The new Fluke 1777 power analyser: two devices in one

As experts, we use power quality measurement technology practically every day. Before travelling to a site visit, there has always been the question of which devices to take with us for the task at hand, as there are essentially two groups of measuring devices in the field of power quality analysis:

1. Power analysers with a display for quick troubleshooting (so-called troubleshooters)
2. Data-collecting power quality recorders, often without a display.

Troubleshooters for mains faults

The first group of devices is very advantageous when it comes to mains faults that are permanently present (e.g. harmonics) or when the problem can be caused in a controlled manner (e.g. voltage dips caused by switching on machines). The measured values are immediately visible on the display and measures to solve the problem can be designed on site if necessary.

Long-term recordings are also possible with these power quality analysers, although complex configuration steps are often required.

Power quality recorders for long-term recordings

The second group of devices is specially designed for long-term recordings; as a rule, all parameters are automatically recorded simultaneously and only a few configuration steps are required before starting the measurement. The area of application is power quality problems where the time of the fault is initially unknown and the fault occurs infrequently or irregularly. Another typical area of application is the verification of power quality in accordance with standards such as EN 50160.

However, the immediate display is often only possible to a limited extent (the display is then essentially only intended for configuration), or there is no display at all and operation must be carried out using a laptop, for example.

This means that the use of this second group of devices for the purposes of rapid troubleshooting is very limited.

But what does this mean?

Fluke Series1770 combines two devices in one

This previous division into two different device groups has a very significant economic consequence: the investment costs are high, as two network analysers are required.

The Fluke 1773, Fluke 1775 and Fluke 1777 models combine both device groups in one handy mains analyser. All power quality measurements can be shown directly on the integrated display (for troubleshooting), while the simultaneous recording (the power quality recording) automatically contains all parameters and also waveform displays so that they can be analysed afterwards using software if required.

This means that both tasks can now be covered with one device and, in addition to the lower investment outlay, set-up times are also shorter as fewer devices need to be packed.

From a commercial point of view, it is now also possible to utilise investments in such a way that several identical devices offer the advantage of being able to serve several measuring points or customers at the same time.