This might be a tough question to answer but when testing things such as fuses and motors what would be considered hot ? Thanks

I guess in a simple way, whatever is the ambient temp is in the area (next too) your scanning. If you scanning breakers, then go off to the side near the wireway and see what the temp is there.

__________________
MIKE
SHAKE THE TREE

Isn't there a temperature rating going by the insulation used on the windings of the motor by its rating class???

__________________
Bill

If we are testing fuses and the ambient is 70 deg. and you have current going in fuses and causing heat, What is getting to hot?

Hey puckman,
Yóu have to consider what the fuse has been through just before you got there also. Had the motor started 10 times in the last min before you walked up and you measure 1 amp, and the fuse is 40 degrees above ambient, that could be misleading.

I had a large portable room dehumidifier that had been trying to cycle ON about every two minutes for twelve hours before I caught it. Never blew a fuse! I think that I posted pictures and IR images of the faulty compressor overload in another thread. The output wire on the OL melted!

__________________
Bill

Thanks guys for your help.

Trending is really your only help in differential temperatures of certain components in specific areas. There are SOOOO many factors that come into play here. Your question is a PERFECT example of why a good PM schedule should be put in place for any facility.

Now, on the flip side,........if you're a service guy coming into a new area, that's a whole new ballfield. If that's your situation, you're asking way too broad of a question without any further detail.

check load then compare to other equipment in the panel or other similar motors.

the motor will have a temp. rating...but you have to know what percentage it is loaded.

hey puckman

I think this application note is what you are looking for

http://us.fluke.com/usen/support/ap...FlukeProducts)#

Select the "Electrical inspections using thermal imaging" appnote, last page

__________________