It's all in the Details — August 2025
INFRARED SCANNING
Infrared light has longer wavelengths and lower energy than visible light, so it cannot be seen with the human eye. However, some insects, bats, snakes, and beetle species can use portions of the infrared spectrum for vision. Seeing infrared energy as a form of heat provides an added detection layer or warns them of prey.
Humans can feel infrared energy as heat, but with infrared (IR) scanning technology, we can also see it. IR scanning is used in various applications, including electrical equipment inspections.
SDMyers uses IR scanning as a noninvasive inspection technique. We use a thermal imaging camera to detect high levels of heat—one of your transformer’s top three enemies (heat, oxidation, and moisture)—emitted in the form of infrared radiation. Early fault detection helps prevent permanent damage to your transformer, switchgear, and other substation equipment and the unplanned downtime that comes with it.
IR scanning can identify failure modes not detected by liquid testing alone and add the clarity needed to address anomalies that liquid testing does uncover.
Click below to learn about IR scanning as a must-have best practice for transformer fleet reliability.
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