Mar 10, 2014

Understanding The Importance Of Electrical Infrared Inspection

By Lisa Williamson


It is the duty and desire of electricians to have all components functioning in the most optimal level. Malfunction is often caused by damages, poor installation work, corrosion or even contamination. The most common sign of a problem in the system is excessive heat resulting from poor conductivity. If left unchecked, the results can range from unnecessary and costly power disruption to very catastrophic events such as electrocution and fires. Initially, more costly and time consuming physical inspection was the only dependable way to keep the system safe but engineers are now migrating to electrical infrared inspection method which has proven not only cheaper but more effective.

Through this method of inspection, it is much easier to locate the underlying problem reducing downtime and equipment damage. It also come with additional benefits such as prevention of catastrophic failures well in advance, help establish repair priorities, improves preventive and maintenance efficiency and provides for testing under load hence avoiding costly shutdowns.

Excessive heat is normally an indication of the underlying problem that must be handled before a disaster. Other than mechanical damages to power lines and other electrical devices, there are several causes of overheating but the common ones include faulty assembly, loose connections, wear and tear, ground faults, contamination and corrosion. Most of these results from exposure to physical elements and thus calls for periodic inspection.

The other benefit of this survey is that there is no need to shut down the system. It is a non-contact a nondestructive form of testing (NDT) that allows for work continuation without interrupting system production. The equipment get inspected under normal loads and the normal operating condition by scanning devices to reveal the existing and emerging problems before it is too late.

This is the best way in terms of cost and time to inspect almost all electrical components. The most common components that need regular inspection include transformers, switchgear, bus ducts, power correcting banks, variable frequency drives, the disconnects, distribution centers and panels, sub-feed panels, the motor control centers, the uninterruptable power supplies, the lighting and the receptacle panels among several other components.

With the endorsement and approval from the InterNational Electrical Testing Association and the National Fire Protection Association and other related regulatory authorities, it is a mistake to continue depending on the manual method of testing.

This form of testing and survey therefore saves engineers millions of dollars improving profitability and significantly decrease the expenses in the areas of operations, testing and maintenance in general. With this convenience and financial benefits, this is a technology you cannot afford to miss in this century if you think of remaining in business.

In order to fully benefit from this cutting edge technology, you must be very keen on the companies you choose for the job. At minimum, the prospective company must have some proven record of good job done on previous assignments. For a good choice, the level of experience of staff also matters.




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