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Keep Data Centers Running with Infrared Testing

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Many companies and business owners think infrared testing is just for heavy machinery and things like a building’s roof or HVAC system. However, having thermal imaging electrical inspections in data centers can help ensure the entire company is running at peak efficiency.

The hardest part for thermographers is surveying the numerous circuit boards and other devices and comparing them among the different surveys. However, this type of detail is exactly what companies need to keep their data centers running.

Negative Impacts of Data Center Downtime

Companies today use infrared testing to avoid costly shutdowns. The financial impact alone of shutting down production for even one hour can be significant. Any industry is negatively affected by data center downtime, so it’s crucial for thermographers to do a thorough job any time they conduct an infrared electrical systems survey. That’s why so many hire a professional.

What happens with an electric systems failure could vary depending on the type of equipment. That’s why thermographic scanning will analyze circuit boards, servers, cooling systems, switchgears and any other electrical equipment. With the highly sensitive equipment, certified thermographers have to keep detailed records just in case some equipment becomes faulty shortly after the testing; it’s that good. The thermographer has to be able to indicate the equipment was in good working condition at the time of the scan.

How Infrared Testing Prevents Electrical Failure

Numerous things can go wrong when dealing with electrical equipment. A plug can overheat, a wire can be exposed or a server could become overloaded. The importance of electrical testing and inspection in data centers can’t be overstated. Due to the size of some data centers, it’s nearly impossible for a maintenance professional to inspect every plug or piece of equipment on a routine basis. That’s why infrared testing is critical to help locate faulty equipment more efficiently.

Servers are Constantly Running

Even when employees go home for the day, data centers and servers never take time off. These pieces of equipment are designed to handle big loads, but malfunctions can happen at any time. As a result, data centers have to have more frequent infrared electrical inspections than other pieces of equipment in the building. Even one server going down could quickly and drastically impact a business.

Performing IR Testing at Data Centers

When you hire a certified thermographer to conduct an IR electrical systems survey at your company, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing every piece of equipment is in good shape. If something needs to be repaired or replaced, you’ll know it right away.

The cost of infrared testing is minimal when compared to the potential consequences of having to shut down a data center. Whether you’ve done infrared testing in your company in the past or not, contact us for details about the process.

thermography inspection

IR and OSHA: How Infrared Testing Improves Worker Safety

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The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) was adopted to keep employees safe at work, especially those working in manufacturing plants or with high voltage electrical equipment. Many companies use infrared testing to avoid costly shutdowns and to prevent equipment from becoming faulty, but in some cases, IR testing is also a standard for OSHA. Infrared inspections and OSHA are both designed with worker safety in mind. Plus, infrared inspections are beneficial to companies from a cost standpoint. Check out these ways a thermography inspection can keep your employees safe and costs low:

Prevents Dangerous Problems

Infrared problem prevention is only possible with regular IR testing. Many times, a maintenance professional can’t detect certain issues before they become big and potentially dangerous problems. When it comes to electrical equipment, a small failure may produce devastating results, whether it’s from a business or personal injury standpoint.

There are no benefits to what happens with an electric systems failure, so why wouldn’t companies be proactive in preventing problems from happening? OSHA requires regular maintenance to be performed to keep workers safe, and infrared testing plays a big role in this maintenance.

High Safety and Health Standards

The safety and health standards developed by OSHA are only intended to protect employees while they work. When companies hire certified thermographers to conduct regular thermal inspections, the necessary safety guidelines set forth in OSHA are being satisfied.

But simply conducting an IR thermography inspection isn’t the only thing companies have to do. They also have to act on any issues found during the testing. If there is a faulty plug in an electrical system, then the plug has to be replaced before a worker gets injured. Some machines may show signs of wear and tear that could eventually be problematic. Instead of waiting until the machine completely malfunctions and or a worker is hurt, employers have to act quickly to prevent problems.

Requires Continuous Maintenance

OSHA requires continuous maintenance in any company. It’s not required to get an infrared thermography inspection every week, or even every month, but setting a regular schedule is recommended. Not only will these regular inspections detect problems before they occur, but they will prevent serious injuries to employees.

When machinery isn’t working like it’s designed to, employees will use different methods to work efficiently and make production goals. Sometimes, these methods can be dangerous, which is why OSHA requires maintenance like infrared testing. When a potential problem is detected, employers have to act swiftly to correct the issue to prevent injury. Liability here rests with the company, not with the employee, and OSHA fines are steep.

