ECN Electrical Forum - Discussion Forums for Electricians, Inspectors and Related Professionals
ECN Shout Chat
ShoutChat
Recent Posts
Increasing demand factors in residential
by gfretwell - 03/28/24 12:43 AM
Portable generator question
by Steve Miller - 03/19/24 08:50 PM
Do we need grounding?
by NORCAL - 03/19/24 05:11 PM
240V only in a home and NEC?
by dsk - 03/19/24 06:33 AM
Cordless Tools: The Obvious Question
by renosteinke - 03/14/24 08:05 PM
New in the Gallery:
This is a new one
This is a new one
by timmp, September 24
Few pics I found
Few pics I found
by timmp, August 15
Who's Online Now
1 members (CoolWill), 250 guests, and 13 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#170599 11/06/07 09:09 PM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 91
S
Member
Does anyone here perform thermal imaging ? Years ago, the contractor I worked for was hired to perform repairs of electrical equipment that was found to have potential problems diagnosed with the thermal imaging.

We were given printouts of each piece of equipment which had a thermal image attached that pointed out the problem area. We wound up cleaning contacts, tightening lugs, etc.


Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3
S
Junior Member
I use thermal imaging as a pre service for our customers. Do you have any images to show?

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,923
Likes: 32
G
Member
There are a couple guys over at NACHI (home inspectors) with FLIR cameras. They have posted some interesting panel pictures


Greg Fretwell
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 348
I
ITO Offline
Member
A guy called me last week wanting to rent me a TI camera, and one of my jobs requires it at closeout so he is sending me some information. If you want I will post it when it gets here.


101° Rx = + /_\
ITO #170619 11/07/07 11:50 AM
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 301
J
Member
Some industrial facilities require thermogaphy inspection on set intervals. These test's are very good at identifying potential problems and allow you to act before the problem becomes a unexpected shut down or catastrophic failure of the equipment.
It is pretty expensive. But worth every dime if you are counting on the equipment not to fail as I mentioned above.

A good test will result in a picture, location, temp, and severity of the identified "hot spots".

It can also be a good tool on moving equipment like conveyors and motors. I had tech tell me which belt would fail first on a six belt pulley. I maked the belt and sure enough it did fail first. It's good for bearings too.

Overhead bus is another great example. No ladder, no opening of covers. Pic's performed from the floor. I am not sure how reliable this is though.

It's a great maintenance tool. We finally bought one for our company and sent one of our guys to school to learn how to operate it correctly.

JValdes #170622 11/07/07 12:21 PM
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 120
Z
Zog Offline
Member
Dont assume its that easy, IR scanning is not point and shoot, there is alot to know about emmisstivity, material properties, reflection, and Delta T values. Many companies will specifiy the level of certification (Yes, certification)for persons performing IR scanning services.

I have seen alot of EC's try this on thier own without any clue to what they are doing and ending up very bad for them.


MV/HV Testing Specialist, "BKRMAN"
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,335
S
Member
I have an IR cam I use in my work. As with every tool, it has is pluses and minuses. If you understand the technology and know how to apply it, IR scanning is a powerful tool when it comes to predictive maintenance and trouble shooting. I coworker of mine found a pinhole leak in a water pipe in a wall. They knew they had a leak but did not know where. The old way would have been was take a guess and punch a hole until it is found. I used it and found a lingering problem in an extensive lighting system. With the pics in my report expedited the replacement project of the lighting system. I have also use it to TS an electic heat mat system. Although it was under 2 inches of asphalt, you can see in the pics the heat wire in the mat as it zig-zags back and forth. It can be used to find mold, poor insulation, and even studs in a wall. Is there any particular info you are looking for?


"Live Awesome!" - Kevin Carosa
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3
S
Junior Member
You guys got it right. Experience will make you a better scanner.Finding a hot spot,making the repair,then rescanning.You can debug a new job "get'er done" or recommend repairs to an old neglected system.I'll post a few pictures when I get a chance.

Try this for bad judgment sparkyinak!
I started scanning with a detector mounted on a gun stock...scanning pole mounted transformers....in the middle of a parking lot...in Toronto. Thank God for hand held imagers Lest I request a kevlar vest!lol

Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3
S
Junior Member
You guys got it right. Experience will make you a better scanner.Finding a hot spot,making the repair,then rescanning.You can debug a new job "get'er done" or recommend repairs to an old neglected system.I'll post a few pictures when I get a chance.

Try this for bad judgment sparkyinak!
I started scanning with a detector mounted on a gun stock...scanning pole mounted transformers....in the middle of a parking lot...in Toronto. Thank God for hand held imagers Lest I request a kevlar vest!lol

Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 91
S
Member
The reason I started thinking about thermal imaging is for business reasons. Since I am trying to grow my business I was considering expanding into thermal imaging.

I haven't picked a particular brand. I have noticed that Fluke has a few models available. Any recommendations from those currently using TI cameras ?

Also, any suggestions for building a customer base for this service ?

Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5