Motor Performance Diagnosis simpilfied

Measuring mechanical loads typically requires load sensors that can be costly or physically inaccessible. The new Fluke 438-II Power Quality and Motor Analyzer uses innovative algorithms to analyze not only three-phase power quality but also torque, efficiency, and speed to determine system performance and detect overloaded conditions, eliminating the need for motor load sensors.

The Fluke 438-II simplifies the process of motor performance diagnosis by providing analysis data for both the electrical and mechanical characteristics of the motor while it is in operation. Using proprietary algorithms, the 438-II measures the three-phase current and voltage waveforms and compares them against rated specifications to calculate motor mechanical performance. The analysis is presented in simple readouts, making it easy to gauge the operating performance and determine if adjustments are needed before failures cause an operational shut down.

The analyzer also provides measurements to determine a motor’s efficiency (i.e. the conversion of electrical energy to mechanical torque) and mechanical power under operating load conditions. These measures allow maintenance engineers to determine the motors in-service operating power compared to its rated power to determine if the motor is operating in overloaded condition or, inversely, if it is oversized for the application energy may be wasted and operating cost increased.