SKF Thermal Imager IR Windows
Infrared Windows or IR Windows allow Thermal Imagers to be used for safer electrical inspections by reducing exposure to Electrical Hazards. As stated in NFPA 70E, the Electrical Safety Standard in the Workplace, all electrical locations are categorized into CAT I, II, III, and IV. These CAT ratings classify the risk and hazard possibility for danger in all electrical locations. In order to be in Compliance with this standard, appropriate clothing and equipment (PPE-Personal Protection Equipment) is required in order to enter the selected area and proceed with any testing or evaluations. With the use of installed Thermal IR Windows, you will be able to perform safer and more efficient Low and High Voltage Electrical Inspections without exposing personnel to any increased risk.
Opening electrical cabinets to perform IR and visual inspections of live components is dangerous work, which exposes the operator to the risk of a hazardous arc flash. Installing an IR Window on an entry door allows Thermal Imagers to be used to gather important temperature measurements without exposing your personnel to any increased risk. These Arc-Resistant, indoor/outdoor certified, infrared windows allow thermal, ultraviolet, visual, and fusion technologies to be used without exposing personnel to live equipment and possible serious and dangerous conditions.
Features of Windows
- Minimizes time and cost of complying with NFPA 70E requirements for electrical inspections
- Decreases risk of injury due to arc flash incidents
- Perform Visual Inspections
- Perform Thermal Inspections
- Integrity and environmental ratings of cabinets and doors are intact following window installation
- Variety of Sizes to match Thermal Imagers
- Easy to install
Applications
- Arc Resistant
- For Indoor/Outdoor use
- Waterproof meets IP65
- Available in different diameters
Why is available area important?
Understanding the difference between “Optic Diameter” and “Available Area” gives the thermographer a measure of how much infrared energy is passing through the window. The more energy, the better the reading. Using a crystal IR Window means that the entire area is available for infrared transmission for optimum repeatability and results. While a mesh grid may have a larger “Optic Diameter” the grid itself blocks the IR signal, meaning that the amount of radiation available to the camera is significantly reduced and the signal may be irregular.
Purpose for Electrical Thermal Imager Inspections
As described above, NFPA 70E details information as required to efficiently and safely perform Electrical Inspections. These inspections must be made on a regular basis since electrical connections and conductors may be loose, corroded, overheated, under rated, carry increased load, or just in a critical condition where excessive heat becomes a dangerous problem. The temperature rise or differential may be extremely important in maintaining an efficient system and its components. By utilizing a Thermal Imaging Camera, many possible problems may be observed and corrected before any dangerous situation exists. If the location of these Electrical components, transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, relays, timers and all components is in an area that requires PPE that is not readily or quickly available, an IR Window allows the technician to perform the inspection and provide the results.
Learn More About CAT Ratings
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Click the image or the link below to learn more about CAT Ratings.
Also, please see NFPA 70E for complete details regarding equipment and PPE protective clothing.
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Review
Using Thermal Imager IR Windows offers an opportunity to Electrical Inspection Teams, Consultants, Engineers, Maintenance Personnel, Management and Facility Managers an opportunity to Measure and Evaluate without entering a dangerous electrical location. Please call one of our Certified Thermographers for a complete discussion and appropriate solution to your specific application.