What should be checked if there is an electrical failure indicated in a thermal image?

When a thermal image indicates an electrical failure, one of the critical aspects to examine is the potential for unbalance or an open phase in a three-phase electrical system. In three-phase systems, power is distributed through three separate conductors, and if one of these phases becomes open (meaning there is a break or disconnect in that phase), it can lead to significant imbalances in the electrical load. This imbalance can cause overheating of conductors, transformers, and other electrical equipment, as the remaining phases must compensate for the lost phase, leading to excessive current in those phases.

Examining an unbalanced or open phase is essential, especially in industrial settings where three-phase systems are commonly utilized. Identifying this issue early can prevent further damage and ensure the safety and reliability of the electrical system. Monitoring equipment with thermal imaging is particularly useful for spotting these imbalances due to the heat that may be generated by overloaded circuits in the presence of a phase failure.

The other choices are also important aspects of electrical safety, but detecting an unbalance or an open phase is essential for maintaining the overall health of a three-phase system, particularly when thermal imaging has flagged a potential failure.