Product category:
Machine Safety Components
News Release from: Hawk IR International | Subject: C-Range sightglasses
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 19 January 2007
Sightglasses are tested to new safety
levels
Sightglass product line is continually tested to determine its maximum arc-flash withstand capability and the effects of differing switchgear volumes and configurations.
In order to provide maximum safety to infra-red thermographers, the Hawk IR C-Range sightglass product line is continually tested to determine its maximum arc-flash withstand capability and the effects of differing switchgear volumes and configurations Previously, the maximum tested withstand for the Hawk IR International IR sightglass range was 40,000A (40kA) for 30 cycles, performed alongside Rockwell Automation in Canada, proving that the CLIRVU optic material could withstand the forces needed to be safety installed and used within this latest generation of arc-resistant MV motor starters
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 30 May 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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Sightglasses allow safe infra-red inspection
CTI Cyclops infra-red sightglasses and ports allow infra-red surveys of electrical equipment to take place without the need to expose the thermographer to the risks of electrical discharges.
The CLIRVU coated optic holds a lifetime warranty against moisture degradation and is totally flexible, operating with all IR cameras on the market today.
Importantly the C-Range IR sightglass allows full use of both Infra-red and visual capabilities built into many infra-red cameras.
In January 2007, Hawk IR sightglasses were tested at the KEMA lab in Philadelphia, USA to a new level of safety.
A massive 50,000A (50kA) short-circuit blast test was performed for 30 cycles (0.5s) pushing the Hawk IR sightglass product line to new levels of electrical safety compliance.
This test, an increase of ten thousand amps, ensures that Hawk IR product lines set the bar in electrical safety and continual product development using standard three-bolt fixings provided.
"This successful test hails a new level of safety associated with infra-red window products and the personnel who use them", says Tony Holliday, Director of Sales for Hawk IR International.
"50kA is a massive amount of energy and the blast wave formed as part of the test was ferocious, we are proud that our product design and development team have managed to engineer the IR sightglass range to continually set the bar when it comes to arc-flash safety", concludes Holliday.
For systems with low incident energy levels, Hawk IR International also provides a UL and CSA Recognised IR port design.
Allowing operation with any IR camera, the IR port makes use of a series of small - 0.25in (fingerproof) - holes which allow infra-red to pass to the camera. Request a free brochure from Hawk IR International ...
The IR ports offer significantly less protection than IR sightglasses but can provide a cost effective means of infra-red scanning where the flash hazard risk is low.
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