Understanding Thermal Anomalies: Where the Heat Comes From
Every piece of equipment, whether electrical or mechanical, generates heat during operation. This thermal energy radiates from its surface, creating a unique "heat signature." Our specialised cameras detect this radiation to create a thermal image.
The key to our diagnostic work isn't just about finding heat—it's about finding unexpected heat patterns. By analysing these temperature differences, we can pinpoint hidden faults long before they become critical failures.
What Do Different Temperatures Mean?
While we can measure exact temperatures, the most valuable insights often come from comparing relative temperature differences between similar components or against ambient temperatures.
Elevated Temperatures (Hot Spots): This is the most common sign of a problem. In electrical systems, a hot spot can indicate a high-resistance connection caused by loose or corroded terminals, an overloaded circuit, failing components, or imbalanced power phases. In mechanical equipment, it often points to excess friction from wear or poor lubrication.
Lowered Temperatures (Cold Spots): A component that appears unusually cool can be just as significant. It might indicate an open circuit, a complete component failure, or a load imbalance where one part of the system is not pulling its weight.
Important Considerations & Limitations
Understanding how thermography works also means understanding its limitations. This ensures you know exactly what to expect from our service.
We See Surfaces, Not Through Walls: A crucial concept to grasp is that thermography detects the heat radiating from the surface of an object. The temperature deeper inside a component can be much higher. Thermal cameras do not see through solid objects like walls or electrical panel covers. For this reason, all panels and covers must be safely removed by qualified personnel for an effective inspection.
The Challenge of Emissivity: Different materials radiate heat at different efficiencies. For example, a shiny, unpainted metal surface will radiate less heat than a dark, matte surface, even if they are the exact same temperature. This surface property is called "emissivity." Our certified thermographers are highly trained to account for these variables, ensuring they can distinguish between a true thermal anomaly and a misleading reading from a low-emissivity surface. This expertise is vital for accurate and reliable analysis.