Every measurement and calibration process undergo strict inspection. It is important to have a precautionary check of every tools that will be used in order to assure the success and safety of the operation. Whenever you are assigned for a large or even small-scale measurement operations, these quick steps can help ensure your measurement device is safe and ready to go.

Use common sense

This is probably one of the most common and important things that you must attain when doing safety checks. Make it a habit to take a closer and detailed look at your equipment and accessories before you begin any operation. Check if it is broken or if there are any shattered parts on your device. It is essential to know every in-and-out of your device to easily determine if it is functional. If you wouldn’t let other people borrow it from you because of its condition, then you shouldn’t use it yourself.

Inspect leads

Electrical measurement operations pose high risk for people who are conducting it. Hence, make sure to perform an inspection on the test leads before using any electrical testing instruments. This is to ensure that the device can safely and accurately conduct electricity for the job at hand. Be sure your leads have minimum exposed metal on the following:

1. • Double insulation.
   • CAT ratings that equal or exceed those of the meter.
   • Finger guards.
   • Shrouded connectors.

Continuity testing

You can use your meter’s own continuity testing function to check for any internal breaks. This ensures that your device is accurately providing results and is not prone to error when the actual operation starts. Try checking test lead resistance by:

1. • Selecting Ω, touching probe tips and being sure the leads are 0.1 – 0.3 Ω.
   • Inserting leads in V/Ω and COM inputs.

Verify correct voltage rating

Make sure that the device meter that you will be using and its accessories are appropriately rated and designed for the system. Whenever you are conducting any electrical measurement, set the voltage at the right meter and verify its rating to ensure accurate results and measurements

Safety checking your equipment before any measurement operation can reduce hazard and ensure that all equipment is ready to go. Whether voltage testers or digital millimetres, a quick safety scan before working can save time and money. To ensure the guaranteed safety of your operation, you also need a trusted provider that can supply you long-lasting calibration and measurement tools.

Presidium.ph Corporation is an official distributor of Fluke Calibration products in the Philippines. Fluke is the world leader in the manufacture and distribution of any electronic test tools. We can assure you that our line of measurement tools are safe and highly functional. You can trust us to bring you the most trusted test tools that can bring you not just accurate results but also safe operations.

For more info, you can contact us at +632-464-9339 or visit our website at www.presidium.ph

For electricians and technicians, the power and distribution panels and the nearby wiring systems are the best starting point to troubleshoot electrical disruptions.

The voltage and current are the two most common electrical measurements or details that are usually taken from the panels and surrounding wiring. However, in some scenarios, the technician may also want to test for the continuity or measure peak voltage, peak current, minimum or maximum voltage or current over time, temperature, harmonics, power factor, transient voltage, temperature or even analyse waveforms to isolate specific problems.

The measurements of these factors can be done through the use of the right equipment but with the proper protective gear, of course.

Here are some of the important tools that electricians and technicians usually use for testing various measurements on electrical wiring and panels:

Voltage Testers

This kind of tool is being used to quickly access the presence of voltage. Some advanced and new tools have been also devised to measure voltage without really using test leads. Take Fluke’s T6-600 or T6 – 1000 as examples.

Digital Multimeters

DMMs are called the Swiss Army Knife of measurement tools for nothing. Technically, this versatile and flexible instrument can measure or test voltage, current, resistance, continuity, capacitance, frequency, diodes, duty cycle, and more. Just like the Fluke 87V Industrial Multimeter and Fluke 3000 FC, you can’t go wrong with Fluke’s digital multimeters.

Clamp Meters

Clamp meters are very convenient to use for accessing wirings in tight spaces, panels that are beyond easy reach, and extra-large conductors. Fluke’s top-seller Fluke 381 Remote Display True-RMS AC/DC Clamp Meter with IFlex is your best option for this one, so check it out!

Insulation Testers

You can now quickly find problems on your electrical system by saving and comparing measurements over time on a wireless device. See Fluke 1587 FC Insulation Multimeter for yourself!

Infrared Cameras and Thermometers

Rugged, handheld Infrared non-contact cameras and thermometers quickly measure surface temperatures in hard-to-reach or hazardous areas. Infrared cameras are ideal for quick inspection of electrical panels in order to determine potential problem areas before further testing and troubleshooting. Check out our very own Fluke VT04A Visual IR Thermometer!

