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Quick Run Through of Power Quality Symptoms and What’s Causing Them

quick-run-through-of-power-quality-symptoms-and-whats-causing-them-presidium-ph

Are you experiencing power-related symptoms with your machines, panels, or electrical wiring? Although it is a given fact that Fluke tools can undoubtedly solve these issues with a simple click of buttons, it is also a good practice for electricians and caretakers to know what is causing them. Remember that action prevention is always better than relying on tools alone. Therefore, knowing the causes of power quality symptoms also takes a substantial chunk regarding understanding the process for it to go as smoothly as possible.

Importance of power quality

When we touch upon the topic of power quality, it relates to things that consume power. And for electronics and machines to function properly, they need a good consistent flow of voltage. Power quality is important because, in the modern world that we live in today, electricity and power are widely used and saturated in most businesses and households. Imagine what it would be like when your power is tripping or acting up. This will cause unwanted downtimes for businesses, and it will also cause pricey maintenance assistance.

Remember the famous quote “health is wealth”? It does not just apply to people’s health, but it also applies to electrical aspects as well. Keeping your power lines in their peak condition and maintaining their optimum power quality will be beneficial for your business and households overall.

Causes of poor power quality

If you are experiencing these issues with your lights or electricity in general, then it might be high time for you to contact someone to look at your powerlines. Take note that the causes of poor power quality can happen to any electrically powered thing when it is starting to age. According to ICAR, here are some of the possible causes of poor power quality…

Probable causes:

  • Power failures (Release switches, fuses blowing).
  • Breakdowns or malfunctions of machines.
  • Overheating of machines (transformers, motors, etc.) leads to reduced useful life.
  • Damage to sensitive equipment (computers, production line control systems, etc.).
  • Electronic communication interference.
  • Increased distribution system losses.
  • The need to oversize systems to cope with additional electric stress results in higher installation and operational costs.
  • Luminosity flickering

A quick run-through of power quality symptoms.

Let us not make things complicated. There are a lot of possible causes of why your electric machines or your panels are malfunctioning. Here, we are going to quickly run-down the most common ones that you will experience. We will state the issues, their symptoms, and their possible potential causes.

Dips and Sags

One of the most common occurrences of electrical or power-related issues is “dips and sags”. You will know it when it happens when you start experiencing dimming lights, computer lockups, equipment shutdown, systems shut down, and unexplained shutdowns in general.

One of the main causes of dips and sags are extreme weather conditions that can really shake up electrical lines and cable posts. In line with this, starting large loads, especially large inductive can also be a reason for electrical dips and sags.

Electrical Swells

You might want to watch out for electrical swells. You will know when your power lines are experiencing this when your power supplies are failing. Also, overvoltage shutdowns and alarms on variable frequency drives can be in the works when electrical swells take place. The potential causes for this are capacitor bank switching, sudden load decrease, or faulty single phase of three-phase systems.

Transients

One of the most dangerous causes of power quality symptom transient usually triggers arcing effects and flashovers that are very harmful to maintenance men and women when they are exposed to them. In line with this, it also triggers damaged insulations, computer lockups, and failed electronics.

To prevent this occurrence, try and watch out for these things that are causing them.

  • Lightning strikes
  • Switching of capacitors
  • Reenergizing systems after a power failure
  • Sudden stoppage of large equipment
  • Dirty or worn contactors

Harmonics

Its symptoms consist of overheated electrical functions. To prevent this, watch out for the overheating of your conductors, transformers, and inductive motors. These elements can cause damage to your harmonics. Also, like other causes of poor power quality, you may also experience unexplained shutdowns of your electronic equipment. But let us not forget about its potential causes.

Causes of harmonics:

  • Nonlinear loads such as switching power supplies
  • Converter sections of uninterruptible power supply (UPS), VFDs, and battery chargers
  • Welders
  • Arc furnaces

Power Interruptions

This is one of the most common faults that people experience when heavy rains or storms occur. technically, this entails a total power shutdown of appliances, lights, or anything that is powered by electricity. In simple terms, it is a momentary loss of utility power. Power interruptions may seem like a simple and common thing, but it is also a cause of unwanted downtimes that can affect a business’s productivity. Not to mention, some downtimes can be costly to some industries as well.

Resolve these failures using Fluke Tools!

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 are 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.

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Electric Safety: 5 Preventive Practices to Keep You From Harm During Operations

electric-safety-5-preventive-practices-to-keep-you-from-harm-during-operation

Method with caution is the rule of thumb of most people who are working with electricity. Live wires or dead wires, one should never be complacent when testing or doing maintenance checks. Nevertheless, there will always be a certain pressure for workers to get the job done no matter what happens. And when certain pressures are breathing down your neck, you might have the tendency to miss a few electric safety steps.

However, missing a few safety steps shouldn’t be something to feel bad about. Actually, even professionals can sometimes make those mistakes. The bigger picture is your safety when you’re around electrical wires. So here are things that you should prevent doing when you’re around them.

Here are preventive practices you should keep in mind when testing electricity…

These are just quick reminders for people who are working closely with live wires (or dead ones) daily. Ignorance of simple things can sometimes be the main cause of a project’s destruction or an immediate trip to the emergency room. Therefore, it’s always a smart move to be very careful and attentive when doing electric testing. Here are some of the common mistakes you should watch out for.

