METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING WEAR IN COMPONENTS OF HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

摘要

A tracer material (204) is embedded in a component of electrical equipment t o detect excessive wear of the component when it is exposed to an electrical a rc (206). As the component wears, the tracer material becomes exposed to the electrical arc and emits electromagnetic radiation (209), which is monitored continuously. The tracer material is selected so that it emits electromagnet ic radiation when it is exposed to an electrical arc that is distinct from electromagnetic radiation emitted by any other parts of the component.