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SPARKS
ELECTRICAL NEWS
MARCH 2016
TOOLS
OF THE TRADE
13
THERMAL
imaging has become essential tech-
nology for diagnosing mechanical and electrical
faults and also for spotting energy loss and other
building problems. Not every application, how-
ever, needs to be pursued with a fully featured
infrared camera and this is why FLIR Systems
has introduced its new TG130.
Reasonably priced, this new spot thermal
camera features the FLIR Lepton core that is the
size of a smart phone SIM card. This makes the
new TG130 lightweight, ergonomic and pocket
portable so it is always available for instant
troubleshooting. Simply aim the instrument at
a target object or surface to measure the tem-
perature, click the trigger to freeze and view the
image.
The FLIR TG130 is ideal for spotting thermal
anomalies which can then be flagged for more
detailed thermal inspection. The same unit can
be used for looking at heat loss, bad electrical
connections, HVAC performance and source wa-
ter leaks. It’s a good toolbox instrument for any-
one involved in plant or facilities maintenance.
Enquiries: +27 78 706 9532
POCKET-SIZED
INFRARED
TROUBLE-
SHOOTER
SAFETY COMPLIANCE TESTER
REDUCES THE RISK OF SHOCK AND ARC FLASH
COMTEST,
local distributor of Fluke test and measure-
ment tools, has introduced a unique tester to market that
sources both ac and dc steady-state voltage for Hi-Z and
Lo-Z instruments, thus simplifying safety compliance
testing.
The new Fluke PRV240 Proving Unit provides a safe
and convenient method for ‘test before touch’ TBT veri-
fication of electrical test tools without placing the electri-
cian or technician in potentially hazardous electrical envi-
ronments, which would generally involve using known live
voltage sources.
In contrast to using a known live source, using the
PRV240 does not require personal protective
equipment (PPE) for tester verification. Use of
the PRV240 reduces the risk of shock and arc
flash compared to verification of test instru-
ments on high-energy sources in potentially
hazardous electrical environments because the
PRV240 provides a known voltage in a con-
trolled, low-current state in accordance with safe
work practices.
The pocket-sized PRV240 sources 240 V of
both ac and dc steady-state voltage for testing
of both high- and low-impedance multimeters,
clamp meters, and two-pole testers, eliminat-
ing both the need for multiple verification tools
and the use of a known high-energy voltage source for
test instrument verification. To avoid accidental contact,
the voltage is supplied through recessed contacts that
are activated only when test probes are inserted into the
modules insulated access points. A single LED indicates
the sourcing of the voltage to verify the test tool, simplify-
ing test tool verification without the need for PPE.
The proving unit can perform up to 5 000 tests per set
of four AA batteries and comes with a TPAK magnetic
hanging strap for easy accessibility.
Enquiries: +27 10 595 1821