How to Detect Transformer Faults Effortlessly: Thermal Imaging Guide for Industrial Standards

In industrial production, transformer as the “heart” of the power system, once a failure occurs, it may lead to production line downtime, equipment damage or even cause safety accidents, resulting in huge economic losses. Traditional transformer inspection methods often rely on manual inspection and local temperature measurement, which is not only inefficient, but also difficult to find potential internal faults. The emergence of thermal imaging technology has revolutionized transformer detection. In this paper, we will discuss the application of thermal imaging technology in transformer inspection, and how to meet the industry standard inspection process, with the help of simple thermal imaging equipment, so that transformer faults have nothing to hide.

Limitations of conventional transformer testing

The traditional way of detecting transformers has many disadvantages. The use of infrared thermometer for local temperature measurement can only obtain a single point of temperature data, can not fully reflect the temperature distribution of the transformer as a whole, it is easy to miss the hidden fault points. Although the power outage maintenance can carry out more detailed inspection, it will affect the production schedule, resulting in considerable economic losses. In addition, in the complex industrial environment, manual inspection is faced with high temperature, high pressure and other dangerous factors, and by the light, the environment and other factors, the probability of leakage, misdiagnosis is higher.

Advantages of Thermal Imaging in Transformer Inspection

Thermal imaging technology applied to transformer detection, significant advantages. Its non-contact detection can avoid the risk of high-voltage environment, to protect the safety of personnel; can capture the overall temperature distribution, quickly locate the winding overheating, loose joints and other hidden faults, to avoid the leakage of the traditional single-point temperature measurement.

At the same time, the detection efficiency is high, no need for power outages, without affecting production; with the imaging analysis in line with IEC and other industry standards, the data is accurate and reliable. The simple operation of the equipment design, so that the inspectors quickly get started, combined with intuitive temperature images, significantly improve the efficiency of fault detection, for the safe operation of the transformer to provide key protection.

Industry-standard testing process

Thermal imaging inspection of transformers needs to strictly follow the IEC and other industry standard processes: first check the parameters of the equipment and environmental conditions to ensure compliance with the test specifications; then use a calibrated thermal imager to scan the transformer body, connectors and winding area according to the preset path, and synchronize with the recording of ambient temperature and humidity.

During the inspection, it is necessary to maintain a stable distance and angle to avoid interfering with the data; after generating the image, analyze the temperature anomalies against the standard thresholds, mark the exceeded areas and generate a report with a time stamp. The whole process of data traceability, operation in line with safety regulations, not only to ensure the authority of the results, but also to provide a compliant basis for fault determination.

Simple operation, easy to start

For industrial inspectors, complex operating procedures can reduce productivity. Our thermal camera for phones are designed specifically for transformer inspection, with easy-to-understand operation that even novices can quickly master. With just a few simple steps of setup, you can obtain clear temperature images and accurately determine the operating status of the transformer. No professional technical training is required, which greatly reduces the threshold of use and makes the inspection work easier and more efficient.

Thermal imaging test before and after the comparative picture show

Through the comparison chart before and after thermal imaging detection, we can more intuitively see the effect of transformer fault detection. Before the detection, the fault point inside the transformer may be hidden in the complex structure, which is difficult to find; after the detection, the thermal imaging image clearly shows the area with abnormal temperature, which helps the inspector to quickly locate the fault location. This intuitive way of display, so that the test results at a glance, for the timely handling of the fault provides a reliable basis.

If you want to know more about the application of thermal imaging technology in transformer inspection, or want to get the thermal imaging inspection program suitable for your enterprise, welcome to contact us at any time, we will provide you with professional services and support.