Often, the very problems that can end up costing facility owners the most money – anything from motor failure to electrical issues – are the ones that are most difficult to see because they are hidden from view. Infrared cameras can be crucial to this type of maintenance due to their ability to quickly scan a surface to reveal hot and cold spots in and around equipment that may not be noticeable to the naked eye. Service maintenance technicians have the ability to be the ‘eyes on the ground’ when it comes to anything and everything that happens within a facility’s operation. Their numerous daily touchpoints with equipment make them a clear contender for the role. The difficulty is that they currently don’t have that ability because they are not equipped with infrared cameras, thus rendering them unable to diagnose equipment issues that aren’t immediately visible. Instead, they have become accustomed to using temperature guns to address similar situations.

The benefits of infrared cameras far outweigh those of temp guns in these types of preventative diagnosis situations: �� A temperature gun gives you a number. An infrared camera

generates an image.�� A temperature gun can only read the temperature of a

single spot. An infrared camera gives temperature readings for every pixel in the entire image.

�� Due to advanced optics, infrared cameras can spot temperatures from a further distance. This allows for users to quickly, and safely, inspect small and difficult to reach equipment.

UNLOCKING INFRARED CAMERAS FOR SERVICE TECHNICIANS

44YW65 (2258-21) Milwaukee® M12™ 7.8KP Thermal Imager

They say a ‘picture is worth a thousand words’; an infrared camera’s picture can be worth thousands of dollars.

Up until now it hasn’t been financially viable to equip service technicians with the quality infrared cameras they’d need detect and diagnose hard-to-see equipment issues. Infrared cameras with a desirable higher resolution have historically been at an expensive price point, while more affordable cameras have sacrificed particular features to allow for a more manageable cost. This tight rope walk of choosing between good quality and price has led many service managers to outsource or reserve the best infrared cameras for their predictive maintenance specialists.

Today, changes in infrared camera technology are allowing cameras to be sold at similar price points as 50:1 infrared thermometers. Because they offer more capabilities, but are now around the same cost, these cameras are suitable replacements for expensive thermometers.

For instance, the affordable M12™ 7.8KP Thermal Imager is designed with a higher resolution sensor and DUAL SENSE™ pixel technology which allows the camera to individually optimize pixels to eliminate the blurring of hot and cold details in complex scenes. Units like this are built with ease-of-use in mind so technicians do not need lengthy training in order to operate, and accompanying Thermal Imager Report Software makes analyzing images and generating reports quick and easy.

How Does this Benefit Service?

Let’s look at just a few of the ways service technicians can benefit from infrared cameras:

�� Monitor Motors: A motor’s operating temperature directly affects its longevity. An infrared camera allows users to constantly monitor motors for overheating that can lead to shorter lifespans or looming failures.

�� Inspect Electrical Connections: Loose connections are common wiring problems caused by improper torqueing down of connectors. Loose conductors overheat, causing insulation breakdowns that can lead to faults or arcing. Use an infrared camera to inspect for heat due to resistance from a safe distance.

�� Evaluate HVAC Systems: HVAC systems have evolved into a sophisticated, calculated system. Inspect equipment located high up using an infrared camera to see duct leaks, verify air vent temperatures or confirm proper operation of a zone damper from the ground.

�� Find Moisture: Water damage can come from plumbing leaks, roofing or poor seals around windows and shows itself as colder than surrounding dry material due to convective cooling. With an infrared camera, users can quickly see where water is and isn’t prior to tearing into carpet or walls.

In facilities, infrared cameras are valuable because they can gather information on electrical, mechanical and HVAC systems.

Creating Service “First Responders”

Infrared cameras can help identify anything from energy loss and water damage to heat output. Often, by the time these issues can be visually noticed, damage has already been done, so the ability to observe these issues earlier on can make all the difference when it comes to addressing them. When you give service technicians a tool that’s affordable, with all the benefits and features of high resolution infrared cameras, they now have the ability to do more. With more affordable high-quality infrared cameras entering the market, service managers now have a unique opportunity to equip their service technicians with a tool that allows them to be a key player in determining issues, ultimately providing proactive maintenance in the interim between predictive maintenance appointments.

How to Select an Infrared Camera

Service managers who look into arming their service technicians with infrared cameras should take a few factors into consideration:

�� Image Quality: What is the pixel resolution, how sensitive is the camera to even the smallest temperature difference, and does it feature proprietary image enhancement tools to ensure better visuals?

�� Measurement Targeting: Does the camera have a high distance-to-spot radio, and does it come equipped with lasers for a more accurate aim?

�� Easy Reporting and Documentation: Will the unit capture full data infrared images and include software that provides the documentation and reporting needed to help track performance and analyze issues?

Once service managers have determined the best, cost-effective infrared camera for their service line, they will provide a new level of service – service technicians with the ability to be first-responders to customer issues or potential equipment issues. This will better protect facility stakeholders’ assets, give them peace-of-mind and build customer trust.

Related Linkhttps://www.milwaukeetool.com/instruments/thermal-imaging/2258-21

Motors consume large amounts of electricity; frequently monitoring their operation can lead to lower operating costs.

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