Using IR Thermography in Power Quality Assessment at the New Jersey International & Bulk Mail Center

The Jersey City International & Bulk Mail Center, based in Jersey City, is the largest of 21 bulk mail centers, occupying 1.8 million sq. ft. of building space on 146 acres. A 2001-2002 brief survey of power, lighting, receptacle panels and transformers located throughout the facility revealed the need to update these systems. The next step was a detailed power assessment, including detailed infrared thermographic scans to measure and diagnose power quality parameters. Of concern was the overall power quality of 33 year old 480-277/208-120V power lighting & receptacle panels and distribution transformers. These panels have 20 to 42 breakers that provide power to various parcel and sack sorters, conveyors, belts, HVAC, UPS, battery chargers, etc. Over the past 33 years, the system has been reconfigured or expanded to accommodate equipment upgrades and modifications. Subsequently, power, lighting or receptacle panels were modified to meet these needs. This 33-year process was not adequately documented however, to reflect all the power system changes, and we were concerned that power integrity might be questionable. This case study details recent IR surveys of 285 panels and 85 transformers conducted in December 2004 and January 2005.