Infraspection - Newsletter Archive

Newsletter Archive – April 2017

Volume 6 Issue 4 April 2017

Director’s Message

In addition to the thermographer training and certification for which we are famous, Infraspection Institute have a long history of providing support to the thermographic community at large. Every month we respond to dozens of questions from students, graduates, and others on a wide variety of issues pertaining to thermography and related technologies. Due to the volume of questions posed, and the rich nature of some, Infraspection personnel spend a considerable amount of time responding to inquiries free of charge.

he most recent January issue of the Infraspection Institute Monthly Newsletter marks the fifth year anniversary of our newsletter in its present format. As promised in our February 2012 Newsletter, Infraspection Institute have endeavored to provide you with timely, relevant information about our activities and resources as well as those within our industry. We have also provided discounts and benefits that were available exclusively to our readers.

With this issue we are seeking your help in shaping future editions. I would invite you to take a few moments to email us with your comments to let us know how we may improve this resource. If you like things just the way they are, we would appreciate your letting us know. Should you know of someone who might benefit from our newsletter, please forward a copy to them.

On behalf of Infraspection Institute, thank you for your time and your support. I look forward to hearing from you.

Do You Have the Correct Time?

Most modern thermal imagers have the ability to record time and date along with thermal images. Taking a moment to ensure that the correct time and date are displayed on your imager before you begin your inspection can help to avoid wasted time and the collection of inaccurate data.

Having the correct time associated with your imagery is important for several reasons. With correctly dated imagery, it is possible to:

Accurately document when an inspection was performed
Easily store and uniquely reference image files
Record the duration of a thermal event

It is always good practice to consciously check your imager’s clock each time you start your imager and make any necessary adjustments. Be certain to check the clock periodically during each inspection and whenever the imager is restarted such as after a battery change or power interruption.

If your imager frequently displays incorrect time, it may be indicative of a defective or dead internal battery. To avoid this problem, arrange for replacement of internal clock batteries whenever you have your imager serviced or repaired.

More Information

Preparing for IR Inspections of Electrical Systems

Perhaps the most common application for infrared thermography is PdM inspections of electrical distribution systems. However, in focusing on the inspection, many overlook the critical step of properly preparing for the inspection.

Proper planning prevents poor performance. For IR inspections of electrical distribution systems, this planning should begin well in advance of the inspection. The following are some of the not-so-obvious considerations that should be part of every inspection.

Inspection standard(s) to be followed
Safety standards and rules applicable to the work areas
Thermographer and qualified assistant(s) should be trained as qualified persons as defined by NFPA and OSHA standards
Necessary Personal Protective Equipment including flame resistant (FR) clothing
Provisions for First Aid and CPR
Pre-job safety briefing prior to the commencement of the work

Lastly, infrared inspections should only be performed by experienced, certified infrared thermographers who thoroughly understand the theory and operation of electrical distribution systems. Properly planning for your next infrared inspection can help to improve safety and efficiency.

More Information

Call for Papers for IR/INFO 2018

Infraspection Institute are pleased to announce that our annual Advanced Training Conference, Technical Symposium and Technology Expo, IR/INFO 2018, will be held January 21 – 24, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Now in its 29th year, IR/INFO features four days of networking, learning, and fun in a relaxed, yet professional, family atmosphere.

We are presently seeking papers and presenters for IR/INFO 2018. Invited topics include, but are not limited to: safety, emerging applications, building sciences, related NDT, case histories, as well as tips and tricks.

Presentations are typically 20-25 minutes with 5 minutes for Q & A time with the audience. All papers and presentations will be published in the IR/INFO Proceedings. The deadline for abstract submissions is July 31.

Submit an Abstract

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Professional Curriculum

Infraspection Institute instructors use extraordinary techniques to deliver stimulating, effective, and relevant instruction. All of our instructors are highly experienced, practicing thermographers. Each brings years of unmatched, real-world experience to the classroom. Our courses are taught using a combination of dynamic multi-media presentations, hands-on demonstrations and one-on-one interaction with students. Our courses integrate theory, practice, and case studies in a fun, relaxed atmosphere designed to maximize your learning experience.