Thermal-imaging clamp for fast contactless troubleshooting

Article By : RS Components

The FLIR CM174 helps identify hard-to-find electrical faults such as intermittent connections that can have thermal effects that conventional test gear cannot see.

RS Components, the trading brand of Electrocomponents, has, among its range of offerings, a clamp metre with built-in thermal imaging that tackles the issues presented by persistent and hard-to-find electrical faults that can result in multiple service calls and drive up the cost of fixing the problem. The FLIR CM174 helps identify faults such as intermittent connections that can have thermal effects that conventional test gear cannot see, stated the company.

RS Components is now stocking this test solution from FLIR, which features a 2in colour TFT in the handset that shows hotspots detected using FLIR’s IGM (Infrared Guided Measurement) thermal imaging technology. Using this feature, electricians can quickly and safely diagnose faults without coming into contact with wiring or components, or find the true causes of faults in unexpected places. For instance, a faulty motor controller may be suspected of causing an equipment failure, but the FLIR CM174 may identify an overheating motor or a loose connection. Electricians facing cluttered wires or scanning complex panels for hazards can work at a safe distance, using IGM to show the anomalies without reaching into the panel.

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The FLIR CM174 captures a 38.6in x 50in field of view and presents a thermal image of 480-pixels resolution and temperature range -25°C to 150°C. A built-in laser and cross hairs guide the user to items in the field of view.

This thermal-imaging capability augments the FLIR CM174’s high-performing clamp metre, which has a narrow, 35mm, jaw opening and is able to measure currents up to 600A at voltages up to 1kV. A built-in light aids use in challenging conditions such as confined spaces inside wiring cabinets. Clamp measurement modes include True RMS, LoZ, VFD Mode, Inrush and Smart Diode with Disable. If needed, users can extend the FLIR CM174’s measurement range up to 3kA AC with FLIR FLEX accessories, detailed the company.

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