Red Current Thermal Imaging Survey Prevents Major Business Interruption in a Data Centre

PDF | Print | E-mail Friday, 07 October 2011 12:11

It is always good when you carry out a survey and detect a fault with the potential to cause a great deal of business interuption and expense. It reminds you how valuable and effective infrared thermography can be at identifying serious electrical faults before it is too late. During an electrical thermal imaging survey of the electrical distribution of a Data Centre in London, I identified a poor connection on the main incomer to the LV switch panel in the images below.

Main Incommer Falut | Thermal ImagingMain Incommer Falut | Non Thermal Image

Spot

Component

Temperature

Due to temperatures recorded exceeding the maximum operating temperatures of both the cable and busbar, it was recommended that remedial action should be undertaken immediately. Failure of this component would result in a long period of downtime and would result in expensive repairs costs and compensation claims.

Based on this information the Engineering Manager coordinated the changeover to the back generator supply and set about the remedial works. The cable crimp was detached from the busbar to enable the busbar to crimp interface to cleaned throughoughly. The cable was then re-terminated to the busbar ensuring the correct torque setting.
Spot 1 - L1 Main Incomer 88°C
Spot 2 - L2 Main Incomer 46°C
Spot 3 - L1 Busbar 119°C

A week later Red Current were commissioned to carryout a follow up survey to check the fault had been rectified as shown in the images below.

Main Incommer Falut | Thermal ImagingMain Incommer Falut | Non Thermal Image

Spot

Component

Temperature

Following the remedial works carried out, Image 2 shows a reduction in the temperatures measured, indicating that the anomaly has been rectified.

Contact us to find out more about Red Current's electrical thermal imaging surveys.
Spot 1 - L1 Main Incomer 41°C
Spot 2 - L2 Main Incomer 39°C

Written by Kristian Westerhold

 

Rolls Royce Generator - Bridges Shopping Centre

PDF | Print | E-mail Friday, 05 August 2011 12:17

Whilst conducting an electrical thermal imaging survey at the the Bridges Shopping Centre in Sunderland, the onsite generator was started up so I could inspect the back up supply terminations. I couldn't leave the site without getting some images, it looks magnificent!!

Rolls Royce Generator Thermal Image - Taken by Red Current Thermal ImagingRolls Royce Generator

Written by Kristian Westerhold

 

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Thermal Imaging

Red Current Ltd use the most advanced thermal imaging cameras commercially available.

Our Engineer is certified by the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) to PCN level 2 in conducting thermal imaging surveys for electrical, mechanical and building applications.

Thermography

Thermography enables faults and defects to be recognised and understood by anyone, regardless of engineering background and experience.

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