From what distance can electrical partial discharges be detected using ultrasound?

The possible inspection distance depends on the device or sensor being used and on the strength of the generated ultrasonic signal. There is therefore no fixed maximum distance from which every partial discharge can be reliably detected.

SONAPHONE with BS10

The BS10 airborne sound sensor is designed for targeted detection of ultrasonic signals and has a specified range of up to 8 m.

Among other applications, it is suitable for locating electrical partial discharges and insulation damage.

SONAPHONE with BS30

For greater inspection distances, the BS30 parabolic sensor is available. Its high directivity and sensitivity allow ultrasonic sources to be located specifically from greater distances.

The BS30 has a specified range of up to 35 m.

For inspections of electrical systems in particular, the greater range makes it possible to perform measurements while maintaining the required safety distance.

SONASCREEN 2

The SONASCREEN 2 Partial Discharge mode is specifically optimized for locating and analyzing partial discharges and enables inspections from greater distances.

No universally applicable maximum detection distance for partial discharges is specified. The decisive factor is whether the acoustic signal generated by the partial discharge can be sufficiently detected at the position of the testing device.

The SONASCREEN 2 also provides the advantage of displaying the position of the detected sound source directly in the camera image and visualizing several partial discharges simultaneously.

For all inspections of electrical systems, the required safety distances and applicable operational safety regulations must be observed.