Infrared window supply and installation services

You might be wondering what infrared window testing enables? When you choose Geo Therm Ltd for Infrared Window Testing there are a number of things our surveys can show, including;

1. Collection of real-time, condition status data on critical electrical systems and components under full load using the window without opening panels.
2. Mitigates the risk of injury or death of electrical workers who perform these inspections because the window maintains an enclosed and guarded condition, so personnel can perform temperature readings, thermal imaging and visual inspection without exposure to energized compartments.
3. A comprehensive, safe and intelligent protocol be designed and used for performing essential energized inspections on electrical equipment.

IR Windows are one example of an Electrical Maintenance Safety Device [EMSD] that allows safe access for a thermographer to inspect energized electrical equipment. A previous article discussed EMSDs and why they are important in today’s environment.

Specifically developed for infrared and visual inspections, we sell, fit and utilise Fluke, CorDEX, LumaSense (formally Mikron) and IRISS infrared windows. The units are typically made of a steel or an aluminium ring with a transparent crystal lens. Installation allows hot-spot capture whilst maintaining enclosure rating. Infrared inspection windows are easily fitted into many types of electrical equipment such as switchboards, switchgear, transformers, MCC’s and generator housings. The benefits include:

• Compliance with NFPA 70E requirement for visual and infrared verification of energized electrical equipment, without the need to open covers and become exposed to energized equipment and the potential of arc-flash incidents.
• Inspection windows are low cost and simple to install.
• Fitting does not raise the risk of creating an electrical hazard, instead they eliminate the typical high-risk behaviours that can create an arc flash incident to occur.
• The infrared inspection windows provide an easy way for companies and personnel to comply with regulatory (OSHA/CSA) and insurance mandates, to proactively protect workers by reducing electrocution and arc-flash risk.
• Infrared inspection windows meet all relevant UL, CSA, IEC, and IEEE standards and are tested by approved agencies such as UL, KEMA, and TUV. Tested samples have withstood HV 11kVA+ arcs, vibration, drop and extreme humidity tests and have (where stated) a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.
• Retro-fitting infrared inspection windows eliminate the high‐risk behaviours and arc–flash triggering events involved with open‐panel inspections.
• Infrared inspections are able to be completed at peak loading times on all switchgear types and allows for one thermographer to complete the survey, thus reducing the traditional high manpower costs associated with live IR inspections.
• Retro-fitting infrared inspection windows allows the inspection of previously uninspected equipment to be achieved, permitting the inspection of critical systems more frequently, with minimal paperwork as systems remain locked.
• Monitor systems which is suspected to fail, whilst maintaining safety of personnel
• Free up critical personnel who can be utilized elsewhere rather than helping to remove and reinstalling panel covers.
• Save time and money. Eliminate over 90% of the time involved with standard IR inspections.

Due to the nature of electrical switchgear, 90% of components that an electrician or thermographer wants to inspect are normally locked behind bolted panel covers, cabinet doors with switched interlocks, making it dangerous to safely remove and routinely inspect live switchgear during live PM assessments.

Safe working practices outlined in NFPA 70E have led to the development of retro-fitting infrared windows, which are now an approved method for live visual and infrared inspections. Geo Therm Ltd will provide the correct IR window, install it and provide an IR inspection for your electrical equipment needs.