TOOLS &TOOLING
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Infrared thermometers for electrical, industrial, and HVAC applications Fluke Temperature Fundamentals I Applications for infrared thermometers Infrared thermometry can be used for process monitoring, predictive and
n a short time, hand-held infrared (IR) thermometers have gone from exotic to commonplace. Portable and convenient, they are useful for troubleshooting and checking both product quality and process quality. Fluke’s family of IR thermometers offers users speed and convenience. In addition, Fluke’s IR thermometer adds improved targeting for increased accuracy. The Fluke 62 MAX+ provides two targeting lasers to help users better see “the spot.” Most IR thermometers use a single laser at the centre of the spot. But the Fluke 62 MAX+ uses dual rotating lasers to display the outer boundary of the circle that defines the measurement spot. Temperature measurement strategies In general, there are three ways to use any kind of infrared, non-contact thermometer: • Measuring the temperature at a spot • This type of measurement is used to measure and track temperature at a single point. It is useful for tracking an object’s temperature over time or for comparing a measurement to a specification. A thermometer with high repeatability helps ensure consistency for this type of measurement. • Comparing the temperature of two spots • This type of measurement might be used to check the functioning of a steam trap by measuring the temperatures at the inlet and outlet. No change indicates the trap has failed open. A very large change indicates that the trap has failed to close. • Scanning an object and detecting changes within a continuous area on it • This capability allows the user to identify hot or cold spots on housings, panels, and structures. For example, one can inspect the heat sink of air-cooled transformers for cool tubes that indicate restricted or absent flow.
preventive maintenance in plants, electrical applications, quality assurance, and other uses. Infrared (IR) non-contact thermometers are ideal for moving targets and machinery, hazardous, inaccessible, or distant targets, electrical components, “big picture” evaluations of machinery or surfaces, trending records, and even protection against litigation and insurance claims. In fact, insurance companies are encouraging their customers to implement preventive infrared scanning. IR thermometers and imagers can save time and money for contractors and customers alike, and can perform diagnostics that were previously impossible without shutting down systems. Here are some suggestions for applications in which IR non-contact thermometers have proven useful: Electrical maintenance Check for heat build-up created by loose connectors. Troubleshoot problems in battery banks, power panel terminations, ballasts, switchgear, and fuse connections. Identify hot spots in the output filters on DC battery connections. Use an IR thermometer to inspect supply power connections and circuit breakers (or fuses) for equal temperatures. An IR thermometer is effective for determining the source of the problem when a thermal overload protection device fails and the motor shuts down. Because electrical currents generate
Insulation on all surfaces can be scanned for leakage and losses. Higher temperatures are indicated by a shift toward white. Lower temperatures are indicated by a shift toward black. Process/product Monitor process lines. Check the temperature of different products on production lines. These can vary from rubber tyres to plastic, from concrete to chocolate bars. Other useful features A lighted display makes it easier to view results in poorly lit areas. High-temperature alarms draw attention to temperatures exceeding a specified threshold. Alarms that are both audible and visible are more effective even in loud environments. Contact COMTEST on + 010 595 1821, sales@comtest.co.za, or or visit www.comtest.co.za for more information on FLUKE IR THERMOMETERS - FOR ACCURATE AND RELIABLE TEMPERATURE MAINTENANCE, technical or seminar information, demonstrations, or to locate your nearest Authorised Comtest Channel Partner.
Equipment maintenance Check moving parts and housings in motors and gearboxes for hot spots. Temperature changes can indicate developing problems in many types of equipment, from ovens and boilers to freezers. Routine temperature audits of generators and their bearings can prevent expensive repairs. Scanning bearing temperatures with an infrared thermometer allows the maintenance engineer to detect hot spots and schedule repairs or replacements before the problem leads to an equipment failure. Building controls Monitor HVAC/R components for quick energy audits and room balancing. An IR thermometer with a 60:1 distance-to-spot ratio makes elevated vents and returns easier to access. For example, if a thermometer has a 10:1 distance-to-spot ratio, one can stand 10 inches away from the target and measure the temperature of a one-inch circle. At 10 feet away from the target, the measurement spot will be a one-foot circle. An IR thermometer can quickly measure the temperatures of the compressor head, compressor oil sump, evaporator coil and suction line, discharge line, condenser coil and liquid line, and fan motor.
heat, temperature monitoring is an efficient way to predict potential equipment failure.
From water to digital twins: Steinmüller Africa puts plant reliability on display at Electra Mining Africa A t Electra Mining Africa 2026, Steinmüller Africa (SMA) will unveil a Water System Model that brings one of industry’s most overlooked reliability factors teams identify deterioration, improve maintenance planning and develop detailed digital representations of critical assets. The company will also display its SMA Heat
Visitors will have the opportunity to engage directly with specialists across Steinmüller Africa’s engineering, fabrication, quality and proposals divisions on plant reliability, maintenance strategies, inspection technologies and practical industrial solutions. Visit Steinmüller Africa at Electra Mining Africa 2026, from 7 to 11 September 2026, at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec. Find the team in Hall 5, Stand C29.
to the fore: how feedwater and deaerator systems protect critical boiler infrastructure. The model illustrates how water is treated, stored, preheated and prepared before entering a boiler. By removing dissolved gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, these systems help reduce corrosion, thermal shock, unplanned maintenance and downtime. For mining, power generation, and heavy industrial operations, effective water treatment is a critical starting point for reliable plant performance. “Reliability is built through engineering decisions that are often not visible in day-to-day operations,” says Rajan Murugan, Drawing Office Supervisor, Steinmüller Africa. “From boiler feedwater and inspection quality to weld integrity, every element plays a role in protecting performance over the life of an asset.” From water systems to digital asset intelligence The Water System Model forms part of a wider technology showcase that includes the Elios 3 inspection drone, a 3D scanner and a 3D scanning arm. These technologies support safer access to difficult, confined, and hazardous areas while improving data capture for maintenance planning and asset management decisions. The Elios 3 can collect visual, thermal and spatial information in complex environments, helping
Exchanger Model and submerged-arc-welded samples, demonstrating capabilities across heat-transfer systems, fabrication, and high-quality welding for demanding industrial applications. Innovation where it matters Steinmüller Africa’s innovation is applied not only to the technology on display but also to complex industrial projects. On a recent boiler erection project for a major South African pulp-and-paper producer, the company used advanced welding and site-support technologies to improve productivity and quality in challenging coastal conditions. These included Regulated Metal Deposition welding, laser cleaning for steel preparation, specialised weld- preparation primer and centralised gas-handling systems for multiple welding stations. Built for tougher fuel challenges Steinmüller Africa will also highlight its work in engineering boiler systems for difficult and variable fuels, including duff coal – a low-grade, fine coal by-product. These projects require an integrated approach to fuel preparation, combustion, emissions, ash handling and long-term maintenance, with reliability designed around changing operating conditions.
www.steinmullerafrica.com
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
SEPTEMBER 2026
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