There seems
to be a commonly held belief that infrared cameras can
see through solid objects and therefore cabinets do not
have to be opened to see what is inside! Unfortunately this is not the
case!!
IR cameras can only measure the temperature
of what they can see. Before IR viewing panes were used
panels were scanned to see if they had any hot areas and
if these were found a decision was made whether or not to
open the panels..
IRISS realised that there is a real requirement
for panel modifications to allow IR Inspections where
use of IR viewing panes was impractical due to the location
or numbers needed, this is a particular problem with access
to distribution panel bolted connections and cables. Etc….
We have designed a range of panel inserts
based on our tested and patented IR1 & IR2 lens assemblies
which are the only IR lens to have successfully passed the
load, impact and flammability test requirements for IEEE
C.37.20.2 and UL746C.
These assemblies are available in any size
and shape and can be provided as inserts to be fitted by
the client or complete replacement panel covers.
The above infrared and digital images were
taken of a data centre power distribution unit distribution
board, it clearly shows MCB's with loose cable connections
going into the MCB's; as the connections can be seen the
panels do not have to be removed. The thermographer can
now calculate the temperature of these connections as the
transmission rate of the cover is known and decide on the
necessary course of action.
In this case no repair was required as the
temperature categories used to decide the repair limits
were not breached, this was however monitored on a regular
basis to ensure that the problem did not deteriorate to
a point where repairs were necessary.
