Acoustic inspections
Acoustic inspection
Detect and accurately locate electrical discharge, partial discharge and other early-stage faults before they become visible.
How acoustic inspections work
Ground-based surveys use directional ultrasonic detection to identify electrical discharge signatures across overhead networks, substations and ground-mounted assets. Where vehicle access is restricted, inspections can also be completed on foot.
Identifying and locating defects
Our specialist engineers identify ultrasonic defect signatures and use triangulation techniques to pinpoint the defect location. High-resolution images and inspection data are then captured for analysis.
Part of a wider inspection programme
Acoustic inspections can be delivered as a targeted investigation or added to drone, thermal drive-by and field-based programmes. Combining methods provides a more complete view of asset condition, including defects that may not be visible in aerial imagery or from the ground.

Capabilities
• Partial discharge, tracking and arcing detection
• Defects not visible through visual inspection
• Early fault identification
• Overhead networks, substations and ground-mounted assets
• Fault investigation and diagnostics

Assessment and reporting
Our engineering team reviews the field information and defect data, classifies and prioritises findings against customer standards, and provides clear recommendations to support maintenance decisions.
Our inspection services
Thermal inspections
Field assessment and reporting
Why Northpower?
Our multidisciplinary team combines asset inspection engineers, drone pilots and field specialists to deliver safe, scalable inspection programmes across routine asset inspections, fault investigations and challenging network environments.