Tuesday 11 March 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.

It is a good practice to inspect all electrical system components twice a year or at least every 12 months at minimum. When properly conducted, it is possible to detect and prevent accidents well in advance before they occur. For the equipment and the control systems that are subjected to movements and vibrations, every six months inspection is not optional.

In normal distribution, infrared surveys should be conducted on annual basis and is considered part of a regular preventive and maintenance program. This form of testing makes it possible to inspect a large number of components within the shortest time possible locating the faulty items in the system that could not be located through the physical survey or testing.

The devices that requires infrared surveys are the bus ducts, the distribution center, the distribution panels, receptacle panel, the transformers, lighting system, switchgears, disconnects and other components that make up the system. If well done, the uninterruptable power supply can be achieved as there is no need to shut down the system. The process of inspection takes place under the normal load without any disturbance to normal supply.

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.

This form of inspection is endorsed and recommended by several associations and regulatory bodies such as the InterNational Electrical Testing Association and National Fire Protection Association among several others. It has 1 to 4 returns on investment for both the labor and material used. It is this cost benefit analysis that make is a viable business for many companies that now offer this service.

There are several benefits that comes with infrared surveys among which include the ability to pinpoint the real hot spot, the reduced down time, elimination of unplanned power outages, ability to cut down on the cost of maintaining electrical system and minimization of possible hazards and related disasters. This all translates to an efficient and reliable electrical system with reduced cost of power supply.

Part of the decision to use this cutting edge infrared detection technology requires that the companies you choose for your inspection job are certified. They should have experienced engineers for the job with a proven work record. With the correct inspectors, you will be able to significantly reduce unscheduled power outages and increase energy efficiency, safety and dependability in general.




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