Ultrasonic evaluation

Ultrasonic testing is used to check for: arcing, tracking, corona discharge and vibration.
In certain instances it is easier to ‘listen’ for problems from a distance when it is difficult to get right next to the equipment in question.
Ultrasound is an effective, low cost means of evaluating the condition of insulation components on high-voltage transmission and distribution equipment.
Initial Equipment Cost: $4300
Training Costs:
Initial Training = 40 hours offsite, fee= $1,500
Recertification = 8 hours, twice per year, offsite

Ultrasound should be used in conjunction with Infrared Imaging when Infrared Imaging is not practical.
Ultrasound can often detect potential insulation faults that do not show up in an infrared survey.
A combination of infrared and ultrasound is often used on high-voltage electrical equipment, particularly enclosed switchgear.
Infrared locates resistive faults (e.g. dirty switch contacts or loose joints)
Ultrasound locates developing insulation faults
Ultrasound instrument can be used on enclosed switchgear that cannot be ‘viewed’ with an infrared instrument. Removing a few bolts allows ultrasound to penetrate into the inside of the gear.