Electric Safety: Working on live circuits

You should limit your exposure to live wires as much as possible. One of Fluke’s best features is its ability to take measurements from afar making its user well protected and away from danger. The best course of action is to de-energize the live wire or switch off the main power source. But then again, why should you vie away from electrical circuits when you have your full protective gear on? It’s because your PPE can only protect you to a certain extent. So, if you’re working with live circuits, better have full insulted tools together with your PPE.

Electric Safety: Refusing to upgrade test tools

You have to upgrade your test tools. We’re not saying you should purchase every time a new one comes out, but if the said tools are going to help you in doing the job better, then, why not right? Good tools are an investment especially if you’re planning on having a career in the electrical department.

Your tool might be working perfectly fine right now but can you still say the same 10 years after? No matter how good your test tool is, opting to purchase a more advanced tool that can keep you safer is always preferred. These advanced tools may be worth the investment than the old ones you have right now.

Electric Safety: Holding test tools with both hands

Actually, try not holding anything at all if it’s possible for you to do so. The goal of every operation is for you to limit your contact to any live wires or any tool that can bring you harm. So, if you must hold your tools when testing electricity, always do it with one hand. Doing so will lessen your exposure to harm if ever there are any unfavorable occurrences.

Nevertheless, the best option for you is to go hands-free (if the operation or the project itself allows it). You can try hanging your device somewhere while testing electricity. Some Fluke tools actually have this feature so that any worker can feel safer doing a ‘hands-free’ job.

Electric Safety: Replacing fuses with cheaper ones.

The fuses that you bought together with your digital multimeter are tested in regards to the CAT safety standards. Moreover, the one that is originally installed in your device can surely withstand any overload or faulty electric wiring. On the other hand, buying from another source might not level up to the original one. It’s always to be better off safe than sorry, so when replacing your digital multimeter’s fuses, buying from an original source is always the ideal choice.

Electric Safety: Don’t neglect your test leads.

One of the most important accessories you can have for your digital multimeters is your test leads. Remember, test leads don’t come in one form. There are a lot of other types that are better suited for the project you are working on. A word of advice, for further safety measures, try looking (or consider purchasing) test leads with finger guards, non-slip surfaces, shrouded input connectors, and those with double insulation.

Purchase from 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.

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.

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Why is Calibration Important?

why-is-calibration-important

Often, we hear calibration mentioned when we search for Fluke tools online. But do we really know what it truly means? Calibration is one of the most important steps to knowing if your device is measuring up to its full potential, and that is why it is important. Given that there are different devices, calibration also comes in different forms relating to the tool that needs to be calibrated.

What is Calibration?

A value of a tool is everything. Calibration is the process of comparing a device under test of an unknown value. Only this time there will be a reference standard of a known value. With this process, a thorough reading can be done with the tool being used. By performing calibration to tools, errors can be determined, faults can be found, limitations can be evaluated, etc.

Take thermometers as an example. It is a given fact that thermometers measure temperatures, right? You can conduct a calibration test on thermometers by putting them in water with a boiling point of 212 degrees Fahrenheit. By doing so, you will be able to learn the errors that the thermometer holds. Remember, visual facts hold less than actual testing. And by placing calibrated reference thermometer under a series of tests, you will be able to find out its precise value. One of them is putting the device under test, which is the thermometer into the water, yes that is one way to do it.

But do not be mistaken, calibration is not an act of corrective adjustment. Corrective adjustment is completely different from calibration which also requires the use of different methods. Nevertheless, calibration is a process that leads you to the step of corrective adjustment only if it applies to the device.

Why is it important?

Calibration tools are relied upon by many professional engineers, technicians, metrologists, and more. This is because calibration can help them gain more confidence regarding the tool’s safety and reliability. It is not just tools that are calibrated but a lot of things such as flights, medications, nuclear facilities, computers, appliances, cell services, and many more. These industries also go through the process of calibration to not only ensure safety and reliability but also for quality and cost.

Calibration is a way to make sure that all tools are working in their optimum condition. Moreover, it is also a way to prevent failures when in use or while in production.

But that is not all, what makes this all the more impressive is its enablement to open doors to opportunities. Calibration takes steps (considering that it is continuously developing) to improve scientific discovery and industrial manufacturing.

The Chief Corporate Metrologist of Fluke Corporation

Jeff Musk actually has some very important insights regarding the importance of Fluke calibration. According to the chief, he said, “If you are performing measurement where the results will make a critical decision such as a safety test or if a manufactured product meets requirements, you must have your equipment calibrated so that the performance is known and fit for purpose. This is especially important if you want your results to correlate with others around the world.”

Another fact of why calibration is important is because all things wear down, especially with electronics. Overall, expect that your device will not look, feel, and perform as it once was when it was brand new. Expect that there will be lapses in time. But by doing the annual calibration, you will be able to make sure that it operates properly based on its product specifications.

Different kinds of calibration.

There are various kinds of Fluke tools in the market, each boasting special functions, and applications in different electrical or mechanical work. With this said, it is ideal to have not one but multiple calibration tools to make sure each device works properly and perfectly in different projects or operations. Fluke has six different calibration tools that you need to know about. Here are some of them…

  1. Electrical
  2. RF
  3. Temperature
  4. Humidity
  5. Pressure
  6. Flow

Calibrate through an authentic source!

Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines. Rest assured that all tools have gone through proper tests to prevent faults from penetrating your projects that might cause bad downtimes 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.

