by Rudy Wodrich, IRISS Inc. & Mark Bowling, Level II Thermographer, IRISS Inc.
Overview
One of the most common metrics for measuring efficiency in facilities that host
data centers for financial, insurance and telecommunications facilities is power
usage effectiveness (PUE). Electrical distribution system losses account for 12% of
the total energy consumed by the data center. In addition, unscheduled downtime in
a data center is now estimated to cost over $8,000 per minute — not to mention the
reputational damage to the data center company. One method for increasing
reliability is to implement Electrical Maintenance Safety Devices (EMSDs) such as
infrared windows, ultrasound ports, voltage detection ports and online monitoring to
allow energized electrical maintenance tasks to be completed safely and efficiently.
An IRISS channel partner, Intercept PDM, LLC, recently completed the supply of IR
windows to the main Data Center for a national discount clothing and home goods
retailer. With some initial advice and assistance from Intercept PDM owner, Jeff
Kershaw, the Data Center personnel were able to select, site and install the IR
windows to allow them to see the critical wire terminations in multiple sections from
the rear of their 2000 Amp, 480 Volt Main Switchgear. IRISS 12” Rectangular CAPCT-
12 IR windows were chosen for this application due to their large viewing area and
installation flexibility.
Figure 1 Field installation of IR windows using provided templates and a jigsaw.
Installation of all IRISS IR windows is simple using provided cutout templates and
cutting tools. The installation was completed in less than three hours.
Figure 2 First panel fitted with an IR window.
With the IR windows now installed, the Data Center has increased their IR inspection
frequency and inspections can be done without the need for any special PPE while
keeping the equipment in a closed and guarded condition at all times. As part of a
broader Condition Based Maintenance program, this Data Center is on track to drive
their electrical reliability to industry-leading levels.
Figure 3 Finished installation of CAP-CT-12 infrared windows.
