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Attending To Power Harmonics With Fluke Tools

Newton’s third law says that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. We are reaping the consequences of the actions of the generation before us. Harmonics has been around for a considerable amount since the introduction of electronic drives for motors, fans, and pumps. Let’s learn more about harmonics and how to address this problem.

What is Harmonics?

Harmonics are the side effects of electronics. These are distortions in the normal electrical current waveform transmitted by non-linear loads. When harmonics are combined with fundamental frequency, this creates distortion in the waveform which causes an adverse effect on your electrical equipment and power lines. Harmonics can be detected by checking these:

1. Load Inventory

2. Transformer Heat Check

3. Transformer secondary current

4. Sub-panel neutral current check

5. Receptacle neutral-to-ground voltage check

Switch-mode power can be seen on electrical devices such as photocopiers, personal computers, laser printers, fax machines, and battery chargers. They are commonly used in supply design because of their ability to supply a fixed voltage output continuously.

Dangers of Power Harmonics

Dealing with electricity can be hard at times because of the dangers it carries with it. There are power systems that can handle a certain level of harmonic currents. But if there is a significant load more than the power system can hold, it can cause errors in communication, overheating, and hardware damage. Here is some hardware damage that can happen:

  • Overheating of electrical distribution equipment, cable, transformers, standby generators, etc.
  • Metering errors
  • Generator failures
  • False tripping of branch circuit breakers
  • Lower system power factor resulting in penalties on monthly utility bills
  • Crest factors and related problems
  • Fires in wiring and distribution systems
  • High voltages and circulating currents caused by harmonic resonance

But these circumstances can be avoided with proper maintenance using dependable maintenance tools.

Solving Power Harmonics with Fluke Tools

To solve your harmonics problem, you can turn to Fluke! Fluke has reliable tools for measuring true-RMS and peak values of the wave shape.

Fluke 87V MAX True-rms Digital Multimeter

It measures true-RMS ac voltage and current of non-linear signals from electrically noisy equipment and variable frequency motor drives or VFDs. This trusted multimeter can work with you in dry, dusty, dark, or wet environments for long days. This rugged multimeter can survive drops up to 13 feet. It provides accurate measurements even within an extreme temperature that ranges from -40 degrees Celsius to +55 degrees Celsius. With a large display of digits, white backlight, and backlit keypad buttons, you won’t have a hard time reading the measurements! Use it for 800 hours

Fluke 87V MAX true-RMS Digital Multimeter. Photo from Fluke.com

Fluke 175 True-rms Digital Multimeter

This multimeter measures the frequency, capacitance, resistance, continuity, and diode. By measuring these, you are tracing the root of the problem. Its Display Hold and Auto Hold helps you capture important events or measurements. The data input is protected by IEN61010-1 CAT IV 600 or V/CAT III 1000 V. UL, CASA, and TUV.

Fluke 175 true-rms Digital Multimeter. Photo Fluke.com

Fluke 289 True-rms Data Logging Multimeter

It is a high-performance industrial logging multimeter of the next generation. This is Fluke Connect compatible which means you can monitor your readings even from afar using iOS or Android smart devices through the Fluke Connect app. It records and saves readings in real-time with a time stamp! It can also save up to 15,000 recorded readings. You can easily hang it because of its magnetic hanger. Thus, giving more room for your hands to move around.

Fluke 289 true-rms Data Logging Multimeter. Photo from Fluke.com

Fluke 381 Remote Display True-rms AC/DC Clamp Meter with iFlex

With a 6 feet cord, you can take readings even when you are in tight spaces. You won’t think about disorganized wires anymore! This ergonomic clamp meter has proprietary inrush measurement technology to filter noise and capture starting currents. The iFLEX Flexible Current Probe has expanded measurement range up to 2500 A AC.

Fluke 381 Remote Display True-rms AC/DC Clamp Meter with iFlex. Photo from Fluke.com

Get your Fluke tools through an authentic source!

Hey, you made it to the bottom! Are you currently looking for the best-performing test tools in the market to run daily maintenance checks on your machines? You’re in luck cause Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines. Prevent these faults from penetrating your machine by using the best test tools there are!

If you want to know more about Fluke tools and their functions, visit our website for more info! This is a one-stop-shop for the best test tools within Metro Manila.

