Home Automation & Electrical CAD and Documentation Machine and Line Retrofits & Relocations Power Distribution & Power Factor Correction Project Planning & Consulting Service & Support Thermography Thermography - NEW SERVICE     We now offer Thermography solutions featuring the Fluke Ti30 Thermal Imager. The Ti30 Imager is a effective tool for predictive maintenance and inspection. Infrared imaging through the Ti30 is an exciting way to see heat energy and to apply the data collected to the determination of energy efficiency level and to achieve overall cost savings. Inspecting Electrical Connections     The reason thermography is so applicable to the monitoring of electrical systems is that new electrical components begin to deteriorate as soon as they are installed. Whatever the loading on a circuit, vibration, fatigue and age cause the loosening of electrical connections, while environmental conditions can hasten their corroding. Briefly stated, all electrical connections will, over time, follow a path toward failure. If not found and repaired, these failing connections lead to faults. Fortunately, a loose or corroded connection increases resistance at the connection and since increased electrical resistance results in an increase in heat, a thermal image will detect the developing fault before it fails.    Detecting and correcting failing connections before a fault occurs averts fires as well as impending shutdowns that can be critical to manufacturing, commercial and institutional operations. Such predictive actions are important because when a critical system does fail, it inevitably increases costs, requires the reallocation of workers and material, reduces productivity, threatens corporate profitability and impacts the safety of employees, customers and/or clients. Detecting Electrical Imbalance     Electrical unbalance can be caused by several different sources: a power delivery problem, low voltage on one leg, or an insulation resistance breakdown inside the motor windings. Even a small voltage unbalance can cause connections to deteriorate, reducing the amount of voltage supplied, while motors and other loads will draw excessive current, deliver lower torque (with associated mechanical stress), and fail sooner. A severe unbalance can blow a fuse, reducing operations down to a single phase. Meanwhile, the unbalanced current will return on the neutral, causing the utility to fine the facility for peak power usage.     In practice, it is virtually impossible to perfectly balance the voltages across three phases. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) defines unbalance as a percentage: % unbalance = [(100)(maximum deviation from average voltage)] ÷ average voltage. To help equipment operators determine acceptable levels of unbalance, the NEMA has drafted specifications for multiple devices. These baselines are a useful point of comparison during maintenance and troubleshooting.