Businesses across the world rely heavily on electrical systems to keep their operations running smoothly. Whether it's a manufacturing facility, office building, or data center, electrical systems are the lifeblood of any modern facility. When dealing with technology that’s pivotal to your operation, electrical failures can lead to costly downtime, safety hazards, and expensive repairs. The good news is that a significant portion of these failures can be identified and corrected before they occur, thanks to a little-known service that can be a game changer for your facility: infrared thermography.
At Henderson Services, we understand the critical importance of maintaining electrical systems to ensure the long-term safety and efficiency of your facility. Our trained and certified Level II Infrared Thermographers utilize cutting-edge technology and expertise to perform comprehensive assessments, incorporating visual inspections, ultrasonic survey detection, and infrared scanning technology. Utilizing our experience can be the difference between a one-time financial investment and a major financial loss that could take years to recover.
Recently, we had a customer who had completed a brand-new building. While performing preventive maintenance with infrared scans, a critical fault was discovered on some Okonite 15kv service conductors. The critical fault was due to improper installation by the electrical subcontractor during that time. Electrical arcing and hot spots on the cable were detected using a UE Ultrasonic Test Probe and then verified with infrared technology via a Flir E85.
Fortunately, the customer trusted our experts and decided to invest in the proper preventive maintenance services to repair the problem before it got out of hand. They ended up paying $22,985 to complete all of the repairs. This may sound like a large sum, but consider how much it would have cost them when the critical fault failed if they did nothing. Our estimate is that they not only would have incurred over $228,000 in damages but they also would have been faced with threats to the safety of everyone who spent their days inside the building in question.
One of the key benefits of an infrared thermography inspection is its ability to identify potential electrical failures long before they escalate into critical issues, as you can see from our previous example. Studies have shown that up to two-thirds of electrical failures can be detected and corrected during these preventive maintenance inspections. This early detection is crucial in preventing costly downtime and avoiding emergency repairs.
Infrared thermography involves the use of specialized cameras that capture thermal images of electrical components. These images reveal temperature variations in the electrical system, which can signify problems such as loose connections, overloaded circuits, or damaged components. By identifying these issues early, facility managers can schedule maintenance or repairs at their convenience, minimizing disruptions to daily operations.
You may be thinking, “Well, I’ve never heard of this service, it must be some fancy technology that isn’t worth the cost.” However, infrared thermography inspections are a cost-effective form of preventive maintenance. While it may seem like an additional expense, the long-term savings far outweigh the initial investment. By addressing minor electrical issues, you can prevent them from developing into major problems that require extensive repairs or replacements.
Additionally, preventing unplanned downtime due to electrical failures can save your facility from potential revenue losses and the associated costs of emergency repairs. Regular infrared inspections help you maintain a predictable maintenance schedule and budget, reducing the likelihood of unexpected financial burdens.
As mentioned before, at Henderson Services, our Level II Infrared Thermographers go above and beyond to ensure the reliability of your electrical systems. Our comprehensive assessment process combines visual inspections, ultrasonic survey detection, and infrared scanning technology.
Visual inspections help identify obvious issues like loose connections or visible damage to electrical components. Ultrasonic survey detection is used to detect corona discharge, a phenomenon that can lead to electrical failure if left unaddressed. Infrared scanning technology, however, is the centerpiece of our preventive maintenance strategy. Its ability to pinpoint temperature irregularities in your electrical system helps us to locate underlying problems.
In summary, an annual infrared thermography inspection can be a business-changing practice for your facility's electrical maintenance strategy. By identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate, you can save your facility from costly downtime, emergency repairs, and unexpected financial burdens.
At Henderson Services, we’re committed to helping you maintain the safety and efficiency of your electrical systems through our Level II trained Infrared Thermographers and state-of-the-art technology. Don't wait for electrical failures to disrupt your operations; invest in preventive maintenance today with infrared thermography inspections. Your facility's future depends on it.
