{"id":848268,"date":"2025-05-07T09:48:19","date_gmt":"2025-05-07T13:48:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/helicopters-infrared-technology-used-to-complete-proactive-inspections-of-high-voltage-power-lines-in-firstenergy-service-area\/"},"modified":"2025-05-07T09:48:19","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T13:48:19","slug":"helicopters-infrared-technology-used-to-complete-proactive-inspections-of-high-voltage-power-lines-in-firstenergy-service-area","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marketnewsdesk.com\/index.php\/helicopters-infrared-technology-used-to-complete-proactive-inspections-of-high-voltage-power-lines-in-firstenergy-service-area\/","title":{"rendered":"Helicopters, Infrared Technology Used to Complete Proactive Inspections of High-Voltage Power Lines in FirstEnergy Service Area"},"content":{"rendered":"
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PR Newswire<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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\n Patrols identify invisible equipment issues to prevent future service interruptions<\/i>
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\n AKRON, Ohio<\/span>
\n <\/span>, May 7, 2025<\/span><\/span> \/PRNewswire\/ — To keep power flowing safely and reliably through the upcoming summer months, proactive aerial inspections along nearly 5,000 miles of high-voltage power lines are underway throughout FirstEnergy Corp.’s (NYSE: FE) six-state service area using infrared and ultraviolet (IR\/UV) technology.<\/p>\n

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Completed every four years in conjunction with FirstEnergy subsidiaries American Transmission Systems Incorporated (ATSI), Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission LLC (MAIT), Keystone Appalachian Transmission Company (KATCo), Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Company (TrAILCo) and Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), IR\/UV patrols help prevent future power outages by detecting early-stage and often invisible equipment issues within transmission substations and on high-voltage power lines that cannot be observed during regular visual inspections. These comprehensive inspections complement annual aerial patrols that identify visible concerns, like overgrown trees, damaged equipment or birds nesting on electrical equipment.<\/p>\n

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\n Mark Mroczynski<\/span>, President of FirstEnergy Transmission:<\/b> “The transmission system is the first line of defense in preventing power outages because it supplies the electricity that flows into substations and along power lines to every single one of our customers. This work supports the vast investments we’re making to strengthen our power system to meet the country’s growing energy needs.”<\/p>\n

An IR\/UV inspection is performed at low-flying patrol speeds between 25 and 35 mph, using an infrared and ultraviolet camera mounted on the bottom of the helicopter. The onboard thermographer uses the camera to view the electrical equipment through infrared and ultraviolet spectrums to identify any sources of overheated components or voltage issues.<\/p>\n

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\n View or download video footage of FirstEnergy’s helicopter inspections in action.<\/a>
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The infrared technology shows heat on a color scale, with brighter colors or “hot spots” indicating areas that could need repairs. The thermal images can identify equipment issues such as loose connections, corrosion and load imbalances, while ultraviolet technology detects electrical discharge along a power line caused by issues like rusted hardware and cracked insulators. The combination of both technologies is beneficial because it provides a wider range of detection. Any issues identified during the inspections are addressed to prevent service disruptions and costly repairs down the road.<\/p>\n

The IR\/UV aerial inspections in FirstEnergy’s territory are underway across the following areas over the next several months:<\/p>\n