Power Quality Analyzer

[buzzlectric]

Is the Fluke 43B a good unit for residential/commercial use, or is there something better suited for this.
I liked it in the industrial field ,but i did'nt pay for it,now that i'm on my own i'm not sure i can justify the price vs. usage.

 

[tony_psuee]

Re: Power Quality Analyzer

Buzz,

Have you thought about renting it on an as needed basis? I got one for about $190/mo. I would be willing to pass the information along via PM.

Tony

 

[bphgravity]

Re: Power Quality Analyzer

I don't think power quality is a significant issue for most residential installations. For commercial installations, I think most power quality issues can be worked out at the design phase. This really only leaves existing installations as the only avenue for power quality monitoring and correction. This market hasn't really hit big yet.

 

[roger]

Re: Power Quality Analyzer

Bryan,

This really only leaves existing installations as the only avenue for power quality monitoring and correction. This market hasn't really hit big yet

I think this is somewhat geographical, we are strictly industrial and commercial and are seeing more and more PQ monitoring as well as Cordination Studies all the time.

Even with new construction some specs are asking for THD numbers per area or room in some installations, along with the normal Megg, FA, Data, etc... test reports.

Roger

 

[buzzlectric]

Re: Power Quality Analyzer

Not sure about renting , at 190$/month you can own in a year.
I'm seeing more PQ issues residentaly, or at least people are quizing me about them, people having problems with computers,entertainment systems,and even a few kitchen appliances.
These are demandig people ,quality, and i think it may be catching on in the rural areas of soutern IA. And i have been puting in some TVSS units on new constuction.

But is 43B any good?

 

[brian john]

Re: Power Quality Analyzer

There are very few PQ issues that a residential customer may be having that a good multimeter and trained tech can not locate and repair. Long term monitoring may be one of these, but I would not utilize a Fluke 43 for that.

My opinion, if you use more a piece of equipment than a few times a year, buy; as you stated renting or leasing the unit is more expensive should you have the item over 12 months.

 

[charlie tuna]

Re: Power Quality Analyzer

reguardless of residential or commercial your customer will want your input while dealing with the building owner/and/or power company. at this point "what instrument used" to determine the problem will weigh heavily! it must be "certified" and respected by the defendent!

i once had a office tower call me about voltage problems---and we recorded these problems with a metrosonics data logger and the voltages were out of power company specifications. a meeting was called--seven people showed up from the power company--they denied any probems and confirmed this with their metering people. i then handed them each a set of graphs showing the incoming voltages to the building for the past week! as they studied the graphs their meter expert asked what data logger was used? i told him "a metrosonics"! they asked for a five minute recess and came back in the room and admitted they had a primary feeder fail and were running on an old undersized feeder until repairs were made.

later as they were getting on the elevator, the meter person said "we have one metrosonics but don't use it much" ---"it's extreamily accurate"!
i replied "we have two of them!"

 

[fredribt]

Metrosonics RVA-4 question

Metrosonics RVA-4 question

I noticed your post and was hoping that you may be able to assist me in getting my Metrosonics RVA-4 back up and running. I picked it up a while back without probes. I have replaced the internal battery, made a serial connector for the unit, and now have it communicating with my laptop. However, I am still working on the probe wiring. I have checked the unit and have connected the CT connections and have the unit responding to amps, but still struggling with the pinout configuration on the four input ports. I have been unable to find an operations manual for the unit. Would you, by chance have a manual on a similar Metrosonics unit that has the pinout configuration? Thanks for any help you can provide on this.

 

[fredribt]

Metrosonics RVA-4 pinouts needed

Metrosonics RVA-4 pinouts needed

This reply was a duplicate. Please ignore.

 

[brian john]

I think this is somewhat geographical, we are strictly industrial and commercial and are seeing more and more PQ monitoring as well as Cordination Studies all the time.

Bryan:

I have been involved in PQ monitoring and investigation for 25 years and the business is growing. The shame of it is most can be avoided by correct design and installation. BUT THAT AIN'T HAPPENING.

I have done quite a bit in the residential market, but this has been all EMF and flicker issue. A multimeter with min max functions, amp clamp and Gauss meter is all I have needed.

 

[karl riley]

Brian, that's what I would have said (adding an audio tracer stick - magstick) but you forgot to mention the main instrument: your brain.

Karl

 

[brian john]

Karl:

Basic tools and common sense go a long way...I have been called into several jobs by competitors where they purchased or rented test equipment trying to resolve an issue, but did not have the experience or perseverance to locate the problem. I usually show them how to resolve the problems, and often they will just call me with future issues. The best test equipment is not worth a hoot if one does not have a basic understanding of how to use it.

 

[ptonsparky]

Karl:

Basic tools and common sense go a long way...I have been called into several jobs by competitors where they purchased or rented test equipment trying to resolve an issue, but did not have the experience or perseverance to locate the problem. I usually show them how to resolve the problems, and often they will just call me with future issues. The best test equipment is not worth a hoot if one does not have a basic understanding of how to use it.

My experience level and customer type with these problems is noticably different then yours, howerver the biggest problem I have run into is the owners willingness to have the problem fixed. "It has worked this way for twenty years!" is a hard obstacle to overcome.

 

[brian john]

ptonsparky:

I also run into this, all you can do is explain, that it is an NEC violation (if it is) and why they need to repair this or that this issue results in a problem explain why and then your hands are tied, if they do not repair it at least you are covered. I almost always put it in writing to cover my tushie.

 

[robbietan]

if you want to include harmonics in a residential setting, a 41B would be less pricier (if you can find one on ebay).

most residents want proof/tech arguments on the various energy savings device they see on the market. having a 41B is a good start, having a recording meter is better!