Just as Broward students use technology for learning in their classrooms, the District's Physical Plant Operations Division is using the latest technology to improve its operations.  Electricians in the division are using infrared thermography to detect potential electrical problems, making schools safer and saving taxpayers' dollars.

If you watch TV, you probably know that law enforcement helicopters are often equipped with infrared cameras that can be used to pinpoint suspects on the ground at night. The cameras are capable of detecting and imaging the heat emitted by the human body, in contrast to its surroundings.  But, few people are aware that infrared cameras can also be used to quickly and accurately pinpoint electrical problems.

Broward school district's Physical Plant Operations Division launched a comprehensive infrared thermography program three years ago and it has proven to be highly successful and cost effective.  During routine maintenance inspections of all schools and other District buildings, six specially trained electricians, called "thermographers," use an infrared camera to photograph all the building's electrical equipment, including main switchgear, transformers, motors, switches, electrical panels, generators, air conditioning equipment and wiring.

Most electrical equipment begins emitting uncharacteristic heat patterns well before it fails, so if the camera detects a transformer, for example, that is hotter than the normal 95-98 degrees; the thermographers use specially designed computer software to further examine the infrared images. The software generates a report that includes precise measurements; severity rating; details of the problem; and a recommended course of action for determining how the problem can best be repaired.

Like most technology, thermography is expensive, but Maintenance Technology magazine has reported that for every $1 spent using it, $4 can be saved. The infrared camera and software are invaluable predictive maintenance tools for the District, preventing unnecessary power outages and costly equipment failures.

Phil Dorsett, Electrical Leadman in the District Maintenance Eletrical Department, uses his department's infrared camera to check for potential eletrical problems.

When the Physical Plant Operations Division first initiated the program, it purchased thermal scanning services from Florida Power and Light Company.  However, at a rate of over $2,000 a day, that proved to be too costly.   So two years ago, it invested $44,000 in the purchase of its own equipment and the specialized training needed for six of its electricians to be certified as Level I, Thermographers.

The money the District has saved, has more than paid for the equipment and specialized training, according to the District's Electrical Supervisor, Scott Gillen. He points to Taravella High School as a prime example.  Two months after purchasing the equipment, a routine maintenance inspection was being conducted at the school when the infrared camera detected a switch that registered over 1,200 degrees.  The switch was located where the main electrical service entered the school and its high temperature indicated that, without immediate attention, it would fail, leading to a catastrophic equipment failure.