CONTRACTORS’ CORNER
4
Fluke 1770 Series Three-Phase Power Quality Analysers 1 770 Series Three-Phase Power Quality Analysers simplify power quality logging, troubleshooting, and analysis.
system you’re working on. Logged data is instantly viewable, downloadable, and shareable with Fluke Energy Analyse Plus software, so you never need to wait to finish a session before reviewing results or analysing data. Ultimate measurement confidence The Fluke 1770 Series are 2-in-1 devices that combine the troubleshooting functionality of a power quality meter with the robust analysis and logging capabilities of a standalone power quality analyser—in a single, easy-to-use, handheld device. The ‘PQ Meter’ function gives you immediate access to live on-screen data in the field so you can quickly identify potential problems while troubleshooting. The detailed ‘PQ Logging and Analysis’ function eliminates the complexity of performing power quality studies by guiding you through the setup process, ensuring you’re capturing the right data every time. Pair these measurement modes with a unique measurement connection autocorrect function, and you can be confident you won’t need to go back for a second measurement—even if you weren’t sure what to look for when you started. Powerful analysis software with easy- to-create reports Fluke 1770 Series Power Quality transformers. Predictive analytics alert contractors to potential faults, enabling scheduled maintenance instead of reactive repairs. Enhanced safety: Continuous monitoring reduces the risk of catastrophic failures, arc flashes, or fires—especially in densely populated urban sites or public EV charging installations. Remote accessibility: Cloud-connected diagnostics allow contractors to monitor site conditions and troubleshoot remotely, reducing the need for frequent site visits and enabling faster response times.
Engineered for faster, easier power quality studies, the 1770 Series offers automatic measurements, a straightforward user interface and setup, best-in-class specifications, and a simplified reporting platform. The instrument can also be powered directly from the measurement circuit, eliminating the need to find a power outlet or use a lengthy extension cord With the 1770 Series, you’ll never miss a critical power quality event—from fast transients up to 8 kV and harmonics up to 30 kHz to dips and swells —along with the voltage, current, and power measurements that let you characterise your electrical system. Automatic measurement capture Whether you’re performing a quick system check or a detailed power quality study, consistent data is key. The Fluke 1770 Series offers a unique automatic measurement capture system that helps ensure you collect the right data every time, while still letting you select and adjust specific parameters as needed. More than 500 power quality parameters are captured by default, and the guided setup makes it easy to select the right parameters for the
to historical values, benchmark against industry norms, compare measured data to local conditions, and build a more complete picture of what’s happening across your facility, even while data is still being collected. Energy Analyse Plus offers unified support for the Fluke 1730, 1740, and 1770 Series of Energy Loggers and Power Quality Analysers.
Analysers come standard with the powerful Fluke Energy Analyse Plus software, designed to eliminate the hassles found with other multi-purpose application software. Energy Analyse Plus helps you evaluate power quality data right out of the box and without extensive training. Energy Analyze Plus makes downloading, analyzing, tracking, and reporting power quality and energy data easier than ever. Quickly compare results Optimised asset performance: Data-driven insights help contractors advise clients on asset utilisation, energy efficiency, and lifecycle management, supporting better ROI on renewable and EV infrastructure investments. Applications in renewable and EV installations Solar PV & wind farms: Smart diagnostics monitor inverter performance, string currents, and insulation resistance to maximise generation uptime and detect faults early, such as ground faults or connector failures. Battery energy storage: Systems track cell voltages, temperature gradients, and charge/discharge cycles to identify
www.comtest.co.za
Smart diagnostics for renewable & EV infrastructure By: Minx Avrabos A s the global transition to renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs) accelerates, electrical contractors play a crucial role in deploying,
imbalances and thermal-runaway risks. EV charging networks: Monitoring grid connection quality, charger status, and load profiles ensures reliability and minimises end-user downtime. Implementation considerations Electrical contractors should prioritise solutions that offer interoperability, real- time alerting, and seamless integration with existing SCADA or BMS platforms. Training staff to interpret data and perform remote diagnostics is essential to maximise value. Ultimately, embracing smart diagnostics enables contractors to deliver safer, more resilient, and future- ready renewable and EV infrastructure for clients.
commissioning, and maintaining the supporting infrastructure. The growing complexity and interconnectivity of renewable energy sources (such as solar PV and wind), battery energy storage systems (BESS), and EV charging stations demand smarter, more proactive diagnostics and maintenance approaches. Enter smart diagnostics: a suite of digital tools and methodologies designed to optimise reliability, safety, and performance in modern energy systems. What are smart diagnostics? Smart diagnostics leverage real-time data acquisition, advanced analytics, and remote monitoring to provide actionable insights into the health and performance of electrical assets. These systems integrate sensors, IoT devices, and cloud-based platforms to continuously monitor critical parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, harmonics, insulation resistance, and equipment status. By automating data collection and analysis, smart diagnostics enable rapid fault identification, abnormal condition detection, and trend analysis—well before they escalate into failures or safety hazards. Key benefits Early fault detection: Smart diagnostic systems can detect issues like insulation breakdown, loose connections, or overloading in cables, switchgear, and
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
NOVEMBER 2026
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker