Thermography

At Sharjah Oman Engineering LLC (SOEC Group), we offer professional thermographic inspection services as part of our predictive maintenance solutions. Thermography allows us to detect temperature anomalies in electrical and mechanical systems—enabling early identification of potential faults without disrupting operations.

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Understanding Motor Temperature Behavior

Every electric motor is designed to operate within a specific temperature range, as indicated on its nameplate. Although infrared (IR) cameras cannot see inside the motor, the external surface temperature provides a reliable indication of its internal heat condition. As the motor heats up internally, the external casing reflects this change. Overheating is a major concern—for every 10 °C increase above the rated temperature, the life expectancy of motor winding insulation is reduced by 50%, even for short durations.

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What We Detect with Thermography

An IR image helps locate the exact source of abnormal heat, whether it’s:

• Windings – potential internal overheating or insulation degradation

• Bearings – signs of friction or lubrication failure

• Couplings – often a symptom of misalignment

Abnormal thermal signatures typically fall into three key categories:

1. High-Resistance Connections

   • These appear hottest at the fault point (e.g., loose terminals or faulty switch contacts) and cool outward from that spot.

2. Load and Harmonic Imbalances

   • Overloaded or undersized circuits show even heating along the conductor. Harmonic distortion can mimic this pattern. If the entire length of a cable appears hot, it may indicate improper sizing or excessive load.

3. Component Failure

   • Failed components often appear cooler than active ones. A common case is a blown fuse, which can cause single-phasing in motor circuits—leading to significant motor damage if not addressed.

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Routine Thermal Inspections

We strongly recommend establishing routine thermal inspection programs for all critical motor and drive systems. By capturing and comparing thermal images over time, we create a baseline that helps detect developing issues early and verify the success of corrective actions.

Through our thermographic expertise, SOEC Group ensures reliable performance, reduces the risk of unexpected failures, and extends the operational lifespan of your equipment.