Hawk IR C-range of Sightglasses increase thermography testing safety
Hawk IR C-range
The potential fatal danger for thermographers
testing industrial electrical and power generation equipment is well documented.
As more stringent and regular testing regimes have been imposed on industries in recent years, studies have shown an average of 5-10 arc-flash explosions occur every day in the USA alone.
The legal implications and costs to company revenue, injury and possible death to inspection staff and employees pose a series of difficult choices for industries in Australia and around the world.
Opening covers to scan electrical equipment introduces extreme risks such as the potential to arc-flash and electrocution.
The question is how can thermographers detect the early onset of major electrical malfunction without exposing themselves to potentially dangerous conditions while still complying with all regulations.
Even Infrared cameras cannot see through glass, plastics or metal enclosure covers. Infrared cameras require any system to be live or at least 40% load rated to record satisfactory detection of any potential faults.
The answer lies in a 75mm diameter Hawk IR Sightglass fitted to the door or inspection cover. Infrared Sightglasses allow for the safe visual and thermal inspection of internal electrical components without the need to open any enclosure. The devices can be permanently fitted to low to medium switchgear, transformer panels, motor lead boxes and MCC cell doors
The broad range of Hawk IR arc-resistant Sightglasses offers a high-tech solution to electrical testing requirements, while reducing labour costs and inspection times and dramatically improving safety.
Your plant predictive maintenance program will no longer require the removal of doors or covers which can expose personnel to potentially fatal risk in order to thermally test your operation’s critical electrical equipment.
The Hawk IR C-range of Sightglasses from Flir Systems is designed for long or shortwave infrared thermography and for installation in power systems operating at any voltage, either indoor or outdoor (NEMA 1,3,12). It utilises a broadband infrared transparent crystal that operates effectively with both long wave and shortwave cameras systems. CLIRVU coated for longevity and prevention of water absorption.
Hawk IR has completed all regulatory arc-flash testing. Hawk IR Sightglasses have been tested to both IEEE and IEC arc-resistant switchgear standard by independent testing bodies in both Australia and Canada.
Check the many features built into the Hawk IR Infrared Sightglass range:
- Up to 50kA arc-resistant
- Flexible broadband optic
- Visual inspection capability
- Fusion readyCSA, UL/cUL recognised
- Type 3/12 equipment
The Hawk IR Sightglass range gives thermographers resilient, reliable tools with which to check electrical equipment and it gives business the assurance of knowing their key installations can be tested in complete safety.
10-Dec-2007