Does anyone have any experience using IR for inspection of underground cable vaults? We are trying to come up with a remidiation plan for our vaults, some of which have been flooded, had shorts to ground, damaged hangers, etc. Specifically, do you think that an infrared inspection would be useful in detecting insulation brewakdown due to repeated or continuous submergence? TIA for your response.

Hi Eric

You can get a hold of Jacques Frate here. He works for Snell Infrared. He has many years experience with underground vaults. He is very knowledgeable. Hope this helps.

To contact Jacques Frate webmaster@snellinfrared.com

Not just IR but ultrasound is also an excellent tool to scan first before entering a vault to hear corona, arcing or tracking from quite a distant. Unlike IR ultrasound does not require line-of-sight...try using the two together. I have a great deal of experience in this area with costal utilities, such as Hawaiian Electric, Florida Power & Light, etc...