To prevent such losses, all electrical components in the plant can be scanned with a thermal infrared imaging camera for suspect hot spots . Some areas that can be thermally scanned are circuit breakers, transformers, fuses, disconnects switches, bus, panels, etc. Once the problem has been detected with an Infrared imager, proper measures can then be applied for correction. Companies use infrared imagers and thermographers to detect hot spots in electrical equipment in plants. By scanning substations, distribution lighting panels, and electrical motors.
Problems are easily and quickly eliminated before they cause system failure.
Unlike normal component operating conditions, faulty components exhibit readily detectable temperature increases over the ambient temperature profile. Thermography verifies that electrical connections are properly made and maintained. Thermography also detects hot spots that might be overlooked by visual inspections. Recently, in a U.S factory, staff quickly interrupted the power supply to an above ground trailer when infrared test equipment detected a hot spot registering 123 degrees over the baseline ambient temperature. A fire could have started , resulting in the probable loss of valuable records and equipment, had the problem not been uncovered.