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Fluke 43B Application Manual

Power quality analyzer
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Fluke 43B
Power Quality Analyzer
Applications Guide
April 2001
© 2001 Fluke Corporation, All rights reserved. Printed in The Netherlands.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

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  • Page 1 ® Fluke 43B Power Quality Analyzer Applications Guide April 2001 © 2001 Fluke Corporation, All rights reserved. Printed in The Netherlands. All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Title Page Working Safely................1 How to use this Manual..............2 Conventions Used..............2 Resetting the Fluke 43B..............4 Basic Measurements ..............5 Introduction ................... 5 Measuring Line Voltage ..............6 Measuring Current ................ 7 Line Voltage and Current Simultaneously........8 Measuring Line Voltage and Current ........
  • Page 3 Contents (continued) Motor Loads................37 Introduction .................. 37 Induction Motors................38 Checking Voltage Imbalance ..........38 Checking Current and Current Imbalance....... 40 Measuring 3-Phase Balanced Power ........42 Measuring Peak and Inrush Current ........44 Measuring Power Factor of 3-Phase Motors ......47 Grounded Y-Connection with Balanced Load.....

  • Page 5: Working Safely

    Always set up the measurement first, then connect the test leads to the circuit. • Use only test leads and test lead adapters supplied with the Fluke 43B (or safety-designed equivalents as specified in the accessory list, see Chapter 2 of the Users Manual).

  • Page 6: How To Use This Manual

    HERTZ five chapters. Chapter 1 contains basic measurements. Start with this chapter to get acquainted with the Fluke 43B and with this manual. Chapter 2 contains applications related to problems with receptacle loads and transformers. Chapter 3 contains applications related to lighting systems.
  • Page 7 How to use this Manual & SAGS SWELLS OHMS CONTINUITY CAPACITANCE Pages: 9,19 Pages: 11,12,13,14 TRANSIENTS RECORD Page: 16 Page: 26 INRUSH CURRENT SCOPE Pages: 34,44 Page: 55...

  • Page 8: Resetting The Fluke 43B

    Applications Manual Resetting the Fluke 43B To restore the Fluke 43B to its factory settings and return to the opening screen, reset the Fluke 43B. Resetting does not clear screen memories. Turn the Fluke 43B off and proceed as follows: Press and hold.

  • Page 9: Basic Measurements

    This section provides easy-to-do measurements which you can perform almost anywhere. Begin with these examples to get started with the Fluke 43B. Note It is a good idea to reset the Fluke 43B before you start a new application. This way, you always start from the same setup.

  • Page 10: Measuring Line Voltage

    Fluke 43B Applications Manual Measuring Line Voltage Determine whether the voltage level, voltage waveform, and frequency from an outlet are correct. Open the main menu. VOLTS AMPS HERTZ Make connections as shown below: The rms voltage should be close to the nominal voltage, for example 120V or 230V.

  • Page 11: Measuring Current

    HERTZ Make connections as shown below: Turn on the hair dryer. When the hair dryer is turned on, the current from the outlet increases. Notice that without test leads connected, the Fluke 43B measures the frequency of the current signal.

  • Page 12: Line Voltage And Current Simultaneously

    Fluke 43B Applications Manual Line Voltage and Current Simultaneously Measuring Line Voltage and Current Determine the influence of the load current on the voltage. Open the main menu. VOLTS AMPS HERTZ Make connections as shown below: The rms voltage should stay within reasonable limits.

  • Page 13: Recording Line Voltage And Current

    Basic Measurements Line Voltage and Current Simultaneously Recording Line Voltage and Current By recording the voltage and current, you can establish a possible relation between the two. For recording voltage and current, always use & . Basically it does the same as the key, but it can record SAGS SWELLS...
  • Page 14 Fluke 43B Applications Manual START The Fluke 43B starts recording sags and swells. Wait for 4 minutes... or press the key to HOLD stop the recording. Move the cursor over a sag or swell. In this example, the high peak current from the copier caused the voltage to drop (voltage sag).

