Beyond Security: How Thermal Camera Technology Is Being Used to Monitor Critical Utility Components

Infrared technology has long been viewed as a solution that allows utilities to see beyond haze and fog for security applications. However, as more utilities look for ways to expand the use cases for security solutions, many are now applying the technology to monitor assets like substations and transformers — spotting signs of overheating or other indicators of malfunction.

At Convergint’s annual Unite event, I had the chance to speak with Jen Hones and Steve Sinclair about how thermal camera technology can help prevent wildfires, reduce maintenance costs and make remote locations more secure.

Curtis Marquardt Jr.:
So, let’s get into an operational solution. Fire detection—especially in areas like California—is exceptionally important. Can you talk about how your solutions are being used to detect fires, to make things safer, and also enhance security at the same time?

Jennifer Hones:
In the security industry, there are thermal cameras made just for general surveillance—looking for heat differences but without the need to measure specific temperatures. What FLIR has really been known for is our radiometric capabilities, which provide temperature monitoring.

But our products go beyond even that—we also offer trend analysis and alarming. They’re able to look at a situation and say, “Hey, this thing’s getting too hot. Let’s do something.”

When we think about the utility space, we can point our solutions at critical assets like substations or transformers and monitor them. When it comes to wildfire risks, this is critical in catching heat before it sparks.

There are so many FLIR technologies that can be used. We have handhelds, but we also have wide-angle security cameras. We also have teams that work with drones and cameras mounted to the underside of helicopters. So, we cover a lot of critical monitoring areas.

Steve Sinclair:
And to her point, FLIR has had a strong partnership with a lot of utilities for handheld devices—used in thermography and from a maintenance and service perspective. Maintenance employees have been using these devices to look at temperature fluctuations for a long time.

But there’s an opportunity now to use fixed-mounted cameras—which FLIR is expanding on— to enhance the operational side or the maintenance side. It allows us to be more proactive in terms of how we dispatch or leverage those maintenance or service technicians.

This presents a cost-efficiency opportunity—enhancing manpower through the use of technology. And when you start to look at security devices in an operational setting—or vice versa—there’s an opportunity to drive cost-effectiveness on both ends.

Curtis Marquardt Jr.:
So, from a security perspective, why is this technology important to utilities? Can you talk more about the value it brings to utilities looking to protect some pretty critical areas?

Jennifer Hones:
There are a number of utilities that have remote locations. That’s often what we’re talking with them about—how do they monitor these remote sites that are in more rural areas, or in challenging weather or low-light conditions? In those cases, thermal is almost your only option.

That’s where we’ve seen big success with perimeter intrusion detection systems that use thermal. Additionally, utilities like the inclusion of our analytics, especially being able to reduce nuisance alarms—like those triggered by animals. You don’t want to be alerted every time a fox runs by, but you do want an alert if a vehicle is pulling up that shouldn’t be, or if a person is approaching.

Steve Sinclair:
Depending on the density of the smoke, FLIR devices can actually see through what can’t be seen with the naked eye. Thermal provides the ability to see through certain levels of depth and density. It’s an enhancement in detection—not just assessment—but detection. Again, it’s all about driving the efficiency of the technology.

Curtis Marquardt Jr.:
I had a chance to get my hands on some of the products, and it’s pretty cool and innovative stuff. Where do you see the technology evolving in the future?

Jennifer Hones:
I think the focus will be on improving sensitivity and resolution—and evolving the analytics. The better those areas get, the more AI will be able to do.

Curtis Marquardt Jr.:
So why is it important for FLIR and Convergint to have a partnership?

Jennifer Hones:
It’s important to have a partner that is able to help the end user get to the right budget and the right design—and Convergint has been that partner for us. They’ve always been at the forefront of innovative technologies they want to introduce to their clients. Being a leader in that aspect means the customer gets the best service provider.

We have solutions that provide condition monitoring of critical assets and early fire detection, and Convergint has helped utilities best utilize these solutions.

Steve Sinclair:
That’s the exact reason why we’ve had this partnership for a long time. FLIR is a staple when it comes to thermal cameras and has been in the industry—specifically in utilities—forever. They’re the industry standard.

With their capabilities, and some of the acquisitions they’ve made into thermography and the automation side, it’s the future for sure in this industry. They have great products that not only provide security solutions but also solutions in operational settings.