Thursday, May 8, 2014

What Is Electrical Infrared Inspection?

By Eloise Hewitt


Electricians can use specialized microscopes to view images in infrared. Natural objects and artificial objects give off heat, and IRs can be used to detect heat not visible to the human eye through the walls of a building or home. When normal light does not work, the technology uses specialized light to view images not normally seen. This type of technology, electrical infrared inspection, is also capable of finding heat given by electrical circuits as well as changes in human cells.

The electrical wires and its components are inside walls most of the time, and electricians can use IRs to inspect the operation of these elements under normal loads. Homes and commercial areas are delicate structures and it is important to use the least invasive procedures that yield the most productivity.

Electricians identify overheating elements, circuits, connections, and components with IR thermography. Professionals can implement preventative maintenance, reliability, and extra layers of safety through the use of IRs.

Homeowners, business owners, and professionals experience significant cost savings when using IR technology. When professionals use the technology, there are fewer interruptions which can increase uptime for commercial buildings or keep the power on in residential homes during examinations. This technology lets professionals fix issues before they happen as well as prevent harm, further damages, and unnecessary emergencies.

Industrial complexes might use the technology so that professionals can spot mechanical problems and keep the complex running safely during the inspection for other employees. High electrical loads are commonplace when it comes to homes and commercial owners, if not in safe propensities, these loads can cause a long list of dangerous failures such as fires, damages to equipment, and meltdowns.

Electric circuitry and its components have a tendency to start fires when not properly maintained. Fires are commonly caused when circuits or their components are overheated. When it comes to commercial or residential buildings, faulty wiring is the number one reason for fires. Overloaded components, bad designs, and faulty wiring can be detected through the use of IRs. Critical components in electric designs can overheat through overlooked bad connections.

IR inspections provide quality results and are advised at least yearly. Time proves to be the determining factor in the state of wires, after a while they will deteriorate with usage. Eventually after some wear and tear, the thermal housings may deteriorate, connections may sever, and components may go bad.

The technology does not require direct contact with anything, but the tests must be performed while equipment is running under normal load conditions. This allows a residence or commercial building to operate while the building is being inspected. If there is a noticeable temperature difference, abnormal friction, or a deterioration of thermal insulation, electricians can act proactively. That is why it is important to have an electrician examine the building as soon as possible as hot spots can fail while in service and cause panics, fires, and ruined equipment.




About the Author:




EmoticonEmoticon