It’s in every company’s best interest to take all the necessary steps and precautions to keep worker safety a priority. If a company takes these steps to become OSHA compliant, then they will at least be covered from a liability standpoint.

 

To learn more about OSHA and how it relates to infrared testing, contact us today.

thermography inspection

IR Testing Finds What a General Shutdown Can’t

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When it comes to regular maintenance for your commercial building, sometimes human senses simply can’t detect every issue. The benefits of infrared inspection include seeing leaks not visible to the human eye and detecting potential problems without having to shut down the entire building.

Companies are beginning to see the value of getting a thermography inspection regularly, and here’s why.

Advantages of IR Testing

Companies who conduct regular thermal imaging electrical inspections will experience fewer shutdowns. This is because the technology can see much more than even the best structural engineer. At the same time, these inspections help a business reduce costs on labor, wear on machinery and time invested in diagnosing repairs.

Plus, one of the best benefits of infrared inspection is you can keep business running as usual during testing. Depending on the layout of your building, the infrared survey could be completed after hours, but most of the time it isn’t even necessary.

IR Testing is for Any Part of the Commercial Building

From the HVAC system to the roof to the building envelope, infrared testing can get the job done. Most companies start with an infrared roof moisture survey, since the roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of a building when it comes to leaking. However, getting a complete infrared thermography inspection completed frequently will help ensure every part of the building will stay in good shape for years to come.

Improved Preventative Maintenance

IR testing not only shows what is completely faulty, but also what components are weakening due to age. This is especially important for electrical thermography, since you can see if a plug or wire is showing signs of being faulty before it actually stops working or causes other problems.

Many times, preventative maintenance can only do so much, since people can’t look at every little detail of the entire building. By doing a professional infrared thermography inspection, potential problems will be identified so employees can target those areas as part of their regular maintenance schedule.

Decrease Downtime and Avoid a Costly Shutdown

Above all else, companies schedule IR testing to reduce downtime and prevent costly shutdowns. If a machine breaks to the point where it can’t be used for an extended period of time, then significant costs could be accrued in the form of replacing the machine and lost time for employees.

When comparing the cost of an infrared thermography inspection to the cost of a potential shutdown, the comparison is one-sided. Not only does IR testing find things a general shutdown can’t, it will find potential problems more quickly before they become major issues.

As more companies turn toward conducting infrared testing, be sure to contact us for questions or to schedule an appointment and avoid having to shut down your business for even a day.

Save money and energy with an electrical infrared survey.

How Can an Electrical Infrared Survey Save Money and Energy?

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Businesses nowadays are looking for ways to save a dollar any chance they get. However, some companies are unwilling to spend even a little bit of money upfront to prevent a larger issue from potentially happening down the road. When it comes to electrical inspections, the expenses a business pays upfront are well worth the cost when compared to a major repair to systems and equipment. So how can you save money and energy by getting routine electrical inspections? Let’s dive into the details.

Inspections Detect Hot Spots Before They Cause Problems

With the help of electrical thermal imaging, an operator can actually see problems in equipment before they escalate. The main reason equipment fails is because there is an electrical issue, including overloaded circuits, bad fuses, loose connections or even defective breakers.

When something isn’t working properly, chances are the temperature will be higher than it would be during normal operation. That’s when the thermographic imaging equipment will detect the bad spot and prompt the operator to evaluate the problem.

Saving Money and Energy

You will pay a little bit to get preventive maintenance inspections, but think about how much you’re saving in the long run. If you have faulty equipment running at a higher temperature than it should, it’s using a lot more energy to operate normally. As a result, you will be spending more money in energy costs, which can quickly add up.

Also, if you don’t have routine maintenance done by way of an electrical infrared survey, you are putting your company at risk of paying a significant amount of money to replace a completely defective piece of equipment. When you’re talking about systems that make your company operate smoothly, you may end up losing more than money, depending on the severity of the issue.

Are Electrical Inspections Worth It?

If you’re interested in making sure the normal day-to-day business operations run without a hitch, it’s worth it to complete an electrical infrared survey periodically. You would likely only need to have the inspection completed two or three times each year, but the long-term benefits speak for themselves.

Contact us with any questions you may have about the thermographic imaging process and how we can help keep your business functioning in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible!

Make necessary repairs with the help of electrical thermal imaging.

Top Reasons You Need an Electrical Thermography Inspection

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identify issues early with electrical thermography.

Electrical thermography can identify issues.

