Infrared Inspections

The primary purpose for Columbia Water and Light’s Infrared Thermographic Inspection program is to reduce the number of costly, unscheduled shutdowns that could occur, and to prevent damage by detecting equipment failure in its early stages. However, infrared thermography can also enhance productivity and save money by locating areas of poor performance. Applications of infrared inspections are virtually limitless and include mechanical components, electrical cabinets, electrical distribution systems and building envelopes. 

The basis of infrared thermography is quite simple. All objects emit heat or infrared electromagnetic energy, but only a very small portion of this energy is visible to our eyes. In order to see the heat being emitted, an infrared camera must be used. The camera detects the invisible thermal energy and converts it to a visible image, which then allows the thermographer to interpret the image.