Thermography is the technique that extends human vision through the infrared spectrum . The vibration of electric and magnetic fields that propagate in space at the speed of light generates an electromagnetic wave, and the set of electromagnetic waves forms the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared is an electromagnetic frequency naturally emitted by any body, with intensity proportional to its temperature. Thermography today plays a very important role in predictive maintenance. Through its use, many production problems can be eliminated by avoiding electrical, mechanical and material fatigue failures.

Principles of Thermography:

A  thermographic inspection  is a non - destructive technique, usually performed with the system in normal operation at full load, without stoppages required for checking temperatures or observation heat distribution differential patterns of components, equipment and processes, from the Infrared radiation emitted by these bodies in order to provide the appropriate information regarding the operating conditions. 
This inspection technique allows the obtaining of thermal images of components, called thermograms, where it becomes possible to analyze the isothermal levels (heat) distributed in electrical components and equipment. It is performed with equipment and systems in full operation, preferably in periods of greatest demand, when deficient points become more evident, enabling the formation of the thermal profile of equipment and components under normal operating conditions at the time of inspection.

Applications:
Thermography can locate hot spots, determine the severity of the problem, and help establish the length of time the repair can be performed. It is very useful when inspecting components inside such as: motor control center, general electrical panels, connectors, circuit breakers, disconnectors, switches etc. Additionally outdoor components such as substations, general disconnect mechanisms, transformers, cable connections, etc.

Benefits:
- Detecting potential and / or likely problems that will surely evolve into electrical system failures before a forced shutdown of the equipment or the entire plant;
-  Reduced duration of emergency stops and repairs;
-  Reducing the number of man-hours spent on predictive maintenance by accurately locating areas requiring intervention, reducing or even eliminating unnecessary areas.
-  Minimize the time and costs scheduled stop for allowing the necessary spare parts are available before the parade, acquired without haste and often at a lower price than during emergency stops;
-  Significant increase of equipment life;
-  Increased efficiency of predictive and preventive maintenance programs;
- Prevention of accidents, personal injury and damage to company assets.

Heated Component Location Criteria:
- At the time of inspecting an electrical component, the Eletromax inspector makes a rigorous preliminary selection to determine whether or not this component is in normal condition; In this case it will be recorded for later diagnosis informing in the report delivered to the client.
- This pre-selection is made using the following equipment: Model T300 Thermal Imager - Flir, Digital Anemometer and Clamp Meter.
- At this stage, component temperature, ambient temperature, wind speed, component load at the time of measurement will be noted.

Maximum Allowable Temperature:
- The maximum allowable temperature of components of various manufacturers is used, indicative values ​​obtained through tests and field experience, according to the classification below:
              * High Voltage:
                - Components with working voltage above 1 kV;
                - MTA = (30ºC + Ambient Temperature). 

Note Considering the surge arrester a high risk equipment its MTA = (1ºC + Ambient Temperature).

               * Low Voltage:
                 - Insulated cables and terminals Ë MTA = 70ºC
                 - Busbars and Connections (Copper / Aluminum) Ë MTA = 100ºC
                 - Disconnect and Breaker Contacts and Joints Ë MTA = 100ºC
                 - Fuse Bodies Ë MTA = 100ºC

- The detected electrical faults are classified according to the maintenance priority criteria, which take into account the load and the wind speed, calculating the temperature that the component

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