Electrical

Infrared Electrical System Surveys

Infrared Electrical System Surveys can locate incipient failures such as loose connections, overloaded circuits, and faulty equipment before they lead to equipment failure and cause unscheduled downtime. When incorporated into an Electrical Maintenance Program, our infrared inspections can help to reduce maintenance costs, enhance safety, and improve reliability.

To be effective, infrared inspections require line-of-sight access to inspected components. Unless outfitted with IR transmissive windows, panel covers need to be opened or removed. This can be accomplished by in-house personnel or outside electricians of your choice. For turnkey convenience, Jersey Infrared Consultants can provide qualified electricians to open/close panel covers.

All Infrared Survey projects include a comprehensive written report that provides a clear record of your inspection and provides you with information to make repairs before problems become serious. All inspections are performed in accordance with currently accepted industry practice and published standards including NFPA 70B.

Typical problems detected during an Infrared Electrical Survey include:

Defective Lightning Arrestor & Loose Connection

Hot Transformer Tap

Defective Fuse Clip

Improperly Closed Air Switch

According to the National Fire Protection Association Standard 70B, infrared inspections are required annually for all electrical equipment.

In addition to electrical equipment maintenance, infrared inspections are particularly useful for:

Condition Assessment
Shutdown Planning
Commissioning
Quality Assurance

Jersey Infrared Consultants have been providing Infrared Electrical System Surveys since 1984. All work is performed by Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographers^® using state-of-the-art equipment and appropriate PPE. All work is performed in accordance with published standards and industry best practices.

Applications

Indoor & Outdoor Switchgear
Transmission & Distribution
Substations & Transformers
Data Centers
Generators & UPS Systems
Power & Lighting Panels

Benefits

Non-Contact, Non-Destructive
No Shutdown Required
Identify Incipient Failures
Meet JCAHO Requirements
Comply with NFPA 70B

Contact us to schedule your Infrared Electrical Survey.

Sample Report

Survey Standards

Equipment Checklist

FAQs

How does an Infrared Electrical System Survey work?

Infrared thermography is a form of non-contact, non-destructive testing used to detect and document thermal patterns and associated temperatures of electrical system components. Our high resolution infrared imaging radiometers detect infrared energy emitted from an object and convert it into an image which is displayed on a monitor screen.

When a component with an unusual temperature is located, the temperature of the problem area is recorded along with the thermal image. The thermogram, control photograph and problem information are compiled into a report that is available in hardcopy and digital formats.

What electrical equipment should be covered in an inspection?

When planning your Infrared Electrical System Survey, it is important to consider all the electrical equipment in your facility. An incident in a small lighting panel may affect the ability to use a portion of your facility or for office staff to function. Clear here for a Suggested List of Electrical Equipment.

Do electrical panels need to be opened?

Infrared imagers detect thermal patterns on the surface of an object; a direct line-of-sight is required for all infrared imagers. If an Infrared Electrical System Survey is performed with panel covers in place and a thermal anomaly is detected, it will not be possible to know exactly which component of the electrical equipment has the highest temperature. Also, the temperature of the problem component must be high enough to heat the panel. By removing panel covers, individual components can be inspected and problems detected earlier. If the situation prevents the opening of covers, Infrared Windows can be installed.

How do I prepare for an Infrared Electrical Survey?

Proper preparation for an upcoming Infrared Electrical System Survey can help keep costs to a minimum and provide better data. Be sure qualified manpower is available (beware of vacation and training assignments); have keys and access codes for all secured areas; and notify tenants or key personnel as appropriate.

The order in which equipment is surveyed, otherwise known as Routes, should take into account the logistics of moving from location to location and any changes in load demands occurring during the day. A list from a previous Infrared Electrical Survey can be used as a guide.

What safety requirements apply to Infrared Electrical System Surveys?

Infrared Thermographers will need to be aware of and comply with numerous safety requirements. These may include OSHA and Site Specific Regulations, in addition to the National Fire Protection Association document, NFPA 70E.

All Jersey Infrared Consultants personnel are equipped with the proper PPE equipment. For details or to discuss your facility’s specific concerns, please contact us.

What standards apply to Infrared Electrical System Surveys?

Standards that apply to Infrared Electrical System Surveys are authored by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), InterNational Electrical Testing Association (NETA), and Infraspection Institute. They cover topics including procedures, applications, certification of personnel, equipment use and performance standards, and safety. Following these standards will help ensure quality results from your Infrared Electrical System Survey. A list of standards followed by Jersey Infrared Consultants can be found at Standards.

What will my report include?

Jersey Infrared Consultants reports are clear, easy-to-understand, and available in hardcopy and/or digital formats. Your report will include the following sections:

• Introduction covers the procedures followed and provides information to assist understanding the report including priority assessment for problems.

• Thermographer’s Comments will discuss the areas surveyed, number of problems identified and special notation of any serious problems.

• Route(s) that provide a detailed list of all equipment surveyed, including location, type of equipment, identification, status at the time of the survey, and notation of problems along with their severity.

• Deficiencies will be documented with a Thermogram and control photograph, the location of the problem, and a description that includes the following information:

Equipment name and location
Ambient temperature
Temperature rise over similar equipment
Ammeter readings (where appropriate)
Detailed comments concerning the problem

• Avoided Cost Analysis, based on insurance industry statistics, provides documentation of the potential cost savings associated with your survey.