You could reach us at info@presidium.ph / calservices@presidium.ph for inquiries.

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All You Need To Know About Non-Contact Voltage Testers

all-you-need-to-know-about-non-contact-voltage-testers-presidium-ph

Being one of the sought-after tools in the market, Fluke’s non-contact devices take center stage. Fluke being able to create tools that can help workers take tests and measurements from a safe distance is one of its defining features. Expect that almost half of the test tools will have this winning function.

On the other hand, non-contact voltage testers don’t stray far from its family of digital multimeters. Only this time, they offer a more direct approach to detecting voltages. Not to mention, they are also very handy in terms of sizes. Here, we will be discussing all you need to know about them!

What is a Non-Contact Voltage Tester?

For staff in the electrical, industrial, and maintenance departments, this is a huge sigh of relief. Gone are the days of hesitant testing and risking people’s safety. To put it plainly, non-contact voltage testers are used to see if the voltage is present or not. Additionally, this tool can also detect mis wires of electrical outlets.

This portable tool is very well-liked for its simple and quick approach to see if the harmful voltage is taking place within your outlets or electrical panels. What is better? It does not entail a lot of buttons pushing or navigating, but it is mostly favored by maintenance people for its direct approach.

Choosing the right Non-Contact Voltage Tester for you.

There are diverse types of non-voltage testers. It’s best if you assess the operations, you usually do before purchasing a non-contact voltage tester to make the most out of it. Plus, keep value in mind when looking at non-contact voltage tester prices and remember that the best price does not necessarily equal the best value. With this said, take note of these Fluke non-contact voltage testers to determine the one for you.

Fluke 1AC II VoltAlert™ Non-Contact Voltage Detector

The Fluke 1AC II Volt Alert is perfect if you need a high-performing tool for general voltage detection. Uneasy leaving tools to shut down on its own? This non-voltage detector comes with an on/off switch of your convenience.

Here are more of its notable capabilities:

  • Voltage range: 90 V to 1000 V AC
  • Voltbeat™ technology and continuous self-test — so you always know it is working
  • Voltage indication: tip glows and beeper sounds (beeper can be disabled)
  • Safety: CAT IV 1000 V
  • On-off switch for maximum battery life

Fluke 2AC VoltAlert™ Non-Contact Voltage Detector

The Fluke 2AC Volt Alert is perfect for people who usually work in environments wherein sight indication is more preferred than sound. If you are a person who’s always on the go and needs a ready stead voltage detector, then the Fluke 2AC VoltAlert is the one for you. Although it still does feature audio beep voltage indicators, so technically speaking it’s just a tad bit more advanced than Fluke 1AC considering its extra features.

Here are more of its notable capabilities:

  • 90 V to 1000 V AC voltage range
  • Voltage indication: tip glows
  • Voltage indication: audio beeper for quiet environments
  • Safety: CAT IV 1000 V
  • Always on, using special low power circuitry to sustain battery life and ensure your 2AC is always ready
  • ‘Battery Check’ function ensures battery is in good condition

How do non-contact voltage testers work?

As we’ve mentioned, it is very simple and direct. Just touch the tip of your non-contact voltage tester to an electrical strip and wait for a beeping sound. Also, watch if the point turns either red or green. Red light indicates that high voltage is present while a green light tells that the wire does not harbor any dangerous voltages.

Here are things you should also remember when operating a non-contact voltage tester…

  • The tip glows red and a beeper sounds when voltage is detected
  • A loud, easy to hear beeper will sound and the tip will glow red when voltage is detected
  • Optionally, the beeper can be disabled for use in quiet environments
  • Continuous self-test so you always know it is working
  • When the tip blinks red you know it is working properly
  • Provides a continual visual indication that the 1AC II is on
  • 90 V to 1000 V AC or 200 V to 1000 V AC voltage detection range for wide application use.
  • Wide voltage detection range allows for use in a broad range of applications
  • Also available in a low voltage model from 20 V to 90 V AC for controls circuits

Can I get shocked while using a voltage tester?

We know, it is the complete irony for a device to be called “non-contact” and still require contact when being used. However, if your concern is getting shocked then let us put you at ease. Fluke specializes in making tools that prevent workers from getting hurt, and this does not leave out the Fluke voltage testers. 

Considering shocks, make sure that you are using and holding your voltage tester properly. Doing so will shield you from shocks. Only hold them on the insulated handle when you are undergoing an operation.

Okay, so we’ve touched up where to hold your voltage tester. Now, let us talk about watching where you are placing your other free hand. Make sure that it is not touching something that will expose you to live currents still (if ever the insulation fails).

Another word of advice, never undergo testing without wearing the proper personal protective equipment. Tools are just covering one part in protecting you from electrocution but having your PPE will provide you the complete safety and confidence you need when you’re working with these kinds of projects.

Some non-contact voltage testers can show a false positive or negative if…

Environmental factors can play a key role in getting accurate data from test tools. These are things that you need to consider, and from time to time, adjust to. Like all tools alike, the non-contact voltage tester is not different. At times, the device may show false positive or negative results. This is why it is especially important for you and your safety to take note of what is causing them for prevention purposes.

Reasons for false positive or negative:

  • The insulated test point touches grounded metal
  • The cable being evaluated is partially buried
  • The user is isolated from ground
  • The tester is used inside a metal enclosure
  • The cable is shielded
  • The battery is dead

The difference from other non-contact Fluke devices.

