Non-contact temperature measurements using IR thermometers

Infrared (IR) thermometers allow non-contact measurement of surface temperatures by analyzing the invisible, infrared spectrum emitted from an object. IR measurement devices, like the Fluke 61and 65, make it safe to take surface temperature readings of items like rotating, hard-to-reach, electrically live, or dangerously hot targets. For preventative maintenance tasks, they cut measurement time to almost zero with the ability to take a surface temperature reading in less than one second.

IR thermometers can be used to conduct thousands of different types of measurements, including:

• Electrical: IR thermometers can be used to troubleshoot problems with electrical connections and verify uninterruptible power supplies by locating hot spots in the output filters or dc battery connections. They can also be used to check components in battery banks, power panel terminations, ballasts, switch gears, circuit breaker and fuse connections that could be draining energy due to the heat created by loose connections or corrosion buildup.

• Preventive maintenance: Using IR thermometers for preventive maintenance measurements of hard-to-reach equipment such as HVAC supply diffusers or dangerous equipment like motors, generators, and bearings helps identify potential problems.

• HVAC: It’s estimated up to 30 percent of air conditioning leaks are due to faulty ducting, which can be quickly and easily detected with an IR thermometer.

• Steam: IR thermometers are particularly useful in taking surface temperature measurements of uninsulated steam lines, steam valves, fittings, receiver tanks, and condensate return lines, which pose a large safety hazard due to the potential presence of live steam.

Extra functions make testing faster, with same rugged Fluke design

The new Fluke 1650B multifunction electrical installation testers have additional features that can halve the time for installation testing. Built on the rugged performance of our earlier 1650 Series, the Fluke 1650B Series testers verify domestic, commercial and industrial electrical installations. They ensure that fixed wiring is safe and correctly installed to meet IEC 60364, HD 384 and local requirements like BS7671 (17th Edition).

The Fluke 1650B has a dual display to show two measurements at once. On its own that can more than halve the test time taken by other loop testers, for example showing PEFC/PSC and loop impedance in parallel. A new high-current loop mode further reduces the times taken by loop tests with non-trip mode for RCDs. Fast voltage measurements between L-N, L-PE and N-PE use the mains cord, so there is no need to change measurement connections.

A rotary dial knob controls all the major functions, clearly showing which one is selected, and avoiding the need for complex multi-level menus. The large backlit display has an exceptionally wide viewing angle for safe, easy readings even under difficult conditions. RCD tests have a simple PASS/FAIL indication, with a variable RCD current mode for customized settings. An Earth Volt Touchpad shows potentially dangerous fault conditions by detecting earth voltages above 50 V.

Equipped with a built-in memory, the 1653B can store test results quickly and easily on site without needing any additional devices. Each stored measurement consists of the test function and user selectable test references like cabinet and circuit number. Simply upload the data after testing to a computer for preparing professional reports.

The 1650B is rugged (withstanding a 1-m drop), compact, and lightweight (weighing below 1.2 kg). A padded neck strap frees testers’ hands for comfortable all day testing. All 1650B models have detachable standard 4-mm leads so that damaged test leads can be replaced easily by other 4-mm standard accessories. A slim, remote probe is powered by the tester (so needing no extra batteries), and lets test engineers keep their eyes on the panel while probing hard to reach points. A new accessory comes with the tester: the Zero Adapter ensures accurate, reliable and simple test lead and mains cord compensation. The adapter takes all kinds of mains plugs and test accessories like probes and alligator clips.

Fluke 289 True-rms Industrial Logging Multimeter with TrendCapture

Find Little Problems Before They Become Big Ones. The industrial meter for demanding users.

The new Fluke 289 is the next generation high performance industrial logging multimeter designed to solve complex problems in electronics, plant automation, power distribution, and electro-mechanical equipment. With the ability to log data and review it graphically on-screen, you can solve problems faster and help minimize downtime. Let the new 289 be your watchdog for systems or processes while you are off solving other problems.

With the newly equipped functionalities of Fluke 289, you can have multiple sets of measurement information simultaneously displayed at the same time and also log multiple sessions or log data continuously for over 200 hours. This is useful for characterizing the performance of a design or for unattended monitoring. Logging function with TrendCapture is an essential tool for documenting the performance of your designs, processes or systems, monitoring unattended while you work on other projects. It plots measurements as a single line to help detect signal anomalies over time, storing up to 10,000 readings. Using on-board TrendCapture, you can graphically view logged readings without a PC. Also saved measurements allow you to name and recall measurements made in the field

i-info button on board help screens for measurement functions. Unsure about a function? Go to that function and Press the “i” button. Low impedance voltage function prevents false readings due to “ghost voltage.” It is also the recommended mode when testing for absence or presence of live power. Low Pass Filter for accurate voltage and frequency measurements on adjustable speed motor drives and other electrically noisy equipment is another key feature.

Maximize productivity with the combined Fluke 289 and FlukeView forms combo kit. With built-in data logger and TrendCapture capability, the 289 helps you track down elusive, intermittent problems, monitoring equipment with any of its functions while you do other jobs. Overlay your logged data from six meters or six time periods to find cause and effect relationships or for condition monitoring applications in FVF software. Turn your data into meaningful graphs and tables for a professional report. The 289/FVF combo kit gives you a practical & affordable approach to predictive maintenance.

Be sure to also check out the Fluke 287 True-rms Electronics Logging Multimeter with TrendCapture designed for electronics professionals.

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