems quicker and more safely. The newest cameras combine both thermal imaging and electrical measurement features in one inspection, troubleshooting, and diagnostic tool that speeds up the process and provides much better information on which to base repair work. Methods for inspecting and analysing electrical systems. In the past, the only way electricians had to inspect and analyse electrical systems was with hands-on testing - usually done after turning off the power to make sure it was electrically safe. Electricians typically go in with testing equipment and tools to connect test leads to determine if there are any issues. Many used contact measurement techniques featuring thermocouples, which produce a temperature-dependent voltage that can be interpreted to measure heat.