Infrared Thermography and its Role in Evaluating Medium Voltage Overhead Line System

At a temperature above absolute zero (i. e. -273oC), each object emits thermal energy that can be seen and measured as a thermograph by using infrared imaging and measurement camera techniques. Infrared thermography represents this process of measuring heat emission. From a lightning arrester to a transformer, the temperature of each piece of electrical component on a distribution network system starts gradually to rise before failure. So, infrared thermography is not only a cost effective technique but also an effective diagnostic tool in increasing system efficiency and reliability, power quality, workers' safety, and averting outages, valuable equipment failure and line losses. This paper will explain the process of setting up an infrared thermography program, thermography process; and describe its advantages. The paper will also illustrate the advancements in infrared technology.