Power Quality & Energy Logging

About Power Quality & Energy Logging

Electric power quality is the degree to which the voltage, frequency, and waveform of a power supply system conform to established specifications.

Good power quality can be defined as a steady supply voltage that stays within the prescribed range, a steady AC frequency close to the rated value, and a smooth voltage curve waveform (which resembles a sine wave). In general, it is useful to consider power quality as the compatibility between what comes out of an electric outlet and the load that is plugged into it. The term is used to describe electric power that drives an electrical load and the load's ability to function properly. Without the proper power, an electrical device (or load) may malfunction, fail prematurely or not operate at all.

Monitoring power and energy usage in a facility or installation can often identify hidden issues that affect both operational and environmental quality, pinpoint the reason for higher than desired energy costs, and reveal the causes of more frequent equipment repair and replacement.

Energy loggers are used for collecting electrical data without the need for operator intervention or presence. They are capable of storing tens of thousands to several million readings and can be programmed to collect data on a sub-cycle basis or store averages at user-programmable aggregation periods. They are available with or without displays and can transmit their recorded data locally or remotely.

Products are available from a host of manufacturers including Fluke, Megger & Mettrel, and many more. A wide range of accessories is also available to enhance your analytical prowess.

Please browse through our selections and get in touch if you have any questions.

Popular Products

• Fluke 1770 Series Three-Phase Power Quality Analyser: Provides advanced logging and analysis in a handheld device. They capture automatic measurements, display voltage, current, frequency, power, and harmonics, and can record transients up to 8 kV. Powered directly from the circuit, they don’t require an external power source. Three models to choose from - 1773, 1775 & 1777.

• Metrel MI2883 Energy Master Power Quality Analyser: A handheld three-phase analyzer for energy logging and efficiency. It measures voltage, current, power, and harmonics up to the 50th, with features like a colour display, quick set buttons, 8GB expandable memory, and PowerView3 software for detailed analysis. Automatic clamp detection simplifies use.

• Extech PQ3450 3-Phase Power Analyser/Datalogger: 3-phase power analyzer that logs up to 30,000 measurements on an SD card. It features a backlit LCD, supports up to 35 parameters, and has a sampling rate from 2 seconds to 2 hours. The device is housed in a rugged casing for durability.

• Elspec G4500 Portable BlackBox Power Quality Analyzer: Detailed analysis with efficient data logging. It tracks parameters like RMS, THD, and harmonics for up to a year, with a plug-and-play interface, real-time web access, and Wi-Fi. It includes a 2-hour battery life for portability.

• Chauvin Arnoux PEL104 Power & Energy Logger: Records RMS and DC measurements, supports Wi-Fi, 3G, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and USB, and operates without interrupting power. Its magnetized case allows easy setup, it logs power up to 10 GW and energy up to 4 EWh, and optional clamps. We also have a special Contractor Kit.

FAQs

• What is power quality and why is it important?
  Power quality is the stability of electrical power. Poor power quality can cause equipment damage, malfunctions, and data loss. Good power quality ensures efficient, reliable operation, minimizing downtime and costs.

• What are the common causes of poor power quality?
  Poor power quality results from factors like voltage sags, harmonic distortions, and transient spikes, affecting equipment performance and lifespan.

• What are power surges and sags?
  Power surges are sudden voltage increases, often from lightning or high-power equipment, that can damage electronics. Power sags are temporary voltage drops caused by large electrical loads, both leading to equipment disruptions.

• What is harmonic distortion in power systems?
  Harmonic distortion, caused by non-linear loads, introduces unwanted frequency components that can overheat transformers, trip breakers, and reduce equipment efficiency. Managing it is key for reliable power systems.

• How do harmonics affect electrical systems?
  Harmonics from non-linear loads cause inefficiencies, overheating, and damage to electrical systems, leading to higher costs and reduced performance. Proper management is essential for system reliability and efficiency.

• How can power quality issues affect electrical equipment?
  Power quality issues cause equipment malfunctions, shorten lifespans, and increase heat. Sensitive electronics may suffer data loss and disruptions, while overall energy use and maintenance costs rise, reducing system efficiency and reliability.

• How do power and energy loggers work?
  Power and energy loggers monitor electrical parameters like voltage, current, and energy use. They capture real-time data for local or remote analysis, helping identify inefficiencies and optimize energy use for cost savings and system reliability.

• What are the benefits of using power and energy loggers for businesses?
  Power and energy loggers help businesses identify inefficiencies, reduce costs, and improve energy use by providing detailed insights into consumption patterns. They detect power quality issues, support regulatory compliance, and contribute to sustainability initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency and system reliability.

• How can energy logging help reduce energy costs?
  Energy logging cuts costs by tracking energy use and revealing inefficiencies. It helps optimize equipment, adjust operations, and shift usage to off-peak times, leading to cost savings and better energy efficiency.

• How can power quality and energy logging improve operational efficiency?
  Power quality and energy logging boost efficiency by providing real-time data to prevent malfunctions and optimize energy use. This helps identify issues, reduce waste, and improve equipment performance for smoother operations and higher productivity.

• What’s the difference between power logging and energy logging?
  Power logging monitors real-time electrical parameters for power quality, while energy logging tracks total energy use to identify inefficiencies and reduce costs. Power logging focuses on quality, and energy logging on quantity.