POWER QUALITY · HIOKI PQ3198
Short answer: The HIOKI PQ3198 helps investigate intermittent supply disturbances by combining power-quality event recording with longer-term trends. It is a useful choice when a snapshot reading cannot explain a trip or complaint. Select the current sensors, monitoring location and recording settings around the problem, then interpret the results alongside the equipment's operating history.
- Start with the symptom and the evidence needed to explain it.
- Separate transient capture ratings from normal operating input limits.
- RCC Electronics supports application and configuration discussions for Canadian customers.
A machine stops unexpectedly, a drive reports an undervoltage alarm, or a building receives repeated power complaints. By the time someone arrives with a handheld meter, the supply may look normal. The investigation needs a record of what happened at the time of the incident, plus enough context to distinguish an isolated disturbance from a repeating pattern.
The PQ3198 is designed for this kind of investigation. Its usefulness depends on more than selecting an instrument: the measurement point, sensor range, event settings and test duration determine whether the resulting data can answer the original question.
Match the measurement plan to the symptom
Use the complaint to define the first monitoring plan. The examples below identify evidence to collect, rather than promising a diagnosis from one reading.
| Observed problem |
Evidence to review |
Planning question |
| Equipment trips intermittently |
Voltage events and current changes near the trip |
Can the equipment alarm time be matched to the recorded event? |
| Problems during starting or switching |
Waveforms and event timing |
Does monitoring cover the complete operating sequence? |
| Concern about distorted supply |
Harmonic behaviour across operating conditions |
Which loads were running during each interval? |
| A recurring site complaint |
Trends over representative shifts and load cycles |
Is the recording period long enough to include the complaint? |
| Comparing two locations |
Comparable measurements with aligned timestamps |
Are settings and timing consistent between instruments? |
Combine event records with operating context
HIOKI specifies simultaneous power logging and event waveform capture. Published capacities reach 9,999 events and up to one year of trend data, subject to recording mode and settings. These are planning limits, not an assurance that any chosen setup will capture every relevant incident.
Before leaving an instrument in place, confirm the wiring indication, signal scaling, sensor direction and clock. Review a short trial recording while the installation is still accessible. A plausible-looking trend can still be misleading if channels are labelled incorrectly or a current sensor is assigned the wrong range.
Keep a simple site log alongside the measurement record. Note production changes, switching operations, reported alarms and any changes to the measurement setup. This helps separate events that coincide with the complaint from unrelated disturbances. Preserve the original files and settings so another reviewer can check the interpretation.
Understand what Class A does and does not establish
HIOKI identifies the PQ3198 as compliant with IEC 61000-4-30 Edition 3 Class A. It also offers PQ ONE analysis and reporting software, including harmonic reporting functions.
A measurement method and an acceptance decision are different parts of a study. The instrument's classification does not automatically establish that a particular installation meets a utility agreement, a customer specification or an equipment requirement. Agree on the applicable assessment criteria, measurement point and observation period before interpreting a report as a pass or fail.
When preparing a report, state the monitoring location, connection arrangement, sensor models, recording dates and relevant settings. Explain which operating conditions were observed and which were absent. If the equipment did not experience its usual problem during the study, report that limitation instead of concluding that the supply can never be involved.
Read transient and high-frequency specifications carefully
The manufacturer's transient specification includes a 6,000 V peak range and 2 MS/s sampling, with detection of events as short as 0.5 microseconds. High-order harmonic measurement covers 2 kHz to 80 kHz.
The transient peak range is not permission to connect the instrument continuously to a 6 kV supply. Review the normal input, voltage-to-ground and measurement-category ratings together with the leads and connection method. Likewise, a sample-rate number is not the same as analog bandwidth or a guarantee that every waveform will be reproduced without limitation.
For a complaint involving fast switching noise, define the frequency region and signal you need to assess. A power-quality study and detailed switching-waveform development work may require different instruments. Choose the measurement chain according to the evidence required, including the response of the sensors and accessories.
Select current sensors for the actual installation
The PQ3198 main unit requires separately selected current sensors for current and power measurements. The sensor must suit the expected current, conductor access and AC or DC requirement.
Check both ordinary operating current and the largest expected event. A sensor chosen only for the highest possible current may be a poor match to a small load, while a range that suits steady operation may not accommodate the event under investigation. Physical fit matters too: document conductor dimensions and available access before specifying a kit.
RCCE's PQ3198/60 kit is a specific 60 A configuration. Treat it as one configuration to evaluate, rather than a universal package for every facility. Confirm the complete bill of materials against the planned installation.
Planning a power-quality investigation in Canada
Send RCC Electronics the system voltage, wiring arrangement, current range, symptom and expected monitoring duration. Include any required report format or assessment criteria. We can discuss an appropriate configuration and the relevant service and calibration requirements. Final connection and test planning should follow the equipment documentation and site procedures.
FAQ: HIOKI PQ3198 selection and use
Is a normal meter reading enough to rule out a supply problem?
A normal reading after an incident does not show what happened during it. Plan a recording that covers the reported operating conditions and compare the event time with equipment records.
Does Class A mean my facility automatically passes a power-quality assessment?
No. Apply the agreed assessment criteria to an appropriate measurement period and location. Instrument classification alone is not an installation acceptance result.
Can I connect it to a 6 kV supply because of the transient specification?
No. The transient capture range is distinct from permissible normal input and connection ratings. Verify the complete measurement arrangement before use.
Which current kit should I order?
Choose by current range, AC or DC measurement, conductor dimensions and access. Check the accessories in the actual quoted kit; the main-unit name alone does not define the complete system.
What makes the final report useful?
Relate the recorded events to the original complaint, document settings and operating conditions, and explain uncertainties. Include enough information for the next reviewer to understand how the evidence was collected.
* Model specifications are summarised from HIOKI's PQ3198 product information. Confirm current recording limits, sensor compatibility and input ratings in the manufacturer documentation. Application examples describe planning considerations, not a diagnosis or acceptance guarantee.
