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Predictive Maintenance:
Infrared Thermometers
 Temperature is often an early indicator of problems with electrical and mechanical equipment. Without non-contact thermometers, using temperature as a predictive maintenance indicator can entail risk, lost time, and inconvenience when measuring hot, moving, or hard to reach objects.
Fluke non-contact infrared thermometers offer a safe and efficient means of gaining the temperature information needed for condition monitoring of critical assets. Using infrared thermometry as part of a comprehensive condition-monitoring program can reduce repair costs, avoid unplanned production downtime and save energy.
Common UsesFluke non-contact thermometers are invaluable in finding developing hotspots in electrical equipment that can indicate a short-circuit, fused switch or overload. In general, higher operating temperatures reduce the life of electrical components by damaging insulation and raising resistance of conductor materials. In addition, a trend of rising temperature in mechanical equipment can indicate a misalignment, overload, or need for lubrication.
Application Reference – Motor Operating TemperatureCheck the specification plate attached to a motor. It will specify either a Temperature Rise Rating or a Motor Class Rating. The temperature rise rating will give the maximum operating temperature above that of the plant. The motor class rating, for example, Class A, will show an absolute maximum operating temperature. These temperatures apply to the internal winding temperature.
Use your Fluke infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of the motor case and add 18°F (10°C) to your surface scans to compare the internal operating temperature. For each 18°F (10°C) above the maximum operating temperature, expect the life of the motor to decrease by 50%; if it is hot enough, then the condition will also pose a fire and safety hazard.
Please see the Fluke Application Note 2278935 A "Using the Fluke 66 and 68 Infrared Thermometers for electrical troubleshooting and predictive/preventive maintenance" for details on more applications. | | |
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