Thermographic analysis of the quality of wire connections with overcurrent switches

Abstract

The article aims to present the issue of excessive heat release at installation joints due to insufficient contact surface of the joining elements. The conducted research attempts to estimate the losses caused by an insufficient contact surface area. A laser pyrometer and a thermal imaging camera were used to perform the tests. Both devices generate images without having to touch the tested element, which may indicate that the obtained results are very accurate. The completed tests have shown that an insufficient contact surface of the joints results in an increased heat release, which leads to higher electrical energy losses and increased wear of the installation connectors.