UV Diagnostics for High-Voltage Electrical Equipment

An ultraviolet camera detects ultraviolet radiation. Because electrical discharges emit UV radiation, these cameras are widely used to inspect high-voltage installations and locate corona and arc discharges.

UV imaging helps identify defects and damage on electrical equipment surfaces, including insulation. It can reveal partial discharges invisible to the human eye that may indicate developing faults.

Practical considerations when using UV cameras in power engineering:

– Select the appropriate UV wavelength to maximise sensitivity to defects.

– Cameras are generally most sensitive at night, although some models can operate in daylight.

– Discharge activity on equipment surfaces does not necessarily indicate a defect, so interpretation requires specialist engineering knowledge.

– Combining diagnostic methods, such as UV monitoring with ultrasonic detectors or thermal imaging, can improve the detection of surface defects.

Students work with this equipment during our laboratory classes.