Infra-red inspection and evaluation of motors generators and transformers

Two of the major causes of insulation failare in rotating machinery are overheating and thermal imbalance. The causes of heating can be an inherent design problem, and installation error, or a machine malfunction. An infra-red detector has been found extremely useful in isolating and pinpointing an abnormal heat source under an actual or simulated operating condition. Hence, the cause of failure can be further analyzed. Most infra-red detectors are very portable and suitable for field services as well as in-plant quality control. This paper will describe the function of the infra-red detector and various proven applications of this time saving device.