infrared survey priorities

[Andy32821]

Hi Guys,

I’m starting an electrical power distribution infrared survey on a huge (4 million sq ft) convention center. I have to set priorities to get the most out of the time and budget allowed. I am thinking of this order. Please let me know if your experience would lead you to a different order. (My scope is secondary of 12.47 kv/480 volt supply transformers out).
Thanks.

277-volt lighting breaker panels. (90% of lighting is 277 volt)
480-volt breaker panels to house load transformers.
HVAC motor starters
Cooking equipment breaker panels.
480-volt switch boards (800 amp and above)
120-volt house receptacles breaker panels
VFD’s
Motors (bearings)

 

[alehman]

Convention center activity is typically intermittent. It is important to do IR surveys while the equipment is loaded as much as possible.

Budget-wise, I would start on the major switchboards, switchgear and transformers - the stuff that will shut down the largest blocks of load if it fails. Feeder circuits for lighting are important for life safety. For panelboards where you can't readily load branch circuits, check for loose connections on the breaker terminals. That's a common problem.

 

[DanDel]

Start with the main service equipment and work downward. You will find more problems in MCC and panel connections, but these will be of much less priority than upstream circuits.
The most important tip would be to have plenty of personnel on hand to facilitate access to the equipment and the connections to be scanned. In other words, the longer the IR technician has to wait for a panel to be located and opened, the less time he will have to scan. It is not unreasonable to have 4-5 electricians opening and closing equipment covers for each IR technician to maximize scanning. If the technician can just move quickly from one location to the next, where everything is ready to be scanned, you will be amazed at how much equipment can be scanned in one day.
Map all locations out and the easiest route between them, and open everything in each location before the technician gets there. It actually takes only seconds to IR a panel, but it will take 4-5 minutes to open and close it.

 

[Andy32821]

You guys make a good point about the importance of the feeders. I will start at the service and work my way down. Thanks for the help. Andy

 

[Dopler]

Don't forget to do the IR scan with as much load as it can be.

 

[Andy32821]

I am going to buy a new camera for this job. From what I have seen I like the FLIR E4. It's about $20k once you add software. Anyone know of a better camera for this application in this price range? I have been using a "Snapshot" but I do not care for it.

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: Beside a good camera, there is a need for an accurate documentation, drawings, not to overlook any peculiar splices, taps, junction boxes, and possibly ingenuities, the Electrical Contractor has installed.

 

[jbartos]

Small encore: Visit

http://www.thomasregister.com

and type Cameras: Infrared under Product or Service, which will return 49 companies to approach to