IR scan

M

mannyb

Senior Member
Location
Florida
Occupation
Electrician
I have used a laser thermometer to check temp breakers to check amvmbient temp for breakers/equipment. I have been sucessful in the past but wanted to try this next IR scan device. The IR camera and Laser are is pretty close to each others temperature. My questlion is when using the devices. How much variance in temperature should one be looking for? If most of my breakers read 88degrees and 1 of the breakers read 110 degress is it safe to say theres a problem? In previous experience I have had YES but the camera makes me doubt. I always read ambient temperature of surrounding equipment and compare reading before making the decision. Any one share advice using camera....and dont get me started on the heat from sun. This does affect scan.
 
mannyb said:
If most of my breakers read 88degrees and 1 of the breakers read 110 degress is it safe to say theres a problem
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Only if the loading on the breakers is equal.
How do you know the lower temps breakers aren't only 25% loaded and the higher one is at 60%?

I believe the handle of the breaker will generally be the hottest part (partly because it surrounded by heat sources). I would be concerned if the lug and bus connections are hotter than the handle area.
 
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jim dungar said:
Only if the loading on the breakers is equal.
How do you know the lower temps breakers aren't only 25% loaded and the higher one is at 60%?

I believe the handle of the breaker will generally be the hottest part (partly because it surrounded by heat sources). I would be concerned if the lug and bus connections are hotter than the handle area.
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I agree. The buss does read higher and vary from 15- to above 20degrees higher from one breaker to another in hot spots.
 
Have you taken any IR training or have you received any IR certifications? Since you're asking for advice I would recommend that you start there. Using IR devices can be complicated. Just my 2 cents but without proper training you run the risk of getting yourself into trouble by reporting things that may or may not be an issue.
 
In addition to infinity's recommendation to get specific IR training, you'll also be helped/hampered by the camera you're using. 10-ish years ago, my manager splurged on a FLIR TG-165 for me to experiment with, particularly with checking for cross-threaded QOB breakers in our customer distribution panels. Turned out the thing was pretty useless for that, but it was very helpful in figuring out where customers had air backflow problems.
 
infinity said:
Have you taken any IR training or have you received any IR certifications? Since you're asking for advice I would recommend that you start there. Using IR devices can be complicated. Just my 2 cents but without proper training you run the risk of getting yourself into trouble by reporting things that may or may not be an issue.
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I understand and agree but so far the IR scans performed have shown to be useful. Our company services alot of apartment buildings. So far after making a few repairs showing hot spots has improved dramatically. You are correct its a tool used by trained profrssional on high dollar equipment used for high dollar use. Im using it more as a tool to help disagnos possible issues and so far its been good.

Example 1 we showed temp variance with cover still in place on one unit. We removed cover to discover the interior on its last leg.

Example 2. Resident complain about smoke and called fire dept. Fire Dept couodnt find issue. After an hour of searching we discovered on the roof with scan a hot spot where the LV wiring insulation for condenser had failed against the high and low compressor lines and began to heat up roof lining. Im happy we prevented a possible fire.

. I know Im not trained and maybe this topic isnt suited for this forum. I was just asking for anyones experience with IR scans. All I do is present information. Customer decides to continue with recommendations. I agree I dont want to create false positives.
 
mannyb said:
. I know Im not trained and maybe this topic isnt suited for this forum. I was just asking for anyones experience with IR scans. All I do is present information. Customer decides to continue with recommendations. I agree I dont want to create false positives.
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I have a little FLIR camera nothing crazy expensive, I also have no training in IR scanning whatsoever. I find the camera useful when troubleshooting. As you mentioned it is good at locating burning smells, in one situation was called to look at a few panels that were next to each-other in a warm area on a hot afternoon and everything felt hot to the touch, one of the panels showed a clear hot spot so i was able to de-energize just that one panel before opening it:

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The main issue with the FLIR is the USB-C port did not mate with my phone, so I had to get a short adapter cable, also the battery is horrible drains really fast when using it, or not.
 
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