Advanced inspection of electrical systems using acoustic cameras

Partial discharge (PD) detection is a critical predictive electrical maintenance technique that identifies incipient insulation faults before they develop into electric arcs, short circuits or unplanned shutdowns. In Monterrey and its industrial area, this service is key for plants operating at medium and high voltage, where operational continuity and safety are top priorities.

What are partial discharges?

Partial discharges are localized ionizations that occur at defects in electrical insulation without a complete breakdown. Their presence indicates progressive deterioration of the electrical system and, if not addressed, can lead to:

Catastrophic failures
Damage to critical equipment
Fire hazards
Production interruptions

Technology used: Acoustic cameras

Our service uses high-resolution acoustic cameras capable of detecting the ultrasonic emissions generated by partial discharges, even in noisy industrial environments.

Measurement principle

Microphone arrays with acoustic beamforming
Detection in the ultrasonic range (≈20–80 kHz)
Precise spatial location of the discharge source
Acoustic map overlaid on the visible image

This makes it possible to identify the exact point of the defect without contact and with the system energized.

Types of detectable partial discharges

Corona discharge: on conductors, busbars, points and sharp edges
Surface discharge: on contaminated or aged insulators
Incipient electric arcs: high-risk early-stage faults

Industrial applications in Monterrey

Electrical substations
Medium-voltage switchgear
Motor control centers (MCC)
Overhead lines and busbars
Manufacturing, steel, automotive and process plants

Standards and technical references

Our service is aligned with the following international standards and guidelines:

IEC 60270 – Partial discharge measurements
IEC 62478 – Non-conventional methods for PD detection
IEEE 1434 – Guide for PD measurement and diagnosis
NFPA 70B – Condition-based electrical maintenance
NETA ATS / MTS – Electrical testing and maintenance

Benefits of the service

Contactless inspection with no shutdown of operations
Early detection of electrical faults
Reduced operational and safety risks
Clear visual evidence for reports and audits
Optimization of maintenance plans

Deliverables

Professional technical report
Visible images and acoustic maps
Discharge severity classification
Technical recommendations for corrective action

Partial discharge detection service in Monterrey

We offer specialized partial discharge detection services in Monterrey, focused on industries that require electrical reliability, safety and regulatory compliance.