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Fluke Test Tools: Recommended Battery Testing to Ensure Optimal Uptime

One of the most important parts of every device is its batteries. Professionals in the industry even advise making rounds on batteries to make sure their performance is at a hundred percent. Although batteries today, are evidently more advanced than the ones before and are often tagged as low maintenance, this doesn’t mean that they should be dismissed. Battery testing is one of the musts that every maintenance man/woman should practice. Ultimately, with the help of Fluke test tools, these devices can ensure battery health with a click of a button.

In light of battery kinds, the most popularly used are the uninterrupted power supply (UPS) and battery backup systems. Again, these types of batteries also hold a reputation for being maintenance-free. However, like all things, in time, these batteries are also susceptible to deteriorate over time. Not only that, but they are also prone to corrosion, internal shorts, sulphation, dry out, and seal failure. And when these issues occur, it will result in frustrating downtimes. 

Determining battery failure.

Voltage usually plays a big role in determining battery health. But, the question remains, is it enough? The answer is no. We’re not saying it’s wrong, but you can do more to ensure that your batteries are in a good state.

In totality, measuring voltage is only the tip of the iceberg. Online monitoring equipment or in-person voltage tests won’t give you the full picture of your battery’s health. This is because the voltage is an indication of your battery’s state of charge and not your battery’s health.

To make it clear, the measuring voltage will not tell you beforehand if your battery is degrading. In line with this, voltage testing also has a drawback when a load is applied.

A recommended approach to battery testing.

Instead of relying on voltage testing, try measuring battery impedance as well. In this way, you’ll have a better understanding of the internal resistance of the battery and not just its state of charge. Basically, if you measure battery impedance, this will give you a whole picture of your battery’s issues.

What is battery impedance and why is it preferred?

Battery impedance is made up of two components. Those are electrical and ohmic resistance. Let’s break them down! First, electrical resistance deals with the current flow in an electrical circuit. Meanwhile, ionic resistance measures current flow due to internal factors such as electrode surface area and electrolyte conductivity.

On the other hand, internal ohmic values or also known as the AC resistance can be a big factor in determining the battery’s overall health. AC resistance can be measured by injecting a small current and then later on calculated using Ohm’s law. But in this case, you might want to consider Fluke test tools for easier and more convenient results.

Measuring battery impedance.

Unlike voltage testing, measuring the impedance values can help you detect potential battery problems in advance. In time, a battery’s internal resistance can increase and when this happens, it means that the battery itself is already on the verge of degradation in the cell.     

The best practice for measuring battery impedance. You must be consistent. A single measurement cannot dictate the entire context of what is happening or what is about to happen with your batteries. Make it a habit to measure impedance over months and years. It also helps to examine changes and don’t forget to put it on record every time you make measurements.

Fluke Test Tools: Fluke Battery Analyzer

The best tool to measure battery impedance is none other than Fluke test tools! Specifically, the Fluke Battery Analyzer. This is the ideal fluke test tool for maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance testing of individual stationary batteries and battery banks used in critical battery backup applications.

As we’ve discussed, one of the key points that need to be measured is internal battery resistance, dc and ac voltage, dc and ac current, ripple voltage, frequency, and temperature. With the Fluke Battery Analyzer, you can measure all of these components with just one tool making it a great investment for long-term use!

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 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! (insert website link battery analyzer)

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Fluke Thermometers: How to Get the Best Results!

There is no tool timelier than a Fluke thermometer during the surge of a pandemic. When we are limited to giving physical touch while working, we turn to instruments that can do the job for us. Fluke thermometers are not only supportive of diagnosing technical issues but are also capable of doing thorough temperature reads of different objects. However, this may also vary from the actual object you are measuring.

Recap! A lot of people mistake IR Thermometers for Thermal Imagers. So, what’s the difference? A simple explanation that sets these two fluke devices apart is that Fluke thermometers take an individual number which is the temperature measurement of a single spot on your target. Meanwhile, a thermal camera gives you thermal readings that let you visualize the actual hot and cold spots scenario.

Going back, it’s safe to say that it’s in everyone’s knowledge, Fluke thermometers are great in terms of performance! However, some might not be getting the full experience of these innovative thermometers. This is why we’re telling you how you can get the best results from Fluke thermometers!

Know your IR thermometer’s distance-to-spot ratio

The distance-to-spot ratio is known as the field of view. The field of view plays a critical role in terms of accuracy. This is because the angle of vision it sees will be the average of the temperature it detects.

Additionally, the distance-to-spot ratio also pertains to the size of the area (or spot) being measured. Make sure that the target is larger than the spot size the unit is measuring. The smaller the target, the closer you should be to it. When accuracy is critical, make sure that the target is at least twice as large as the spot size.

Watch out for shiny, “low emissivity” objects.

Yes, shiny objects have the tendency to bewilder your IR gun which as a result can give inaccurate results. According to EnnoLogic, IR thermometers are pre-set at an emissivity of 0.95.  However, objects with much lower emissivity ratings, such as polished metal, will give false temperature readings.

Another source from Thermo Works stated that most organic materials, including the by-products of plants and animals, have an emissivity rating of 0.95. In return, these are the ideal surfaces to point at if you want accurate results. Meanwhile, polished metals and other shiny things are known to have very low emissivity levels since they tend to be very reflective of ambient infrared energy.

Steam or dust can affect the accuracy of IR thermometers.

Remember that these elements can confuse readings for the simple reason that they blur the lens. Naturally, blurry lenses can result in inaccurate readings for infrared thermometers. Think of it this way, if you look through a camera with blurred lenses or steam, those elements will show in the photos. Therefore, before shooting your IR gun, always make sure to wipe the lenses with appropriate tools to better its reading process.

Avoid temperature-shocking your infrared thermometer.

We know that Fluke is known for its excellence of being the most versatile test tool in the market, and it’s not wrong. However, some of its tools are also quite sensitive depending on their usage. Nevertheless, don’t mistake this aspect as a weak spot since this does not dampen its high-performing nature.

Letting your Fluke thermometer simmer in its surroundings can ultimately grant you more chances to get accurate readings. Give your thermometer at least 20 minutes to bask in its given environment. For example, you’ve just only done temperature checks in a cold room and then moved on to a much warmer area. Immediately putting your device on the spot might not get you the most “spot-on” results, instead, let it sit and take in the surrounding for a minimum of 20 minutes.

Get your Fluke tool from a trusted source!

Presidium PH is an authorized distributor of Fluke Maintenance tools in the Philippines. Thus, 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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