
![]() |
Edward Lowton
Editor |
![]() ![]() |
Home> | Efficient Maintenance | >Thermography | >Constant monitoring of electro/mechanical enclosures |
Constant monitoring of electro/mechanical enclosures
29 July 2014
Infrared imaging does a great job of detecting thermal anomalies caused by conditions such as a loose connections, overhead circuits and unbalanced loads. It does, however, only provide a snapshot of the faults on the day of inspection. A new product from IRISS offers a solution.

IRISS has introduced Delta T Alert, a self-contained, wireless temperature monitoring system that attaches to an electrical enclosure cover. It bridges the gap between infrared inspections by regularly recording and reporting critical temperatures within electro/mechanical enclosures.
The unit is simple to install and comprises two temperature sensors: One monitors the interior temperature within the enclosure; the other, the ambient room temperature. Both are configured to collect data on a daily basis, at specific time intervals.
The data is wirelessly transmitted for analysis and trending and warns the operator if the internal temperature rises above pre-set thresholds. Remedial action can then be taken before the problem becomes serious.
This new IRISS technology can also be specified as an integral capability of its polymer window products. The combination ensures the problem is verified with no operational disruption. The on-board Delta T Alert system sends a remote alarm giving the location of the problem and temperature details. The maintenance engineer can then conduct a thermal scan of the live system, through the IRISS infrared window, in complete safety.
Once the repair is completed and the system re-energised, a second infrared inspection will confirm the fault has been eliminated. The electrical enclosure can then be benchmarked and the system reset with the new baseline temperature delta.
The new IRISS Delta T Alert monitoring system complements and enhances the safety and effectiveness of any electrical maintenance programme and its application is not restricted to electrical distribution systems, transformers and switchgear. It can also be used to monitor the health of a wide variety of motors and mechanical equipment, isophase and bus bar systems, controls and other enclosed systems.