  • Page 15: Testing Continuity

    CAPACITANCE Select (continuity) Make connections as shown below: When the Fluke 43B beeps and shows a beep-icon, the fuse is closed. When the Fluke 43B shows OL (Over Load), the fuse is open. Note When the resistance is high (>30 Ω ), an open circuit is indicated,...

  • Page 16: Measuring Resistance

    Fluke 43B Applications Manual Measuring Resistance Measure the resistance of a relay coil (or a resistor). Open the main menu. OHMS CONTINUITY CAPACITANCE Select (ohm) Make connections as shown below: Observe the resistance. A typical reading on the display should be between about 150 and 500Ω.

  • Page 17: Measuring Capacitance

    Basic Measurements Measuring Capacitance Measuring Capacitance Measure the capacitance of a capacitor (≤ 500 µF). Open the main menu. OHMS CONTINUITY CAPACITANCE Select (capacitance) Make connections as shown below: Observe the capacitance. The display shows the measured value of the capacitor.

  • Page 18: Testing A Diode

    Observe the voltage in forward direction (A). It should read about 0.5V. Now turn the diode in reverse direction (B) and look at the display again. • The Fluke 43B should display OL (Over Load), indicating a very high resistance. If not, the diode is faulty and should be replaced.

  • Page 19: Receptacle Branch Circuits

    Chapter 2 Receptacle Branch Circuits Troubleshooting Electrical Distribution Systems The most efficient way to troubleshoot electrical systems, is to begin at the load and work towards the building’s service entrance. Measurements are taken along the way to isolate faulty components or loads. This chapter describes typical measurements for troubleshooting problems on receptacle branch circuits.

  • Page 20: Detecting Transients (Phase To Neutral)

    Fluke 43B Applications Manual Detecting Transients (Phase to Neutral) Disturbances in a distribution system may cause malfunctioning of many types of devices. For example, resetting computers or false tripping breakers. Events occur occasionally, making it necessary to monitor the system for a period of time to find them.
  • Page 21 Receptacle Branch Circuits Detecting Transients (Phase to Neutral) Make connections as shown below: START The Fluke 43B starts capturing up to 40 transients. Press to stop capturing HOLD transients.
  • Page 22 Fluke 43B Applications Manual You can now browse through the screens which contain transients: Choose a screen you want to analyze. Move the cursor to a transient. Observe the measured maximum or minimum peak voltage. If the peak voltage reading indicates OL (Over Load), repeat the...

  • Page 23: Monitoring Rapid Voltage Fluctuations

    Receptacle Branch Circuits Monitoring Rapid Voltage Fluctuations Monitoring Rapid Voltage Fluctuations Rapid voltage fluctuations in a distribution system may cause lights to flicker. Deviations of only a few cycles (waveform periods) may result in visible dimming. & function measures the rms voltage over each cycle and SAGS SWELLS displays deviations.
  • Page 24 Fluke 43B Applications Manual START The Fluke 43B starts recording sags and swells. Wait for 4 minutes... or press the key to HOLD stop the recording. Move the cursor over a sag or swell. Observe the voltage of the sag or swell: in case of a sag, read the minimum voltage, in case of a swell the maximum voltage.

  • Page 25: Measuring Voltage Harmonics

    Receptacle Branch Circuits Measuring Voltage Harmonics Measuring Voltage Harmonics You can perform a quick check on harmonics in a power distribution system by measuring the Total Harmonic Distortion on the voltage. Open the main menu. HARMONICS Select VOLTS Make connections as shown below: Scale the harmonics spectrum screen to see more or less details.

