Corona is responsible for the generation of ultraviolet radiation, ozone, acids, heat, mechanical erosion through ion bombardment, electric power loss and electromagnetic interference with radio communications. Corona byproducts destroy insulation and leads to catastrophic failure, while remaining invisible to the eye. Our camera can detect, pinpoint and document corona, arcing, tracking and superficial partial discharge on high and medium voltage electrical lines, substations, generators, motors, distribution etc. Corona and tracking conditions are voltage problems that rarely produce heat, therefore can go undetected during a typical infrared inspection.
Partial Discharge Surveys – We can efficiently survey all of your medium voltage equipment (>600V), while it remains in service and without opening energized panels, to detect the early stages of insulation failure. This technology detects the electromagnetic pulses associated with partial insulation failure of switchgear, switch, bus duct, dry-type transformer and many other types of equipment and can effectively determine the problem location and intensity. These surveys provide early warning for impending failures and allow time to schedule repairs. Surveys can be done on equipment with load or no loading (current) conditions.
- NFPA 70B states that insulation breakdown is the number one cause of electrical failures.
- New safety requirements such as NFPA 70E has created the need to detect potential problems prior to opening enclosures.
- In medium voltage equipment, partial discharges are the first indication of insulation breakdown.
