Analyser supports standards for harmonics, flicker

Since 1 January 2001, the EN61000-3-2 standard has required the measurement of the harmonic current produced by most electrical and electronic equipment

The new HA1600A low-cost harmonics, flicker and power analyser from TTi (Thurlby Thandar Instruments) is a new version of the earlier HA1600 instrument with a new casing, a USB interface, and totally revised firmware to meet the requirements of the latest revision to international harmonics and flicker standards.

Since 1 January 2001, the EN61000-3-2 standard has required the measurement of the harmonic current produced by most electrical and electronic equipment.

Certain types of equipment also require testing to EN61000-3-3 (fluctuations and flicker testing).

Compliance is a mandatory part of CE marking, and the HA1600A enables users to self certify their compliance.

The analyser has a 16 A current capability and uses a shunt resistance of 3milliohms as defined by the standard.

The large backlit LCD display provides both graphical and numeric readout.

In addition to the built-in RS-232 and USB interfaces, isolated monitor outputs are included which provide re-constructed voltage and current signals.

The HA1600A provides numerical and graphical analysis of mains harmonics from the first to the 40th to very high accuracy, and can make compliance quality measurements to EN61000-3-2.

Harmonics can be displayed as lists or as histograms with the compliance limits automatically calculated and displayed.

Simple pass/fail analysis can be carried out, or detailed failure information can be rapidly extracted.

The fast update rate allows real-time monitoring of circuit changes.

The HA1600A is capable of continuous real-time analysis of both voltage and current.

As a general purpose mains analyser, it can measure watts, voltamperes, RMS and peak voltage and current, crest factors, total harmonic distortion, power factor, frequency and inrush current, with a rating of 16 A RMS continuous.

As a fluctuation and flicker meter, the HA1600A can perform simultaneous full analysis of voltage variations, including the calculation of the maximum value dmax, the difference between steady states dc, and the change characteristic d(t) as required by EN61000-3-3 and EN61000-4-15.

The HA1600A is available with range of power connectors to suit different national standards.

A printer interface is included for record keeping and archiving, along with both RS-232 and USB interfaces for PC connectivity.

The instrument is now supplied with HA-PC Link Plus software for Windows.

This is intended to assist users in taking routine compliance measurements and archiving the results.

Harmonics can be displayed on the PC as tabular reports or as graphical histograms.

The performance of the PC does not affect the accuracy of the measurement results, and so there is no need for the either the PC or its software to be covered by a calibration certificate The HA1600A costs £1450 (plus VAT) in the UK.

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