Analysis of the Risk of Heat Generation due to Bolt Loosening in Terminal Block Connector Parts

Abstract

In this study, the risk of heat generation due to normal and overload currents that vary with the abnormal loosening angle of wire-connecting bolts were identified. The risks were analyzed based on the thermal characteristics to minimize the carbonization accidents of terminal blocks inside distribution panels typically used in industrial sites. We applied a method for measuring the heating temperature and temperature variations in the terminal blocks in real-time by installing a resistance temperature detector sensor board in the terminal block. The experimental results showed that the terminal block model with a low-rated current exhibited a higher heating temperature, thus, confirming the need to select the terminal block capacity based on load currents. Additionally, the higher the rated current of the terminal block with a high-rated current and the higher the degree of loosening, the faster the carbonization point. Such heating temperature monitoring enabled real-time thermal temperature measurement and a step-by-step risk level setting through thermal analysis. The results of the measurement and analysis of carbonization risks can provide a theoretical basis for further research regarding the risk of fire due to carbonization. Furthermore, the deterioration measurement method using the temperature sensor board developed in this study is widely applicable to prevent fires caused by poor electrical contact as well as risk-level management.