Fluke 438-II Power Quality and Motor Analyzer

Producer: Fluke

NO LONGER AVAILABLE!

Replaced by the Fluke 1770 series Power quality analysers

The 438-II is the ideal measuring instrument for analysing motors. It can help locate, predict, prevent and solve mains supply problems in three-phase and single-phase power distribution systems, while providing technicians with the mechanical and electrical information they need to effectively assess motor performance.

  • Measures important parameters on directly switched motors, such as torque, speed, mechanical power and motor efficiency
  • Perform dynamic motor analysis by plotting the reduction factor of the motor relative to the load as per NEMA/IEC guidelines
  • Calculate mechanical power and efficiency without the need for mechanical sensors; just connect to the input conductors and you can get started right away
  • Measure electrical power parameters such as voltage, current, power, apparent power, power factor, harmonic distortion and unbalance, to identify characteristics affecting motor efficiency
  • Identify mains power quality problems such as voltage drops and rises, transients, harmonics and imbalance
  • The PowerWave data technology quickly records RMS data and displays averages of half cycles and waveforms to visualise the dynamic characteristics of electrical systems (generator start-up, switching of UPS systems, etc.).
  • Waveform recording function records 100/120 cycles (50/60 Hz) of each event detected, in all modes, without setting
  • Automatic transient mode records waveform data at 200 kS/s on all phases simultaneously up to 6 kV
  • Compatible with Fluke Connect® * - view data locally on the instrument, via Fluke Connect Mobile App and PowerLog 430-II desktop software
  • Safety specification for industrial applications 600 V CAT IV/1000 V CAT III approved for service input and downstream circuits

Mechanical measurement functions of the Fluke 438-II

Engine torque
Calculates the rotational force (represented in lb.ft or Nm) developed by a motor and transmitted to a driven mechanical load. Motor torque is the most critical variable characterising the instantaneous mechanical performance of rotating equipment driven by electric motors.

Engine speed
Indicates the instantaneous speed of the motor shaft. Combined with motor torque, motor speed provides a snapshot of the mechanical performance of rotating equipment driven by electric motors.

Mechanical motor load
Measures the actual mechanical power produced by motors (represented in hp or kW) and provides a direct link to overload conditions without simply relying on motor current.

Motor efficiency
Shows the effectiveness of each motor in a machine, assembly line, factory and/or plant in converting electrical energy into useful mechanical work. By properly aggregating the efficiencies of a group of motors, the total (cumulative) efficiency can be calculated. Comparisons with expected motor efficiencies under observed operating conditions can help quantify the costs associated with motor energy inefficiency.

How it works
Using proprietary algorithms, the Fluke 438-II Power Quality and Motor Analyzer uses waveforms of three-phase current and voltage to calculate the torque, speed, load and efficiency of motors with a 1-second refresh rate. The air gap field of the motor, as observed through the voltage/current waveforms, forms the basis for the measurements. Mechanical sensors and operating interruptions due to no-load testing of motors are not required, allowing the overall performance of electric motors to be analysed faster than ever before.

Analysis of electric motors

The Fluke 438-II provides a complete overview of electrical parameters. Before starting the analysis, it is recommended to perform reference measurements of mains power quality to assess the status of harmonics and imbalance on the electrical service output, as these two characteristics can have serious negative effects on motor performance.

In motor analysis mode, results are summarised for electrical performance, mechanical performance and reduction (as per NEMA recommendations).

The easy-to-understand severity scale with four colour gradations indicates motor performance against recommended electrical parameter levels, including rated power, power factor, unbalance and harmonics.

For mechanical power, you can instantly see the mechanical output power along with motor torque and speed. Mechanical output power is immediately compared with electrical power to give you live measurements of efficiency. With this feature, you can very easily measure machine performance during each duty cycle.

The NEMA reduction screen is updated as the load and electrical conditions change, and each new measurement is plotted on the tolerance graph as a ‘+’. In this example, we can see that the motor is within tolerance, but also close to operating factor. This indicates that mains power quality problems may need to be fixed, motor maintenance carried out or some other performance-enhancing adjustment made. By performing these tests regularly over time, known metrics and performance trends can be captured, allowing informed decisions on maintenance investments to be made.

Mechanical specifications
Mechanical measurements can be performed on directly switched motors with a 3-wire connection.
Reach Resolution Accuracy Standard limit
Engine measurement
Mechanical motor-

power

0.7 kW to 746 kW

1 hp to 1000 hp

0.1 kW

0.1 hp

±3% =”1″

±3%=”1″

100% = Rated power

100% = Rated power

Torque 0 Nm to 10,000 Nm

0 lb ft to 10 000 lb ft

0.1 Nm

0.1 lb ft

±5% =”1″

±5%=”1″

100% = nominal torque

100% = nominal torque

Speed 0 rpm to 3600 rpm 1 rpm ±3%=”1″ 100% = Rated speed
Efficiency 0% to 100% 0,10% ±3%=”1″ N/A.
Imbalance (NEMA) 0% to 100% 0,10% ±0.15% 5%
Factor for harmonic
voltages (NEMA)
0 to 0.20 0,1 ±1.5% 0,15
Reduction factor for
imbalance
0.7 to 1.0 0,1 indicative N/A.
Reduction factor for
harmonics
0.7 to 1.0 0,1 indicative N/A.
Total NEMA
reduction factor
0.5 to 1.0 0,1 indicative N/A.
Notes: Supports motor types NEMA A, B, C, D and E and IEC type H and N.
The rated torque is calculated from the rated power and rated speed.
The refresh rate of motor measurements is 1x per second.
The default trend duration is 1 week.
=”1″Add an error of 5% if you select motor type Other
Specification valid for motor power > 30% of rated power
Specification valid at stable operating temperature. Run the engine at full load for at least 1 hour
(2-3 hours if the engine has 50 hp or more) to reach a stable temperature
Electrical specifications
Model Measuring range Resolution Accuracy
Volt
Vrms (AC+DC) 435-II 1 V to 1000 V phase to neutral 0,01 V ±0.1% of rated voltage****
Vpk 1 Vpk to 1400 Vpk 1 V 5% of rated voltage
Crest-factor voltage (CF) 1,0 > 2,8 0,01 ±5%
Vrms½ 435-II 0,1 V ±0.2% of rated voltage
Vgrond 435-II 0,1 V ±0.1% of rated voltage
Amps (accuracy excluding current clamp accuracy)
Amps (AC + DC) i430-Flex 1x 5 A to 6000 A 1 A ±0.5% ±5 counts
i430-Flex 10x 0.5 A to 600 A 0,1 A ±0.5% ±5 counts
1 mV/A 1x 5 A to 2000 A 1 A ±0.5% ±5 counts
1 mV/A 10x 0.5 A A to 200 A (AC only) 0,1 A ±0.5% ±5 counts
Apk i430-Flex 8400 Apk 1 Arms ±5%
1 mV/A 5500 Apk 1 Arms ±5%
A-crest factor (CF) 1 to 10 0,01 ±5%
Ampere ½ i430-Flex 1x 5 A to 6000 A 1 A ±1% ±10 counts
i430-Flex 10x 0.5 A to 600 A 0,1 A ±1% ±10 counts
1mV/A 1x 5 A to 2000 A 1A ±1% ±10 counts
1 mV/A 10x 0.5 A A to 200 A (AC only) 0,1 A ±1% ±10 counts
Ground i430-Flex 1x 5 A to 6000 A 1 A ±0.5% ±5 counts
i430-Flex 10x 0.5 A to 600 A 0,1 A ±0.5% ±5 counts
1mV/A 1x 5 A to 2000 A 1 A ±0.5% ±5 counts
1mV/A 10x 0.5 A A to 200 A (AC only) 0,1 A ±0.5% ±5 counts
Hertz
Hz Fluke 435 at 50 Hz nominal 42,500 Hz to 57,500 Hz 0.001 Hz ±0.01 Hz
Fluke 435 at 60 Hz nominal 51,000 Hz to 69,000 Hz 0.001 Hz ±0.01 Hz
Power
Watts (VA, var) i430-Flex max. 6000 MW 0.1 W to 1 MW ±1% ±10 counts
1 mV/A max. 2000 MW 0.1 W to 1 MW ±1% ±10 counts
Power factor (Cos j/DPF) 0 to 1 0,001 ±0.1% at rated load conditions
Energy
kWh (kVAh, kvarh) i430-Flex 10x Depending on scale setting and V nominal of current clamp ±1% ±10 counts
Energy loss i430-Flex 10x Depending on scale setting and V nominal of current clamp ±1% ±10 counts Excluding mains resistance accuracy
Harmonischen
Order of harmonics (n) DC, grouping 1 to 50: Groups of harmonics according to IEC 61000-4-7
