What You Need To Know About Infrared Windows

The use of infrared windows has grown exponentially in industrial applications in the past number of years. Our customers for thermal imaging regularly pose questions relating to IR windows, their use and also their limitations. I have put together the following information that I hope will help in providing a better understanding of what you need to know about IR Windows.


Energy Metering System Validation – Case Study

Powerpoint Engineering Limited recently installed an Energy Metering System (monitoring Gas and Electricity usage on site) at a metal fabrication factory in Cork. The electrical energy meters were retrofitted on existing switchgear, using any existing infrastructure available (Measure-Voltage fused signals and current transformers). The factory is Ireland’s only independently owned manufacturer of extruded aluminium profiles. They specialise in aluminium extrusion, powder coated aluminium and sheet metal fabrication as well as providing many other services from their vast 250,000 sq. ft. facility. The installed system consists of: After the system installation was complete, the installed meters were accuracy tested and validated. … Continue reading


What is calibration?

Calibration is a comparison between two measurements – one of known level or correctness with one device (known as the standard) and another measurement made in as similar a way as possible with a second device (known as the unit under test).


8 Best Clamp Meters for Electricians

A clamp meter is a tool that’s used by electricians and it combines a current sensor and a digital multimeter. The clamp is used to measure current while the probes measure voltage. The hinged jaw of a clamped meter allows the user to clamp these jaws around a cable, wire or any other type of conductor. They can do this at any point of the electrical system. The user is then able to measure the current in the circuit without having to disconnect it. Here is our list of the 8 best clamp meters we recommend to electricians: Fluke 375FC … Continue reading


Why Should You Consider Arc Flash Rated Underwear?

Our customers for Arc Flash PPE regularly ask us questions regarding Arc Flash Rated Underwear and if there is a need for it. We have put together the following information that we hope will help in providing a better understanding of why you should consider Arc Flash Rated Underwear and the benefits it provides to the wearer. The IEC offers comprehensive directions on how to establish an electrically safe work environment, right from identifying and evaluating the risks involved, choosing suitable protective clothing and accessories, taking all precautions and safety measures to protect the workplace and its inhabitants, and imparting … Continue reading


Insulating Rubber Gloves – Types, Classes & Categories

Insulating rubber gloves offer workers that work on or near live wires, personal protection against electrical shocks. Insulating rubber gloves undergo a range of voltage, ageing and mechanical testing which ensures that they comply with IEC 60903 and EN 60903 standards. Insulating Glove Types There are two main types of insulated gloves:


Why do we need heating blankets for high-voltage cables

Introduction: In the world of power utilities and renewable energy, the reliability and efficiency of high-voltage cables are paramount. Ensuring that these cables are properly straightened, relaxed, and connected is vital to maintaining a stable electrical infrastructure. One invaluable tool for achieving this is the heating blankets offered by Kuhlmann Electro-Heat. These heating blankets have become indispensable in the industry for a variety of reasons. In this article, we will explore the advantages and various usages of these specialized heating blankets. Advantages of Heating Blankets for High Voltage Cables Cable Straightening and Relaxation: The primary purpose of these heating blankets … Continue reading


Why Do We Need PAT Testing?

PAT Testing is an essential aspect of any company’s Health & Safety Policy. All employers are required to ensure the safety of staff members or vistors to their place of work, when it comes to electrical equipment within a business premises.


Comparison of Gate, Ball and Butterfly Valves

Gate, Ball and Butterfly Valves Valves, in a myriad of designs and sizes, are an integral part of piped systems that convey gases and liquids. They serve to control and regulate the flow of these substances in a safe, secure and prescribed manner. There are several types of valves that are in common use, including but not limited to the Gate, Ball and Butterfly valves. Maintaining such piped systems require the right type of lockout device that best suits the valve type, to ensure the safety of both the technicians and environment. It’s important to understand how these valves function, where and … Continue reading


7 Things You Should Know About Earth Bond Tests

Class I appliances are potentially the most dangerous appliances. An earth bond test is only applicable to a class 1 appliance with exposed conductive parts. A PAT tester does an Earth Bond or Earth Integrity Test, which shows whether the earth conductor is in a satisfactory condition. A multimeter or insulation tester will only locate a fault when there is  a complete break present in the conductor. The earth bond test measures the resistance of the earth from the pin of the mains supply plug to the earthed body of the appliance and indicates how good the connection is. The earth bond … Continue reading


Minimize the risk of arc flash incidents through the application of Lockout Tagout (LOTO) procedures.