  • Page 26: Measuring Current Harmonics

    Fluke 43B Applications Manual Measuring Current Harmonics Non-linear loads produce current harmonics which may cause voltage distortion. Open the main menu. HARMONICS Select AMPS Make connections as shown below: Scale the harmonics spectrum screen to see more or less details.
  • Page 27 Receptacle Branch Circuits Measuring Current Harmonics Look at the harmonics spectrum screen. Check the spectrum for severe harmonics. Read the THD. It indicates the harmonic distortion on the current signal. Usually, the current signal can tolerate more harmonics than the voltage signal.

  • Page 28: Measuring The Load On A Transformer

    Fluke 43B Applications Manual Measuring the Load on a Transformer Measure the total kVA on all three phases to check the load on a transformer. Open the main menu. POWER Make connections as shown below: Look at the kVA reading. It shows the apparent power on phase 1. Write...
  • Page 29 Receptacle Branch Circuits Measuring the Load on a Transformer transformer. If this is impossible, the transformer should be replaced by a unit with a higher kVA (or K-rating if harmonic currents are present).

  • Page 30: Recording The Load On A Transfomer

    Fluke 43B Applications Manual Recording the Load on a Transformer By recording the kVA during several hours, you can find out if there are specific moments during the day that the transformer may become overloaded. Open the main menu. POWER Open the menu.
  • Page 31 Receptacle Branch Circuits Measuring the Load on a Transformer Use the power adapter to prevent automatic shutdown during recording. START The Fluke 43B starts recording the kVA reading. Wait for 8 hours... or press the key to HOLD stop the recording.
  • Page 32 Fluke 43B Applications Manual Note Note that the kVA of only 1 phase was recorded. Record the other two phases before drawing conclusions. Press SAVE to save the screen in memory for later documenting and analysis of the data.

  • Page 33: Measuring K-Factor

    Receptacle Branch Circuits Measuring K-factor Measuring K-factor K-factor is an indication of the amount of harmonic currents. High harmonic orders influence the K-factor more than low harmonic orders. Open the main menu. HARMONICS Select AMPS Make connections as shown below. Measure the K-factor under full load. Observe the K-factor (KF).
  • Page 34 Fluke 43B Applications Manual If the measured K-factor is higher than the K-factor specified on the transformer, you either must replace the transformer by a transformer with a higher K-rating, or reduce the maximum load on the transformer. When choosing a replacement transformer, use the next trade-size higher than the highest measured K-factor.

  • Page 35: Lighting Loads

    Chapter 3 Lighting Loads Introduction This chapter provides applications of problems and phenomena that are likely to occur in a lighting system. Figure 3. Distribution System: Lighting Loads...

  • Page 36: Measuring Current Harmonics

    Fluke 43B Applications Manual Measuring Current Harmonics Check whether the lighting system causes excessive harmonics. These may influence the system. Open the main menu. HARMONICS Select AMPS Make connections as shown below. Turn all lights on. Look at the harmonics spectrum and read the THD value. If the current THD is less than 20%, the harmonic distortion is probably acceptable.

  • Page 37: Measuring Power On Single Phase Loads

    Lighting Loads Measuring Power on Single Phase Loads Measuring Power on Single Phase Loads Inductive loads, such as fluorescent lamps, cause a phase shift between the voltage and the current. This influences the real power consumption. Open the main menu. POWER Make connections as shown below: Look at the W reading.

  • Page 38: Measuring Surge Current

    Fluke 43B Applications Manual Measuring Surge Current Check for a high inrush currents that may cause voltage sags in a ‘weak’ lighting system. A system is considered ‘weak’ when it has a high impedance. Open the main menu. INRUSH CURRENT...
  • Page 39 Lighting Loads Measuring Surge Current Make connections as shown below: START Turn on the lights. If nothing happens: Press to stop. HOLD Repeat the measurement at a lower value for in step 3 MAXIMUM CURRENT and 4.
  • Page 40 Fluke 43B Applications Manual Move the left cursor to the beginning of the inrush. Select the right cursor. Move the right cursor to the end of the inrush. Read the peak current. It indicates the maximum current during the moment the lights were turned on.

