Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Basic Power Quality Measurements On The Go With The Fluke 345


Fluke Corporation, an industry innovator in compact, professional electronic test tools has announced the re-launch of Fluke 345 Power Quality Clamp Meter, designed as a tool for servicing and commissioning electronic switching loads including variable frequency drives, electronic lighting and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. Combining the functionality of a power quality meter, oscilloscope and data logger, the Fluke 345 features a convenient clamp-on design for measuring the most common power quality parameters. It features a colour display for viewing measurements in real time, and can log data to memory for analysis with the included Power Log software.

The Hall effect measuring clamp of the Fluke 345 enables users to take ac current measurements up to 1400 A rms and dc current up to 2000A – without disconnecting the load. It features a switchable low-pass filter, enabling users to make effective measurements on variable frequency drives and other electrically noisy equipment.

The recording function of the Fluke 345 captures minimum, maximum, and average values for a quick view of events as they occur. For intermittent problems or performance testing, the logging mode can be used to capture measured values of voltage, current, and power with average periods from one second to 15 minutes. Logged data can be reviewed on the instrument, or downloaded for further analysis and report generation, using the supplied Power Log software.

The Fluke 345 complies with the stringent 600 V CAT IV / 1000 V CAT III safety standards. It measures V, A, Hz, CF, THD, DF, W, VA, VAR, kW and Power Factor even on distorted waveforms. Other useful features include a three-phase power mode for making a quick check on a balanced three phase circuits, an inrush mode for troubleshooting tripped circuit breakers, and dc ripple measurement capability to assess load effect.