When performing an infrared inspection of electrical equipment, what condition most commonly indicates excessive resistance?

When performing an infrared inspection of electrical equipment, what condition most commonly indicates excessive resistance?

When performing an infrared inspection of electrical equipment, what condition most commonly indicates excessive resistance? A) Uniform heating B) Localized hotspot at a connection C) Cooling around terminals D) Equal temperatures across conductors Correct Answer: B) Localized hotspot at a connection Infrared thermography is widely used in electrical inspections to detect abnormal heating patterns that may indicate faults. Electrical components such as switchgear, circuit breakers, busbars, transformers, and cable connections carry current. When there is excessive electrical resistance, energy is lost in the form of heat, which can be detected using a thermal imaging camera. The most common thermal signature of excessive resistance is a localized hotspot at a connection point. Why Excessive Resistance Causes Heating Electrical heating occurs according to Joule’s Law: Heat generated ∝ I²R Where: I = Current R = Resistance This means: If resistance increases at a connection point, Heat generation incr…