Thermal Imagers: the Detection of Faults within Plants and Machinery

Conrad Electronic expand their range of testing equipment by including Fluke’s TiS20+ and TiS20+ infrared cameras. They are a perfect choice for preventive maintenance operations, inspection of electrical plant and on-site troubleshooting

New entry in the range of testing equipment offered by Conrad Electronic, that now includes portable thermal imaging cameras made by Fluke. TiS20+ and TiS60+ thermal imagers enable the detection of faults within plants and machinery before they turn into system failures. Among the main features: easy to use; non-contact measurement of temperatures ranging from -20 to 400°C, suitable for everyday use in tough conditions.
“Including Fluke’s TiS20+ and TiS60+ thermographic cameras in our range of testers and diagnostics equipment means users across the electrical engineering sector are now able to detect things invisible to the human eye, and to identify problems that more traditional testers won’t pick up” explains Kilian Braun, Senior Expert in Product Management at Conrad Electronic. In addition, the design of the two portable devices is entirely centred around easy and time-saving use. Means electrical contractors across industry and trade, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) and refrigeration engineers as well as people working in MRO can take thermal images of engines, or of instruments in electrical enclosures, by pressing a single button, and thus carry out measurement tasks fast, easily and in a cost-effective way.

No specialist trainings are required

Thanks to the compact design that allows operating the device with one hand, and an intuitive GUI, using the TiS20+ and TiS60+ does not require specialist training. Users just need to point the device at the area they want to take the temperature of, and adjust the focus. The camera auto-selects the temperature range necessary to provide a useful 2D image mapping the thermal patterns. Pressing the shutter saves both the thermal image and the underlying temperature readings. The included software lets you change key parameters, to enhance the image and bring out details.

It is possible to identify problems before they turn into failures

Fluke’s trademarked IR Fusion technology simplifies measuring procedures by placing a normal picture over the thermal image on the touchscreen, which makes it possible to identify faults and their location before they turn into system failures. In order to do so, users just need to tap the screen and move their fingers, to align the superposed images. Fluke Connect® Asset Tagging allows automated archiving of thermographic images without having to use a PC to view the files, or to spend time at the office to rename and save the images in different folders. All that is needed is scanning the QR or barcode of the piece of equipment to be tested, time and date stamping the recorded thermal images, and leave it to the software to sort the image files by plant and equipment type afterwards.

A wide operating temperature range and a spray and dust protection

The TiS20+ takes temperature readings ranging from -20 to 150°C at an accuracy level of ±2°C, with an IR image resolution of 120×90 pixels (10.8 kilopixels). The TiS60+ is suitable for temperatures between -20 and 400°C, with an image resolution of 320×240 pixels (76.8 kilopixels).
The TiS60+ features a fixed focus, to help those new to thermography, and people with different levels of experience using the camera, take high-resolution images from a distance. Opting for the TiS60+ means users get everything they need to take baseline readings of plant and equipment, to come up with a preventive maintenance plan, and to establish standard procedures.
Fluke’s Connect™ PC software lets you create reports within a couple of minutes, and allows carrying out a comprehensive set of radiometric measurements during specific maintenance operations. Both cameras possess an 8.9-cm LC screen, have a IP54 spray and dust protection rating, come in a robust design and are suitable for everyday use.