Fluke’s main priority is developing test tools that will keep workers and maintenance people safe in every operation. And to this day, they have kept their promise of providing workers the best test tools there are. This superbly handy non-contact voltage tester, however, differs from most since, well, it is smaller with more direct functions. No need to press a lot of buttons, no complicated navigation, and you will not even spend time reading the manual for this one. That is one of the winning factors of this test tool.

Purchase from 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 are in luck cause Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines.

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.

Fluke 1AC: https://presidium.ph/product/fluke-1ac-a1-ii-non-contact-voltage-tester/

Fluke 2AC: https://presidium.ph/product/fluke-2ac-non-contact-voltage-tester/

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How Fluke is Innovating Predictive and Prescriptive Maintenance for Food and Beverage Companies

The food and beverage industries have always become a prominent part of our society as it is producing something that we consume every day. With this said, as much as possible, issues and downtimes must be kept to a minimum (or if attainable, none at all). It is a given fact that a prominent part of the production goes to machines and without proper maintenance of these machines, it’s definitely going to leave a dent production-wise. As luck would have it, Fluke tools are innovating predictive and prescriptive maintenance for food and beverage companies everywhere.

Why do food and beverage industries need PMDB and prescriptive maintenance?

According to the president and founder of Eagle Technology Inc, Harshad Shah, states the importance of being able to be on top of technology maintenance specifically in the food and beverage industries.

 “…its benefits include reduction or near elimination of unscheduled equipment downtime caused by equipment or system failure; increased labor utilization; increased production capacity; reduced maintenance costs; and increased equipment lifespan. “Predictive maintenance ensures that production equipment doesn’t fall below prescribed performance, quality, and safety standards,” he shares.

The benefits of using Fluke in food and beverage companies.

A rugged tool that promises safety and security to its users. Fluke is already known to maintenance industries because of its ability to perform fast and thorough tests. But that is not all the advantages it gives to maintenance people. Here are more advantages of using fluke tools.

  • Quick tests and measurements.
  • Safety and reliability.
  • Ease of use.
  • Versatile – You not only get one function in one tool, but it is applicable in a lot of areas when it comes to prescriptive, and predictive maintenance.
  • Be hassle free when it comes to getting data.
  • Prevents downtimes.
  • Maximizes productivity by seeing faults before they happen.
  • Have the confidence to take it in the most rugged environments.

And that’s just scratching the surface. Ideally, you will get a lot more advantages once you identify what Fluke tool you need. Each tool boasts special qualities that will undoubtedly provide you optimum experience in each operation.  

How is Fluke innovating predictive and prescriptive maintenance?

According to an article from Food Engineering written by Sharon Spielman, Fluke tools are making good rounds in the food and beverage industries in terms of keeping machines in pristine working condition. It was praised for its ability to see issues easily and give immediate solutions, making them the most advanced test tool of this day.

Fluke tools are advanced in a way that…

  • The device is known for its statement of “doing it fast and doing it safe.” Fluke tools offer a direct approach in prescribing the correct action plan to take when dealing with machine issues.
  • Fluke gives a performance that never falters (just make sure you take care of them too). It is the perfect tool for inspecting and maintaining power distribution and industrial high voltage equipment.
  • It lets you diagnose problems at a safe distance. We cannot reiterate enough that Fluke makes sure to let you feel that you are the most important asset on the job. Therefore, it lets you operate in hazardous environments without getting close to them.
  • Fluke lets you maximize on your mobility. Use less of bothersome wires and accessories when working with Fluke tools. Therefore, this lets you focus on the issues found and action plans to take.

In truth, not all test devices can readily provide such functions plus topping it off with keeping workers safe. Therefore, in the food and beverage industry, such a device is considered golden.

Ideally, these are the top bets of why maintenance people prefer to collaborate with Fluke tools. 

Words from Fluke’s product application specialist, Michael Wilson.

Michael Wilson shares the importance of having a strong PdM strategy. He told us that one of its huge benefits is time. In his interview with Food Engineering, he said, “Technician time, time for managers. With PdM technologies, unplanned events are minimized and the team is allowed to work to the plan.” The product specialist continued by also explaining the importance of extracting data, “Utilizing data to determine when to perform maintenance on an asset allows the work to be planned and provides safer work for the technician, lower expediting for the procurement and planning teams.” With this said, all follow-through in terms of reassuring quality and compliance when the right predictive and prescriptive methods are done.

Resolve these failures using Fluke Tools!

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 are in luck cause Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines.

Prevent future faults from penetrating your machines 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.

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Top 13 Causes of Rotating Motor Failure from Lowest to Highest

The number one priority of maintenance men is to focus on machine faults, errors, or defects and stop them before they even happen. After diagnosing the machine, they will then settle on the most suitable tool to get the job done.

However, considering rotating machines, things can always get a tad bit tricky. These kinds of machines are prone to imbalance, looseness, misalignment, and wear. Naturally, the best way to deal with them is by having regular checkups with the most trusted test tool in the industrial department, and those are Fluke test tools.

But first, here is the top thirteen causes of motor failure…

Motors are saturated everywhere especially in industrial departments. However, over time, these motors are also prone to malfunction and eventually slow down. Naturally, they become more complex and technical which may prove to be a challenge for maintenance men to fix without the right tools. Let us delve into the top thirteen causes of motor failure for better understanding.

