September/October 2014 Volume 2 Issue 4
The days of doing business with a handshake, verbal authorizations, and a simple copy of an insurance certificate are long past. Due to increased security concerns, the current business environment has resulted in clients requiring credentials that are largely unrelated to infrared thermography. Safety, security, and legal departments each have very specific, mandatory protocols. Without proper planning, meeting these requirements can be overwhelming for businesses and problematic for end users. In order to avoid project delays and inconvenience for our clients, Jersey Infrared Consultants thermographers carry Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC) issued by the Department of Homeland Security. Our field staff also meet the requirements of the Secure Worker Access Consortium (SWAC).
Additionally, Jersey Infrared Consultants are one of the few Infrared Inspection firms in the US that hold Approved Contractor Status with ISNetworld. To qualify for this approval, a business must have a full, comprehensive safety program including prevention and recertification procedures. The business must demonstrate a solid business plan and meet extensive insurance requirements.
Jersey Infrared Consultants’ safety compliance, background checks, and drug screening programs are just a part of our commitment to providing an unequaled level of client care and quality service.
An Infrared Photovoltaic System Survey can detect and document serious defects within operating solar panels that are undetectable by any other means. Performed regularly, infrared inspections of Photovoltaic Systems can help to reduce maintenance costs and ensure system efficiency.
When functioning properly, PV panels should exhibit uniform thermal patterns. Thermal anomalies may indicate a potential problem involving an individual solar panel or its cells. Typical problems detected during an Infrared Photovoltaic System Survey include:
- Defective cells within panels
- Faulty wiring or equipment
- Partially shaded or obstructed panels
A leader in commercial and industrial surveys for over 30 years, Jersey Infrared Consultants have been instrumental in pioneering this new application for Infrared Thermography. Members of our staff have co-authored the current industry standards covering Infrared Inspections of Photovoltaic Systems.
Let us show you how to make our Infrared Photovoltaic System Surveys an integral part of preventive maintenance, condition monitoring, and commissioning.
Is Your Roof Ready for Winter?
No one in our area will forget last winter’s cold, wet weather; and the latest prediction is for the 2014-2015 winter to be just as brutal! With that in mind, now is time to prepare your facility’s roof for winter. Left undetected, moisture in a roof system can lead to excess energy loss and premature roof failure. An infrared inspection of your roof can detect evidence of latent moisture within the roofing system often before leaks become evident in the building.
The best candidates for infrared inspection are flat or low slope roofs where the insulation is located between the roof deck and the membrane and is in direct contact with the underside of the membrane. Applicable constructions are roofs with either a smooth or gravel surface, built-up or single-ply membranes. For smooth-surfaced roofs, a short wave imager will provide more accurate results especially if the roof is painted with a reflective coating. All infrared data should be verified by performing an invasive core sample or moisture meter reading.
With the onset of seasonably cooler weather, time is of the essence in scheduling your inspection. Calling us today will help ensure that you will have enough time to make necessary repairs prior to Winter’s arrival.
Following Standards Ensure Good Infrared Electrical System Surveys
All good cooks know following a recipe helps ensure a good meal. In thermography, Standards are the “recipe” to help ensure good results. In order to perform an Infrared Electrical System Survey correctly, an Infrared Thermographer must be aware of and follow Standards from several different sources. These Standards cover safety, training, use of infrared imagers and correct documentation and reporting of the survey findings.
Standards that apply to Infrared Electrical System Surveys are published and routinely updated by the following organizations:
- American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT)
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
- Infraspection Institute
- InterNational Electrical Testing Association (NETA)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
By participating in training classes and continuing education, Jersey Infrared Consultants remain up-to-date with the most current Standards. For a full list of Standards followed by Jersey Infrared Consultants visit our website.