Electrical Power & Protection


Early detection of overheating of wire connections or cables

May 2023 Electrical Power & Protection


Kamogelo Makwana, AAF offer manager - PPACB & PPCCB, Power Products Division, Schneider Electric.

Schneider Electric has unveiled PowerLogic HeatTag, an innovative smart sensor for early detection of overheating of wire connections or cables, that analyses switchboard gas and particles, and provides alerts before smoke or insulator browning can occur. It reduces the risk of electrical fires and unplanned electrical downtime by measuring temperature at critical connection points in MV and LV electrical equipment and off-gassing of electrical wiring.

Often, cable connections start to deteriorate due to improper tightening torque or constant vibrations over time. Deterioration can also occur because of damaged surfaces, due to corrosion, excessive pressure or friction. These conditions can be exaggerated by frequent temperature cycling. Fluctuations between cold nights and hot days, or low and high current, cause increased and decreased connection tightness. This, in turn, contributes to loosening.

In any of the conditions noted above a critical sequence of events can begin, which sees increasing electrical contact resistance inducing a rise in temperature that accelerates the damage. The result is a thermal runaway that leads to overheating wire connections and/or overheating cables.

Above 200°C, the insulation material begins to change colour. At approximately 300°C this transforms into cable smoke, melted insulation material, or even fire. These conditions can be detected with a fire or smoke detector; however, at that point, the damage has already occurred in the electrical switchboard. PowerLogic HeatTag analyses gas and particles to provide early warning alarms to operators, ensuring that faulty cabling is replaced before the abovementioned series of events occur.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Compact, high density power protection system for AI, data centre and large-scale electrical workloads
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its new Galaxy VXL – a highly efficient, compact, modular, scalable and redundant 500-1250 kW (400 V) 3-phase uninterruptible power supply (UPS), complete with enhanced cybersecurity, software and safety features.

Read more...
Duct and plant room air quality (PRAQ) sensors
Schneider Electric South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Schneider Electric South Africa offers a comprehensive range of SpaceLogic duct and plant room air quality sensors. These cutting-edge sensors are designed to enhance building air quality and energy efficiency by combining multiple sensing capabilities into a single unit.

Read more...
Taking the pain out of panel building
Omron Electronics Electrical Power & Protection
Panel building stands as a cornerstone of industrial automation, shaping the efficiency and reliability of automated systems across different and diverse industries, from manufacturing to infrastructure. Omron leverages over 80 years of experience to furnish OEMs and builders with cutting-edge control panel solutions.

Read more...
The sensory reaction of the BMS
Schneider Electric South Africa Sensors & Transducers
Today’s building management systems cannot function properly without sensors. Like our senses, they are an integral part of operations that run silently in the background, almost taken for granted.

Read more...
Powerless is not an option
Electrical Power & Protection
When the power goes out it is important for commercial and tertiary facilities to be able to keep essential electrical equipment running. UPS systems are critical for transitioning and emergency backup power.

Read more...
High-performance surface inspection systems for battery production
Electrical Power & Protection
As battery manufacturers increase their focus on yield optimisation to meet growing demand, AMETEK Surface Vision is highlighting the essential role of processes to improve quality and reduce defects.

Read more...
Securing the power supply
Electrical Power & Protection
Grid management systems are the linchpin of modern transmission and distribution networks. To understand the intricacies of grid management, it is necessary to unpack its core components: scada systems, energy management systems, outage management systems and wide area management systems.

Read more...
Schneider Electric relaunches legacy access control systems
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric South Africa has relaunched its comprehensive access control platform to help customers upgrade from ageing and obsolete systems.

Read more...
Digitalisation in mining - the advantage you need now
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Digitalisation offers immense and proven benefits such as streamlining operations, reducing error and accelerating workflows. Mining operators today leverage digital technologies to improve efficiency, sustainability and very importantly, safety.

Read more...
The shape of water – automating hydropower operations
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Hydropower is undoubtedly one of the building blocks of today’s renewable energy industry and its operations need to be efficient, reliable and sustainable. Automation must therefore form part of today’s modern hydropower operations to improve resource management and enhance reliability.

Read more...