Fluke is an internationally-acclaimed and trusted manufacturer of electrical testing tools. In the Philippines, Presidium.PH Corporation is an official distributor of Fluke products. For additional queries, contact Presidium at +632 464 9339 or info@presidium.ph.

It’s inevitable that big machineries lie the ones companies use in manufacturing companies, require a huge amount of power in order for it operate. In a day to day basis, hundreds of thousands of machines are operating so you can just imagine the all that power being consumed in a certain location. It’s taken a lot of research and developments, but there is actually a way to consume less or good power quality.

Good Power Quality is defined as a steady supply voltage that stays within a prescribed range, steady frequency close to the rated value, and smooth voltage curve waveform. There are devices that are able to measure the quality of power used, and these devices can also optimize the productivity of the power used. But what is the importance in doing all of this? Let’s find out.

The consequences of poor power quality, such as power factor and harmonics, can not only be a direct hit on the bottom line because of surcharges by local utilities, but also because dirty power can cripple crucial equipment and lead to downtime.

Origins of most power problems inside facilities.

• Installation – improper grounding or routing of wires, or undersized distribution.
• Operation – equipment is being operated outside design perimeters.
• Mitigation – improper shielding or lack of power factor correction
• Maintenance – deteriorated cable insulation

Even though a machine has been properly installed, it can still later on show multiple issues and problems as it is constantly being used and the machine itself ages as well. Moreover, power issues can also come for external factors such as unpredictable outages, voltage sags, and power surges.

Even though there is a cost associated with power quality, it is still important that you invest in the right tools and devices that will help you control the power that is running through your machines. Because if not, it may easily destroy your machines, and that will be a much bigger cost.

Fluke power quality and energy tools, including single-phase and three-phase loggers and analyzers, are designed for industrial and commercial applications to measure power quality and quantify those associated costs.

For inquiries, you may message https://presidium.ph/contact-us/ or contact us at (02) 464 9339

Success can be measure on how well you equip yourself to do your work. When it comes to electrical testing processes, it is essential to be sure of the tools you are going to use for the job. Determining the right electrical testing tool requires a thorough assessment of your needs. Though you have two of the best electrical measuring devices in Digital Multimeters and Clamp meters, there is nothing better than understanding the true operation of both of these products and how each of them can provide different benefits on your measurement operations.

Digital Multimeter

There is an impression that digital multimeter is a direct contact instrument while clamp meter is an inductive instrument. This leads to the conclusion that the only difference between the two is their input method. However, Digital Multimeter (DMM) is essentially a voltage measuring tool that is capable of current inducing abilities. DMM enables an electrician to measure milliunits (millivolts, milliamps, and milliohms) with its high resolution feature. It also allows electrical measurements with the exception of current unless it is equipped with a clamp accessory. Technically, if you are looking to just generate accurate voltage measurements, then DMM is the one that is primarily designed to conduct such measurement operations.

Clamp Meter

Clamp meters, in comparison, measures to the nearest tenth of a unit, rather than in the milli-units provided by digital multimeters. In electronic work this is a perfect and efficient resolution. This tool is essentially a current-measuring tool with some voltage abilities which makes it easier to conduct measurements on the load side of a breaker. Simultaneous voltage and current measurements are simply part of troubleshooting. However, there are dilemmas on how theses simultaneous measurements can be conducted via one meter only. For electricians, a clamp meter is the most versatile diagnostic tool available. However, the exact combination and utilization of test equipment still depends on the type of work you will be facing, and the type of measurements you need to make. Here are some of the situations and ideas you may consider during your measurement operations:

• If your job requires only the basic voltage measurements, then you can use a basic DMM
• If you need the high resolution and advanced features not found on clamp meters, a high-end DMM could fit with that.
• If you just need to ensure all three phases on your feeders are pulling the same current, a basic clamp meter is all you need
• An advanced clamp meter is right for you if you have intermittent breaker trips that you need to resolve.

Bottom Line Benefits

Both of these tools have their own advantages from each other but it can be safe t say that it perfectly fit for each other. Whenever there are simultaneous measurement needs, you can utilize both of these instruments together in a one-compressed tool in order to accurately measure any current and voltage leads.