Make necessary repairs with the help of electrical thermal imaging.

Electrical thermal imaging helps you find issues early.

If you own or work in a plant that runs with the help of electronic equipment, you’ve heard of electrical thermography to some degree. However, many facility managers don’t quite realize the value in electrical thermography. Too often, equipment is allowed to run until it malfunctions and needs either serious repairs or replacement, which can cost thousands of dollars. This shouldn’t have to happen, and there are ways you can prevent this costly ordeal. Organizing an electrical inspection is the best way to keep your equipment and pocketbook out of harm’s way. Here are some important reasons to seek an electrical inspection as soon as possible.

Your Equipment’s Overall Status

Think about your equipment from a technical standpoint. How well does it run? Don’t take seemingly great operation as a sign all is well! There could be problems lying below the surface, undetectable to human perception. Parts can always fail quietly, either through simply stopping or becoming misplaced through prolonged use or human error. If you can visibly tell your equipment is missing any components, you want to schedule an electrical infrared survey in the near future.

Maintenance

The safety requirements issued by the National Fire Protection Association change on a regular basis and must be checked frequently to ensure facilities are conforming to these incredibly important precautionary standards. However, despite this information, many don’t follow the NFPA’s maintenance suggestions to the letter. This is understandable because work easily captures your full attention and in the midst of trying to keep productivity flowing, it can be difficult to stop and tend to maintenance procedures. However, it is a highly important element of upkeep for your facility. Have your electrical equipment tested frequently by way of electrical thermography to make sure it’s still operating according to standards.

Electrical Malfunction

Equipment that isn’t working as it should, that fails on a regular basis and interrupts your workflow, deserves immediate inspection at your earliest convenience. This is one of the first and biggest signs your equipment is in serious trouble! The issue could be any number of things, such as resistance- or connection-related. However, you cannot trust your own perceptions when it comes to figuring out the issue. Rather, it’s best to call on a professional. Electrical thermal imaging is the only thing that can take care of this problem—namely, by finding the root of it. A specialist can not only pinpoint the source of the problem but speak with you on the best ways to take care of it before it escalates into something much worse.

We hope this list will help you learn how to discern the best times to call upon the help of an electrical thermography specialist. Doing so can save you hours of productivity, as well as thousands in cash, which can be allocated elsewhere in your budget in even more productive ways. To learn more about electrical thermal imaging and request a consultation, contact us!

Check the integrity of your roof with an electrical infrared survey.

How to Safeguard Your Roof Against Damaging with an Electrical Infrared Survey

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Guard your roof with an electrical infrared survey.

An electrical infrared survey helps guard your roof.

Check the integrity of your roof with an electrical infrared survey.

Have you considered an electrical infrared survey to check your roof?

For building owners and property managers, sometimes a lesson in roof damage is learned the hard way. Most assume if you have insurance, recouping your losses will be an easy process. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. You can be in for a long fight. The good news is there’s a simple solution: always document the condition of your roofing system. Here are a few tips to ensure that process is thorough and effective.

Sloped Versus Flat Roofs

If you have a sloped roof, you must document its condition from every angle. Should something happen, you will be able to prove what the condition of your roof was prior to the damage. Additionally, hire a professional roof consultant, architect or engineer to take stock of your roofing system assembly. Based on their findings, you can make any necessary changes or repairs. Of course, this should be done prior to hurricane or tornado season. Make sure you document all inspections and subsequent repairs.

Flat roofs have a different set of demands. First, you need to have a roof moisture survey done by a certified, licensed roof testing company. This will give you scientific data to demonstrate the condition of your roof. If something happens to the roof, the insurance company should reimburse you based on this professional data gathering. Since the information is from a roof testing company, it is considered unbiased and more credible, allowing the insurance company to move more quickly.

Testing for Moisture

No matter how water has invaded the roof assembly, the purpose of an infrared roof moisture survey is to locate and document it. The infrared scanning cameras used in these surveys are sophisticated and can detect wet areas within your roofing system. By knowing how much of the roof is wet, you can make an educated decision about maintenance and possible repair.

Be Proactive

No matter what type of roofing system you have, the best approach is to be proactive. Your quick action will make it clear to the insurance company you are doing your part to maintain your roof. Lots of business owners mistakenly assume if the roof is only a few years old, there is no need for an evaluation, but this could not be further from the truth. Spending a relatively small amount of money upfront will save an untold amount in the end.  It’s up to you to be vigilant about documentation and upkeep. Whether you choose infrared problem prevention or electrical infrared survey, it’s up to you to be diligent!

