Traditional fixing of infrared windows was via pan head screws located inside the panel, problems with this type of fixing method include; Earthing, Reduction of dielectric clearances and most important loosening due to vibration.
As electrical equipment is vibrating constantly at 50/60Hz, poor installation & quality control issues concerned with internal type fixings can cause them to work loose and fall within the compartment. Such catastrophic failures can cause an explosion to occur with devastating effect on personnel and equipment, something an IR window is actually in place to prevent. Installation into motor lead boxes makes this danger level worse due to irregular vibrations due to motor start/stop operation.
The entire Hawk IR Sightglass range is correctly fixed using tribolar self-tapping screws from the front of the panel. These screws are then blanked off by the installation process ensuring that they are not tampered with. This unique fixing method ensures that not only will they never work loose but that nothing can fall into the panel!
Additional benefits include guaranteed safety Earthing and no dielectric clearance reduction as any protrusion maybe removed post installation meaning no dielectric checks are required. Should internal fixings screws be used, dielectric calculations must be performed as the reduction in distance to earth caused by the installation could caused a flash-over.
Dielectric calculations are not required with Hawk IR Sightglasses, meaning safe, reliable installations maybe undertaken quickly. The Hawk IR three bolt standard fixings have been extensively pressure tested to a current maximum Arc-Flash of 50kA!
For Marine applications, the extensive third party vibration testing ensures compliance with offshore regulations for installation into many applications, including engine rooms.
For more information on the Hawk IR Vibration Testing or for copies of our certification, contact us
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