Intelligent Power Today Magazine

Infrared and electrical safety: meeting safety requirements using IR windows and thermal imaging

BY COLIN PLASTOW, FLUKE Electronics

By installing IR (infrared) windows, panes or ports, technicians using thermal imagers can inspect live electrical equipment without removing protective covers. Unlike a port or pane, the additional protection afforded by infrared (IR) windows comes from their crystal optic construction, which is designed to better protect technicians under fault conditions resulting from unexpected component failures or work on other parts of the system. This substantially reduces hazard ratings and, in most cases, allows the thermographer to work more safely, minimizing the need...

IEEE Method Vs. the NFPA 70E Tables: Evaluating arc flash analysis methods

BY REZA TAJALI, Schneider Electric

Recent changes in workplace safety regulations have heightened the awareness of hazards associated with electrical arcs. The hazard level must be quantified and workers properly protected before entering proximity of exposed energized conductors. National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) standard 70E: “Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace” provides the guidelines for work involving electrical hazards and the selection of arc flash protective equipment.

In order to select the protective gear properly, one must have knowledge of the potential thermal energy of the electric...