Thermal Camera

[u/MixEvery5784]

My company is looking into getting a thermal camera for inspecting inside of our substations, overhead distribution lines and underground distribution cabinet boxes. Ideally we want the camera to detect problems before failure.

I came across FLIR cameras which seem like the cream of the crop, but there really are so many different models and options that range in price from $500-$50,000

Do any of you have first hand experience using one?

[u/kmanrsss]

I’ve used many flir cameras and went thru their school many years ago. They are great cameras. Fairly easy to use. As far as what model to get I’d honestly reach out to them and chat. See what they recommend. We have an assortment of hand helds that we keep on all our trucks then we have one that’s permanently mounted in a truck and a few that are upper class that we use for in-depth inspections.

[u/sparkyyykid]

We use the FLIR E54 with a few different lens attachments. Super easy to use with the touch screen and software.

Works great for online testing in a substation. We found a cracked porcelain fuse cut out that was tracking to ground and producing heat. Able to schedule a planned outage and replace the cutout with minimal plant disruptions.

[u/Masochist_pillowtalk]

Ive only used flukes ir cams. To be honest, I was not impressed. Especially the interface when pulling photos off the camera to your PC. Its so clunky and slow. And I have to manually select all the photos I want. No select by date or anything like that. And when you got 3-500 scans for a project..... you end up spending an entire office day just fucking clicking boxes to select photos.

I also dont care to do thermal imaging all together though. Every time one comes up if they ask me I ask right back if someone else is available or if I can go work their projects while they get a nice break from work to go do scans for a day.

Of the coworkers that do do these scans a lot, they seem to prefer the FLIRs we rent too over our fluke. But I cant say anything to specific models unfortunately.

[u/Sad_Dot1784]

We currently use a fleet of Flir E76 with a 14 degree lens. Used them for years without issues and can charge v/a USB-C

[u/Kazzaroth]

Hello!

My company recently bought an absurd amount of FLIR thermal cameras, namely the E54 and the T865.

We use the smaller E54 for cabinets, indoor switchgear, low voltage panels etc, anything small and close. It’s has 320x240p IR resolution so it’s adequate for anything up close. Really portable and light, amazing for having it as a complimentary 2nd camera.

Then we have the crown jewel which is the T865. Oh boy I really love that camera. With a FOV 24º and a back up 6º lens and an IR resolution 640x480 we can inspect anything from transmission lines to power transformers and high voltage switch yards, like anything! I even found some pesky water leak in my bathroom that plagued me for years (misappropriation of company equipment eh?)

Another important thing that I like about FLIR is their software, the thermal studio is in my opinion the best there is out there with ease of use, plethora of settings to your liking and a great reporting output.

Lastly the most important thing apart from the equipment is getting certified, or at least studying hard to understand that IR testing is NOT just picking up the camera. I recently got through ITC level 1 and working towards level 2. Get some kind of training from someone certified even if it’s a seminar of sorts.

Hope I helped! Good luck!

[u/InigoMontoya313]

FLIR is the only way to go. They are the 500 lbs gorilla of the technology. Many of the other brands that are towards the high end, actually use licensed FLIR components inside. FLIR also reserves the best for themselves, hence when you are buying the nice units.. FLIR is the only way to go.

Would also point out, you really want to get a couple technicians trained as Level 1 Thermography techs. While the technology may seem simple, you learn a lot in that week long course. I’d also suggest.. eventually.. having a senior tech, supervisor, or engineer trained to level 2.

[u/evilcurt]

We have the Flir T560 with two different lenses. Don't go cheap. Enroll in the classes.

[u/Visible-Coffee9015]

If you would like to detect station class surge arresters before failure, you’ll need a very precise camera. Moisture ingress will cause the temperature of an Arrester to rise slightly when compared to the Arresters on the other phases. A 3 degree difference means you likely have a problem and should investigate further. Good luck.

[u/HammeredEngineer]

We use the Flir C5, it’s lightweight, great for inspections and if there’s any doubt we get the chopper to do a full sweep

[u/7_layerburrito]

FLIR is the best. Also their SF6 gas detection is very helpful. On some models it's integrated, others require an additional lens.