If you work in the industry and have heard of infrared windows, you’re probably wondering — would they be right for you?There are many benefits to getting them installed for your business. But before you do it, here’s everything you need to know about them.

What are Infrared Windows?

Before you decide to install an infrared window (IR), you should understand exactly what it is.

An IR window’s purpose is to keep two environments separate, while still being able to measure the energy between them. The IR window will be used as a viewpoint to measure the pressure, temperature, and electromagnetic wavelength between the environments.

The IR window allows you to safely measure all of these factors without direct exposure to the volatile environment.

Type of Equipment that Needs IR Windows

If you have electrical equipment in an enclosure, it’s a smart idea of installing an infrared window.

Industries utilizing these should consider installing IR windows:

• Control cabinets
• Motor control centers
• Distribution panels
• Dry-type transformers
• Switchgear cabinets (high and medium voltage)
• Circuit breakers (high and medium)

While IR windows are more common in these pieces of equipment, you should take into account other factors to determine if you should have IR windows installed.

Consider the frequency of the inspections, safety requirements, and complexity while opening the panels.

Types of IR Windows

In the realm of IR windows, you can find viewing panes and inspection grills.

Viewing Panes has a secure lens that seals both environments from coming in contact. The lens acts as a seal, which protects the thermographer from coming in contact with the energy on the other side.

Inspection Grills, as their name suggests, are made of a mesh covering instead of the solid optic.

These grills come in handy when inspectors want to complete their testing from the same access point.

Types of IR Lenses

At first, IR windows relied on Crystal lenses but now some consist of a polymer material. Of course, both types of lenses have their advantages and disadvantages.

For example, lenses made of crystal tend to be compatible with all IR images, resistant to extreme temperatures, and they’re easy for visual inspections.

On the downside, they are more expensive, not damage resistant, and they only come in one size.

Polymer lenses, on the other hand, are less expensive, they come in a variety of sizes, they can resist impacts, and are great for industrial environments.

Of course, the downside is polymer lenses don’t withstand really high temperatures.

What are the Benefits of IR Windows?

Installing IR windows has many benefits. For starters, they will save you a lot of money usually spent on inspections, data management, and risk management.

Also, IR windows increase safety levels and standards compliance.

Ready to Install IR Windows?

Infrared windows are a perfect solution for the facilities maintenance industry because it facilitates inspections, promotes safety, and is energy efficient.

Interested in infrared solutions? Contact us and a team member will get in touch with you.