In relation, we all know it’s costly not to have the right tools for the job. That is why you need a trusted provider that you can always count on for your measurement needs. Presidium.ph Corporation is an official distributor of high-quality electronic test tools in the country. You can count on us to provide you every testing tools you need whenever and wherever your operations are! Have accurate measurements of your electrical processes with our wide array of Fluke digital multimeters and clamp meters.

For more info, you can contact us at +632-464-9339 or visit our website at www.presidium.ph.

An infrared camera, also known as a thermal imager, can be a big investment for any company or individual. While it is a very useful tool, it is still important to determine your Return on Investment (ROI). There are a lot of variables that contribute to your ROI, depending if you’re a plant manager, or a contractor/consultant. Here are some of them:

For Industrial Plant Managers, ROI can come from using infrared cameras for inspection and troubleshooting. Factors include:

Saved downtime

There’s no need to turn off equipment during an inspection so plant managers don’t lose valuable production time.

Increased productivity

Infrared inspections are non-contact, which means that technicians can scan large areas from a safe distance, and at a faster speed.

Improved production efficiency

Subtle problems can be found and addressed easily before they have a major impact on production.

Reduced capital expenses

Maintaining equipment properly can extend their average life expectancy. Through a thermal imager, technicians can find and repair problems before the equipment breaks down.

For Consultants and Contractors, ROI is based on how much more money can be earned by using a thermal imager. Factors that can increase sales include:

Increased productivity

Complete more work in less time by being able to quickly scan areas to find air leaks, insulation gaps, moisture, and overheated electrical components.

Easier sales

Eliminate guesswork and show potential clients exactly what the problem is, and what needs to be repaired, on an infrared camera.

More word of mouth referrals

With a thermal imager, you will not only resolve problems, but also send customers a before and after scan of the same area so they can compare results. This will lead to more satisfied clients and more referrals.

To get a quick estimate on your ROI, try using the Fluke Thermal Imaging ROI Calculator.

Fluke is a trusted manufacturer of numerous tools and test instruments including infrared cameras. In the Philippines, Presidium.ph Corporation is an official distributor of Fluke products. For additional queries, contact Presidium at +632 464 9339 or info@presidium.ph.

Various energy saving methods and energy-saving appliances or devices have been around in the market for years now. There’s no wonder that energy-saving hacks is really important nowadays because of the unstable price of energy from various utility companies.

This is where the importance of thorough power quality analysis and energy studies comes out. This is to ensure that the overall electrical system health of any facilities is well taken care of and assessed for any malfunctions and/or wear and tear that can even cause higher electrical consumption.

Now, in order to have a comprehensive systems analysis and energy studies, you’ll need an ideal tool that can help you out – just like the Fluke 1738 Advanced Power Energy Logger.

This tool is effective for:

• Load studies — verify electrical system capacity before adding loads. The 1738 is also suitable for NEC 220 load studies.
• Energy assessments — quantify energy consumption before and after improvements to justify energy saving expenditures.
• Harmonic measurements — uncover harmonic issues that can damage or disrupt critical equipment.
• Voltage and current event capture — monitor for dips, swells, and inrush currents that cause false resets or nuisance circuit breaker trips.

Fluke 1738 is a three-phase advanced Fluke Connect compatible-power logger for making critical power quality and energy decisions in real time. It also automatically captures and logs voltage, current, power, harmonics, and other associated power quality values. The tool provides the highest safety rating in the industry: 600 V CAT IV/1000 V CAT III rated for use at the service entrance and downstream and automatically logs all measured values and stores more than 20 separate logging sessions.

Since the tool is part of the Fluke Connect^® system of software and more than 30 wireless test tools, the Fluke 1738 allows the technicians and electricians to access and share data remotely with their entire team via Fluke Connect app. You can also access the logger through the facilities’ Wi-Fi infrastructure so you can maintain safer working distances, reducing the need for protective equipment, site visits, and check ins.

Energy consumption is indeed a vital issue that always needs to be addressed properly and thoroughly to make sure that no financial resources is being compromised. Hence, a comprehensive power quality and energy study is very crucial as well. Make sure that you got the best Fluke products with you at work to ensure effectiveness, reliability, and durability all in one tool.

Visit www.presidium.ph for more information!

Around 200 years ago, famous British composer and astronomer Sir William Herschel discovered infrared (IR) radiation. Today, Herschel’s discover is being used by technicians in many fields to detect and fix problems.