Sources:

https://www.fluke.com/en-us/learn/blog/power-quality/troubleshooting-power-harmonics

https://www.newark.com/pdfs/techarticles/eaton/Eaton_Technical_Articles/UPS_Training/Powerware_Training/HarmonicsInYourElecSystem.pdf

https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/accircuits/harmonics.html

https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/power/switch-mode-power-supply.html

https://www.fluke.com/en-us/product/electrical-testing/digital-multimeters/87v-max

https://www.fluke.com/en-us/product/electrical-testing/digital-multimeters/fluke-175

https://www.fluke.com/en-us/product/electrical-testing/digital-multimeters/fluke-289

https://www.fluke.com/en-us/product/electrical-testing/clamp-meters/fluke-381

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How To Prevent Overheating Electrical Panels Using Fluke Tools!

how-to-prevent-overheating-electrical-panels-using-fluke-tools

Let’s give a brief background on why electrical panels are important to every household, or to every establishment in general. This little rectangular box holds the power to every electrical aspect of buildings and houses. We know it can seem a bit intimidating to look at but once you get the hang of it, it’s straightforward. Let’s just say that without electrical panels, you won’t be able to have control over electricity in certain areas of your home (if you’re a homeowner) or establishment (if you’re a maintenance professional).

Whether it be on buildings, homes, industrial plants, or in any area that requires electrical power, they will never be alive without electrical panels. So, regarding their importance, what would now happen if you had a faulty electrical panel in your midst, or worse, an overheating one? Here’s how you can resolve them with early detection using Fluke tools!

Reasons for overheating electrical panels

Initial, don’t be confused. All electrical panels may feel a bit warm since electrical currents run through them. There is a difference between a warm electrical panel and an overheating one. Remember, each circuit breaker is assigned to one current flow. Take a house, for example, one current flow (that is aligned to a breaker) may be connected to the bedroom, another can be connected to the kitchen, and so on.

Take note that circuit breakers also have ratings. So, if it exceeds that rating, it will also be a cause of a warm-up. However, these are not the only reasons why your panels are heating up. Here are some more probable reasons why they are overheating…

It might be a case of a loose connection.

Watch out for loose connections as this can generate heat. Loose connections often happen with the breakers. You see, when installing these little switches inside the electrical panel, you need to make sure that it is secured with the clip that holds them to the bus bar. If all else fails, maybe you need to bring out your screwdriver and tighten the lug that holds the breaker.

Current limits may also be in the works.

Keep in mind that electrical panels consist of multiple currents in different breakers, therefore, when one of those currents exceeds their rating then there might be a “trip” to the current flow breaking electricity. This can be a cause of power-hungry appliances. And, more often than not, when such appliances are often turned on and off, this can cause distress on your breaker. A simple solution would be to reset it. Switch it off, and switch it back on.

Faulty breakers also make electrical panels to overheat.

How do you know if one of your breakers is bad? An indication can be flickering lights or if your power is not working continuously in certain areas of your place. These are some of the signs that you have a bad breaker on your hands. If in such circumstances you’ve had your breakers replaced and are still experiencing the same thing, then it might be high time to upgrade to a modern panel.

Fluke tools to use for preventive measures and safety.

The iconic yellow holstered tools are a phenomenon in the industrial department. They are the best test tools that are highly recommended by professionals and maintenance men/women alike. They are not only known for their safe testing features but they are also well-applauded for their accurate performance. People working with Fluke tools in hand can operate more confidently, quickly, and safely, especially when working on highly sensitive projects. But that’s not all, Fluke tools are also praised because they can prevent all kinds of faults from a wide variety of tools, machines, electrical equipment, and even devices.

Considering preventing the overheating of electrical panels, Fluke tools can play a big role in determining faults in advance. Considering that most of these faults cannot be seen by our own eyes and might be too dangerous for us to inspect by hand, Fluke tool comes to the rescue with its high-performing tools. Here are some of the Fluke tools that can be an asset in the preventive maintenance of overheating electrical panels…

  1. Fluke Insulation Testers – They can be efficient in measuring phase-to-phase or phase-to-neutral voltage.
  2. Fluke Clamp Meters – They are good for measuring currents and looking for current harmonics.
  3. Fluke Energy Analyzers – These Fluke tools are great for monitoring voltage, harmonics, and load.
  4. Fluke Thermal Imagers – The preferred tools for spotting hot and cold spots.
  5. Fluke 1735 Three-Phase Powe Logger – They are great for measuring currents.
  6. Fluke 1587 Insulation Multimeter – They are perfect for measuring voltage and voltage drops.
  7. Fluke Insulated Tools – If you need to tighten bolts, make sure to use insulated tools for extra safety from harmful electricity.