Rotating Motor Failure: Power Quality

  • Transient voltage

The impact? Motor winding insulation. Technically, it is going to break down leads that will lead to motor failure and will eventually lead to long downtimes.

Criticality status – High

  • Voltage imbalance

The impact? This will create an excessive current flow. It will impact one or more phases that will increase operating temperatures. In the end, it will lead to insulation breakdown.

Criticality status – Medium

  • Harmonic distortion

The impact? Briefly, what happens is a decrease in motor efficiency. You see, harmonic distortion is additional energy that is used in the motor shaft. However, this kind of energy also contributes to internal energy losses that are bad for the machine. It can come in the form of heat and over time will cause deterioration of the insulation of the windings.

Criticality status – Medium

Rotating Motor Failure: Variable Frequency Drives

  • Reflections on drive output PWM signals

The impact? Motor winding insulation breakdown. This is also the works of impedance mismatches that root out from improper installation, improper component selection, or equipment degradation over time.

Criticality status – High

  • Sigma current

The impact? Mysterious circuit trip caused by protective earth current flow.

Criticality status – Low

  • Operational overloads

The impact?  This might do permanent failure to your machine since it causes premature wear on motor electrical and mechanical components.

Criticality status – High

Rotating Motor Failure: Mechanical Faults

  • Misalignment

The impact? There are three types of misalignments that could occur. This is angular misalignment, parallel misalignment, and compound misalignment. All of which leads to premature wear in mechanical drive components.

Criticality status – High

  • Shaft imbalance

The impact? This may be caused by a lot of factors such as dust accumulation, missing balance weights, manufacturing variations, and a lot more. This will result in premature wear in mechanical drive components and total mechanical failure.

Criticality status – High

  • Shaft looseness

The impact? You see, a looseness that is caused by the actual rotation might stem out from excessive clearance between rotating and stationary elements. This can also result in premature wear and failure.

Criticality status – High

  • Bearing wear

The impact? Remember that this can also cause by several things. These are:

  • A heavier load than designed for
  • Inadequate or incorrect lubrication
  • Ineffective bearing sealing
  • Shaft misalignment
  • Incorrect fit
  • Normal wear
  • Induced shaft voltages

Ultimately, accelerated wear on rotating components can result in bearing failure.

Criticality status – High

Rotating Motor Failure: Improper Installation Factors

  • Soft foot

The impact? There are two types of “soft foot” that you need to know about. There is a parallel soft foot and angular soft foot. Parallel soft foot takes place when one of the mounting feet is higher than the other three. Meanwhile, angular soft foot happens when one of the mounting feet is not parallel or “normal” to the mounting surface. But in totality, it heavily makes an impact on the misalignment of mechanical drive components.

Criticality status – Medium

  • Pipe strain

The impact? This will generally put a strain on rotating components and will cause shaft misalignments. Naturally, this will also result in premature failures.

Criticality status – Low

  • Shaft voltage

The impact? Arcing across bearing surfaces create pitting and fluting resulting in excessive vibration and eventual bearing failure

Criticality status – High

Resolve these failures using Fluke Tools!

Hey, we 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 rotating machines? Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines. Prevent these faults from penetrating your rotating 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.

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Importance of Maintaining Battery Backup Systems

Come to think of it, can you imagine an airport without electricity, a shopping mall without lights, or hospitals without functioning technology? Just the thought of it is disastrous in it itself. Moreover, this just shows how reliant we are on electric power and how we depend on them on a day-to-day basis. Big and important establishments depend on electricity every day, and when that electricity goes out, it comes to the battery backup systems.

What are battery backup systems?

Along with battery backup systems come uninterrupted power supplies and a string of batteries. Technically, they are what we turn on when everything is down. But, nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that they are not susceptible to corrosion, deterioration, internal short circuits, sulphation, dry-out, and seal failures.

Safe to say, they are our second line of defense when an outage occurs. Naturally, when you keep your battery backup systems in shape, you’ll be prepared to turn the power back on immediately until stable power comes through.

Industries banking on backup systems.

So, earlier, we’ve mentioned big industries that benefit from having backup systems, they’re actually not the only ones. In short, there are a hundred industries that bank on this power to fuel their day-to-day operations when actual power distributors experience faulty systems.

Here are some of them:

  • Hospitals
  • Medical centers
  • Electronics manufacturers
  • Data and call centers
  • Banks
  • TV stations
  • Production-based manufacturers
  • Telecommunications and cable companies
  • Universities
  • Utility companies
  • Restaurants
  • Shopping centers
  • Airlines

Common reasons for power loss.

There are certain circumstances that are completely out of our hands that cause power loss and in return, urge the use of battery backup systems. Although few of these situations are rare, they can still take place at any moment. Moreover, according to Constellation, these are the top 10 reasons for power loss:

  • Severe weather
  • Natural disasters
  • Motor vehicle accidents near power lines
  • Equipment failure
  • Fallen trees
  • Wildlife interference
  • Hight energy demand
  • Power line damage from construction work
  • Damage from the public
  • Cyberattacks
  • Planned power outages

Main types of battery backup systems.

According to Warren CAT, there are three types of battery backup systems. These are the standard UPS, line-interactive UPS, and double conversion UPS. Usually, bigger battery backup systems include switchgear and a power transformer to provide consistent and reliable electricity. Having this kind of technology can guarantee fewer downtimes in a year, it’s actually possible to have a few to none at all.

