Remote Monitoring & Thermographic Inspections: A Powerful Combination

In today's fast-paced world, the reliability and safety of electrical equipment are crucial for the success of any business. With the advent of technology, remote monitoring has become a powerful tool for businesses looking to reduce downtime and prevent equipment failures. Remote monitoring, often involving devices like Current Transformers (CT), can measure or monitor the current flowing through a conductor without directly connecting to the circuit. However, is this sufficient to detect issues in electrical installations? Today, we are going to explore why remote monitoring is a powerful complement to onsite thermographic inspections, not a replacement. By combining the benefits of both, businesses can achieve a comprehensive maintenance program that will keep their electrical equipment running safely and efficiently.

1. Why Onsite Thermographic Inspections are Significant

Thermographic inspections, also known as infrared inspections, involve using a thermal imaging camera to detect and identify issues with electrical equipment such as loose connections, faulty equipment, and overheating. These inspections are typically done on-site and require a trained technician to physically inspect the equipment and take thermal images. Remote monitoring, on the other hand, typically makes use of sensors and other monitoring devices that are installed on equipment in order to collect data about its performance and condition.

Hotspot detected (at middle wire) caused by loose connection

While a CT might indicate a change in current due to issues like loose connections, it's not specifically designed to diagnose these problems. CTs can pick up fluctuations in current, but they do not necessarily indicate the cause, which could be various factors like changes in load, a short circuit, or an open circuit. Hence, onsite thermographic inspections provide a level of detail that remote monitoring using CTs cannot match. Thermal imagers can detect temperature differences as small as 0.1 degrees Celsius, which is essential for identifying issues such as loose connections and overheating, thus making them indispensable tools.

With just one image, analysis can be done efficiently on possibly hundreds of terminal points or connections to reveal faults depending on imager's resolution. Additionally, an onsite inspection allows the technician to physically inspect the equipment directly, which can reveal issues that are not visible through remote monitoring.

2. A Powerful Combination: Remote Monitoring + Thermographic Inspection

Remote monitoring can provide real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and remote diagnostics. Data collected by sensors, CTs, and other monitoring devices can be transmitted to a central monitoring system. With the help of algorithms like machine learning techniques, the analysis of this data can identify patterns that could indicate potential issues with the equipment, such as increased energy consumption, unusual vibrations, or temperature changes. This information can then be used by maintenance teams to prioritize repairs and take preventative measures to avoid further damage or downtime.

Despite these capabilities, remote monitoring is not a substitute for a detailed onsite inspection. Detection of specific issues like loose connections, faulty equipment, or overheating typically requires physical inspection, infrared thermography to detect hotspots caused by loose connections, or possibly impedance or continuity testing. Remote monitoring can be a great way to keep an eye on your equipment, but it is not a substitute for a detailed onsite inspection.

Since remote monitoring does not offer the same amount of in-depth information that an onsite thermographic inspection would, it might be ideal to combine the benefits of both remote monitoring and onsite thermographic inspections. Combining these two resources will allow you to develop an extensive maintenance program that will ultimately help you save money and lower your risk.

At AMKA Tech Solutions, we understand the importance of combining both remote monitoring and onsite thermographic inspections for comprehensive maintenance program. Our team led by a certified thermographer and a 33kV competent person with over 30 years of experience in maintaining electrical equipment are trained to detect and identify issues with electrical equipment. Additionally, we offer a range of services including electrical safety audit, electrical thermographic inspection, protective relay calibration, and asset servicing works. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you keep your equipment running safely and efficiently.