Electrical Power & Protection


Professional meter for photovoltaic installations up to 1500 V

October 2024 Electrical Power & Protection


The PVM-1530 from Vepac Electronics is a pioneering meter for photovoltaic installations up to 1500 V, with a substantial number of measurement functions. It can be used for category 1 measurements according to IEC 62446-1. It allows the measurement of the I-U curve for category 2 according to IEC 62446-1. Furthermore, it also converts measured parameters into STC conditions according to IEC 60891. Comprehensive, yet simple to use, it is highly effective in monitoring the safety and efficiency parameters of photovoltaic (PV) installations.

Parameters that can be measured include:

• I-U and P-U characteristics, with conversion to STC conditions.

• Open-circuit voltage of the PV panel or a chain of panels up to 1500 V DC.

• RMS voltage of the AC network up to 1000 V, with frequency measurement.

• Short circuit current of a PV panel or chain of panels up to 40 A DC.

• Insulation resistance of PV panels, with a measuring voltage of 250, 500, 1000 or 1500 V DC and simultaneous measurement of two values: RISO+ and RISO-.

• Insulation resistance of AC circuits, with measuring voltage 250, 500 or 1000 V DC.

• Resistance of protective conductors and equipotential bonding, with ±200 mA current.

• PV panel operating current and AC current, with the CMP-1015-PV meter.

• AC/DC power.

• Test of bypass diodes, with automatic polarity detection.

• Test of blocking diodes, with 1000 or 1500 V DC voltage.

The PVM-1530 has the following features:

• Can be used for category 1 measurements according to IEC 62446-1.

• Measures the I-U curve for category 2 according to IEC 62446-1.

• Has the ability to define measurement procedures.

• Converts measured parameters into STC conditions according to IEC 60891 in conjunction with the IRM-1 solar radiation and temperature meter.

• reSYNC function allows automatic completion of results with environmental parameters and their conversion to STC conditions after restoring connection with IRM-1.

• Attachable radio interface can be used with the IRM-1 meter over long distances.

• Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi available for communication with external devices.

• Large memory of measurements.

• Large touchscreen for good visibility in bright sunlight.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

The climate change reality in South Africa: An engineer’s call to action
Electrical Power & Protection
This year’s World Engineering Day on 4 March was a powerful reminder of the critical role engineers play in driving progress toward the sustainable development goals.

Read more...
Empowering Africa’s renewable energy future
Electrical Power & Protection
As a global leader in renewable energy technology, SUNGROW has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 28 years. At the recent Africa Energy Indaba 2025, SUNGROW showcased its advanced energy solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of the African continent.

Read more...
The role of electromechanical solutions in supporting Africa’s industrial growth
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s industries are transforming rapidly. Fuelled by a huge demand for energy connectivity, better infrastructure, increased manufacturing and responsible resource management, electromechanical solutions are key to shaping this growth, allowing industries to scale up their operations efficiently and sustainably.

Read more...
Empowering South Africa’s IPPs for a renewable future
Electrical Power & Protection
Many crucial parts of the economy of the future will be hugely energy intensive, foremost amongst which will be electrified transport and the large data processing required by automation and AI. Successful economies will be those that can ensure businesses and investors have access to a stable supply of low-cost renewable energy. South Africa has the opportunity to become a global leader in this regard.

Read more...
Sustainable mining operations escalate as demand for critical materials to double
Electrical Power & Protection
The mining sector is at the forefront of the energy transition due to its role in extracting essential materials and minerals necessary for green technologies. As demand for renewable energy, electric vehicles and other sustainable technologies increases exponentially, so will the demand for these necessary materials.

Read more...
State-of-the-art solution for robust industrial Ethernet connectivity
Vepac Electronics Operator Interfaces, Switches & Relays
The 7015-4U2T-T1L unmanaged industrial Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) switch from Vepac is a state-of-the-art solution for robust industrial Ethernet connectivity.

Read more...
Monitoring partial discharge on medium voltage switchgear
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched its EcoStruxure Service Plan (ESP) in the Anglophone African region for medium voltage (MV) switchgear

Read more...
Raptor switches
Phoenix Contact Electrical Power & Protection
The Phoenix Contact Raptor switches enable reliable and safe operation in extreme ambient conditions. The managed switch portfolio meets the stringent requirements of IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 standards and is ideal for critical infrastructure and power supply applications.

Read more...
Electrical safety warning indicators
Electrical Power & Protection
Remlive electrical safety warning indicators have been keeping the workplace safe for more than 25 years.

Read more...
Self-contained standalone lightning warning system
Senseca Electrical Power & Protection
The BTD-200 lightning warning system from Biral (UK) is a complete detection and warning system. Its highly specialised aviation grade lightning detection technology delivers the warning as soon as lightning is detected and before the first strike.

Read more...