Let’s take a closer look at the three types of battery backup systems:

  • Standby UPS system – It normally has an inverter, battery, static switch, low-pass filter, and surge suppressor. Basically, the system remains on standby unless there’s a primary power failure.
  • Line-interactive UPS system – Contains a battery and inverter that are always connected to the output, and if power fails, a switch changes the electrical flow. Furthermore, the continuous connection provides superior filtering.
  • Double-conversion UPS system – Additionally, this device has a backup battery that is charged by the input AC and powers the output inverter for a seamless switch.

The Fluke tool that’s perfect for battery backup maintenance.

The most ideal tool for maintaining battery backup is Fluke Battery Testers. Moreover, as stated in their official site, here are some of Fluke Battery Tester’s best key features:

Battery Voltage

Initially, during the internal resistance test, Fluke Battery Analyzers also measure the voltage of the battery under test.

Discharge Volts

The Discharge mode collects the voltage of each battery multiple times at a user-defined interval during a discharge or load test. Users can calculate the time a battery takes to drop to the cut-off voltage and use this time to determine the capacity loss of the battery.

Ripple Voltage Test

Measures unwanted residual ac component of the rectified voltage in dc charging and inverter circuits. ultimately, it allows users to test ac components in dc charging circuits and find one of the root causes of battery deterioration.

Meter and Sequence Modes

Likewise, you can save and read the readings in a measurement or time sequence. On the other hand, the sequence mode is for maintenance tasks with multiple power systems and battery strings.

Threshold and Warning

Users can configure a maximum of 10 sets of thresholds and receive a Pass/ Warning/ Fail indication after each measurement.

Intercell Strap Resistance Test and Data Management

Measures the resistance of the intercell connection between batteries in a string.

AutoHold

When AutoHold is turned on, a reading is captured when it remains stable for 1 second. The reading is then released when a new measurement starts.

AutoSave

When AutoSave is turned on, measured values are saved to internal memory automatically after an AutoHold reading is captured.

Fluke Battery Management Software

Meanwhile, easily import data from the Product to a PC. The measurement data and battery profile information is stored and archived with the Management Software and can be used for comparison and trend analysis. All measurement data, battery profile, and analysis information can be used to easily generate reports.

Comprehensive logging

All measured values are automatically captured during testing and can be reviewed on the instrument before downloading for on-the-go analysis.

Optimized user interface – Quick, guided setup ensures you’re capturing the right data every time.

Battery life – 7.4 V 3000 mAh lithium-ion battery for more than eight hours continuous operation.

USB port – Meanwhile, for fast data download to supplied data analysis and report management application software.

Highest safety rating in the industry – CAT III 600 V, 1000 V dc max. rated for safe measurements all around the battery power supply equipment.

Get your Fluke tool from a trusted source!

Hey, we 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 UPS? You’re in luck cause Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines. So, if you want to know more about Fluke tools and their functions, visit our website for more info!

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Fluke Thermal Cameras: How Wind Affects Thermal Reading

Thermal energy can be found all around us. Even our own bodies emanate hot and cold energy and that also goes for our surroundings. If you think of it, thermal cameras (or imagers) are actually one of the most sophisticated devices we have in terms of troubleshooting. Honestly, this device shows actual heat on the screen! That alone says a lot about technology advancement. Wait till you learn more about Fluke Thermal Cameras, but we’ll get to this a bit later.

Nevertheless, things are not always a hundred percent with thermal cameras (or any other device in general). This is because surrounding elements can always affect readings. And when the man in charge is not aware of the possible elements that can affect outputs, and this will cause inaccurate data.

How does wind affect readings?

It all goes down to understanding the basic principle of heat transfer. You see, thermal energy varies from hot to cold (or vice versa) which is the basic principle of temperature. This is so unless another force comes in between that process and alters it completely. And when we say “another force” this means the wind. Yes, the wind is a viable candidate for temperatures to be manipulated. As a result, this can alter a surface’s temperature.

On the other hand, when you use a thermal camera to inspect an object (whether it’s on the inside or outside) you also need to take your environment into consideration. In line with this, there is a thing such as forced convection. Forced convection is a form of heat transfer that comes from wind, fans, pumps, suction devices, etc. Basically, these are elements that have the ability to change your target temperature. 

A deeper understanding of forced convection.

Think of it this way, if you make hot tea it is already a given that it’s not going to stay hot for quite some time. This is because heat tends to get lost in the surroundings. Technically, forced convection is the interruption of external aspects turning originally hot objects into cooler ones or vice versa.

There are actually two types of convection you must know about. One of them is forced and the other is natural. To briefly explain the two elements, forced convection (as we’ve mentioned above) is caused by objects. But on the matter of natural convection, this is actually influenced by the natural flow of things. Some examples of this are the sea breeze and land breeze.

Wind can cause a change in reading.

Don’t be alarmed, we’re not talking about drastic changes but yes, there is change when the wind is applied to readings. So it’s safe to say that if you want accurate readings on your data, best have a wind meter handy. However, if you don’t have a wind meter on hand, there is actually another way of determining which kind of wind you are dealing with.

But first, you must know and understand the Beaufort Scale. To put it lightly, the Beaufort Scale is a scale of the wind speed based on visual estimation of the wind’s effects from zero to twelve. Here’s a chart according to the Royal Meteorological Society.

