Why Use Infrared?
What is Infrared Thermal Imaging?
Thermal imaging is a technology that captures and analyzes the radiated heat from an object to generate an image. The images produced by thermal imaging cameras identify variations and patterns in temperature. This can provide valuable information about the object or environment being examined.
The benefits of infrared thermal imaging include its ability to detect and locate potential issues that might not be visible to the naked eye. These issues include insulation leaks, electrical faults and loose connections, moisture intrusion, and energy loss.
Infrared thermal imaging can also identify areas of heat buildup, enabling proactive maintenance to prevent costly equipment failures. Additionally, infrared thermal imaging is non-invasive and non-destructive, which helps save time and money. It also greatly reduces the risks associated with traditional inspection methods.
How is Infrared Thermal Imaging Applied to Industry?
Thermal imaging is a powerful technology when it comes to detecting overheating in electric motors, boilers, transformers, power distribution equipment, and electronic devices, to name a few. Its application in industry can help to prevent fires, reduce energy waste, prevent system failures, and improve productivity by identifying issues before they cause equipment downtime.
Thermal imaging is also useful in the maintenance of large industrial plants, helping to identify leaks, blockages, and other potential issues that may not be visible to the human eye.
Overall, thermal imaging is a valuable tool that can help to save money and boost efficiency across many industrial sectors.
Infrared Thermal Imaging
Electrical Maintenance Requirements Under NFPA 70B
NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 70B is a nationally recognized standard for electrical maintenance in buildings and facilities and provides guidelines for periodic inspections and maintenance of electrical systems to ensure safety and reliability.
Infrared thermal imaging is an important tool for identifying potential electrical problems before they become serious safety hazards, and NFPA 70B requires that infrared thermography be used at least once a year to inspect electrical systems and identify anomalies that may indicate potential hazards.
The inspection must be performed by a qualified technician who is trained in thermal imaging and has the necessary equipment to perform the inspection, and any anomalies detected must be addressed immediately to eliminate potential safety hazards.
Adhering to thermal imaging electrical maintenance requirements under NFPA 70B can help prevent electrical fires and ensure the safe operation of electrical systems in buildings and facilities.
Additionally, facilities that fail to comply with this type of thermal imaging maintenance plan are subject to substantial fines from OSHA, the main US government agency responsible for enforcement of Safety and Health legislation in American industry.
At ThermOptix, we specialize in performing regularly scheduled infrared thermal imaging scans for electrical maintenance as required by NFPA 70B to help keep facilities safe and in compliance.