Standard Guide for Examining Electrical and Mechanical Equipment with Infrared Thermography

Abstract

4.1 This guide can be used by an end user to specify infrared examinations of electrical and mechanical equipment and an infrared thermographer to perform them. 4.2 This guide lists the joint responsibilities of the end user and the infrared thermographer when using infrared thermography. 4.3 The purpose of an infrared examination is to identify and document exceptions in the end user's electrical or mechanical systems, or both. 4.3.1 In electrical equipment, warm exceptions are usually created by an increase in resistance caused by loose or deteriorated connections, short circuits, overloads, load imbalances or faulty, mismatched or improperly installed components. Cool exceptions are usually caused by failed components. 4.3.2 In mechanical equipment, warm exceptions are usually created by friction caused by improper lubrication, misalignment, worn components, or mechanical loading anomalies. Cool exceptions are usually caused by failed components. 4.3.3 Exceptions in insulation systems are usually caused by missing or deteriorated materials, improper installation, or insufficient amounts of material. 4.4 Providing opinions about the causes of exceptions, the integrity of the equipment, or recommendations for corrective actions require knowledge and skills beyond those of infrared thermography. 4.5 Infrared examinations provide data about equipment at the time of examination only. 4.6 Infrared examinations are not remedial. 4.7 An infrared examination of electrical and mechanical equipment does not assure its proper operation. Other tests and proper maintenance are necessary to ensure their reliable performance.