Beaufort Scale

ForceSpeed (mph)Description
0<1Calm
11-3Light air
24-7Light breeze
38-12Gentle breeze
413-18Moderate breeze
519-24Fresh breeze
625-31Strong breeze
732-38Near gale
839-46Gale
947-54Strong gale
1055-63Storm
1164-72Violent storm
1273+Hurricane

Environmental adjustments you can tweak.

Realistically speaking, you cannot make tweaks or adjust every inspection environment you enter! Such a thing is not always doable. Nevertheless, what you can make up for it though is to be prepared. Here is something thing you can do!

During an indoor inspection, air conditioning and other HVAC appliances may have an effect on readings. The best way to prevent forced convection is by turning off the HVAC system before performing any operation.

With outdoor windy environments, however, unless you can control the weather and stop the wind, it might be trickier than usual. But the best way to go about this is to examine older data, inspect the machine thoroughly, and adjust settings accordingly.

About Fluke Thermal Cameras…

Fluke Thermal Cameras actually has advanced features than most. But be aware that there are also different kinds of them with slightly different functions. However, like any other thermal camera, each unit will let you take quality thermal readings with the following functions:

  • Continuous touchscreen IR-Fusion
  • 5 hours battery life.
  • Can withstand drop up to 2 meters.
  • Water and dust resistance. IP54 enclosure rating.
  • Automatically organize and file thermal images with Fluke Connect.
  • 120 x 90 infrared resolution.

But in totality, whatever thermal camera you choose can benefit you and your work greatly, no doubt!

Here are some of its advantages for you:

  • Can collect data in hazardous environments from a safe distance.
  • Scanning large areas such as walls, ceilings, and roofs quickly.
  • Gathering data without disrupting production.
  • Quickly identifying irregularities in specific locations.
  • Detecting problems before failure.

Get your Fluke tool from a trusted source!

Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines. So, 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 in the market!

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4 Main Causes of Machine Faults

Machines are unpredictable things. It can be working properly and then the next, they can be coughing up oil, making unusual buzzing sounds, or worse, breaking down. This is exactly why having maintenance rounds are especially important to any industrial machine being used to prevent machine faults.

Why do machines develop faults?

Corresponding to any other modern technology in the industry, machines also tend to deteriorate in time. Rapid deterioration usually comes into action when the device or rather, the machine is not well taken care of. That, and a hundred more reasons why your machine is experiencing mechanical faults. But here, we are letting you in on the four main reasons why your machine is malfunctioning.

Yes, there are probably numerous reasons why, but according to a study, these four main categories accept most of them. And here, we will be looking closely at these four categories that are consuming your machine’s health.

Four main causes of machine faults.

These are the most common causes of why your machine is acting up. We are covering four parts which are, misalignment, imbalance, looseness, and bearing time. In the reality of things, do not expect that these causes will be the only cause of machine destruction. As we have mentioned, there are numerous causes of why your machine is experiencing blunders. However, most of those errors are caused by these four things.

1 Machine faults: Misalignment

First, how, and why is this a machine fault? We will give you a straight answer. Misalignment can cause multiple disturbing things when the machine performs. Why? Because this kind of motor error is produced by excessive vibration, noise, coupling, bearing temperature increases, premature bearing, coupling, or shaft failure. Given all those things, machine misalignment is not that hard to miss.

Believe it or not, misalignment also has different types that you need to be aware of in order to fully understand the ins and outs of this categorical machine fault. Let us briefly break it down, shall we? There are three types of motor misalignment.

  • Angular Misalignment – Can cause severe damage to the driven equipment and other motors. This occurs when the motor is set at an angle to the driven equipment.
  • Parallel Misalignment – This occurs when the two shaft centerlines are parallel, but not in the same line.
  • Combination Misalignment – A combination of both parties above. This occurs when angular and parallel misalignment crosses paths, resulting in combination misalignment.

2 Machine faults: Looseness

At first thought, you might immediately think that something in the machine only needs tightening, but let us stop you right there. Looseness can be identified in three things and not just one. And there are levels of seriousness for each.

Type 1: This is when mechanical looseness has a time waveform of 1 pulse per revolution.

Type 2: This is caused by loose pillow block bolts, cracks in the frame structure, or in the bearing pedestal. The time waveform is typically two pulses per revolution.

Type 3: Deemed as the most complex one yet. According to a study, it is generally caused by the improper fit between components parts, such as bearings and their housing, a bearing liner loose in its cap, excessive clearance between a bearing and its sleeve, or a loose impeller on a shaft.

3 Mechanical faults: Imbalance

Also known as an unequal distribution of mass. According to a study by Lewis Motor Repair, balancing is a procedure in which the mass distribution of a rotor is assessed and if necessary, adjusted. Thus, when we say unbalanced, this simply means the unequal distribution of the weight of a rotor about its rotating centerline.

Here are some of the causes:

  • Blow Holes in Castings
  • Distortion
  • Corrosion or Wear
  • Deposit Build-Up
  • Manufactured Unsymmetrical Configurations
  • Hydraulic or Aerodynamic Unbalance

4 Mechanical faults: Bearing wear

It simply means that your mechanical motor is starting to get old. Ultimately, by carrying extensive loads, having poor lubrication or installation, the bearings will eventually fail. However, with the proper care and maintenance, such circumstances can be prevented.

