Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
(OP)
Could someone suggest a power quality analyzer for the measurement of harmonics & energy? I have no budget as yet - simply looking for one which is reliable, rugged & preferably lightweight. Also, it must be able to datalogger upto 4 current and 4 voltage channels.
I've heard good things about the Dranetz-BMI 4300, and am looking for opinions/feedback on some other choices which meet my criteria.
I've heard good things about the Dranetz-BMI 4300, and am looking for opinions/feedback on some other choices which meet my criteria.






RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
A testing company recently used this one at our plant. It provided us a months worth of test data from the meter in spreadsheet form.
Thinking we might want to purchase one ourselves - I contacted the local rep. I was allowed to use the same meter on a trial basis for a few weeks. They had a really good website to show you how to use it. You schedule an appointment online and they had someone on the phone live that talked you through it and answered any questions.
The meter and the software are easy to use and provided all the data we were looking for. It comes in a hearty case is lightweight.
RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
Open for a few more suggestions...
RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
******Another very economical approach********
There are many 3 phase switchboard power meters available that in essence do the same thing. You can easily purchase the required CTs and connect to either direct (up to 600V) and use appropriate CTs. Most of the great features of the $20k set can be made for about $4k.
RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
A sure sign is that you have an unrealistically high percentage of even harmonics. I often see more than one percent even harmonics on grids where I know there are none.
An example is given below.
Please note that the "Even contribution" is higher than the "Odd contribution" If you get that, you had better check with an instrument that has faster sampling.
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
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100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...
RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
These are economical as well.
Olic
RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
I was recently introduced to the Extech 382090 & 382095 models. Does anyone have any experience with either? What's the difference b/w the two?
RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
I ended up getting good data after multiple iterations. And it showed me what I wanted to see. But, even then, the viewer / report writer software was less than intuitive.
Some of my colleagues have used RPMs and speak highly of them.
RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
I use the PP4300 a lot and I should have got used to it. But, as you say, it is not very intuitive. I prefer not to have customers around when I set it up - they would immediately lose confidence in me if they saw me hunting around.
Still, it does its work (exception for the even harmonics anomaly described above) and it is a recognized instrument in this part of the world. Using a recognized instrument is sometimes necessary. I could do the same job using an oscilloscope or recorder with FFT capabilities - but my customers wouldn't accept it.
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
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100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...
RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
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The instrument I've got has proven itself very versatile, reliable and robust, features I have come to appreciate it for. It's main downside is the size and weight compared to some of the hand-helds.
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Sometimes I only open my mouth to swap feet...
RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
Either way, no unit has the "cheeseburger" button!
RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
When the Cheesburger buttton comes, it is time to find something else to do for a living...
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
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100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...
RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
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RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
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100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...
RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer
Hven't herd anything bout PA-9 from Megger.
RE: Suggestions on Choosing a Power Analyzer