  • Page 41: Motor Loads

    Chapter 4 Motor Loads Introduction This section provides examples that you can use to troubleshoot induction motors with and without an adjustable speed drive. Figure 4. Distribution System: Motor Loads...

  • Page 42: Induction Motors

    Fluke 43B Applications Manual Induction Motors Checking Voltage Imbalance For 3 phase induction motors, the supply voltage on all three phases should be in balance. Voltage imbalance causes high unbalanced currents in the stator windings, resulting in overheating and reduced motor life.
  • Page 43 Motor Loads Induction Motors Calculate the voltage imbalance (fill in your measurement results): First calculate the average voltage: Average Voltage: ___ V + ___ V + ___ V ___ V = _____ V AVERAGE Second, calculate the maximum deviation from the mean. Ignore the minus signs: Maximum Deviation: = ___ V...

  • Page 44: Checking Current And Current Imbalance

    Fluke 43B Applications Manual Checking Current and Current Imbalance After checking voltage imbalance, check for current and current imbalance. Unbalanced currents cause overheating and reduce motor life. Also single phasing (complete loss of power on one of the phases feeding the motor) may cause overheating in the two other phase windings.
  • Page 45 Motor Loads Induction Motors Calculate the current imbalance. Use the same formula as in the previous section but substitute current for voltage. Current imbalance for three-phase motors should not exceed 10%. Example 33 A + 29 A + 34 A = 96 A TOTAL = 32 A...

  • Page 46: Measuring 3-Phase Balanced Power

    MEASURING POWER IN 3-PHASE BALANCED SYSTEMS. The Fluke 43B can perform power measurements on 3-phase, 3-conductor balanced power systems. The load must have approximately the same voltage and current on all three phases, and must be wired in a wye or delta configuration.
  • Page 47 Motor Loads Induction Motors Press to return to the ENTER main menu The voltage and current waveforms are displayed with a phase shift of 90°. This is due to the fact that voltage and current are measured in different phases. This phase shift is automatically corrected for the readings.

  • Page 48: Measuring Peak And Inrush Current

    Fluke 43B Applications Manual Measuring Peak and Inrush Current High inrush currents of motors can cause breakers to trip or fuses to open. Open the main menu. INRUSH CURRENT Set the maximum expected current during the inrush. This might be 6 to 14 times the full load current of the motor.
  • Page 49 Motor Loads Induction Motors Make connections as shown below: START Turn the motor on. If nothing happens: Press to stop. HOLD Repeat the measurement at a lower value for in steps MAXIMUM CURRENT 3 and 4.
  • Page 50 Fluke 43B Applications Manual Move the left cursor to the beginning of the inrush. Select the right cursor. Move the right cursor to the end of the inrush. Read the peak currents at the cursors. Can fuses and breakers withstand these currents? Are conductors properly sized? Read the time between the cursors.

  • Page 51: Measuring Power Factor Of 3-Phase Motors

    Motor Loads Induction Motors Measuring Power Factor of 3-Phase Motors A power factor with a value close to 1 means that nearly all supplied power is consumed by the motor. A power factor of less than 1 results in extra currents, called reactive currents.

  • Page 52: Delta Connection Or Floating Systems

    Fluke 43B Applications Manual Delta connection or floating systems For delta systems, the procedure is more complex. Use the following procedure to calculate the Power Factor for a 3-phase grounded delta connected motor or for floating sources. Open the main menu.
  • Page 53 Motor Loads Induction Motors Move the red test lead and the current probe to phase 2 (keep the black test lead attached to phase 3). Write down the value for true power reading (kW ). If the power factor is smaller than 1, kW and kW will be different even if the load currents are...

  • Page 54: Measuring Voltage Harmonics

    Fluke 43B Applications Manual Measuring Voltage Harmonics When the supply voltage is distorted by harmonics, the motor can suffer from overheating. Open the main menu. HARMONICS Make connections as shown below: Look at the THD reading. In general, the Total Harmonic Distortion of the voltage supplied to an induction motor should not exceed 5%.

