New Infrared Technologies for Monitoring Electrical Installations
Thermographic inspection with the aid of IR windows is an excellent way of monitoring the condition of electrical equipment and, in particular, of spotting heat-producing faults at an early stage before they can lead to failures and fires. However, this form of inspection only looks at equipment from time to time – typical intervals between thermographic inspections range from a few weeks to a year (and sometimes even longer). For most equipment and most types of faults, this is satisfactory as heat-producing faults tend to develop slowly.
Constant monitoring of electrical equipment
Nevertheless, for critical equipment or equipment carrying particularly heavy electrical loads, more frequent inspection may be desirable. Recent technological developments are making this not only feasible but also affordable. Essentially, the solution is simple: instead of using a handheld IR camera to carry out inspections, permanently install a smart IR camera to continuously monitor equipment such as transformers, line disconnector, batteries, capacitors, etc. Equipped with a microbolometer, the UTC SD can be used to monitor electrical equipment continuously 24-7.
The advantages of smart IR cameras
Images and over-temperature alarm signals from a permanently installed smart IR camera can be transmitted via a secure internet connection to a central location where the images can be inspected and, if necessary, recorded. The images and alarms can also be sent securely to virtually any computer or smart device that has access to the internet.
Once properly integrated into the equipment, the connected IR camera guarantees optimal protection against heating problems within electrical structures. If several IR windows were necessary to monitor equipment manually, it will also be necessary to install several cameras.
As technological innovations continue, the cost of this technology will decrease as will the size of cameras. This means that the cost of multiple cameras can be justified (especially for high-risk environments). Smart IR cameras manufactured by Wintech Groupe (the UTC range) can be quickly and easily deployed in almost all types of industrial structures.
To conclude, as part of the implementation of preventive maintenance of electrical equipment, two methods are available to you: use infrared windows and IR cameras to check the status of connectors frequently or opt for new, connected infrared cameras like UTC for continuous monitoring. These two approaches offer excellent results: the significant reduction of fire risks, the reduction of maintenance costs and the concrete reduction of the risk of unexpected breakdowns of electrical equipment. More importantly, both are investments that can contribute to the profitability of manufacturing companies.
Wintech Groupe invites you to continue your research on the reduction of industrial fire risks by reading our other articles about the advantages of infrared windows.
Thermographic inspection with the aid of IR windows is an excellent way of monitoring the condition of electrical equipment and, in particular, of spotting heat-producing faults at an early stage before they can lead to failures and fires. However, this form of inspection only looks at equipment from time to time – typical intervals between thermographic inspections range from a few weeks to a year (and sometimes even longer). For most equipment and most types of faults, this is satisfactory as heat-producing faults tend to develop slowly.
Constant monitoring of electrical equipment
Nevertheless, for critical equipment or equipment carrying particularly heavy electrical loads, more frequent inspection may be desirable. Recent technological developments are making this not only feasible but also affordable. Essentially, the solution is simple: instead of using a handheld IR camera to carry out inspections, permanently install a smart IR camera to continuously monitor equipment such as transformers, line disconnector, batteries, capacitors, etc. Equipped with a microbolometer, the UTC SD can be used to monitor electrical equipment continuously 24-7.
The advantages of smart IR cameras
Images and over-temperature alarm signals from a permanently installed smart IR camera can be transmitted via a secure internet connection to a central location where the images can be inspected and, if necessary, recorded. The images and alarms can also be sent securely to virtually any computer or smart device that has access to the internet.
Once properly integrated into the equipment, the connected IR camera guarantees optimal protection against heating problems within electrical structures. If several IR windows were necessary to monitor equipment manually, it will also be necessary to install several cameras.
As technological innovations continue, the cost of this technology will decrease as will the size of cameras. This means that the cost of multiple cameras can be justified (especially for high-risk environments). Smart IR cameras manufactured by Wintech Groupe (the UTC range) can be quickly and easily deployed in almost all types of industrial structures.
To conclude, as part of the implementation of preventive maintenance of electrical equipment, two methods are available to you: use infrared windows and IR cameras to check the status of connectors frequently or opt for new, connected infrared cameras like UTC for continuous monitoring. These two approaches offer excellent results: the significant reduction of fire risks, the reduction of maintenance costs and the concrete reduction of the risk of unexpected breakdowns of electrical equipment. More importantly, both are investments that can contribute to the profitability of manufacturing companies.
Wintech Groupe invites you to continue your research on the reduction of industrial fire risks by reading our other articles about the advantages of infrared windows.
