Don’t Forget to Label Your Infrared Inspections Window

Although you may be the engineer responsible for installing the IR window, you may not be the one using it. Record all required target data inside the panel; this will make sure that the same data is recorded using the same inspection parameters each time the window is used—ensuring nothing is missed and quality data is recorded each and every time the window is used.

Affixing information labels is an important final step in the installation process. One label should identify what the window is and how to use it. A second label should contain the following information that will be critical in performing a thorough and accurate infrared inspection:

• Each inspection window should be given a unique number. This will be
invaluable, especially if there are multiple windows on one electrical panel.
• Document the type of window (MW or LW) and the effective wavelength of the window.
• Record the transmission rate of the window, and the proper transmission
compensation value for the MW and LW, using your own camera where
possible.
• Record all target data on the ID label. The most common method of
documenting target location is the clock face method: i.e., bus bar
connections at 4 o’clock. It should be noted that there may be multiple targets being surveyed through the IR window.
• Note the emissivity of the internal targets (especially important if you have not managed to standardize using IR-ID target labels).
• Some cameras do not have the ability to adjust the external optics
transmission; therefore, thermographers may use the emissivity settings on
the camera to cover transmission and emissivity losses. If you are using this
method, this setting should be recorded on the label.

Remember an unlabeled window will reduce the effectiveness of the installation! Any best practice needs easily repeatable quality data collection procedures at all times. Correctly labeling the Infrared window installation is the final step to ensuring this happens.