September 2022Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Using traditional tools such as a clamp meter or multimeter to test and troubleshoot solar photovoltaic (PV) installations takes a lot of time, and the accuracy of results may vary. There is a quicker and more accurate way to test solar PV systems, which could streamline maintenance tasks.
This is according to Comtest, the local representative of Seaward, which provides a number of specialist PV test solutions for both 1000 V and 1500 V systems, which are used and trusted by thousands of solar PV professionals across the world.
The Seaward PV200 solar installation tester allows electrical safety and performance verification of photovoltaic installations in a safe and easy-to-use device. Transforming the way PV systems are tested, the PV200 combines ground continuity, DC operating power and operating current test functions in a handheld device. It can also test insulation resistance, open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current at the push of a button. The unit can wirelessly capture and record real-time irradiance, ambient temperature and PV module temperature measurements from the Solar Survey 200R.
The PV200 has enough memory to store up to 999 datasets that can be stored on the instrument and, once downloaded to the SolarCert software, comparison to the standard test conditions can be made. Professional test certificates and reports can also be created when used with Seaward’s SolarCert software.
Also forming part of the product range is the Seaward PV200 Complete Solar PV Test Kit, which features:
• All-in-one commissioning tests and I-V curve tracing.
• Automatic fill factor calculation.
• Ground (earth) continuity measurement with test lead null.
• Memory for up to 999 records with USB download to PC.
• Instant NFC data transfer using the PVMobile app.
Meanwhile, the Seaward Solar Utility Pro can:
• Test multiple strings in parallel, up to 1500 V and 40 A.
• Test at a string level or in the combiner box.
• Record up to 999 full sets of string data.
• Test open circuit voltage (VOC), short circuit current (ISC), irradiance (W/m2), ambient temperature and more.
• Free product and O&M; training with every purchase.
Engineering partnership delivers longer life for vibrating feeders in mining
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
: OST-Africa’s combination of VISAM vibrating motors and advanced rubber mounting technology has helped Euro Sales achieve a 30 to 40% increase in component life on vibrating feeders at several major mining operations, with zero mount failures in the first 12 months.
Read more...When oil can’t take the heat
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Unlike the slow ageing of oxidation, thermal breakdown is the sudden chemical collapse of a lubricant under excessive heat. Steven Lumley of WearCheck explains how it happens, where it strikes, and how oil analysis detects it.
Read more...Mini data loggers for temperature and humidity monitoring
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Testo’s range of four compact data loggers covers temperature and humidity monitoring for storage, refrigeration and transport applications, with USB-C or Bluetooth connectivity and capacity for up to 16 000 readings.
Read more...Alternative fuels for cutting, brazing, soldering and heating
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Bolt and Engineering Distributors, as an authorised distributor for the Harris Products Group, is helping South African industries transition from acetylene to safer, more cost-effective alternative fuels for cutting, brazing, soldering and heating applications.
Read more...Rethinking corrosion protection in process plants Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Remote monitoring is changing how cathodic and anodic protection systems are managed in process plants, giving operators continuous visibility of corrosion protection performance and enabling more proactive maintenance decisions.
Read more...Installation safety tester Vepac Electronics
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
A combination measuring device for testing electrical installations, offering safety tests including RCD, voltage, loop, low-resistance, earth resistance and insulation checks via a 3,5-inch TFT colour display.
Read more...Vibration sensor with CANopen interface for mobile machines ifm - South Africa
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
ifm’s 3-axis VMB301 condition monitoring sensor integrates into the vehicle network via CANopen, delivering real-time bearing, vibration and temperature data to help mobile machines avoid costly damage and downtime.
Read more...Linear regulated 2-channel laboratory power supply Vepac Electronics
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Vepac Electronics offers a dual-channel laboratory power supply built for safe, precise testing in laboratories and workshops.
Read more...When oil gets old Wearcheck
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
WearCheck explains how oxidation breaks down lubricating oils over time, and how routine oil analysis can catch the warning signs before equipment failure.
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