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...

While most discussions about arc flash involve the calculation methods and associated personal protective equipment (PPE), electricians have a number of ways to protect themselves and their gear, including arc-resistant equipment and remote actuation and racking systems that eliminate—rather than reduce—electrical arc-related dangers while providing quantifiable force and other preventive maintenance data that can help avoid future catastrophes.

Similar to any energy source, an electrical circuit is a ticking bomb. It is simply waiting for the right conditions to blow. A twisted pole, faulty interlock, and enough energy will turn an electrical firecracker into a mortal lightning strike. Moreover, what...