INFRARED INSPECTIONS
WInfrared (IR) inspections are a great addition to your preventative maintenance programs. Performing IR inspections allows you to look into the electrical equipment and determine if there are hot spots. IR inspections can detect heat that is brought on from overloading a circuit, it can detect arcing before it is ever visible to the naked eye, it will see into electrical connections to determine if there are gaps within the connectors.
The NFPA 70B suggests that IR inspections be performed annually to verify that the electrical equipment is functioning properly. The National Electrical Testing Association (NETA) recommends performing IR inspections on an annual basis as well. Some insurance companies are reducing the premiums for insuring the building when the IR inspection can be document on an annual basis.
WHAT WE SEE
The picture on the left is the infrared image as seen through the camera, it shows us that there are heat differences between the phases. The picture on the right is the same equipment, but in digital format, this allows a comparison to show the same equipment through the IR camera. As you can see, there is excess heat on BØ, upon further examination, we discovered this was brought on from a loose connection.
Here at EI, we follow the NETA guidelines for allowable thresholds of what is acceptable and what is unacceptable. For example, molded case circuit breakers are built to withstand a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperatures recorded at the time of inspection are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it is captured with a picture and readings are taken to determine the cause of the heat. This is just one example that EI uses on electrical equipment.
IN NEED OF AN INFRARED INSPECTION?
Meeting Sustainability Goals Through an Effective ISO 14001 Program
ISO 14001 is a widely recognized environmental management standard that provides a framework for organizations to manage and reduce their environmental impacts. By implementing ISO 14001, organizations can establish an environmental management system (EMS) to improve their sustainability performance. There are several ways that organizations can use ISO 14001 to drive sustainability.
