3-Phase Power Meter / 3-Phase Power Analyzer

With a 3-phase power analyzer, the power data for several cores can be recorded simultaneously in single-phase and three-phase networks. In contrast to the measurements on only one core, this allows additional values to be determined for power and network analysis. The active, apparent and reactive power can be easily determined in one measurement for each phase individually and in total.

Network optimisation with the 3-phase power analyzer
The 3-phase power analyzer can be used, among other things, to check the mains utilisation. This is important if additional consumers are to be connected or those with higher consumption are to be used. In many companies, the mains are not evenly loaded. With the 3-phase power analyzer, the voltage and current data can be recorded precisely. If noticeable voltage drops and voltage peaks have been detected after the measurement, the possibilities can be sought to avoid or mitigate them. Harmonics that can cause interruptions in the operating process or damage can also be localised so that the countermeasures can be examined.

Energy Consumption Measurement with the 3-phase power analyzer
A mobile 3-phase power analyzer with calculation function for energy consumption can also be used as an intermediate meter for alternating and three-phase current. When calculating the power consumption, it is essential to check whether a calibrated device must be used for the particular situation. When changes are made in the production organisation or when new machines are used, it should often be checked how the changes affect the energy consumption. For this purpose, performance measurements can be carried out before and after the changes. Before time-consuming or cost-intensive conversions, it is advisable to first measure trial runs on test setups. The 3-phase power analyzer can also be used to check the performance data of individual machines. If the energy consumption of a machine has risen noticeably, this may be a sign, for example, of defective components, wear of the wear parts or excessive frictional resistance.

Measuring ranges in the 3-phase power analyzer
As with almost all the measuring devices, care must be taken to ensure that the measuring range of the most important measured variables is suitable for the intended use. Many models can measure voltages up to 600 volts and are thus suitable for applications in low-voltage networks with 230 volts or 400 volts. Where higher voltages occur, for example in industrial plants or power stations, only the devices designed for this must be used. Special attention must be paid to the measuring range for the amperage, as there are devices available that only measure up to 100 amps as well as those that can measure up to 1,000 or 3,000 amps. In most cases, the measuring ranges are subdivided into sub-ranges. This allows the lower measured values to be recorded with better resolution and accuracy.

Type and number of the sensors in the 3-phase power analyzer
The type and number of sensors determine which measurements can be taken. The 3-phase power analyzer always has connections for three or four sensors for voltage or current. In a device with four measuring inputs, measurements can be taken simultaneously on the three phases and on the neutral conductor. In most cases, the device includes measuring leads or crocodile clips as well as current clamps or Rogowski coils for indirect measurement of the amperage. In the case of the measuring probes for indirect current measurement, attention must be paid to which cable diameters and to which amperages they are suitable.

Data memory and data logger function
For many applications it is helpful if the measured data can be stored in the 3-phase power analyzer and later conveniently transferred to a computer. If the power data are to be recorded and evaluated in detail over the course of a day or week, the device models with a data logger function and large storage volume are recommended. The devices that store the data on exchangeable SD cards are particularly practical for recording large amounts of data.

The display of the 3-phase power analyzer
The size and the display options of the display are important for the evaluation of the measurements directly on site. There are considerable differences between the device models in terms of how much data can be shown on the display at the same time and how clearly it is arranged. Before selecting a device, it is essential to clarify whether and which graphics of the measured values the 3-phase power analyzer should show directly on the display and how detailed these graphics must be.

PC software for the 3-phase power analyzer
For some models, the scope of delivery also includes special evaluation software for the data recorded by the unit. These software solutions simplify the display, evaluation and storage of the stored measured values. Often, live measurements can also be monitored directly on the PC screen. The graphics of the measured values created via the software usually offer additional information and query options compared to the representations on the device display. The functions for statistical evaluations and error analyses are also often included in such software programmes.