Algodue & Fluke Power Quality Analyser Suppliers

Basically, power quality analysers analyse the quality of power in single phase and three phase business installations. They assess all the parameters affecting that installation’s power and provide detailed information as to whether everything’s working as it should. 

Is the quality of the current power supply right for the electrical workload? Or is it too much or too little? If it’s too much a power analyser can quickly flag opportunities to cut consumption and costs. If it’s too little, the same analyser can warn of a potential overload calamity before it happens. Power analysers also pinpoint any equipment using power inefficiently.

Power quality analysers come in everything from a basic single-phase unit to three-phase units with all the bells and whistles. Here are some features to look out for:

• Power quality analysis
• Energy consumption analysis
• Electrical safety tests
• Single phase power
• Three-phase power
• Self-powered three-phase power
• Current measurement
• Power measurement
• Harmonics measurement
• Voltage spikes measurement
• Photovoltaic efficiency checking
• Current data logger
• Voltage data logger
• Wi-Fi

Before you begin wading your way through the mesmerising array of power quality analysers available, take a moment to analyse three questions that will clarify your options.

• Do you need single phase or three-phase testers? If you will only be testing balanced loads with no channel problems, a single phase tester may suffice. However, some tasks are only reliable using a three-phase tester, so if you want to keep the breadth of your testing options open, narrow your search to three-phase units straight away.
• Do you need real-time monitoring or recording? There’s a big difference – one provides results as they happen to be viewed as they happen, the other records results for later diagnosis.
• Do you need periodic or cycle-by-cycle monitoring? This only applies to recorded logs and measurements. Be aware that if you need rapid cycle load sampling, a periodic analyser is not the way to go.

Power quality analyser prices vary as much as the unit features available. A fairly simple, but effective unit can cost as little as $3,000. A unit with every power monitoring feature known to man will cost around $18,000. If you need something in the mid-range, $10,000 is enough for a varied and functional tester.

Basically, there are five electrical distribution issues that can go unnoticed without proper power quality analysis. They are:

• harmonic current
• total harmonic distortion
• line voltage sags and swells
• transient voltage problems caused by such things as lightning
• volt-amp loss caused by reactance

Anything from a single equipment failure to a major power outage can happen. Or, just as harmful to your business profitability, inefficient plant and machinery can continue to go undetected and cost an equally undetected fortune.

While working with electricity will always be hazardous, there are measures you can and should take to minimise the dangers when analysing power quality. 

• Interrogate your power analyser – get to know it inside and out, read every instruction in the manual
• Assess the risks – know exactly what you’re dealing with onsite before starting any testing
• Keep all tools in their box – metal tools are conductors and the last thing you want is to accidentally kick something into live electricity
• Wear proper PPE
• Work with focus and no distractions

Only qualified electricians and electrical engineers trained to work in high risk electrical situations can operate a power quality analyser.