  • Page 55: Adjustable Speed Drives

    Motor Loads Adjustable Speed Drives Adjustable Speed Drives Checking Current on Phases When a motor drive is tripping, first check for voltage imbalance (see “Checking Voltage Imbalance”. Then check the current on all three phases feeding the motor. Open the main menu. VOLTS AMPS HERTZ...

  • Page 56: Measuring Fundamental Of Motor Voltage

    Fluke 43B Applications Manual Measuring Fundamental of Motor Voltage Check the condition of a drive. Open the main menu. HARMONICS Move the cursor over the fundamental (1 Make connections as shown below. Run the motor at full speed and full load.

  • Page 57: Measuring Frequency Of Motor Current

    Motor Loads Adjustable Speed Drives Measuring Frequency of Motor Current The frequency of the motor current correlates with motor speed. Open the main menu. VOLTS AMPS HERTZ Make connections as shown below: Vary the speed of the motor and look at the frequency and the waveshape of the current.
  • Page 58 Fluke 43B Applications Manual...

  • Page 59: Scope Mode

    This chapter gives a step-by-step explanation of the most important scope functions. Note It is a good idea to reset the Fluke 43B before you start this new application. This way, you always start from the same setup.

  • Page 60: Basic One Channel Measurement

    The waveform should be smooth, sinusoidal and in the vertical middle of the screen. Fluke 43B is in the Auto mode. This function optimizes the position, range, time base, and triggering and assures a stable display on nearly all waveforms.

  • Page 61: Set Up Selection

    Set Up Selection The active readout shows the AC+DCrms value of the input signal. This is because Fluke 43B just has been reset. The scope mode offers more readouts. As an example, selection of the frequency readout (Hz) is given. Also the meaning of the other readouts are explained.
  • Page 62 Fluke 43B Applications Manual The frequency readout should be close to 50 or 60 Hz. Other readouts can be selected: their functions are indicated in the table below. SELECTED MEASURING RESULT Readout of the DC part of the input signal...

  • Page 63: Viewing Signal Details

    Scope Mode Viewing Signal Details Viewing Signal Details The amplitude and the number of periods of the waveform on the screen are automatically adjusted. This gives a clear overview of the general waveform characteristics. In case certain signal details are of interest, you can manually change amplitude and number of periods.
  • Page 64 Fluke 43B Applications Manual Press the lower button to reduce the waveform amplitude Press the upper button to enlarge the waveform amplitude In this example the waveform amplitude is higher than the screen. Rescale the amplitude within the screen area to view the whole waveform.

  • Page 65: Triggering

    Press the lower button to decrease the trigger level Note that the Fluke 43B is capable of capturing signal details occurring prior to the trigger point. This is a feature that is not offered in analog scopes. The default is to display 2 divisions prior to the trigger point. This can be adjusted between 0 and 10 divisions.

  • Page 66: Return To Auto Mode

    AUTO mode automatically optimizes position, range, time base, and triggering to a stable and well-defined display of nearly every type of waveform. Here is how to return the Fluke 43B to AUTO mode. To select AUTO proceed as follows: Press...

  • Page 67: Dual Channel Measurement

    MENU SCOPE Fluke 43B is in single channel mode now. Voltage is displayed on channel [1]. In the next steps dual channel mode is selected so that current is displayed simultaneously on channel [2]. Proceed as follows.
  • Page 68 Fluke 43B now displays voltage and current and the display is continuously refreshed: it always represents the present situation. This is the NORMAL mode of the time base.

  • Page 69: Single Mode

    [1] and [2] are HOLD recorded once Switch off the motor Press : Fluke 43B is ready to capture the inrush HOLD current and voltage at motor turn-on. Switch the motor on. Fluke 43B now captures voltage and current.
  • Page 70 If Fluke 43B does not capture waveforms upon switch-on of the motor, try changing the trigger level. Bear in mind that the trigger level always must be positioned within the amplitude range of the waveform.

