[Electrical Fire Prevention 28 January 2020 webinar] - Why do we need TH110 and HeatTag in same time?

[Jean_Commeignes]

This question has been raised during January 28th 2020 webinar: 

Why do we need TH110 and HeatTag in same time?

Let us see Expert answer.

Best regards

Jean Commeignes

Power & Building Exchange Community Manager 

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

TH110 gives advance signal on the rise in temperature which would be as a result of overload/loose termination/inadequate tightness in bus bars/lesser contact pressure in floating contacts of breakers. Alerts prevents major accident, loss of life and distruption in power .Keeps O&M team free from continous monitoring and free up their energy&time , Helps to monitor critical areas which are non accessible in normal time.  I am not clear about What's heat tag?

[Anonymous user]

Hi All

Got to know on Heat Tag from one of the Schneider article on Electrical fire prevention guide and  is as below:

Schneider Electric’s Solution: HeatTag
HeatTag is neither a fire detector nor a smoke detector. As
shown in Figure 1.9, between 170°C and 200°C, typical
LV cable-insulation materials, such as PVC / XLPE / EPR,
are subject to invisible transformation. These abnormal
conditions can be detected by HeatTag.

HeatTag detects and analyzes the different gases and particles
in the air of the switchboard (14 gases measured, along with
particles), applies a complex algorithm to select internal cable
issues from other phenomena, and can distinguish abnormal
situations that indicate a cable is overheating and sends an
alarm via email or SMS.

[TewfikBoudiba]

A fire in an electrical cabinet can come from overheating or deterioration of the connections and also from excessive heating of the cables.
The TH110 allows continuous monitoring of the temperature at the level of connections through which a minimum current of 5A is passed. The TH110 cannot monitor the condition of the cables over their entire length, Schneider Electric has thought of adding an advanced gas analyzer by air suction. The analysis of the air will make it possible to detect the odorless particles which emanate from the cable sheaths and which are predictors of a high probability of a fire starting.
By combining both the thermal monitoring of connections and cables, we ensure better prevention of the risk of electrical fire.

[MathieuGuillot]

TH110 or more generally "Thermal monitoring" and HeatTag are two different principles. TH110 is a battery free wireless temperature sensor for busbar or large cables. Installing and connecting to an upper system these sensors in various location of an MV or LV cubicle allow to follow in real time the temperatures of connections. This solution provide an accurate information of the real time temperature status of the equipment. it allow also to run algorithm corraleted with current measurement to detect abnormal heating. It can avoid infrared inspection.

HeatTag is a smart sensor analyzing the air in the cubicle, it detect particles released by insulation materials when reaching abnormal but not yet dangerous temperature. (it "smells" the heat).

The use of one or the other or a combination of both is the result of risk analysis and ratio benefit / cost analysis.

As a rule of thumb in switchboard with low load profile and/or limited number of busbar connections the risk of hot spot due to bad connection on busbar is low, the monitoring of cables connections of feeders with HeatTag only is a good compromise.

On the opposite in Switchboard with a heavy load profile or large switchboard with complex busbar arrangement with multiple busbar connections, monitoring the busbars connection with dedicated sensor is very relevant. HeatTag can then be used additionally to monitor feeders cable connection.

Mathieu Guillot