Infrared view ports

[dynex22]

We have a manufacturing client who wants to install Infrared view ports in their switchgear for future testing. We feel this will void any warranties on the equipment and make it less safe in case there's an arc fault. Has anyone had a request like this?

 

[kingpb]

You can get them when you buy the gear, so why not be able to have them retrofitted? Contact gear manufacturer and inquire.

 

[iwire]

Too funny, I am in a Flir IR class at this moment and we had been discussing these view ports in the class.

But to answer the question, in my opinion adding aftermarket view ports does not alter the listing anymore than punching holes for conduits or controls.

 

[zog]

We have a manufacturing client who wants to install Infrared view ports in their switchgear for future testing. We feel this will void any warranties on the equipment and make it less safe in case there's an arc fault. Has anyone had a request like this?

Installed hundreds of them, no issues as long as they have the proper testing done, I wouldn't buy Chinese ones off Ebay.

 

[big john]

...We feel this will void any warranties on the equipment...

No more so than making holes for conduits and controls and metering.

...And make it less safe in case there's an arc fault....

Regular gear is not rated for it's ability to withstand the pressures of an arc fault, so there is no metric you can use to even if you suspected this.

...Has anyone had a request like this?

We do it often. Putting in IR windows is a far safer solution than asking people to remove covers on energized gear.

 

[Jraef]

Regular gear is not rated for it's ability to withstand the pressures of an arc fault, so there is no metric you can use to even if you suspected this.

Good point.

The only concern I can see is that if you DID in fact buy "Arc Resistant" gear, and you failed to order it with view ports from the factory, it might be a problem to add them in the field. Getting an Arc Resistant certification for gear involves specific testing and evaluation of all components, especially those on the doors and covers, to ensure that they are rated for the blast pressure and properly installed. Although that would not likely be an issue with UL listing of the gear, and maybe not even the warranty, it might cause the gear to become effectively "decertified" as Arc Resistant.

That of course would be somewhat irrelevant until AFTER there is an incident, AND a loss of some sort where an investigation determines that the cause of the loss was related to the view port, i.e. it popped off and put somebodies eye out (all deference to Ralphie in 'A Christmas Story'). Then when the lawyers go after the mfr of the Arc Resistant gear, and they come back and say "we did not ship it with a view port", THAT's when someone would come looking for you.

 

[roger]

Installed hundreds of them, no issues as long as they have the proper testing done, I wouldn't buy Chinese ones off Ebay.

Can't say we've installed hundreds of them but we've installed a few.

Roger

 

[big john]

...The only concern I can see is that if you DID in fact buy "Arc Resistant" gear....

Agreed, I would want to speak with the manufacturer before modifying any actual AR gear. That said, from what I've seen of it, good luck even trying to install windows in that gear: What I've seen of it seems to rely on multiple layers of barriers in order to achieve the containment ability, so you'd be trying to layer windows to even be able to see through to the interior.

 

[Jraef]

Agreed, I would want to speak with the manufacturer before modifying any actual AR gear. That said, from what I've seen of it, good luck even trying to install windows in that gear: What I've seen of it seems to rely on multiple layers of barriers in order to achieve the containment ability, so you'd be trying to layer windows to even be able to see through to the interior.

Hawk (now Fluke) has view ports that are Arc Resistant rated to IEEE C37.20.7, we use them in our gear all the time. The glass is thick and the size is limited to 3" I think, but it's strong. Cutting a clean round hole in the damned near plate steel enclosure door of an Arc Resistant MV cubicle, that's another matter. In our factory they punch the holes before the door is made, it would be a bear of a task in the field.