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Electrical Predictive Maintenance |
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The Electromagnetic Spectrum: Graphic Chart |
| The electromagnetic_spectrum shows the relationship of varying forms of energy including the visible light that we see with our eyes. All energy in the spectrum moves at the speed of light. As you go to the right on the chart below the wavelength increases. If you draw a wave the distance between the peaks of each wave is known as it's "wavelength". |
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| Visible Light is a very narrow portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.............All objects emit infrared energy...............Reflected Infrared energy VS. Emitted Infrared Energy.
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Gamma_Rays &
X-Rays
These rays have the shortest wavelength and produce a tremendous amount of energy. These waves can penetrate most objects. |
UV, Visible &
Infrared Energy
Visible light is a very narrow portion of the entire spectrum. Infrared energy is very similar to visible light but is usually associated with heat. All objects radiate infrared energy. Infrared Cameras can convert this energy into a visual representation of the thermal differences in the scene. |
Microwaves &
Radio Waves
These are the longest of waves. Radio waves can reach wavelengths of 1 kilometer or more. Radio waves can be used to image distant objects (radio telescope). |
Using Infrared Cameras for
electrical predictive maintenance in facilities.
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As temperature in a conductor rises, so does it's resistance. Conversely,
as resistance increases the temperature rises. The majority of electrical
problems involve improperly torqued connections or components improperly
installed at junction points in buss ducts and disconnects. |
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loosely torqued connector effectively reduces the surface area in
which electrical current can flow and causes an increase in the contact
resistance. Oxidation build up at the connection point can also cause
a rise in current resistance. The origin of conductor, insulation,
and component type electrical problems can be traced to a poor connection
by a trained thermographer using an infra-red camera. |
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Infrared Cameras detect over
loaded electrical circuits
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Loose and
dirty connections may be the most common electrical faults found in
most facilities but overloaded circuits can and do fail with disastrous
consequences. Fortunately, we can detect overloaded and phase to phase
problems with infrared technology. |
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| An overloaded
circuit occurs when the draw of a component is greater than the weakest
link in the electrical_circuit. Using an smaller gauge wire than a
particular component was designed for is a good example. The wire
is designed to pass current but not that much current. As a result
the conductor becomes resistive. The images on this page are of an
overloaded main distribution panel. The actual problem was elsewhere
in the facility but because it was overloading the circuit the effects
were seen along the entire wire run. | | |
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Electrical predictive maintenance
inspection Thermal IR procedures
If properly
conducted infrared electrical surveys are safe, fast, and reliable.
Thermal inspections are non contact. Inspections can be performed
at any time without shutting down the facility. Electrical, mechanical,
furnace, refractory, and most process applications can be handled
by the right thermal camera and a trained operator. The following
outlines the very basics of a successful electrical predictive maintenance
survey.
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Meet with
appropriate staff on site and review the service order covering
what will be inspected, who will accompany the thermographer, and
what type of reporting is expected (i.e. videotape, written report,
and / or verbal reporting).
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Prepare
inspection with the designated staff member or electrical contractor.
Have them remove panels to prepare access to components. Discuss
each type of component to determine how you will inspect it. Have
them determine (with clamp on ammeter) that electrical circuits
are operating at 50% of rated load or more, if possible.
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Safety
Tip:
A
qualified electrical contractor or facility engineer should always
accompany you on the inspection. Have them open the panels and guide
your access to components. They can also provide useful information
on components you are inspecting (making your job easier).
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Inspect
with infrared camera. Record the sharpest images you can. Be wary
of reflections and emissivity values. Keep detailed records of load
reading, temperature measurements, and all infrared images of any
suspect components found
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Safety
Tip:
When
inspecting electrical panels and components be aware of your distance.
High energy electrical power can arc out and ruin your day!
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Prepare
the report. Write a clear concise report of all problem areas found.
Include your load readings, live and thermal images, and properly
written recommendations.
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Hint:
Whenever possible, inspect electrical systems when loading exceeds
50%
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The above information
covers the basic steps. Proper training should be undertaken before
you begin working. Contact
us for free expert evaluations and recomendations for your custom
applications. |
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Grant
Information
Many academic and technical
schools provide training for
weatherization programs, energy
audit programs, electrical maintenance,
electrician, HVAC and more.
Many of these schools are eligible
for grant assistance from the
local, state and federal level.
Retraining programs like workers
comp and VA Medical rehab are
also good sources of possible
grant assistance for companies
and individuals.
Carl
D Perkins Act
If
your state uses this grant it
seems that there is good cause
and precedence to apply for
thermal imaging equipment and
thermography infrared cameras.
This act provides for almost
1.4 Billion dollars annualy
toward education. Types of Activities
Supported: State and local funds
generally are to be used for
the following types of activities:
Serving as a catalyst for change
by driving program improvement
Developing a strong accountability
system that ensures quality
and results
Strengthening the integration
of academic, career and technical
education
Ensuring access to career
and technical education for
special populations, including
students with disabilities
Developing and improving curricula
Purchasing equipment
to ensure that the classrooms
have the latest technology
Providing career guidance and
academic counseling services
Providing professional
development and technical assistance
for teachers, counselors and
administrators
Supporting career and technical
education student organizations
Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Analysis
