In addition to its other uses, infrared technology supports preventative maintenance for electrical equipment, sensing abnormal heat patterns in equipment large and small. When combined with other maintenance measures, infrared scanning"”also known as infrared surveying"”ensures that equipment is in perfect operating condition, ready to prevent arc flashing, power outages, and other occurrences that could jeopardize workplace safety, damage company assets, and bring daily business to a halt. If your company doesn't use infrared technology but is considering implementing it, we answer some frequently asked questions regarding infrared scanning and electrical maintenance to aid in your decision.
1. How Much Time does a Facility Wide Scan Require?
On average, facility wide scans take one day, a period of time whose shortness results from the efficiency of infrared technology (a subject can be scanned in a matter of seconds). When scans take longer than one day, it is usually due to the unusual largeness (on an industrial scale) of a facility, or extensive removal of fixed covers from electrical gear.
2. How Much Does A Facility Wide Scan Cost?
Without knowing how much surveying a building requires, it's impossible to estimate how much a facility wide scan would cost. For an accurate quote, the best idea is to contact an infrared scanning provider and supply your facility information.
3. Is Outsourcing Scanning more Cost Effective than Performing it In House?
Performing surveys in house brings two upfront expenses: the cost of equipment, and the cost of training how to use it. Conversely, outsourcing is priced based on the extent of a survey. Most small to midsize companies prefer to outsource in the name of cost savings, not to mention the greater level of expertise that typically comes with outsourcing.
4. If I Outsource, How Will I know the Results of the Scan?
In addition to communicating survey results verbally, the service provider will also supply you with survey images, descriptions of what is pictured in the images, final analysis of survey data, and any recommendations for repairs.
5. How Will I Know that a Problem Has Indeed Been Fixed?
After a problem is repaired, a rescan of the subject that had the problem is performed to show that the problem has been resolved.
6. Is it Possible to Repair Problems Revealed by a Scan on the Spot?
Some problems can be repaired on the spot, as long as the proper tools are used and the equipment is de-energized prior to repair. A common example of on the spot fix is one that results from tightening electrical connections.
7. Is Scanning Valuable for Transfer Switch Maintenance?
Infrared surveying is a valuable preventative maintenance method for transfer switches, as it can reveal developing problems in a switch's connections that physical inspections and load bank testing may not.
8. Is there a best Time to Scan a Facility?
Surveying can take place at any time, as long as the subject is operating under full electrical load. Otherwise, early problems may not be detected.
