Troubleshooting resources

Transients and voltage unbalance

The electrical power issues that most frequently affect industrial plants include voltage sags and swells, harmonics, transients, and voltage and current unbalance.

Top causes of single-phase motor malfunctions

Most problems with single-phase motors involve the centrifugal switch, thermal switch, or capacitor(s). If the problem is in the centrifugal switch, thermal switch, or capacitor, the motor is usually serviced and repaired. However, if the motor is more than 10 years old and less than 1 HP, the motor is usually replaced. If the motor is less than 1/8 HP, it is almost always replaced.

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.

How to measure output voltage from a VFD to a motor

How to measure output voltage from a VFD to a motor

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

Moving up to three-phase power quality measurements

Monitoring three-phase power quality is a must. Whether you troubleshoot mysterious electrical problems or provide additional services to a client, it is three-phase power that is provided to commercial and industrial customers and three-phase power that is distributed throughout a facility.

How to track faults in overhead utility cables

Fundamental IAQ/HVAC measurements with the Fluke 975 AirMeter™

The 975 gathers ten fundamental IAQ parameters: Temperature, Humidity, Dew Point Temperature, Web Bulb Temperature, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Monoxide, Air Velocity, Air Volume, and Percentage of Outdoor Air (calculated from temperature or CO2). This application note reviews those parameters and the associated functions on the 975. For more detailed information, see other app notes from the Fluke HVAC/IAQ library.

Duct traversal airflow measurement

This how-to guide explains why and how to conduct a duct traverse, how to insert the measuring device and a step-by-step process of taking the measurements. Tips and additional resources are included.

Troubleshooting common PV system problems

With the push to energy independence and renewable energy sources, HVAC technicians need to know how to troubleshoot photovoltaic systems

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 hand over the condenser discharge air, and then they grab the suction line, the liquid line, and the discharge line (and wish they hadn't done that). All of this before they even open their tool box.

Case Study: Three-Phase Motor Failure

For three years in a row, a particularly large three-phase motor would fail twice a year. The facility maintenance manager called in both the electrical contractor and the motor manufacturer, who pointed fingers at each other but failed to resolve anything on site.

Case study: Electric utility plays it safe...

The safety rated Fluke T+Pro gets field-tested by non-electricians. Larger buttons for gloved hands and a battery life indicator helped to make the transition from the old solenoid-based testers to the T+Pro much easier.

How air leak detection equipment prevents downtime

Find out how air leak detection equipment prevents downtime for a 150,000 square foot plant that runs approximately 400 tools on compressed air, produced by a 200-horsepower compressor.

Using thermal imaging to troubleshoot motors and drives

Using infrared cameras to troubleshoot motor problems as well as monitoring motor conditions for preventative maintenance in power generation, manufacturing and commercial plants.

Why thermal imaging is essential for detecting moisture damage

With the growing concern about mold damage and associated health problems, inspectors are becoming increasingly vigilant in checking for areas of moisture within the confines of the building envelope. Weather related damage and flooding, and subsequent mold growth, have also escalated the need for tools that can facilitate fast and accurate moisture investigations.

How to inspect a motor with a thermal imager

Seeing a motor’s heat signature under normal operating conditions—with at least 40 % of design load—can tell you a lot about its condition.

Hot spot detection—what to look for

How to find hot spots in electrical systems using a thermal camera. Learn what to look for and understand what causes emissivity anomalies during inspections.