Sample Report - Infrared Testing
The goal of every ECI infrared electrical
inspection is to provide an identification of all elevated temperatures -
potential fire, explosion, or service interruption threats commonly known as
"hot spots."
In addition, ECI documents and
categorizes all secondary operating deficiencies (mismatched fuses, broken
panels, etc.) as part of our standard IR inspection procedure. Details of this
"enhanced" form of infrared electrical inspection are provided
below.
Each test report begins with a full
explanation of the testing procedure - including basic theory, background
information, hot spot calculations, and other details. A complete inventory of
every piece of equipment according to physical location is provided, as well as
separate documentation of all problem hot spots. Summaries are provided in both
graphic and narrative formats.
Within the entire report, the detail
sheet for each hot spot location holds the most valuable information. This
detail page holds all data and statistical calculations associated with our
inspection in a compact, well organized, and understandable format - providing
an easy identification and follow-up repair for any electrician.
A sample copy of a typical detail page is
represented below. Due to the limitations of reproducing an accurate copy of
the actual 8-1/2 x 11 page within this frame, we have broken out the page for
an expanded view and further information. Simply move the mouse over any area
of interest and click to view it in greater detail. Click the expanded image to
return to this page.
The above IR test information is provided
separately for each and every hot spot area identified. In addition, a summary
section identifies the amount of equipment inspected or not inspected, the
relative severity of the problems found, and the number of areas to address at
the next inspection cycle.
An exact count of the types of electrical
and mechanical equipment is also provided, and lists the number of hot spots
found relative to each equipment type. This often serves useful in highlighting
a specific problem area which may be in need of general maintenance.
While the identification of hot spot
defects remains the major objective of our inspection program, ECI has long
supported the need to address those secondary equipment problems which,
although they do not produce heat, are equally capable of creating an
electrical service disruption.
Itemized in our "enhanced" IR
report are genuine operating concerns such as equipment which may have
mechanical defects, broken latches or panel doors, loose components, burned out
lamps, or mismatched fuses, etc. We identify all ATS switches and equipment not
tested in emergency mode, all equipment which is not in use, panels which are
energized but not running, as well as all standby, momentary or intermittent
service equipment.
In the above example, two previous
attempts to inspect this fuse disconnect panel failed due to a defective door
lock. On the third attempt, an engineering mechanic forced the door open with a
pry bar - shorting the fuse to ground as a result.
Below, our infrared inspection identified
the use of flattened copper pipe in place of the appropriate 250 amp. fuses.
While there was no heat generated to trigger a hot spot report, this very
serious potential problem was prominently noted in our secondary deficiencies
section.
The secondary deficiencies section of our
report itemizes problems by their type, and by the areas located. A sample page
is provided below. You can click on the image to view it in greater detail, and
then click the expanded image to return back to this page.
Identifying any out of service or
otherwise untested equipment provides an awareness of areas where electrical
problems could potentially still occur, and highlights priority locations for
special attention at the next inspection period. Our upgraded format even
documents all unlabeled or mislabeled equipment.
Read more about what
services are covered under our "enhanced" IR inspection and reporting
format.
Along with the summary and detail
sections of a typical report, we also include a series of five graphs designed
to provide a quick overview of the infrared inspection results. These graphs
help trend the measured hot spot values, list the percentage of different hot
spot priorities and equipment involved, show the percentage of equipment types
tested, and show the relative number of secondary defects found. Reprints from
a previous client report are offered below.
Graph # 1 - Trend of IR Measured Values
This illustration shows the variation of all measured temperatures and
calculated hot spot values. The hot spot temperature rise for each location is
shown in yellow, and is the critical value.
Graph # 2 - Percentage of Hot Spot Problems
According
to Repair Priority
Graph showing the relative number of problems for each repair priority
level of 1 through 5. Priority levels not shown indicate the absence of hot
spot problems in that temperature range.
Graph # 3 - Proportion of Equipment Types
Inventoried
Illustration showing the relative percentage of all equipment which has
been inventoried in this report. Equipment is grouped according to general
equipment type classifications.
Graph # 4 - Classification of Hot Spot Problems
by
General Equipment Type
Illustration showing the relative percentage of hot spot problems found
at the primary mechanical and electrical equipment types.
Graph # 5 - Proportion of Equipment Deficiency
Types
Illustration showing the relative percentage of different problems,
defects and testing deficiencies other than those related to elevated
temperatures. Not all deficiencies listed may warrant corrective action.
As a result of any infrared inspection,
problem hot spot areas may be found which exist from a minor 5 degrees over
ambient conditions, to an impending melt down. Typically, all significant
problems are bought to the attention of the electrical department immediately.
Less severe problems are typically scheduled for maintenance as time
permits.
In order to direct attention to the most
important problem areas first, ECI provides a repair priority sheet summarizing
all hot spots found. This allows for maintenance to be scheduled according to
the level of importance, and provides for the electrician to sign off as
repairs are completed.
Overall, our infrared electrical
inspection program exceeds the level of performance provided by other service
companies. Our "enhanced" level of testing not only provides the basic
information about existing hot spots, but offers building management
professionals an added level of preventative maintenance by detailing those
areas which have the potential to cause operating difficulties - important in
today's critical services environment.
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