Now a new innovation has come through. Developed with British Innovator Infrared Integrated Systems Ltd., the new Fluke VT02 Visual Thermometer aims to combine affordability and functionality with this infrared device. It will benefit technicians who once had to choose between limited IR thermometers and costly thermal imagers.

A one of a kind product

According to Tim Wheatly, Chief Technical Officer of Irisys, “the VT02 is genuinely a new category of product.” It is incomparable to a spot radiometer or a thermal image as their function and use is very different. It is definitely a new style of product.

Out with the old, in with the new

Microbolometer, a type of thermal imager, used to be big and bulky6 when it was first developed in the later 80s. Now, thermal imagers are built small enough that they can be handheld. It may come in quite an expensive price but you are sure that it is a great product with good quality and use. Today, thermography devices are used by many professionals such as firefighters who use it to see through smoke.

Infrared thermometers Vs. Thermal Imagers

Infrared thermometers and thermal imagers basically has the same function but there is a big difference between the two. The low-cost option would be an infrared thermometer. The way it works is that it measures the average surface temperature of a “spot”; a spot that varies in size depending on the specification of the thermometer, and its distance from the target. An infrared thermometer is user-friendly that it requires little to no training. However, it can have a few disadvantages. Taking a detailed temperature profile may be impossible with an IT as it can be difficult to know exactly how large the area you are measuring is.

A thermal imager on the other hand, expensive as it may be, can provide a more detailed and sophisticated result. A single image can provide hundreds or thousands of individual temperature readings, one for every pixel view. These images can be recorded, and processed for viewing using a software. But you might need an expert or do more training before you can get the most out of your thermal imagers.

If you are looking to buy a device for thermography, you might want to start investing in products that will give you great results. It may require you to shell out more money, but the investment will be worth it if it means you get accurately correct results. For thermal imaging devices, you may check out our product list at http://www.presidium.ph. 

Football fans enjoy all the elements of the game – from the tackles, the touchdowns, all the way to the halftime show. Advertisers also spend a lot of money on commercial spots during big games like the Superbowl, as they know it hundreds of millions of people tune in to watch it.

For Football games to run smoothly, it’s important to have a stable power monitoring solution in place. Stadiums and similar sports venues should invest in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system to deliver immediate backup and safeguard input power from disruptions.

In the United States, one company found a better way to monitor utility power for their back-up UPS systems and generators. Filmwerks International, a company based in North Carolina, provides back-up power solutions to numerous sporting events – from football games to golf tournaments. The company uses Fluke 3540 Three-Phase Power Monitors that are connected locally to the cloud. Since the company monitors hundreds and thousands of variables, they needed a way to isolate issues. The USP technicians use a mobile application and desktop software to send alerts for when systems are potentially at risk.

Filmwerks invested in eight Fluke 3640 FC Three-Phase Power Monitors. The instrument can be connected to a load, gather data and allow the technicians to analyze the data in real time. The instrument can also connect to mobile and desktop applications via a wireless network. This allowed the maintenance teams to watch measurement data as it gathers and receives alerts whenever the power surges above, or drops below, custom thresholds determined by the assigned technician.

The Filmwerks crew takes note of the baseline of the critical loads with their three-phase power monitors. It allows them to anticipate how much to load their equipment. The devices also archive data so team members can improve the performance of their system based on data collected weeks or even months prior, which indicates the power consumption of specific equipment. The power usage history is a key metric technicians rely on to stay ahead of potential problems.

As a result of the company’s investment in an advanced power-monitoring instrument like Fluke, it is able to support live sporting events and concerts without worry.

Check out more amazing articles at our website!

There are 1,500 potentially active volcanoes in the world. Asia alone has 744 of them. Though it may take a hundred to thousand years before these volcanoes erupt, it is still important to study them and determine the timeframe of their potential eruption. Countries who are situated near the Pacific Ring of Fire are the ones who are always being affected when volcanoes erupt. Aside from the imminent danger that is brought by lava flow, different air pollution is also one of the hazardous effects of an active volcano. That is why many expert geologists are continuously finding ways to measure the current status of every volcanoes that can potentially erupt.

