Negligible Faults Can Become Significant
At Infrascan Thermal Imaging we take care to measure currents wherever we can.
This becomes significant where a negligible fault is observed. Consider the following formula:
P=I2R
(For constant resistance: Power increases at the square if the current)
This becomes significant where a negligible fault is observed. Consider the following formula:
P=I2R
(For constant resistance: Power increases at the square if the current)
Lets assume a 20A breaker develops a fault.
Let's observe the energy distribution at 1A and 20A:
At 1 Amp 1 unit of power is observed.
At 20 Amps 400 units of power is observed or 400 times the energy.
The energy must go somewhere so it manifests as heat.
(Note: There are significant factors reducing the heat at the top end of the scale, and the resistance values change as the conductor heats).
However the above simplification provides compelling reason to report on negligible faults. Especially those having low current that in a high circuit breaker capacity environment.
Let's observe the energy distribution at 1A and 20A:
At 1 Amp 1 unit of power is observed.
At 20 Amps 400 units of power is observed or 400 times the energy.
The energy must go somewhere so it manifests as heat.
(Note: There are significant factors reducing the heat at the top end of the scale, and the resistance values change as the conductor heats).
However the above simplification provides compelling reason to report on negligible faults. Especially those having low current that in a high circuit breaker capacity environment.