Hawk IR is safest for electrical test - Flir Systems Australia

The potential fatal danger for thermographers testing industrialelectrical and power generation equipment is well documented.

As more stringent and regular testing regimes have been imposed on industryin recent years, studies have shown an average of 5-10 arc-flash explosionsoccur every day in the USA alone.

The legal implications and costs to company revenue, injury and possibledeath to inspection staff and employees pose a series of difficult choicesfor industry in Australia and around the world.

Opening covers to scan electrical equipment introduces extreme risks such asthe potential to arc-flash and electrocution.

The question is how can thermographers detect the early onset of majorelectrical malfunction without exposing themselves to potentially dangerousconditions while still complying with all regulations.

Even the very best Infrared cameras cannot see through glass, plastics ormetal enclosure covers. Infrared cameras require any system to be live or atleast 40% load rated to record satisfactory detection of any potentialfaults.

The answer lies in a 75mm diameter Hawk IR Sightglass fitted to the door orinspection cover. Infrared Sightglasses allow for the safe visual andthermal inspection of internal electrical components without the need toopen any enclosure. The devices can be permanently fitted to low to mediumswitchgear, transformer panels, motor lead boxes and MCC cell doors

The broad range of Hawk IR arc-resistant Sightglasses offer a high-techsolution to electrical testing requirements, while reducing labour costs andinspection times and dramatically improving safety.

Your plant predictive maintenance program will no longer require the removalof doors or covers which can expose personnel to potentially fatal risk inorder to thermally test your operation's critical electrical equipment.

The Hawk IR C-range of Sightglasses is designed for long or shortwaveinfrared thermography and for installation in power systems operating at anyvoltage, either indoor or outdoor (NEMA 1,3,12). It utilises a broadbandinfrared transparent crystal that operates effectively with both long waveand shortwave cameras systems. CLIRVU coated for longevity and prevention ofwater absorption.

Hawk IR is currently the only company in the world to have completed allregulatory arc-flash testing. Hawk IR Sightglasses have been tested to bothIEEE and IEC arc-resistant switchgear standard by independent testing bodiesin 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 Ready.
• CSA, UL/cUL Recognised.
• Type 3/12 Equipment.

The Hawk IR Sightglass range gives thermographers resilient, reliable toolswith which to check electrical equipment and it gives business the assuranceof knowing their key installations can be tested in complete safety.

Hawk IR Sightglass range is available from Flir Systems Australia.