Partial Discharge Detection
- Qualified technicians 30 years experience
- No interruption to operations
- Inspect under normal operating conditions
- Detailed insurance compliant reports
- RCD testing also available
- Maximise safety, minimise disruptions
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Protect High-Voltage Equipment with Partial Discharge Detection
High-voltage (HV) electrical equipment is essential across industries, but it’s vulnerable to partial discharge (PD) with occurrences such as internal insulation faults. Left unchecked, these faults can cause progressive damage, costly failures, and unplanned downtime. The good news? On-line Partial Discharge testing can catch these issues early—long before visible signs appear, helping you prevent extensive damage and keep operations running smoothly.
At Thermal Scanners, our licensed electricians and certified technicians specialise in ultrasound, thermal, and Transient Earth Voltage (TEV) detection for electrical infrastructure. Using industry-leading technology, we identify and diagnose faults, providing you with a clear, actionable report and tailored solutions. Don’t wait for a failure, contact us today to schedule your scan and safeguard your electrical systems with confidence.
What is Partial Discharge (PD) Detection?
By the time crackling noises, sparking or visible signs become apparent it can often be too late to prevent potential critical damage to electrical infrastructure.
PD detection allows you to catch faults early by utilising processes such as ultrasound detection, thermal scanning and TEV detection to proactively identify hidden issues and safeguard your high-voltage electrical equipment.
This proactive approach allows you to see beyond the silence, seeing heat patterns and faults that the naked eye can’t perceive, well before the obvious signs start.
PD Detection Methods
Our combination of PD detection services is the best way to identify hidden electrical issues in HV equipment before they escalate, preventing costly downtime and potential safety hazards.
Our fully-licensed thermographers offer a wide range of services, including:
Ultrasonic PD Detection
Ultrasonic partial discharge detection is a diagnostic technique used to monitor the condition of electrical equipment. Partial discharges are small electrical sparks that occur within the insulation of electrical apparatus, such as transformers, generators, and switchgear, and can be a precursor to electrical failures. These discharges can emit ultrasonic waves, which are sound waves at frequencies above the range of human hearing.
Using an ultrasonic partial discharge detector and sensors, we can capture these high-frequency sounds. When a partial discharge occurs, it releases ultrasonic energy that we detect and analyse to determine the presence and severity of a discharge.
Thermal Scanning
Partial discharges, even though they might be minor, can produce enough heat to affect the temperature of the surrounding insulation or conductive components. With equipment such as thermal imaging cameras and infrared (IR) sensors, we scan electrical equipment from the outside and detect the infrared radiation emitted by heated objects – identifying heat sources where they should not be, indicating potential faults.
Important compliance note: Our thermal scanning is performed exclusively on the external surfaces of electrical equipment. In Australia, high voltage (HV) equipment cannot legally be opened while energised, so we conduct all inspections on closed panels and switchboards. This approach ensures full legal compliance while still providing valuable diagnostic information.
Transient Earth Voltage (TEV) detection
This method focuses on capturing transient voltage signals that are emitted by partial discharges as they occur within the electrical insulation. TEV partial discharge detection is particularly effective for assessing the condition of metal-clad switchgear, internal void defects in insulation and other enclosed electrical apparatus. TEV detection is an invaluable tool in preventive maintenance programs, helping to prevent costly failures and extend the life of electrical equipment by detecting and addressing partial discharge issues early.
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Protect against dangerous and costly partial discharge issues with early detection. Contact our experts now to schedule a comprehensive PD detection and thermal scanning service.
The Power of Combined Partial Discharge Detection Services
At Thermal Scanners, our suite of PD detection services can be seamlessly combined to deliver the most thorough assessment of your HV and LV systems. These proactive solutions not only give you a clear picture of your electrical health but also unlock a host of business benefits, including:
- Cost savings by combining thermal, ultrasound and TEV services into one inspection.
- Minimise downtime when you schedule both inspections simultaneously.
- Actionable insights from detailed reports with recommendations for corrective actions.
- Enhanced safety and reliability of your entire electrical system against dangerous and costly partial discharge issues.
- Experienced technicians conduct PD detection and thermal scanning on a wide range of equipment and provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure you make informed decisions about your electrical assets.
- Industry-leading technology, including advanced ultrasonic and thermal imaging tools for accurate results.
- Customisable solutions which target your specific needs and budget, including flexible scheduling options to minimise disruption to your operations.
Why Choose Thermal Scanners for PD Detection?
Thermal Scanners is Australia’s most trusted partner in thermal imaging and preventative maintenance. Our experienced team is committed to helping businesses protect their assets, ensure compliance, and save costs with proactive inspections that catch faults before they cause extensive and costly breakdowns.
We deliver high-quality thermal imaging and PD detection solutions for small and large businesses throughout Australia. All scans are conducted by thermography qualified technicians and come with a detailed, insurance compliant report that includes:
- Detailed scope of works
- Thermal & visual images of all exceptions, including:
- Location
- Date and time
- Priority rating
- Possible causes
- Qualification of thermographer
Safeguard Your Assets with Accurate PD Detection
Don’t wait for a silent breakdown or a visible warning sign! Early detection is your safeguard against dangerous and costly partial discharge issues. Contact us today to schedule your combined PD detection and thermal scanning service and keep your electrical systems and equipment safe and functional.