How to measure the temperature of the busbar of a high-voltage switchgear
Non-contact infrared sensors continuously monitor busbar temperature from a safe distance within cabinets, avoiding physical contact or complex insulation requirements. Temperature monitoring in high-voltage busbar systems is vital for preventing faults, yet difficult due to electrical hazards, limited accessibility in switchgear cabinets, and interference risks in traditional contact-based methods. Temperature rise testing is one of the recommendations of IEC 61439; our system for monitoring switchgear and busbars is easily integrated with new installations or retrofitted to existing infrastructure. Busbar (copper row) lap surface is the "throat" part of the power transmission and distribution system, and its contact state directly determines the efficiency and safety of power transmission. In this paper, we analyze the micro-mechanism and evolution of busbar lap surface heating, and explain. Due to busbars conducting high currents, small rises in temperature can be indicative of faults.
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