Get your Fluke tools through an authentic source!

Hey, you made it to the bottom! Are you currently looking for the best-performing test tools in the market to run daily maintenance checks on your machines? You’re in luck cause Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines. Prevent these faults from penetrating your machine by using the best test tools there are!

If you want to know more about Fluke tools and their functions, visit our website for more info! This is a one-stop-shop for the best test tools within Metro Manila.

Sources:

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Best Fluke Tools For Power Monitoring

Electricity is inarguably one of the most important energy forms in the world. From bulbs to phones, to computers, to cars, electricity is needed to keep them going. However, electricity can be very dangerous when mishandled and not properly stored. Regular power monitoring is necessary to keep everyone safe from any risk an electrical malfunction may pose.

What is Power Monitoring?

Power Monitoring is the process of measuring power consumption for energy-saving purposes. It is essential in preventing your devices from malfunctioning. It also minimizes the risk of encountering an event that is potentially life-threatening. Accurate and regular power monitoring can be achieved by using the best Fluke power monitors, sensors, and meters.

Benefits of Power Monitoring Using Fluke

1) Identify defects early on.

As they say, prevention is better than cure. It also applies to our devices. Early problem detection gives us time to prepare and mitigate the potential large-scale damage it could lead to.

2) Increase the life of the equipment.

Understanding the capacity of equipment will help the operators create an accurate load profile for every piece of equipment and proactively manage and allocate energy load. This helps in utilizing the equipment to reach its highest level of performance while avoiding overloading.

3) Save time and money.

These two are commodities no one wants to waste. In businesses, when you misuse time, you are also wasting money! These essential commodities are greatly affected once a business encounters a problem in power consumption and management. Instead of waiting for your equipment to break down and your business to have downtime, it is wiser to invest in power monitoring systems.

4) Increase profit.

Cutting operation costs will increase the profit of the business. Instead of experiencing downtime, focus on having reliable energy and power management system that will help grow your business faster.

5) Ensure personnel safety.

It is equally important to keep businesses running. Taking care of them is investing in the future of the business. Faulty equipment poses more danger to the operators. Power monitoring helps in making sure that there are no irregularities in the processes and that your business won’t blow up in ways you wouldn’t want to.

Best Fluke tools for Power Monitoring

Since electricity is invisible, instruments are the only way to measure it. However, it can be dangerous to measure that’s why you need reliable power monitoring tools. Are you looking for one? Fluke is known to deliver excellent maintenance needs for our devices! Look at the list of Fluke tools best for power monitoring.

Fluke 3540 FC Three Phase Power Monitor and Condition Kit

Real-time monitoring of historical power variable data and other electrical variable fluctuations can be done by this Fluke device wirelessly. It has internal storage enough for 1 week worth of data. It allows users to visually analyze data with software trending, graphing, and timeboxing.

Fluke 3540 FC Three Phase Power Monitor and Condition Kit. Photo from Fluke.com

Fluke 1734 Three Phase Electrical Energy Power Logger

Receiving the highest safety rating in the industry, this Fluke device helps you identify the source of electrical energy waste and overloaded circuits. This builds an image of energy usage which can be used in reducing energy waste and making important decisions regarding power consumption.

Fluke 1734 Three Phase Electrical Energy Power Logger. Photo from Fluke.com

Fluke 1748 Three Phase Power Quality Logger

Accurately measure harmonics and interharmonics of voltage and current with this Fluke tool. You can export data in PQDIF or NeQual compatible through a third party software installed in Fluke 1748 Power Logger. Also, this compact power logger that is compliant with international power quality standards and combined with Energy Analyze Software is able to analyze power quality with waveform data to help identify the root of all disruptions.

Fluke 1748 Three Phase Power Quality Logger. Photo from Fluke.com

Get your Fluke tools through an authentic source!

Hey, you made it to the bottom! Are you currently looking for the best-performing test tools in the market to run daily maintenance checks on your machines? You’re in luck cause Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines. Prevent these faults from penetrating your machine by using the best test tools there are!

