Planck Vision Systems manufactures thermal imaging solutions for portable inspection and 24/7 monitoring of commercial applications including: Early Fire Detection, Manufacturing, Substations and Tunnels, Electrical Panel/Cabinets, Storage Facilities, Data Centers and Elevated Body Temperature Screening. Our company is headquartered in Santa Barbara CA, the capital of infrared sensing technologies in the United States.
On December 25, 2024, a transformer fire broke out at Ross Park Mall, causing smoke to fill several stores. The fire started in the transformer and spread to nearby areas, creating significant disruption to mall operations. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the damages were significant. The fire is estimated to have caused $300,000 in damage, including the cost of repairs and the impact on the mall’s operations. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to contain the fire.

NEWS
On December 25, 2024, a transformer fire occurred at Ross Park Mall, located in Pittsburgh. The fire started in one of the transformers, filling several stores with smoke. The fire and resulting smoke disruption caused significant inconvenience to mall shoppers and retailers. Firefighters quickly responded to the scene to contain the blaze, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The incident created widespread chaos, as the mall was forced to close several stores due to the smoke infiltration. In addition to the store closures, mall management reported significant damages, both to the transformer and the affected stores. The estimated cost of repairs and lost operations is projected to be around $300,000.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but it is believed to have been related to an electrical malfunction in the transformer. Authorities are working on restoring power to the mall and conducting necessary repairs to ensure the safe reopening of the affected stores.
In such incidents, early detection of fire hazards is vital in preventing large-scale damage. This is where technologies like thermal imaging cameras from Planck Vision Systems can make a huge difference. Planck Vision Systems’ thermal imaging cameras offer round-the-clock monitoring, constantly gathering and analyzing data to identify trends and anomalies that could signal potential hazards. Their fixed mount and pan/tilt drive cameras can effectively monitor large areas, including transformers, delivering precise thermal images and enabling quick action before problems escalate into costly failures.
The fire at Ross Park Mall serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive surveillance in preventing transformer fires. Early fire detection systems, such as those provided by Planck Vision Systems, are crucial in reducing risks and minimizing damage to both infrastructure and business operations.
source:cbsnews.com
Predictive maintenance for Substation Monitoring
Planck Vision Systems thermal imaging cameras offer 24/7 monitoring to constantly gather and analyze data with software that identifies trends and anomalies. Fixed mount or pan/tilt drive cameras can survey large areas of a substation with crisp thermal images. Planck Vision Systems cameras will always be in the right place at the right time to eliminate the potential for costly unexpected substation failures.