Order of interharmonics (n) OFF, grouping 1 to 50: Groups of subgroups of harmonics and interharmonics according to IEC 61000-4-7
Tension %f 0.0% to 100% 0,1% ±0.1% ±n x 0.1%
%r 0.0% to 100% 0,1% ±0.1% ±n x 0.4%
Absolute pressure 0.0 to 1000 V 0,1 V ±5% *
Total harmonic distortion (THD) 0.0% to 100% 0,1% ±2.5%
Current %f 0.0% to 100% 0,1% ±0.1% ±n x 0.1%
%r 0.0% to 100% 0,1% ±0.1% ±n x 0.4%
Absolute pressure 0.0 to 600 A 0,1 A ±5% ±5 counts
Total harmonic distortion (THD) 0.0% to 100% 0,1% ±2.5%
Watt %f or %r 0.0% to 100% 0,1% ±n x 2%
Absolute pressure Depending on scale setting and V nominal of current clamp ±5% ±n x 2% ±10 counts
Total harmonic distortion (THD) 0.0% to 100% 0,1% ±5%
Phase angle -360° to +0° ±n x 1°
Flicker
Plt, Pst, Pst(1min) Pinst 0.00 to 20.00 0,01 ±5%
Imbalance
Tension % 0.0% to 20.0% 0,1% ±0.1%
Current % 0.0% to 20.0% 0,1% ±1%
Mains superimposed signals (Mains Signalling)
Threshold levels Threshold, limit and signalling duration programmable for two signalling frequencies
Signal frequency 60 Hz to 3000 Hz 0.1 Hz
Relative V% 0% to 100% 0,10% ±0.4%
Absolute V3s (3 seconds average) 0.0 V to 1000 V 0,1 V ±5% of rated voltage
General specifications
Housing Robust design, shockproof with integrated protective holster Dripping water and dustproof IP51 according to IEC60529 when used with stand Shockproof and vibration-resistant Shock resistance 30 g, vibration resistance: 3 g sinusoidal, random 0.03 g 2 /Hz according to MIL-PRF-28800F class 2
Display Brightness: 200 cd/m 2 normal with mains adapter, 90 cd/m 2 normal with battery power Size: 127 mm x 88 mm (153 mm/6.0 diagonal) Resolution LCD: 320 x 240 pixels Contrast and brightness: adjustable, with temperature compensation
Memory SD card 8 GB (SDHC-compliant, FAT32-formatted) standard, up to 32 GB optional Screen storage and multiple memories for data storage including recordings (depending on memory size)
Real-time clock Time and date marking for trend mode, transient display, system monitoring and event recording
Environmental conditions
Operating temperature 0 °C ~ +40 °C; +40 °C ~ +50 °C excl. battery
Storage temperature -20 °C ~ +60 °C
Relative humidity +10 °C ~ +30 °C: 95% RH non-condensing
+30 °C ~ +40 °C: 75% RH non-condensing
+40 °C ~ +50 °C: 45% RH non-condensing
Maximum operating height Up to 2,000 m (6666 ft) for CAT IV 600 V, CAT III 1000 V
Up to 3,000 m (10,000 ft) for CAT III 600 V, CAT II 1000 V
Maximum altitude when stored 12 km (40,000 ft)
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) EN 61326 (2005-12) for emission and insensitivity
Interfaces Mini-USB-B, isolated USB port for connection to PC Slot for SD card behind instrument battery
Warranty Three years (material and labour) for main instrument, one year for accessories

* ±5% if ≥ 1% of rated voltage ±0.05% of rated voltage if < 1% of rated voltage
** 50Hz/60Hz nominal frequency according to IEC 61000-4-30
*** 400Hz measurements are not supported for Flicker, Mains Signalling and Monitoring modes.
**** for rated voltage 50 V to 500 V.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oyWA_D2p9k

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