Roof moisture is easy to prevent when you take the right steps. Contact us today to learn how our infrared survey experts can keep a small amount of roof moisture from becoming a disaster. Our experienced technicians can help you detect any moisture problem before it’s too late.

Find problems with an electrical infrared survey.

Why Is an Electrical Infrared Survey Important?

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Find problems with an electrical infrared survey.

An electrical infrared survey helps you find problems.

Use infrared problem prevention to your advantage.

Infrared problem prevention is a necessity.

Working electrical equipment is highly important to every commercial facility. However, people often assume because their equipment is functional, there is no need to look into existing problems. In fact, functional equipment is often interpreted as a sign of a lack of problems. Unfortunately, this can be far from the truth. There are a number of reasons you should look into requesting an electrical infrared survey, which span from safety precautions to issues of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Electrical Testing Can Prevent Accidents and Safety Threats

Normally engineers build electrical equipment in such a way it only uses a specific amount of voltage power. When the equipment works as it should, it will only use that amount of power, no more and no less. However, when equipment begins to malfunction, the voltage it needs to operate properly and safely can dip below the required amount. This low voltage condition can cause damage to motors and equipment.

Electrical Testing Preserves Energy and Your Budget

Infrared problem prevention doesn’t stop with just protecting your and your staffs’ physical safety. When equipment uses more power than it should, you are also at risk of much higher utility bills than expected, which eats away at your budget and can actually be the first sign of a problem. It never hurts to be economical. In fact, taking measures to cut down on energy consumption helps not only your company’s costs, but its energy footprint. Businesses are rapidly trying to go “green,” which means cutting down on the amount of energy they use and thereby increasing their day-to-day efficiency. You can hire infrared inspection services to make sure you are running efficiently.

At Infrared Consulting Services, we make infrared inspection services our business and perform them for a wide variety of purposes. If you’re in need of an electrical inspection, we can provide that for you. We hire only the most qualified professionals, who will be able to help pinpoint any problem areas in your commercial facility and talk with you about the best solutions. For more information on what we do, contact us.

Keep your processes running smoothly with infrared problem prevention.

Infrared Problem Prevention Keeps You Safe

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If your company’s line of work involves the production of tangible products, we at Infrared Consulting Services know how important it is that every component of your production facilities runs as smoothly as possible. If the slightest malfunction occurs, you risk the possibility of your entire timetable going off-kilter. One valuable form of prevention against time-killing equipment failures is infrared thermography. You can use infrared thermography at your production headquarters to check for signs of wear and hazards in the machinery and other materials you use on a daily basis. Infrared problem prevention services are not only efficient for spotting potential malfunctions, but they are the safest means of doing so for your equipment.

Get testing from certified thermographers.

Certified thermographers will conduct testing.

How Does Infrared Thermography Work?

Infrared thermography is best defined as a method of detecting the heat (or thermal energy) given off by something or someone. Humans cannot detect thermal energy with the naked eye and have to use special equipment to pick it up. Areas at risk of breakdown typically give off higher than average levels of heat, making infrared thermography the best way to detect any problems arising in your production machinery systems. This method of troubleshooting first arose during the 1970s and has proved useful ever since. Engineers now rely upon electrical infrared surveys to look for issues in their equipment before they can occur and cause harm to production.

These surveys are first performed at the production site, usually far away enough from the equipment under inspection to ensure personal safety, while the production plant itself is fully operational and equipment is working at full capacity.

Certified thermographers can then go on to incorporate the survey readings into a maintenance report, which will be delivered by email. Your report will list the source and solution of any problems detected, the placement and name of the equipment evaluated, a depiction of the reading with a colored chart, information on the boost in temperature and the extent of the malfunction, and details on what part of the equipment is faulty.

Why Should I Choose Infrared Thermography for My Plant?

Evidence suggests infrared problem prevention is safe for your equipment, highly cost-effective, quick and efficient. With an infrared reading, you can save thousands of dollars in lost production and damage to equipment.

Readings can be performed without interruption of regular production procedures and during your normal working hours, allowing you to continue production during the process. An infrared survey can inspect thousands of termination points in one day, making the process much faster than traditional inspections. This means you’ll see results quicker.

Should you decide to utilize infrared thermography for your industrial plant, Infrared Consulting Services hires only the best certified thermographers to perform this service. If you have questions or are interested in our services, feel free to contact us by email or by phone.