Fluke 438-II
Power Quality and Motor Analyzer

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Product Overview

RENT FLUKE 438-II

The Fluke 438-II Three Phase Power Quality and Motor Analyzer with iFlex Probes allows you to quickly and easily measure and analyze key electrical and mechanical performance parameters such as power, harmonics, unbalance, motor speed, torque and mechanical power without the need of mechanical sensors.

The ideal portable motor analysis test tool, the Fluke 438-II can help locate, predict, prevent, and troubleshoot power quality problems in three-phase and single-phase power distribution systems, while giving technicians the mechanical and electrical information they need to effectively evaluate motor performance.

Fluke 438-II mechanical metering functions

Using proprietary algorithms, the Fluke 438-II Power Quality and Motor Analyzer uses three phase current and voltage waveforms to calculate motor torque, speed, load and efficiency at a 1 second update rate. The motor air gap field, as observed via the voltage/current waveforms, provides the basis for the measurements. Mechanical sensors and intrusive no-load motor testing is not required, making it faster than ever to analyze overall electric motor performance. Key measurements: Electrical power, harmonics, unbalance, motor speed, torque and mechanical power without the need of mechanical sensors.

• Motor torque (rotational force)
• The motor torque is the single most critical variable that characterizes the instantaneous mechanical performance of rotating equipment driven by electric motors.
• Motor speed (motor shaft rotational speed)
• Combined with the motor torque, motor speed provides a snapshot of the mechanical performance of rotating equipment driven by electric motors.
• Motor mechanical load (actual mechanical power)
• Provides a direct link to overloading conditions without simply basing it on the motor current.
• Motor efficiency
• Shows the effectiveness of each motor within a machine, assembly line, plant, and/or facility in converting electric power to useful mechanical work. By properly aggregating the efficiencies of a population.

 Electrical Motor Analysis

The Fluke 438-II provides a complete breakdown of electrical parameters. Prior to beginning motor analysis, it is recommended to make baseline power quality measurements to assess the state of harmonics and unbalance on the electrical service output, as these two properties can have a serious, negative impact on motor performance. When in Motor Analysis mode, the results are summarized for electrical performance, mechanical performance and derating (according to NEMA recommendations). The easy-to-understand four-level color severity scale indicates motor performance in relation to the recommended electrical parameter levels, including rated power, power factor, unbalance and harmonics.

With this feature, you can instantly view the mechanical output power, along with motor torque and speed. The mechanical output power is instantly compared with electrical power to provide you with live efficiency measurements, making it easy to measure machine performance during each operation cycle.

The NEMA derating screen is updated as the load and electrical conditions change, and each new measurement is plotted on the tolerance graph as a "+". By frequently performing these tests over time, known benchmarks and performance trends can be created, enabling informed maintenance and investment decisions.

Key Features of the Fluke 438-II include:

• Measure key parameters on direct-on-line motors, including torque, RPM, mechanical power and motor efficiency
• Perform dynamic motor analysis by plotting motor de-rating factor against load, according to NEMA guidelines
• Calculate mechanical power and efficiency by connecting to input conductors; no need for mechanical sensors
• Measure electrical power parameters such as voltage, current, power, apparent power, power factor, harmonic distortion and unbalance to identify characteristics that impact motor efficiency
• Identify power quality issues such as dips, swells, transients, harmonics and unbalance
• PowerWave data technology captures fast RMS data and shows half-cycle averages and waveforms to characterize electrical system dynamics (generator start-ups, UPS switching, etc.)
• Waveform capture function captures 100/120 cycles (50/60 Hz) of each event; detected in all modes, without set-up
• Automatic transient mode captures waveform data at 200 kS/s on all phases simultaneously, up to 6 kV

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