Fluke Vibration Testers are the most ideal tool.

Get your hands on Fluke’s vibration testers. These test tools can undoubtedly be effective in every industrial operation whether it be an official check-up or your daily rounds. The Fluke 810 Vibration Tester is equipped with a diagnostic engine that combines algorithms with a database of real-world measurement experience. This device will allow them to quickly perform vibration analysis and evaluate the motor’s alignment accurately.

This will help every mechanical team in:

  • Prioritizing and planning repair activities and operating more efficiently.
  • Troubleshooting problem equipment and understanding the root cause of failure
  • Anticipate equipment failures before they happen.

Some of Fluke vibration tester’s prized qualities:

  • Comprehensive diagnostic reports and spectral diagrams help confirm data quality and narrow down the root cause of failures
  • Flexible machine speed configurations give the ability to test a broad range of assets including belt drives, gearboxes, and bevel gears
  • Fluke 810’s overall vibration level allows you to quickly assess overall machine health directly from the diagnosis screen
  • Accountability severity scale with four severity levels helps you prioritize maintenance work

Get your Fluke tool from a trusted source!

Presidium.PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines. So, 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 in the market!

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Fluke Tools: How to Properly Clean Your Device

The growth of the pandemic has affected a lot of lives in terms of lifestyle and preventive health measures. New procedures were taken to ensure the safety of everyone. Most especially, new rules have been implemented to contain the spread of the virus. In lieu of this, one of the best practices everyone was taught was to keep our hands clean and disinfect gadgets.

With Fluke tools, no matter how rugged and durable fluke tools are, they are not susceptible to not inhabit any form of the virus.

With this said, now that society is slowly going back to normal, this doesn’t mean we should tolerate complacency. Normal processing of these health procedures should still be implemented especially in public places.

In an operational situation, or most especially, in work wherein touching things or being close to people is a must, hand hygiene, and device hygiene is a must. One of the most prominent working places that this usually happens is in industrial work areas.

Industrial work areas: What to expect?

Let’s just say working in the industrial sector is not a one-man job. Rather, it requires a lot of communication and teamwork. Furthermore, it also includes a lot of touching. Maybe not with your pals at work, but with your tools. And this can cause serious trouble to your workmates if one of the people touching that device is Covid positive. Scary right?

The passing of tools and data is not uncommon in a rugged environment. But to this day and age, it is also not deemed as the safest. Yes, the rates of Covid-19 cases have slowed down, but this doesn’t mean preventive measures should also slow down.

Caring for your Fluke tools.

Fluke tools are the best in the market, yes? Their reputation of being one of the most rugged tools in the industry is clear as daylight. This is why they are saturated by maintenance and troubleshooting professionals.

However, this doesn’t negate the fact that they also need a lot of caring and maintenance, specifically for the fact that they can be used in such harsh environments. Luckily for you, we’re here to show you how.

The role and importance of cleaning your devices.

According to WHO (World Health Organization), one of the most efficient ways how the virus jumps from one person to the next is in the form of touch. As stated by the University of Washington, cleaning removes most germs, as well as dirt and debris from surfaces or objects.

Ultimately, it was also mentioned in the study that the outer membrane of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can be physically degraded by surfactants contained in all EPA-approved cleaning agents.

As you can see, properly cleaning your devices the proper way can boost workplace safety up a notch. Not only does this practice benefits your Fluke tools, but it also greatly benefits the people around you.

How you should properly clean Fluke tools.

To recall, the exterior of Fluke devices sports a yellow and grey hardcover. And with its ability to withstand harsh elements, let’s just say you shouldn’t go easy on it when you’re in the process of cleaning. Nevertheless, there is still a proper way to do it. Here’s how:

  • Use clean cloths – Really, if you’re going to use discarded scraps of old cloth, then why are we cleaning it in the first place? Using clean cloths can eliminate germs, bacteria, debris, dust, and dirt. On the other hand, if you’re using used cloths, then, there is a high chance you’re just spreading the dirt and not actually cleaning your device.
  • Use a Fluke Meter Cleaning wipe – Yes, ladies and gents, Fluke has an official cleaning wipe for its devices. It comes in a box and consists of black wipes. It is equipped with a pre-moistened industrial strength cleaning formula that removes surface dirt, oil, and grease from your test tools.
  • Dry your equipment after cleaning – Because let’s face it, every electronic thing on the planet whether it’s a high-end device or a state-of-the-art tech, each one of them hates water. They can tolerate yes, but initially, there’s a chance of cutting their lifespan short when they are exposed to any form of water.

Here’s what you shouldn’t do.

Now you know how to properly clean your Fluke test tools, now, we’ll show you what you shouldn’t do! Here are some of them:

  • Don’t use abrasive cleaners – These are scrubs, stones, liquid cleansers, powdered cleansers, etc. For the simple fact that it’s too strong of a cleaning solution for your device.
  • Do not immerse tools in liquid – Your Fluke tools might be dirtier than expected, but do not put them underwater. Stick to the wiping procedure above.

Get your Fluke tool from a trusted source!

Now that you know how to properly clean your Fluke tool, why not get them from a trusted distributor? Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke test tools in the Philippines. So, if you want to know more about Fuke tools and their functions, visit our website for more info! This is a one-stop shop for the best test tools in the market!

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