Identifying Critical ICT Equipment Failures with Thermal Imaging
Torque IP were engaged to investigate repeated failures of critical ICT equipment housed in an external communications cabinet at a client facility. These failures were occurring during the summer months, raising concerns about environmental impacts on the equipment and overall system reliability.
Torque IP were engaged to investigate repeated failures of critical ICT equipment housed in an external communications cabinet at a client facility. These failures were occurring during the summer months, raising concerns about environmental impacts on the equipment and overall system reliability.
The cabinet in question was a standard green external communications enclosure, exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods. On arrival, our engineer Phil began by checking the cabinet’s exhaust temperature, which registered 43.3°C, compared to the ambient 29.3°C outside. This immediately suggested inadequate cooling and potential thermal stress on internal components.
Using a thermal camera in combination with a thermocouple temperature device, we assessed the operating conditions of the equipment inside the cabinet. The key focus was on two power supplies supporting the critical ICT systems (the blue-coloured units visible inside the cabinet).
The thermal imaging revealed surface temperatures of approximately 67.5°C on the power supplies, well above their maximum rated operational temperature. Sustained operation at this level significantly increases the risk of equipment degradation, malfunction, or complete failure.
The investigation confirmed that heat build-up within the cabinet was the root cause of the ICT equipment failure. The thermal imaging technology provided a clear, indisputable diagnosis of the issue, highlighting the extent to which environmental conditions were exceeding the safe operating range for the power supplies.
By rapidly identifying the problem with precision, Torque IP enabled the client to take immediate remedial action to protect critical systems. This included implementing improved cabinet cooling and heat management strategies to ensure system resilience and reduce the risk of future outages.
This case is an excellent demonstration of how Torque IP’s use of thermal imaging technology, supported by specialist measurement tools, can quickly and accurately diagnose critical issues. Proactive temperature monitoring not only prevents costly downtime but also extends the life of vital ICT infrastructure.
