1. Task and Purpose
This guide is intended for technical personnel who perform thermographic inspection of electrical panels in industrial installations. It covers the detection of hot spots, checking connections for compliance with specified torque values, and diagnosing electrical systems using an infrared thermometer. The purpose is to ensure the safety and longevity of electrical systems by identifying potential problems at an early stage.
2. Safety and Limitations
Important: Before starting any work on electrical panels, perform the lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure to ensure that energy is not available for operation.
Important: Use personal protective equipment (PPE): work gloves, goggles, helmet, electric shock protective suits.
Important: Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding electrical safety and perform electrical testing if there is a suspicion of electrical energy restoration.
3. Required Tools and Materials
| Tool Name | Specification | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Thermographic scanner | FLIR T650, resolution: 0,02°C, temperature range: -20°C to 1000°C | 1 |
| Torque Wrench | Range: 0,5–100 Nm | 1 |
| Multimeter | Fluke 87V, range: 0–1000 V, 0–1000 A | 1 |
| Marker | Black, for marking hot spots | 1 |
| Paper for writing | White, A4 | 1 |
4. Pre-inspection Check
| Item | Check | Acceptance/Rejection Criteria | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connection to electrical network | Provided locking and marking | LOT performed |
| 2 | Absence of electric current | Voltage measured, result 0 V | Use a multimeter |
| 3 | Surface Cleanliness | Absence of dust, moisture | Use dry paper |
| 4 | Availability of tools | All required tools on site | Check the list |
5. Passport Procedure
Installation of Thermal Imaging Scanner
Connect the thermal imaging scanner to the electrical network. Set the temperature range (0°C to 100°C) and select the visualization mode. Turn on the scanner and open the working interface.
Visual inspection: Visual inspection of the panel surface for the presence of moisture, dust and absence of damage.
Error: Incorrect temperature range settings may lead to incorrect measurements.
Panel Scanning
Perform a full scan of the electrical panel, moving in a straight direction. Save the image to a disk or folder. Indicate visual anomalies (hot spots) with a marker.
Visual inspection: Detection of hot spots with temperature above 50°C.
Error: Insufficient scanner movement may cause hot spot misses.
Temperature measurement at connections
Use an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of each connection point. Record the temperature on paper. If the temperature exceeds 50°C, mark this point.
Visual inspection: The temperature at the connections does not exceed 50°C.
Error: Incorrect measurement may lead to incorrect conclusion.
Checking the Tightening Torque of Connections
Use the torque wrench to check the tightening torque on all connections. Standard tightening torques: 1.5 Nm for connections with diameter 4 mm, 2.5 Nm for diameter 6 mm.
Visual inspection: Torque corresponds to the standard.
Error: Insufficient tightening torque may cause connection loosening.
Results Documentation
Record the measurement results, indicating temperatures, detected hot spots and tightening moments. Mark the connections that require repair.
Visual inspection: Documentation conforms to requirements.
Error: Incomplete documentation may lead to repeated measurements.
6. Post-inspection check
| Test | Expected result | Actual Result | Pass/Fail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Temperature of connections | No more than 50°C | Measure with a thermographic scanner |
| 2 | Torque Tightening | 1.5 Nm or 2.5 Nm | Check with torque wrench |
| 3 | Absence of hot spots | All points within tolerance | Check with a thermographic scanner |
| 4 | Documentation | Fully and properly formatted | Check on paper |
7. Technical Solution
| Symptom | Possible cause | Correction action |
|---|---|---|
| Hot spot | Insufficient tightening moment | Check the torque, set accordingly |
| Incorrect temperature | Scanner configuration error | Check thermal imaging scanner settings |
| Data missing | Locked connections | Check connection availability |
| Error in documentation | Incorrect measurement | Check the measurements again |
8. Recommended Maintenance Schedule
| Task | Frequency | Estimated duration | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermographic inspection | Once a month | 1–2 years | Average |
| Torque Check | Once every quarter | 30–45 minutes | Average |
| Panel Cleaning | Once every quarter | 15–30 minutes | Low |
9. Description of Spare Parts
| Part description | Typical specification | Category UNITEC-D |
|---|---|---|
| Connection (plug) | Material: copper, diameter: 4 mm, tightening torque: 1,5 Nm | Category 120 |
| Connection (plug) | Material: copper, diameter: 6 mm, tightening torque: 2,5 Nm | Category 121 |
| Marker | Black, 100 mm | Category 105 |
| Paper | White, A4 | Category 110 |
| Thermographic scanner | FLIR T650 | Category 200 |
| Torque Wrench | Range: 0,5–100 Nm | Category 210 |
Для отримання запчастин, відвідайте наш e-каталог: https://www.unitecd.com/e-catalog/
10. List of References
Стандарти:
- DSTU 3028-95 (діяльність з електрообладнання)
- EN 50153 (Electrical System Inspection)
- ISO 10816 (vibration measurement)
- ISO 50001 (Energy Efficiency)
- Production Instruction for Electrical Panels
- Technical specifications for electrical panels
