Fluke offers a wide range of infrared measurement tools, which solutions are suitable for the electricity sector?

Alexander Bardakov: The Fluke TiS55+ and TiS75 thermal imaging cameras make it possible to detect potential electrical problems in many types of routine maintenance applications. They are ideal for electrical systems, ventilation, air conditioning and heating systems, electromechanical diagnostics and constructions.

Designed to be easy to use, both cameras incorporate infrared fusion which superimposes a thermal image on a visible image to provide more information and put it into context.

It is possible to add images and notes to the work order so that maintenance personnel have a complete view of the tasks to be performed.

What advantages can electricians offer their customers by using infrared measurements?

Alexander Bardakov: The main advantage brought by infrared measurements is time savings. High temperatures in or around equipment are sometimes indicative of an upcoming problem. Our thermal imaging cameras can help electricians find these faults and fix them before they really become a problem. These cameras are designed for daily use, in the harshest environments and in a wide variety of applications.

Handheld thermal cameras are best suited for preventative maintenance, electrical inspections and frontline troubleshooting. For example, electric motors are used in many industries and often run critical processes. The failure of these engines can stall production and cost millions of dollars or lead to dangerous conditions such as flooding.

Tilt-and-tilt thermal imaging cameras are used to target a specific point, both remotely and nearby. These cameras can be useful in many applications, from electrical installations to research and development tasks.

Fixed thermal cameras are more suitable for continuous collection of infrared data. These cameras are ideal for research, scientific and engineering applications.

A few years ago, acquiring an infrared camera was a big investment. Today, there are budget entry-level models. What solutions do you offer?

Alexander Bardakov: Fluke offers several cost-effective cameras with good performance. Our entry-level compact thermal camera is the Fluke PTi120 thermal camera. Designed to quickly perform daily measurements, it automatically captures a digital image in the visible at the same time as an infrared image. Its 3.5” LCD touch screen makes troubleshooting easy. Robust and reliable, it is equipped with an IP54 casing and is resistant to drops from a height of up to 1 meter.

Specific knowledge is required to perform performance and evaluation measurements. What support do you provide to users?

Alexander Bardakov: Fluke provides users with a wealth of information and helps customers get the most out of their thermal measurements. The Fluke Academy program is one of our primary training tools. It contains several courses and seminars that aim to enhance the knowledge of customers. It includes a webinar on energy loss detection using thermography that details how to identify failures in electrical equipment such as cables, connections, fuses, circuit breakers and transformers. We also offer two-day seminars that cover, for example, maintenance based on thermography.

What are the expected developments in infrared thermography in the coming years?

Alexander Bardakov: The use of thermography will become widespread and its use will become more practical. It will improve detection at longer ranges. Some smartphones already incorporate developments that add thermography functions. Drones can also be used to capture images in inaccessible places.

We are also working to further automate the routine maintenance workflow. The first developments have been completed and allow direct recognition by the thermal camera of the resource identifier in the form of a QR code or barcode. Our latest models incorporate this function. The user can therefore assign the thermogram to the appropriate resource in the computer-aided maintenance management system.

How will your solutions fit into tomorrow's data-centric industries?

Alexander Bardakov: The Fluke TiS55+ and TiS75 thermal imaging cameras both have data-specific features which allow users to track their electrical resources by tagging them, either using a QR code affixed to the resource or a handwritten label. Once the images are tagged, staff can easily view trends on each component of the equipment and thus diagnose problems before dispatching a team to perform maintenance.

This data is even more actionable with Fluke Connect software that collects, logs and displays machine data recorded by over 80 Fluke tools and sensors. Metrics can be stored in the cloud to remain accessible for teams, both on a smart device and on a computer.

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