If you want to know more about Fluke tools and their functions, visit our website for more info! This is a one-stop-shop for the best test tools within Metro Manila. Get to know more about these products: https://presidium.ph/shop/?wlfilter=1&product_cat=fluke-power-quality-analyzers.

Sources

https://www.fluke.com/en/products/condition-monitoring/power

https://www.fluke.com/en-ph/product/electrical-testing/power-quality/1742-1746-1748

https://www.fluke.com/en-ph/product/electrical-testing/power-quality/1732-1734

https://www.fluke.com/en/product/condition-monitoring/power/3540-power-monitor-sensor

http://hoveyelectric.com/hovey-electric-power-blog/bid/70348/What-Is-A-Power-Monitoring-System

https://www.automationworld.com/home/blog/13318206/5-reasons-to-consider-a-power-monitoring-system

https://www.vertiv.com/en-asia/about/news-and-insights/articles/educational-articles/what-is-power-monitoring-and-why-does-it-matter/

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How To Deal with Faulty Electrical Circuits?

how-to-deal-with-faulty-electrical-circuits

Electrical circuits are the main foundation for transmitting electric currents. To give you a brief background, an electrical circuit is a device that gives energy to charged particles constituting the current. These are one of the main parts of every device, generators, lamps, electric motors, computers, etc. Think of it this way, without electrical circuits, your electrical devices will never power up. That’s why it’s also essential to always protect them and care for them.

How do we protect electrical circuits?

A car cannot run without its batteries, and motors cannot work without their electrical circuits. So, like any vital part of electric equipment, they also need extra care, but the question is, how do we do that? There are a number of things that we can consider to protect our electrical circuits. Here are some of them according to Elprocus.

  • Fuse
  • Circuit Breaker
  • PolySwitch
  • RCCB
  • Metal Oxide Varistor
  • Inrush Current Limiter
  • Gas Discharge Tube
  • Spark Gap
  • Lightning Arrester

These are some of the things that can protect your electrical circuits to ensure that there are no faults plaguing their systems.

What happens if you have defective electrical circuits?

When this happens, you’ll know a hundred percent as your device or any electrical device for that matter, will not function. As we’ve mentioned above, the main purpose of electrical circuits is to distribute power to your motors. If they are somehow damaged, then expect possible downtimes. Worst case scenario? Faulty electrical circuits may also be dangerous to people nearby.

Defective electrical circuits are prone to damaging insulation, conductors, and equipment, and they are also prone to overheating. In such cases that faulty electrical circuits are not dealt with immediately, they can also cause fires, explosions, arc flashes, and arc blasts. These are one of the most dangerous scenarios that personnel can ever encounter.

Staying safe with the use of Fluke tools.

You can never see faults coming with the use of your naked eyes for the simple reason that it’s impossible! Luckily, Fluke tools can make the impossible, possible with their state-of-the-art maintenance tools. If you want to prevent these faults from happening, you might want to consider using the best-performing Fluke tools.

The Fluke Power Quality Analyzers can do wonders in detecting faulty electronic wiring that might harm your devices in the long run. And yes, it can also be an efficient tool in determining faulty electrical circuits. These tools can…

  • Calculate mechanical power and efficiency without mechanical sensors.
  • Measure electrical power parameters such as voltage, current, power, apparent power, power factor, harmonic distortion, and unbalance.
  • Identify power quality issues such as dips, swells, transients, harmonics, and unbalance.
  • Includes full power quality and electrical energy analyzer functionality
  • Highest safety rating in the industry; 1000 V CAT III / 600 V CAT IV

This is just a jist of the wonders that a Fluke Power Quality Analyzer possesses. But, the best way to deal with faulty electric circuits is to identify them early on rather than waiting for some malfunction to happen to your machines. Remember, prevention is better than cure (especially when you’re dealing with expensive electronic devices!).

Get your Fluke tools through an authentic source!

Hey, you made it to the bottom! Are you currently looking for the best-performing test tools in the market to run daily maintenance checks on your machines? You’re in luck cause Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines. Prevent these faults from penetrating your machine by using the best test tools there are!

If you want to know more about Fluke tools and their functions, visit our website for more info! This is a one-stop shop for the best test tools within Metro Manila.

Read more