Electrical Industry Canada: Test & Measurement Issue - 6

IMPROVE TEST & MEASUREMENT SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY
BY MATCHING THERMAL IMAGING -ENABLED DEVICES
WITH THE APPROPRIATE CAT RATING
BY ROB MILNER, Global Business Development Manager, Condition Monitoring, FLIR Systems
When you think of test and measurement tools, you are most likely not thinking about thermal imaging. You might first think of traditional tools
like non-contact voltage detectors, multi meters, clamp meters and videoscopes. Today, you can find electrical tools like clamp meters and
multimeters integrated with thermal imaging capabilities. A primary benefit of this matchup is that users can now quickly and safely " visualize "
potential electrical issues using thermal then verify volt and amp measurements, all with one tool. You can even find videoscopes with thermal
imaging, enabling temperature readings on electrical equipment in hard-to-access places, such as underground utility vaults.
Thermal imaging captures relative temperature based off the target's " emitted energy " . This is ideal for professionals that must do inspections
with their target under full load conditions. Thermal allows the user to safety inspect for common issues like loose connections, load imbalances,
and abnormal temp measurements from cables from 3 to 5 feet away from the given target. This allows the user to avoid approaching a potentially
dangerous situation. Most electricians are not looking for precise temperature measurement, they are looking to see if there are any differences in
temperature that are not typical with that target's load or normal working conditions. Given this, the lower IR resolution capabilities embedded in
test and measurement tools are sufficient if the arc-flash limit of approach allows. For applications where absolute temperature measurements are
needed or the target is located at a greater distance, higher resolution thermal cameras may be required.
Users need to be aware that when using a test tool with integrated thermal imaging to perform electrical scans, there are several effects that can
create false readings, specifically low emissivity surfaces, like shiny metals, reflections, forced convectional cooling such as wind, solar loading or
low or no load targets. Given these situations, it is very important that users understand the basics around thermal imaging. It is highly
recommended to take, at minimum, a basic thermography course to understand how to take and interpret a thermal image.
Simply put, when using a test tool with thermal imaging users can quickly and safety pinpoint potential issues allowing them to work more
efficiently and to also be able to clearly verify the issue was properly fixed.
UNDERSTANDING CAT RATINGS
While thermal imaging is an ideal first step in visually identifying potential issues, now we need to consider when the test instrument is being used
to collect voltage/amp data. This leads us to understanding the CAT rating of a test tool. Make sure all meters, test leads and probes have an
adequate category (CAT) safety rating. Sometimes, the only thing standing between an electrical worker and an unexpected spike is their meter
and test leads. If you use the wrong equipment with the wrong voltage, you could be putting yourself and others at risk. So, before conducting any
test, make sure your choice of instrument is correct. Professionals should determine the proper category (CAT) rating required, based on the
highest hazard exposure throughout their day.

ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY CANADA

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

https://www.flir.ca/ https://www.flir.ca/

Electrical Industry Canada: Test & Measurement Issue

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