ETS - More about IR

It is worth noting that the most important element of this inspection - the thermogram analysis - is not simply a matter of looking for the "white" area. A variety of factors must be considered to determine whether or not a particular thermogram is indicating a severe problem, a slight problem, or no problem at all.

Infrared Thermography is an ideal inspection technique for scanning electrical equipment for defective components. Normal wear, chemical contamination, corrosion, fatigue, and/or faulty assembly or installation may lower conductivity and raise the resistance level of some part of the equipment. Such a rise in component resistance will increase the amount of power dissipated in the form of heat, causing an increase in temperature.