Using infrared thermography (IRT) for inspecting electrical
building services is possibly the most established application of thermography
in the commercial sector. This article discusses the benefits of carrying out
periodic thermal imaging surveys together with the points that should be
considered when using a contractor to carry out the inspection.
What is an Electrical Thermal Imaging Survey?
A thermographic survey involves taking thermal images of
electrical equipment including distribution fuse boards, contactors, switch
boards, transformers, motors, battery banks, UPS's, control panels etc. With
these thermal images it is possible to identify such faults as loose connections
and over loaded circuits (the most common cause of electrical fires),
transformer cooling faults, motor winding faults and induced currents. All this
is being carried out whilst the equipment is in operation, causing no
disruption to business operations.
Following the survey, a report will be produced which will
identify equipment found to be displaying faults. For each fault, a diagnosis
will be given together with recommendations on how to repair. Also the report
will provide an evaluation of fault severity which will enable the client to
plan any remedial work around their business activities, thereby reducing
operational down time.
The Benefits:
Unbeatable for electrical Fault finding - There is no other
technology that is able to identify such electrical faults as safely and as
quickly as a survey.
Totally Non-intrusive - A thermographic survey is
non-intrusive, meaning no disruption to normal business operations.
Reduction in the cost of breakdowns - As faults are found
before they cause equipment to fail, the associated cost of repairs is minimal
compared to the cost of equipment failure. Depending on the type of equipment
and its location, the cost of electrical failure can run into many thousands of
pounds in repairs, lost production, injury claims, etc.
Insurance Premium Reductions - Increasingly, insurance
companies are reducing their premiums to companies who undertake annual
surveys. Some insurance companies are now insisting on a thermal imaging survey
prior to providing cover.
Reduction in Risk Management Contingency Budgets - Thermal
surveys reduce the risk of equipment failure and the associated consequences,
e.g. damage to other plant, equipment and property, injury to employees and
public, operational downtime and damage to company reputation.
Points to consider when choosing a thermal imaging company
There are many companies operating in the UK. Some of which are better than
others. If you are to maximise on the benefits discussed above, it is important
to give consideration the points listed below when choosing a suitable thermal
imaging company.
Suitably Qualified and Experience
Check the company only employs thermographers who are
electrically qualified and are trained and certified under a suitable
thermography training scheme e.g. The British Institute of Non-destructive
Testing (BINDT) operate the PCN training and certification scheme. Any report
produced, must be authorised by a thermographer of at least PCN Level 2 Status.
Review Quality Example Reports
Most companies will have example reports on their websites.
Have a look at these reports to get an idea of the level of service you are
likely to receive. Reports should be clearly laid out and written in plain
English. Technical jargon and unnecessary analysis measurements only serve to
confuse the reader.
Check out what Thermal Imaging Camera Equipment they use
The cost of thermal imaging cameras have come down markedly
over the last few years. This has brought about an increase in companies trying
to provide thermal imaging surveys. The cost of commercial thermal imaging
cameras can range from £1500 for cameras intended for basic applications, up to
£40,000 for cameras that are intended to be used by thermography professionals.
However, ask yourself this question, is the quality,
accuracy and level of service likely to be affected by the quality of the
equipment that is used? Most companies that are serious about thermography will
use nothing less than the high end cameras. An example of a suitable camera for
electrical surveys would be the Flir™ ThermaCAM P
Series camera. It has the required temperature range, accuracy, sensitivity and
resolution needed for all electrical applications.
Insurance, Method Statements and Risk Assessments
Comments
Post a Comment