  • Page 71: Handling Screens And Data

    Chapter 6 Handling Screens and Data Introduction This section describes saving, viewing and printing of screens. It also ® describes how screens can be used in Word documents to create reports. How to record Harmonics over time by using FlukeView software is also explained.

  • Page 72: Saving Screens

    Fluke 43B Applications Manual Saving Screens Any measurement screen that is on the display, can be saved by simply pressing the key. SAVE Save the screen. A message is displayed that the screen has been saved. Repeat this action several times to fill more memories with screens.
  • Page 73 Handling Screens and Data Viewing and Deleting screens Select a screen that has been saved in memory. Press VIEW Press to restore the data on screen as it was at the RECALL time that it was saved.

  • Page 74: Printing Screens

    Applications Manual Printing Screens You can print both actual screens and saved screens. Connect the Fluke 43B to a printer as shown in the picture below. Print the actual screen. To print a saved screen, view it first (see previous section “Viewing and Deleting Screens”).

  • Page 75: Creating Reports

    SETUP predefined report with the name QREPORT Connect the Fluke 43B to the PC (see FlukeView Users Manual). Open the document QREPORT Fill out the form by clicking on the grey fields and typing your text. Click this button to insert the actual screen from the Fluke 43B into your report.

  • Page 76: Recording Harmonics Over Time

    For example recording current harmonics over 24 hours will give insight in load variations on your system. Setup the Fluke 43B for measuring current harmonics. Connect the Fluke 43B to the PC (See FlukeView Users Manual). Run FlukeView.
  • Page 77 Handling Screens and Data Recording Harmonics over Time Click Start to start recording the harmonics. FlukeView will display the actual reading and in the background all the readings are logged in memory. Click this button to stop recording. Click this button to save the recorded values in an ASCII file format (.CSV or .TXT).
  • Page 78 Fluke 43B Applications Manual...

  • Page 79: Definitions

    Chapter 7 Definitions Active Power The Active Power (Watt) is that portion of electrical power that is real. It includes heat losses. Utility charges are based on Watts. Apparent Power Apparent Power (VA) is the product of the rms voltage and current which relates to the effective load seen by the transformer and current carrying conductors.
  • Page 80 K-factor A number indicating losses in transformers due to harmonic currents. Higher order harmonics influence the k-factor more than lower order harmonics. The following definition is used in the Fluke 43 for computing the K-factor: × Where: h = harmonic order...
  • Page 81 Definitions Nonlinear load Nonlinear load Electrical loads in which the instantaneous current is not proportional to the instantaneous voltage. The load impedance varies with the voltage. Electronic loads, with diode/capacitor front-ends are nonlinear loads. Outage Long term power interruption, longer than 1 minute. Overvoltage The voltage is above its nominal value on a long term (longer than 10 cycles).
  • Page 82 Fluke 43B Applications Manual The duration is usually from one cycle to a few seconds. Spike (see Transient) Surge (see see also Swell) The term surge is sometimes associated with lightning-related overvoltages. Swell A swell is a temporary voltage increase. The duration is usually from one cycle to a few seconds.

  • Page 83: Index

    Index Frequency, Measuring, 6 —A— Fundamental Of Motor Voltage, Active Power, 75 Measuring, 52 Adjustable Speed Drives, 51 Fuses, Testing, 11 Apparent Power, 75 —H— AUTO, 1/2AUTO, 59 Harmonic —B— Component, 75 Black out, 75 Distortion, 76 Brown out, 75 Order, 76 —C—...
  • Page 84 Fluke 43 Applications Guide Saving Screens, 68 —M— Scope Reading, 58 Main Menu, 2 Screens MANUAL, 61 Deleting, 68 Motor Loads, 37 Printing, 70 —N— Saving, 70 Using in Word, 71 Negative Sequence Harmonics, 50 Viewing, 68 Nonlinear load, 77 Spike, 78 —O—...

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