The classic Johnny Nash song, “I can see clearly now…”, is a tune that once heard sticks with you all day. Infrared thermographers strive to see clearly at all times.
In order for a thermographer to see thermal images clearly and interpret them correctly, he/she must perform the infrared inspection with the appropriate equipment. The infrared imager must have the proper wavelength, for example reflective roof systems should be inspected using a short wave infrared imager. In order to comply with current industry standards, the imager must have controls that permit the thermographer to independently adjust level and gain controls at the time of the survey. Imagers that feature only automatic gain control, commonly referred to as “Auto Image”, are not sufficient.
Jersey Infrared Consultants are committed to providing our clients with the best service. Our diverse and extensive inventory of infrared imagers meet, or exceed, the current industry standards. The training and experience of our thermographers allow us to correctly use the features of our infrared imagers to provide our clients with clear information.
Case Study: Infrared Inspection of Emergency Equipment
UPS systems, emergency generators and fire pumps are some of the most common defenses for facilities. While most facilities perform IR inspections of their electrical distribution systems at least annually, many fail to inspect or incorrectly inspect their emergency equipment.
During a recent Infrared Electrical System Survey, the client made arrangements to put a load onto the emergency equipment. While inspecting the emergency side of the fire pump, two thermal anomalies were identified on the emergency side of the equipment. Based on the thermal findings, two potential problems exist. The left conductor connection shows an increased temperature near the actual connection. The middle conductor shows a “candy cane pattern” typical of a damaged cable or strand within the cable. No thermal anomaly would be detected if load were not put onto the emergency side of the pump.
When performing infrared inspections of emergency systems be sure to:
Include all Automatic and Manual Transfer Switches. Inspect switches in both normal and emergency positions.
Inspect UPS system controls, switchgear, battery cells, battery bus and wiring. Battery cell temperatures should be the same between cells with no hot spots on individual cells.
Have adequate load on the subject emergency circuits. This may be accomplished with normal facility load or by utilizing a load bank.
Jersey Infrared Consultants are pleased to offer educational programs for your facility, staff, or organization. These information-based programs are presented by Level III Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographers® and are designed for all levels and trades, including maintenance staff, upper management, project managers, engineers, and architects.
Seminars range from general Overview of Infrared Thermography to specific application programs. The Overview of Infrared Thermography covers a wide range of topics including the basic concepts of infrared thermography, commercial and industrial applications, and standards that apply to infrared surveys. Our application programs go into detail on specific types of infrared surveys or infrared windows.
All attendees receive written material, including notes and support information to help apply the supplied information to their daily work.
In order for a thermographer to see thermal images clearly and interpret them correctly, he/she must perform the infrared inspection with the appropriate equipment. The infrared imager must have the proper wavelength, for example reflective roof systems should be inspected using a short wave infrared imager. In order to comply with current industry standards, the imager must have controls that permit the thermographer to independently adjust level and gain controls at the time of the survey. Imagers that feature only automatic gain control, commonly referred to as “Auto Image”, are not sufficient.
During a recent Infrared Electrical System Survey, the client made arrangements to put a load onto the emergency equipment. While inspecting the emergency side of the fire pump, two thermal anomalies were identified on the emergency side of the equipment. Based on the thermal findings, two potential problems exist. The left conductor connection shows an increased temperature near the actual connection. The middle conductor shows a “candy cane pattern” typical of a damaged cable or strand within the cable. No thermal anomaly would be detected if load were not put onto the emergency side of the pump.
Jersey Infrared Consultants are pleased to offer educational programs for your facility, staff, or organization. These information-based programs are presented by Level III Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographers® and are designed for all levels and trades, including maintenance staff, upper management, project managers, engineers, and architects. 
