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Fluke Resource Center

Why use a CAT III rated meter in solar PV installations?

Overvoltage categories in a photovoltaic installation connected to the utility energy grid

Globally, solar installations (also known as photovoltaic or PV installations) are continuing to multiply rapidly, driven by compelling economics for utility-scale solar generation and efforts to decarbonize the grid. As solar distribution systems and loads become larger and more complex, the possibilities of transient overvoltages increase — and the implications for safety become more important than ever.

 

When you’re taking measurements on solar installations, these transients are invisible and largely unavoidable hazards, which means that your protection depends on the safety margins already built into your tools. That’s where the Measurement Category Rating comes in: it’s designed to tell the user which types of electrical installations the measurement device may safely make measurements in.

A voltage rating alone, however, won’t tell you how well a handheld tool was designed to survive high transient impulses — its category rating also needs to fit the environment you’re working on.

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Fundamentals

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Fluke 393 FC

What is true-RMS?

The need for true-RMS meters has grown as the possibility of non-sinusoidal waves in circuits has greatly increased in recent years. Some examples include . . .

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Steps for measuring resistance with a digital multimeter

How to Measure Resistance with a Digital Multimeter

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Left: Jaws of ac-only current transformer clamp meters close tightly. Right: A sensor sits in the air gap between the jaws of Hall Effect clamp meters.

What are Hall Effect (ac, dc) clamp meters?

Hall Effect clamp meters can measure both ac and dc current up to the kilohertz (1000 Hz) range

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Basic oscilloscope functions

Basic oscilloscope functions

Calibration

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Calibrating at the bench with a deadweight tester

Calibrating at the bench with a deadweight tester

A deadweight tester is a proven method of pressure calibration that is usually chosen for bench applications when accuracy and reliability are the top . . .

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Documenting approach to pressure switch testing

Manual approach to pressure switch testing

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Fluke Calibration 1552a

Verifying portable thermometers

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Breaking new ground without breaking the loop

Breaking new ground without breaking the loop

Early reports from the field suggest that the new Fluke 772 and 773 Milliamp Process Clamp Meters may be game changers, breaking new ground for technicians . . .

Energy management

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Top 3 Solar Panels Safety Precautions

Renewable energy: Maintenance and health of battery storage systems

Importance of investing in battery storage systems health and maintenance.

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How to Prioritize Leaks in Compressed Air System Using LeakQ

How to prioritize the leaks in your compressed air system using LeakQ

If your compressed air system is under-performing, your connected equipment will be too. Learn how to monitor and prioritize which air leaks to fix using . . .

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Best tools for energy efficiency management

Best tools for energy efficiency management

Make energy efficiency a part of your preventive maintenance plan to make a positive impact on your bottom line, improve plant performance, and maintain . . .

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Utilities

Case study: Energy logger helps cut utility surcharges and power waste

At commercial buildings and industrial plants, energy costs can quickly add up, especially when older lighting systems are in place, motors age and . . .

Maintenance and monitoring

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Condition monitoring

Easy-to-install Fluke sensors help you track conditional change

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Fluke Ti300 PRO

Using infrared cameras for preventive maintenance

Information on the role of thermal imagers in preventive maintenance programs, including cost savings, return on investment (ROI), and the inspection process. . . .

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Moving from reactive to predictive maintenance

How to use criticality analysis to prioritize assets

There are many ways to prioritize assets in a maintenance routine. Most approaches are incomplete or create more problems than they solve. Learn how to . . .

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Motors and Drives

How to measure output voltage from a VFD to a motor

How to measure output voltage from a VFD to a motor

Safety

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Digital multimeter CAT rating

Understanding the arc flash boundary

The arc flash boundary is the minimum “safe” distance from exposed energized conductors or circuit parts that has the potential for an arc flash. The . . .

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Electrical safety myth #1

Four myths about electrical safety that may surprise you

Following electrical safety regulations in industrial plants is critical. But myths about electrical safety are rampant. Understand the facts vs myths . . .

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How infrared cameras help you stay safe on the job

How infrared cameras help you stay safe on the job

If you troubleshoot or maintain equipment in an industrial setting, staying safe depends partly on the environment and partly on you.

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Fluke ST120+ GFCI Socket Tester with Beeper

Chasing "ghost" trips in GFCI-protected circuits

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Troubleshooting

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Motor With Drive

13 common causes of motor failure

This article demonstrates how to detect the 13 most common causes of winding insulation and bearing failure in advance.

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Troubleshooting the Most Common Power Quality Problems

Top 5 power quality issues you can solve with the Fluke 1770 power quality analyzers

Troubleshooting the most common power quality problems—voltage distortion and harmonics. Tools needed, types of problems

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HVAC

Insulation resistance and electrical testing for HVAC compressor motors

HVACR mechanics rarely rely on a single test to pass or fail a function or process. As they walk up to a condensing unit, they listen, they wave their . . .

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Maintenance Technician in Hospital Setting

3 considerations for medical gas leak detection

Testing medical gases and piping systems in healthcare facilities and hospitals presents multiple challenges for maintenance teams. Learn why efficient . . .