Using Infrared Scanning to Improve Uptime

- Ken Koty, sales engineer for PDU Cables (http://www.pducables.com/) and former data center facilities manager for Thomsen Reuters, says:

Avoid Outages with Infrared Scanning

If you think what you can’t see doesn’t exist…think again!

Better yet…think infrared scanning!

Infrared (IR) scanning is used to see radiation given off by objects.  While infrared radiation is not visible to the naked eye, objects still radiate (heat) even in the dark.  The hotter the object is, the more it radiates heat.  A thorough infrared scan analysis can indicate hot spots and anomalies in electrical equipment that might compromise data center network reliability caused by high heat. 

Following is a list of benefits to utilizing infrared scanning to improve site uptime.  

·         Reduce risk of undetected degradation of components due to overloaded circuits, loose wire or buss connections, worn contacts in relays within your electrical connections.  It will detect worn bearings which may indicate above normal heat in your electrical motors allowing you make changes prior to equipment failures.   

·         Detecting irregularities in your data center’s support infrastructure in the early stages ensures prompt corrective action before costly system failure can occur, leading to cost savings by preventing equipment failure and down time.  Finding problems in their early stages allow you to schedule predictive maintenance rather than perform reactive emergency repairs. 

·         Infrared scanning is a non-invasive way to identify hidden problems from a safe distance without actually coming in direct contact with energized equipment while operating under load or having to disrupt service. 

Many larger data centers are purchasing their own infrared scanning cameras and sending maintenance staff to classes to learn this new technology.  Infrared scanning can pay dividends very quickly by preventing outages in your mission critical infrastructure.  Another infrared scanning option is to hire electrical contractors or other outside vendors to perform the scanning services. 

When you consider the risks to an organization for any data center down time, the cost to implement an infrared scanning program is relatively minor. 

Don’t wait for an unplanned outage…performing thermal imaging or infrared scanning on your data center is a must and should be considered part of any regular maintenance schedule.