Electrical Code of Practice Australia & New Zealand - Thermography
The Australian & New Zealand electrical code of practice is a process inspection method using Thermal Imaging Cameras. It was developed due to the lack of Australian Standards in thermography.
The code is a document referencing the Electrical regulations, OH&S safety requirements of Australia & New Zealand and standard practices for thermal inspection, Thermographers, and client’s requirements.
Code Brief
Electrical
Introduction
Electrical thermography inspections are frequently carried out in Australian houses, buildings, industrial, commercial, and engineering industries to ascertain thermal anomalies that may cause fires and equipment damage not only potential risk to people.
One of these technologies is the thermal imaging camera.
The traditional tools although very effective are also quite simple in their application. The thermal imaging camera is not simple to use and the data it will provide is not simple to interpret. There is also a wide selection of thermal camera equipment available, and many have very specific industrial uses. Not all camera types or formats can be used for all thermal investigation types.
Thermal imaging cameras have been used for electrical inspections since the end of the 1990’s and the number of cameras used by the electrical thermographers has been growing rapidly since that time. This is probably due to the reputation of the technology, the improvement in the technology and the reducing cost of the technology.
This code is to assist both the Electrical Contractors and their clients. It is designed to provide the following:
- The code sets out the criteria expected of a thermographer operating in the field of electrical and mechanical thermographics. It is not intended to qualify an individual in the science/art of infrared thermography and does not purport to prevent any misinterpretation of data from an inspection. It aims to provide a guide/framework for and/or to facilitate:
- minimum practitioner qualifications.
- the adoption of best practice.
- industry uniformity.
and to be employed as a reference document.
This code is an active document which will be subject to ongoing peer and industry review. Any suggestions that may improve the code, or lead to the betterment of the industry can be emailed to the Australian Thermographers Association at info@atandt.com.au
We would like to thank those who took an active part in the development of this CoP by providing information and commentary.
