Info Req: Power Quality Monitoring from a PC?

[Glenn]

I am looking for a means of monitoring/logging the 240v single phase
power quality in my home. I live in an area in Sth East Qld where we
have frequent power disturbances.

Does anyone know of a kit (preferably) or domestic quality (price) test
equipment that plugs into a power point to sample the power available,
and has a serial or USB interface and PC software to (a) display power
quality in real time on the PC monitor, and (b) log the data over a
nominated time period.

I have seen a range of industrial test gear for this purpose (Fluke 43
handheld etc), but I am seeking more of a permanent installation rather
than ad-hoc testing.

This is partly for information/education, but also as supporting
evidence for any claim against the power company for equipment damage
resulting from power quality issues. I suppose this is a bit like
checking the weather forecast - not much you can do about it but good
to know anyway....

I see that some UPS manufacturers (OPTI for example) include this
facility in their products, including the on-screen display, but
probably minus the data logging facility.

Glenn

 

[Phil Allison]

"Glenn"

I am looking for a means of monitoring/logging the 240v single phase
power quality in my home. I live in an area in Sth East Qld where we
have frequent power disturbances.

** No chance of you being more specific about "disturbances" is there ???

I mean "brownouts " and loss of all power are one thing - but the effects
of lightning hits is another.

Does anyone know of a kit (preferably) or domestic quality (price) test
equipment that plugs into a power point to sample the power available,
and has a serial or USB interface and PC software to (a) display power
quality in real time on the PC monitor, and (b) log the data over a
nominated time period.

** Kindly define "power quality " ??

Is voltage variation the issue or is it bad waveform or missing cycles or
transient spikes etc ??

I have seen a range of industrial test gear for this purpose (Fluke 43
handheld etc), but I am seeking more of a permanent installation rather
than ad-hoc testing.

This is partly for information/education, but also as supporting
evidence for any claim against the power company for equipment damage
resulting from power quality issues.

** Have you got a Masters in the "Use of Vague Language to Confound a
Query " ?

A PhD even.

I suppose this is a bit like
checking the weather forecast - not much you can do about it but good
to know anyway....

** One problem with personally monitoring the AC supply in * your * home
is that is has no legal status - any problems recorded in your
accumulated data could be a result of faults in your own test gear or the
house's own wiring.

I see that some UPS manufacturers (OPTI for example) include this
facility in their products, including the on-screen display, but
probably minus the data logging facility.

** Are you under some legal compulsion to never, ever be specific ??

Like an ASO or " Anti Specific Order" from a court ??





............. Phil

 

[Mr.T]

** One problem with personally monitoring the AC supply in * your * home
is that is has no legal status - any problems recorded in your
accumulated data could be a result of faults in your own test gear

LOL, this from a man who denies the concept of legal traceability in
calibration standards!

MrT.

(stands back and waits for the inevitable abuse, the concept of irony going
straight over Phil's head

 

[Phil Allison]

"Mr.T"

"Phil Allison"

LOL, this from a man who denies the concept of legal traceability in
calibration standards!

** No post from me exists saying that.


MrT. = a criminal ****.





............... Phil

 

[Mr.T]

** No post from me exists saying that.

Pity Google says otherwise eh?

And yes I know you always say that just to make the other person look it up.
When they can't be bothered you claim a victory.
Unfortunately for you, you have said it so many times I doubt there is
anyone, besides yourself, who does not remember

MrT.

 

[Phil Allison]

"Mr.T"

"Phil Allison"

Pity Google says otherwise eh?

** Pity Google says you are a life long turd burglar.

And yes I know you always say that just to make the other person look it
up.
When they can't be bothered you claim a victory.
Unfortunately for you, you have said it so many times I doubt there is
anyone, besides yourself, who does not remember

* Mr. T - its guaranteed, not a single soul here doubts that you are
a turd burgling POS.





................ Phil

 

[JDH]

Maybe you should neasure it from your consumers mains ie. point of
connection to the switchboard rather than from a GPO through your internal
wiring. I think Jaycar and Dick Smith sell a fairly cheap multimeter with an
RS232 interface to allow you to log data to a PC. This might be an option.

Has the poor power quality only recently got worse? maybe you another
resident has installed a large reverse cyle aircon in your street, large
pump etc. Also in rural area the power utilities sometimes install
regulators on long 11kV rural feeders to improve volts, maybe they need to
revise the float and LDC settings or change the tap setting on the pole
substation that feeds the LV in your area.

John.

Regards,

John.