Thermal Energy

One of the primary ways that is utilized to study active volcanoes is through measuring thermal energy. Thermal energy is an energy contained in a system or object that is measurable. It is usually represented by heat and temperature. In relation, volcanoes are known to contain this measurable kinetic energy that is dangerous when incautiously studied. Much of the monitoring activity performed by volcanologists is gathered from thermal imaging mechanisms. Aircraft, satellites, and handheld sensing instruments are some of the most used tools in measuring thermal energy but the most convenient of the three is the handheld instruments. Thermal cameras or Infrared cameras are the most commonly used type of thermal energy measurement tool. Its portable feature makes data measurements to be captured instantly and easily as events unfold in real-time.

How does an IR camera work?

Unlike regular cameras, thermal cameras create images by detecting Infrared energy which an object emits. Volcanoes that are active and emitting lava flows are one the main end-user of this instrument as thermal cameras uses infrared-sensitive sensors that can detect differing temperatures and hot spots.

Remembering Kilauea Volcano

Many volcano monitoring operations have benefitted from using handheld thermal imagers. The monitoring operation for Kilauea volcano, for example, has utilized handheld thermal imagers to instantly determine its volcanic activity. In late April 2018, the volcano started showing signs of increased activity and last May 3, 2018, the first crack (fissure) has started. The activity sparked widespread attention as lava flows and potential destruction on Hawaii circulated amongst the people residing on the island. Since then, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has conducted several monitoring operations and provided real-time news and information to determine and prepare for an imminent volcanic eruption. With the use of portable thermal imagers, the USGS has collected a variety of critical information and data that provided the foundation for counter acts and lifesaving predictions.

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Thermal imagers are not just utilized for volcanic monitoring activities. It is also widely used for other temperature measurements, especially in factories that require accurate heat signals and levels. Thus, it is essential for any manufacturing and production businesses to have a reliable thermal imaging instrument. Presidium.ph Corporation can provide you just that! As an official distributor of Fluke Calibration products in the country, you can expect us to bring you the most reliable testing instruments you need and guarantee safety for your business operations.

For more info, you can contact us at +632 464-9339 or visit our website at www.presidium.ph!

One of the horrors of being a technician or an electrician is being harmed by the actual job itself. The voltage of a certain electrical system is being measured by attaching the test lead probe or alligator clips directly to electrical conductors. This traditional way of measuring voltages requires metal-to-metal contact that brings with it the risk of arc flash and electrical shock. The repercussions can potentially harm not just the person who is doing the measurement but also the testing device itself.

This is why Fluke has devised the FieldSense technology to make a workplace safer for electricians and technicians. This is where the voltage is being measured by isolating the measurement tool from the voltage source under test. Thus, it will reduce the risks of electrical shock and arc flash.

The principle of galvanic isolation makes the FieldSense technology possible. It simply allows electricians and technicians to measure voltage without exposing themselves to contact points with live voltage. A FieldSense technology-enabled device, like the Fluke T6-100, detects the electrical field in the open fork and measures the voltage through the cable insulation.

Here are the other reasons how FieldSense technology can keep the workplace for electricians and technicians safer:

No direct metal-to-metal contact

With the FieldSense technology, there is no need to attach probes or alligator clips to the conductor. The Fluke’s FieldSense technology allows you to measure AC voltage, current, and frequency through the cable’s insulation by sliding the fork of the tester over the conductor. In this manner, the risks for electrical sparks or arc flash will be minimized, hence, much less potential for electrical shock.

Works beyond expectations

The FieldSense-enabled devices of Fluke doesn’t just show you the live voltage present but also accurately measure that voltage. This technology injects a known signal to accurately derive the unknown AC voltage to produce an actual AC voltage.

No need to open panels

Devices with the FieldSense technology don’t need access to any wire end points as it can already measure the voltage at any point along the conductor. This feature saves you more time because you don’t have to deal with crowded junction boxes anymore. You just have to slid a single conducting wire into the open fork and read the results. Hence, you won’t have to be worried about experiencing electrical shocks when you dig deep down the bunch of wirings.

Just keep in mind that you also need to take precautionary measures and safety equipment while doing such task. Furthermore, you have to be more observant, careful, and vigilant upon doing your job to make sure that you can do it safely.

And when it comes to the best testing tools that you need for your work, trust Presidium.PH! We are a proud distributor of Fluke Calibration and Industrial Group tools here in the Philippines. Contact us at +63 2 464 9339 or email us at info@presidium.ph for inquiries and other information!