ARTICLE: Top 5 Myths About Portable Metering - Myth #1: I can only do energy studies
Portable metering is often used by electricians, engineers and contractors to diagnose a problem or to provide insight into some phenomenon where permanently installed meters are not available. In this series, we dispel several common myths regarding selection and application of portable metering.
Myth #1:
I can only do energy studies
Often, portable metering is used for energy studies when there is no permanently installed metering. There are many “energy-only” portable meters available in the market. They will record energy consumption in kilowatt hours (energy consumed over time) or peak demand (maximum consumption during a specific time). However, these meters give no visibility on power quality issues.
Energy studies are an important part of operating cost reduction programs but power quality studies may be even more valuable. Power quality issues in an electrical distribution system can damage equipment such as motors, variable speed drives, capacitor banks, and lighting; this can result in damage to infrastructure or personal injury, resulting in downtime that costs far more than any potential energy savings.
According to Pacific Gas and Electric “Approximately 80 percent of power quality problems originate from the customer's operation.” That means that most power quality issues you face are created by your facility, not by your electrical utility provider.
The advanced algorithms in AZZO’s EnergyX Portable meter allow you to perform power quality and energy studies as well as many others. AZZO also provides expertise to help you interpret the results.
