What types of faults can be detected by thermography?

Thermography is a powerful non-invasive diagnostic tool used to identify potential faults in electrical and mechanical systems by measuring temperature variations. It primarily detects issues that cause abnormal heat patterns. The identification of loose connections, overloading, and unbalanced loads is particularly significant, as each of these conditions can generate excessive heat due to increased resistance or improper load distribution.

Loose connections, for instance, can lead to localized overheating as electrical current struggles to maintain an adequate pathway. This abnormal heat can be easily spotted with thermographic imaging. Similarly, overloading a circuit or having unbalanced loads can cause specific components to overheat beyond normal operating conditions, which can lead to failures if not addressed.

Understanding faults detected by thermography allows for proactive maintenance and risk mitigation in electrical systems, unlike the other choices that involve different aspects of mechanical or electrical systems that thermography may not directly address.