Partial Discharge Cameras

Partial discharge (PD) cameras use acoustic imaging to locate ultrasonic emissions from insulation defects within medium and high-voltage equipment. By transforming sound into a visual heat-map over a live image, these cameras allow maintenance teams to quickly identify PD sources on switchgear, busbars, terminations and rotating electrical machinery.

Why Monitor Partial Discharge?

PD indicates insulation degradation that can precede unplanned outages. Early localisation supports targeted maintenance, reduces risk and helps extend asset life. Acoustic imaging provides a rapid screening method that complements other testing approaches.

Use Cases

• Substations & plants: Survey cabinets, cable terminations and enclosed gear.
• Utilities & councils: Condition assessments for distribution infrastructure.
• Industrial facilities: Predictive maintenance on critical electrical assets.
• Commissioning & repair: Verify remediation work and compare baselines.

Advantages of Acoustic PD Cameras

• Safe, non-contact: Inspect energised equipment from a distance.
• Rapid pinpointing: Visual overlays guide technicians to the precise source.
• Works in noisy areas: Arrays and filtering isolate relevant ultrasonic signals.
• Recordkeeping: Store images/video for trending and reports.

Model Considerations

Some acoustic cameras specialise in gas leaks, while others support both leak detection and electrical inspections (PD, corona, arcing). Select a multi-purpose model if you maintain mixed assets.

For an overview of available systems, visit Acoustic Imaging & Leak Detection Cameras.