Sponsored by:

Inspecting Service Entrance Cables

When performing infrared inspections of electrical systems, many thermographers tend to focus their attention on outdoor substations and overhead electric lines. Unexpected failures can occur when service entrance cables are overlooked.

Service entrance cables provide a critical link between outdoor electric supply and a building’s indoor electrical equipment. Like other parts of the electrical system, these conductors are subject to loose or deteriorated connections which can cause unexpected interruptions in electrical power. Fortunately, such loose connections can often be detected with a thermal imager.

When inspecting service entrance cables, one should bear the following in mind:

• Prior to inspection, ascertain that service cables are under adequate load
• When possible, inspect cable connections at both ends. Emissivity issues aside, in most cases connections should be the same temperature as cable conductors
• On long cable runs, be certain to inspect any inline splices for hotspots
• To avoid the effects of solar loading, inspect cable assemblies early in the morning, on a cloudy day or at night

Because it is impossible to predict time to failure based upon temperature, inexplicable temperature rises should be investigated for cause as soon as possible. Doing so can help to avoid unexpected downtime and improve the reliability of a facility’s electrical distribution system.

Infrared inspection of electrical systems is one of the many topics covered in the Level I Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer^® training course. For information on thermographer training or to obtain a copy of the Standard for Infrared Inspection of Electrical Systems & Rotating Equipment, visit us online at www.infraspection.com or call us at 609-239-4788.