Infrared Electrical Inspection – Detect system overloads, loose defective components and damaged switchgear. Infrared electrical testing finds hot, dangerous problems caused by defects in connections and components quickly. Infrared thermography is used to find areas of excess heat (caused by increased resistance) so that problems can be corrected before a component fails, causing damage to the component, creating safety hazards and productivity loss. Because increased heating is a sign of failure, infrared is the best diagnostic tool available for finding these hot connections in the early stages of degeneration on systems under load.
Lightning Protection System Inspection and Testing – Multivariable Systems Technologies utilizes different techniques for testing LPS circuits—the three-point fall off potential testing method for grounding rods and centerpoise or grounding loops and two-point test for bonding resistance test. According to the NFPA 780 code, the LPS system resistance has to be less than 25 Ohms, however, depending on the specific structure applications—it can be even as low as 5 Ohms in some cases. Bonding resistance is also a measure that we thoroughly investigate and test. A failing bonding connection is usually indicated as an increasing resistance in tests.
An effective lightning protection system typically consists of three fundamental elements:
- Above-ground strike objects (air terminals, catenary wires, structural metal), bonding connectors and down conductors. Above-ground lightning protection systems may be implemented as one or a combination of the following topologies: (a) bonded systems, where equipotential bonding connectors are established between the lightning protection system and all utilities, facility structural metal, etc. (b) isolated systems, where overhead catenary wires completely shield the assets below from direct lightning attachment.
- Below-ground earthing conductors, counterpoise and grounding grids
- Surge protective devices for electrical panels and electronics
In order for a lightning protection system to safely and quickly dissipate direct and indirect lightning currents and voltages, the integrity of all elements of the lightning protection system must be verified and tested periodically to be certain of its protective properties.