Enhance field safety with advanced Condition Monitoring Solutions by FLIR

FLIR has transformed a digital multimeter into a thermal camera and adapted a clamp meter with thermal imaging capability.

Testing and measurement (T&M) components are a vital solution with diverse applications across the energy value chain. By minimising losses and enhancing operational efficiency, T&M enables utilities to predict failures and prevent unexpected outages. The ability to anticipate faults helps reduce the loss of revenue, time and energy factors that often escalate when issues remain undetected. FLIR offers a comprehensive portfolio of test and measurement (T&M) solutions tailored for the power generation, transmission, substation, and distribution segments.

These solutions play a critical role in reducing transmission and distribution (T&D) losses while optimising maintenance strategies. Advanced thermal imaging and condition monitoring technologies allow utilities to adopt predictive maintenance, ensuring minimal downtime and improved asset life. With a focus on reliability, safety and performance, FLIR’s offerings are helping power utilities build smarter and more resilient infrastructure. T.P. Singh shares insights into the company’s approach, highlighting how innovation in testing and measurement is supporting India’s energy domain.

How are your innovative, cost-effective tools enhancing safety and efficiency in harsh field conditions?

We are a leading global brand for providing T&M solutions to the power distribution sector, and our products are trusted by multiple transmission companies worldwide. Our advanced solutions are designed to detect faults and enhance operational efficiency. One of our key innovations is a powerful product that can monitor three towers simultaneously to visualise temperature abnormalities, covering the typical 300-meter span between them. From a single tower, users can monitor in all directions, which ensures comprehensive visibility.

In the distribution segment, utilities often seek reliable equipment in larger volumes at lower costs. To meet this need, we have engineered innovative hybrid tools. We transformed a digital multimeter into a thermal camera and adapted a clamp meter with thermal imaging capability. Additionally, we developed the VP52 and VP50 advanced non-contact voltage detectors.

Traditionally, non-contact detectors emit a beeping sound and flashing light to indicate a fault. However, these signals often go unnoticed in India’s noisy, sunlit environments. To address this, we integrated a vibrator that ensures linemen are promptly and reliably warned, regardless of ambient noise or lighting conditions. This has impacted safety and usability in real-world field conditions.

Our thermal multi meter combines standard electrical measurement with basic thermal imaging through a simple interface switch. While not a high-end camera, it is purpose-built for proximity-based detection, which is ideal for identifying hot spots in distribution systems. Ruggedness is also key; the device passes a two-meter drop test, making it both durable and practical for field technicians.

With thousands of units sold globally, our tools are adding substantial value to power distribution operations. As India prepares to meet its projected peak power demand of 388 GW by FY 2032, innovations like ours are crucial in empowering ground personnel with efficient, cost-effective and safety-enhancing technology.

What role will advance testing and measurement instrument companies play in helping utilities manage peak demand?

High efficiency in maintenance means fewer issues and reduced transmission and distribution losses, which are the key goals for the power sector. Thermal cameras and predictive maintenance tools play a crucial role in achieving this, especially in India. A few decades ago, only a limited number of utilities used high-end testing and measurement (T&M) products. However, growing awareness has driven wider adoption that has added immense operational value. As the industry transitions towards high-capacity generation, demanding both low losses and high efficiency, our range of predictive maintenance tools becomes increasingly essential. From thermal and acoustic cameras to advanced testing solutions, our products enable early detection of faults. Since many issues originate from rising temperatures, our equipment enables electricians to identify problems from a safe distance, eliminating the need for physical contact or system shutdown. This proactive approach ensures timely interventions, reduces risk and enhances system reliability across generation, transmission and distribution networks.

How is your company facilitating the shift from periodic maintenance to condition-based or continuous monitoring across high-voltage assets, transformers and switchgears?

We offer comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of our customers. For users seeking an easy-to-use system capable of monitoring multiple assets with a single device, we provide handled products. In the area of condition monitoring, our fixed-type solutions enable 24/7 surveillance of substations without human intervention. This is especially vital for critical assets, such as transformers, the most expensive equipment in any substation.

Our advanced thermal cameras continuously monitor the temperature of transformer bushings, CTs, PTs and other key components. With 128 presets, 360-degree rotation and a 45-degree vertical movement, these cameras can be configured to trigger multiple alarms. For instance, temperature thresholds can be set individually, even at different locations, such as substations.

Beyond asset monitoring, the same system can also be used for perimeter remote monitoring. For example, cameras installed in Nagpur can be controlled from a centre in Mumbai.

What challenges does India’s T&M sector face and what approaches are being taken to address cybersecurity concerns?

The Testing and Measurement (T&M) sector in India faces several challenges, particularly in procurement practices. Government and utility tenders often prioritise the lowest price with limited quality. This forces even high-quality manufacturers to compete primarily on cost. While affordability is important, a product’s value should be assessed based on both quality and price. For a balanced approach, tender specifications must give proper weightage to quality parameters. This ensures that buyers receive durable, high-performance solutions, and manufacturers are rewarded for investing in better technology —a win-win for all stakeholders.

Another key concern is cybersecurity. With AI-based monitoring becoming more common, protecting sensitive operational data is critical. FLIR addresses this with real-time cloud-based solutions. For example, linemen working across different locations in India can instantly upload thermal images to a central system. This enables real-time monitoring from a control centre that significantly improves operational efficiency. Previously, this process would take up to a week, but now it is completed in minutes. FLIR’s platform also meets stringent European cybersecurity standards, ensuring secure data transmission and storage. This digital transformation not only streamlines operations but also builds trust in the safety and reliability of modern T&M infrastructure.

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