Electrical systems nowadays are very modified. They blend with more electronics, more variable frequency drives, more LED lighting and more switched-mode power supplies.
All these devices make modern facilities more efficient. But they also create problems. They distort power quality through harmonics and other forms of power distortion.
This distortion causes real problems — Transformers overheat, neutral wires carry excessive current, circuit breakers trip unexpectedly, equipment fails prematurely and energy bills increase.
Finding and fixing these problems requires proper analysis tools. You need to measure not just voltage and current, but also the harmonic frequencies polluting your system.
That’s where SATEC PM175 works. This meter provides detailed Harmonic Analysis in a compact, cost-effective package designed for permanent installation.
In this article, we’ll explore how PM175 helps identify and solve harmonic problems. Real capabilities, real applications and real benefits.
First, let’s talk about what harmonics actually are and why they matter.
Perfect AC power is a smooth sine wave at fundamental frequency—50Hz or 60Hz, depending on location. Voltage and current both follow this clean pattern.
But non-linear loads distort these waveforms. They draw current in sharp pulses rather than smooth curves. This creates harmonic frequencies—multiples of fundamental frequency.
Common sources:
– Variable frequency drives in HVAC and industrial equipment
– LED and fluorescent lighting with electronic ballasts
– Computer power supplies and data centre equipment
– Welding machines and arc furnaces
– Battery chargers and UPS systems
Transformer overheating: Harmonics cause additional losses in transformers. They run hot even at seemingly normal loads. Insulation degrades faster. Lifespan shortens.
Neutral conductor overloading: Odd harmonics (3rd, 9th, 15th) add up in the neutral wire instead of cancelling. Neutral can carry more current than phase conductors. Fire hazard in undersized neutrals.
Circuit breaker nuisance tripping: Harmonic currents can cause thermal-magnetic breakers to trip even when the fundamental current is below the rating.
Equipment malfunction: Sensitive electronics don’t like distorted power. It welcomes computer crashes, communication errors, and erratic process control systems.
Wasted energy: Harmonic currents flow through the system without doing useful work. You pay for energy that just heats wires and equipment.
You can’t fix harmonics until you measure them accurately. And you can’t measure what you don’t monitor continuously.
This is where SATEC PM175 becomes essential.
PM175 is a multifunction power meter with advanced harmonic measurement capabilities. It’s designed for permanent panel installation, providing continuous monitoring of power quality parameters.
The device measures harmonics up to the 63rd order for both voltage and current. This covers all harmonics typically found in electrical systems.
For each harmonic, PM175 provides:
– Individual harmonic magnitude (as a percentage of the fundamental)
– Phase angle of each harmonic
– Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) for voltage and current
– Real-time waveform display showing actual distortion
This detailed data helps identify exactly which harmonics are present and how severe they are.
Many facilities check power quality only when problems occur. The technician brings a portable Analyzer. Take measurements for a few hours or days. Then leaves.
The problem is, harmonics often vary with operating conditions. Different equipment runs at different times. Load changes throughout the day and week.
PM175 solves this through permanent installation. It monitors continuously, capturing harmonic patterns over time:
– Daily variations as loads change
– Weekly patterns from different production schedules
– Seasonal trends from heating/cooling loads
– Worst-case conditions that occur rarely but cause the biggest problems
This continuous Harmonic Analysis reveals problems that spot checks miss.
PM175 communicates through standard industrial protocols—Modbus RTU/TCP. This allows integration with building management systems, SCADA, or energy management platforms.
Harmonic data becomes part of overall facility monitoring. Operators see power quality alongside energy consumption, equipment status, and other parameters.
Automated alerts notify when THD exceeds acceptable limits. No need for constant manual checking.
Let’s look at specific situations where PM175 helps solve harmonic issues.
The data centre has unexplained server crashes and network errors.
Install SATEC PM175 at the main distribution panels and critical server racks. Continuous monitoring reveals high voltage THD during peak computing loads.
Solution: install harmonic filters at server power supplies, crashes stop.
The factory transformer is running excessively hot. Load calculations show it shouldn’t be overloaded. Utility bills are higher than expected.
PM175 measurement shows high 5th and 7th harmonic currents from variable frequency drives controlling production equipment. These harmonics cause additional transformer heating beyond fundamental load.
The facility installs an active harmonic filter. Transformer temperature drops 15°C. Energy consumption decreases 8% as wasted harmonic energy is eliminated.
Inspector flags as code violation and safety hazard.
Harmonic Analysis from PM175 reveals triplen harmonics (3rd, 9th, 15th) from LED lighting and computer loads. These harmonics add in neutral instead of canceling.
Solution: Balance loads better, upgrade neutral conductors in critical areas, and install K-rated transformers designed for harmonic loads.