Preventing arc flash incidents in the workplace is crucial for the safety of personnel and the protection of equipment. Two important safety practices to mitigate the risk of arc flash incidents are Lockout Tagout (LOTO) procedures and proper electrical safety measures. Let’s delve into each of these practices: Lockout Tagout (LOTO) Procedures: Lockout Tagout is a safety procedure used to ensure that dangerous machinery and energy sources are properly shut off and not restarted while maintenance or servicing is being performed. While LOTO is often associated with mechanical equipment, it’s also essential for electrical work to prevent arc flash incidents. … Continue reading


Introducing the QR Data Viewer App for PAT Testing

Scan and Print QR Codes with Ease!! Introducing Seaward’s innovative QR code data system, now offering enhanced storage capacity within your PAT label barcode. This upgrade includes Asset ID, site details, location, last and upcoming test dates. With Seaward’s Test n Tag Elite 2 printer, generating labels featuring our exclusive QR data code is a breeze. The Apollo 600+, 500+ and 400+ models are equipped with a cutting-edge Bluetooth 2D Elite barcode scanner, capable of effortlessly reading the code’s contents. This automation populates fields instantly for quicker retesting, eliminating the need for data uploads. Experience added convenience with our QR … Continue reading


Facilities Management & Thermal Imaging – How to save repair time and heating costs

This is a synopsis of a thermal imaging case study that focuses on the facilities management intensive operations factors such as power supply, heating, ventilation, and maintenance in the health sector. Thermal Imaging Case Study: The Issue A district hospital group, consisting of five hospitals including one large central hospital with intensive care facilities and additional polyclinics, has a facility area comprises 450,000 sq m.


Power Quality Measurements during Data Centre Commissioning

In recent years, there has been an explosion in data centre development in Ireland. Leading the way was Microsoft, which developed a vast data centre at Grange Castle near Clondalkin in 2009.Now nearly all of the big technology companies such as Amazon and Google have a data centre footprint here. There are plans for more Data Centres such as the giant €850 million data centre Apple is planning in Athenry, Co Galway. Electricity or power is now one of the key considerations in selecting an appropriate site and in the on-going management of a Data Centre. Electricity or power is … Continue reading


5 Best Insulation Testers for Electricians

Insulation testers are used by electricians to determine whether insulation is safe and effective. These testers typically measure capacitive current, absorption current, and leakage current. They are used to test newly installed equipment or machinery. When testing, the very first test is used to provide a proof test and the second test provides a baseline reading. The baseline reading is then used for future reference. Let’s take a look at 5 of the best Fluke insulation testers on the market right now: Fluke 1587FC Insulation Multimeter with Fluke Connect The Fluke 1587FC Insulation Multimeter with Fluke Connect can test insulation in … Continue reading


PAT Testing Legislation in Ireland

Learn more about Irish Law and PAT Testing. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulation’s S.I NO.299 of 2007 means that there is a requirement under Irish law that all businesses carry out PAT Testing on all portable appliances. This is to ensure the safety and welfare of both employees and customers. This obligaton rests solely with the employer, which means that the employers are held 100% responsible for the safe mainetenance of portable appliances (anything with a plug- kettle, PCs, laptops, toasters, servers etc.)


What is a Data Centre and Electrical Safety Solutions for your Facility

Wide-Angle Panorama Shot of a Working Data Center With Rows of Rack Servers. Red Emergency Led Lights Blinking and Computers are Working. Dark Ambient Light. A Data Centre is a facility that has been dedicated specifically to the storage and operation of a company’s business-critical applications and communications technology infrastructure. Data Centres perform highly complex operations that are dependent upon numerous different components all working together interdependently. Depending on the size of business operations, a Data Centre might consist of anything from as simple as a rack of computer equipment to an entire room or building containing many cabinets with … Continue reading


Why should I get my Test Instruments Calibrated?

Where measurements are important to your business calibration is just as important. The main reason to calibrate test instruments is to ensure that they remain reliable and trustworthy. Calibrating your test equipment allows the user to have full confidence in the results that they produce and subsequently control. What is Calibration? Calibration is the process of comparing a measurement from your test instrument with a known measurement (the standard) from another piece of reference equipment and adjusting the output to agree with the value of the applied standard.  The reference equipment should be calibrated to a known set of parameters, … Continue reading


Benefits of Utilising a Shadow Board System

The process of Lockout Tagout varies depending on the specific needs of a workplace. There are many factors to take into account when deciding on the correct lock out tag out process. Factors such as, the size of the operations being processed on the premises and the quantity of people involved, that are directly or indirectly exposed to these work areas. Knowing this information we can efficiently verify the type, number and placement of lockout devices to secure the work area before a scheduled maintenance or an emergency repair job. It is best practise to locate and store lockout devices in … Continue reading


Failure to PAT Test – Penalties

New Safety at Work regulations and the recent insistance of insurance companies and standards authorities call for Portable Appliance Testing procedures to be in place within companies. But what are the penalties for not having PAT testing approved equipment? In short, non-compliance organisations run the risk of injury or death, fire, private legal action and invalidating your commercial insurance policy.