The production line experiences random circuit breaker trips.
Continuous monitoring with PM175 shows high crest factor and harmonic content in the current waveform. Even though the RMS current is below the breaker rating, peak harmonic currents trigger thermal protection.
Installing breakers rated for harmonic loads or adding harmonic mitigation solves the problem. Production interruptions stop.
SATEC PM175 provides Class 0.5S accuracy for energy measurement and reliable harmonic analysis.
The device is designed for industrial environments. Operates reliably in temperature extremes, electrical noise, and demanding conditions.
Fits in a standard panel mount. Easy to install in existing panels alongside other protection and metering equipment.
This compact design means you can deploy PM175 meters throughout the facility—at main service, major distribution panels, and critical loads—without space constraints.
While PM175 offers advanced harmonic measurement, it’s priced for practical deployment at multiple locations.
Cost-effective enough to install where needed without budget concerns. Better to have adequate monitoring at a reasonable cost than perfect monitoring only at one location.
Setup is straightforward through the front panel or computer interface. Define CT ratios, voltage connections, and communication parameters.
Standard Modbus communication works with existing monitoring infrastructure. No proprietary protocols or special software required.
For best results with PM175, follow these practices:
Install meters at key points:
– Main service entrance (see total facility harmonics)
– Major distribution panels (identify problem areas)
– Critical equipment (protect sensitive loads)
– Known harmonic sources (monitor problematic equipment)
Configure THD thresholds based on IEEE 519 or other relevant standards. Typical voltage THD limits are 5-8% depending on voltage level.
Automated alerts catch problems early before they cause equipment damage or failures.
Continuous monitoring generates lots of data. Someone must review it regularly to identify trends and developing issues.
Weekly or monthly review of harmonic patterns, peak values, and alarm history helps maintain power quality proactively.
Use Harmonic Analysis data to inform maintenance decisions:
– Schedule transformer inspections based on actual harmonic loading
– Plan harmonic mitigation before problems occur
– Verify that filters and other mitigation equipment work correctly
– Document improvements after corrective actions
PM175 installation costs money. But consider the savings:
Avoided equipment damage: Early detection prevents transformer failures, motor burnout, and electronic equipment damage. Single prevention often pays for a meter.
Energy savings: Identifying and mitigating harmonics reduces wasted energy. Typical savings of 5-10% on affected circuits.
Reduced downtime: Preventing harmonic-related failures avoids production losses and disruption costs.
Better planning: Accurate power distortion data supports informed decisions about equipment upgrades, capacity additions, and power quality improvements.
Harmonics and power distortion are facts of modern electrical systems. They won’t disappear. If anything, they’re increasing as more electronic loads get added.
SATEC PM175 makes a proactive approach practical and affordable —Comprehensive Harmonic Analysis, continuous monitoring, easy integration, and reliable operation.
It’s about having the right tool monitoring the right locations continuously. Catching problems early. Protecting equipment. Maintaining power quality.
For facilities serious about electrical system reliability and efficiency, harmonic monitoring isn’t optional anymore. It’s an essential maintenance practice.
PM175 delivers this essential monitoring in a practical, cost-effective package. Your electrical system will be healthier, more reliable, and more efficient.
That’s not just better power quality. That’s better facility management and better business outcomes.
1. What’s the difference between Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and individual harmonic measurements?
THD is a single number showing overall harmonic content—the square root of the sum of all harmonic squares. It’s useful for quick assessment and comparison to standards. Individual harmonic measurements show exactly which frequencies are present and their magnitudes. SATEC PM175 provides both. THD tells you there’s a problem. Individual harmonic data tells you what’s causing it. For example, high 5th and 7th harmonics indicate six-pulse drive problems, while high 3rd harmonic suggests single-phase electronic loads. Both measurements are needed for a complete understanding.
2. Can PM175 help determine what equipment is causing harmonics in my facility?
Yes, but requires a systematic approach. Install PM175 at the main panel to confirm harmonics exist. Then install additional meters at sub-panels to narrow down which circuits have the highest harmonic content. The process of elimination identifies problem areas. Once you know which circuit, look at what equipment operates on it. Harmonic Analysis shows characteristic patterns—drives create specific harmonic signatures different from LED lighting or computer loads. Comparing measured patterns with known equipment signatures helps identify culprits. For complex facilities, multiple PM175 meters at strategic locations provide a complete picture.
3. How often does PM175 need calibration to maintain accuracy?
PM175 is designed for long-term accuracy with minimal drift. The manufacturer typically recommends calibration every 2-3 years for revenue-grade accuracy applications. For power quality monitoring and harmonic analysis, many facilities operate 3-5 years between calibrations without issues. However, if the meter is exposed to extreme electrical transients or operates in harsh environments, more frequent verification is wise.