Fluke 43B Application Guide

Motor Loads
Induction Motors
4
47
Measuring Power Factor of 3-Phase Motors
A power factor with a value close to 1 means that nearly all supplied power is
consumed by the motor. A power factor of less than 1 results in extra currents,
called reactive currents. This requires larger power lines and transformers.
Also there will be more power loss in the transmission lines.
Grounded Y-Connection with Balanced Load
For balanced motors with a grounded Y-connection, you can read the Power
Factor directly from the screen. To test for a grounded Y, simply check the
three phase-to-ground voltages. If the voltages are stable and equal, then the
system is wired as a grounded Y. Measure Power Factor as follows:
1 Open the main menu.
2
3
Make connections as shown below. Run the motor under normal full
load (power factor decreases at less than full load).
 Observe the Power Factor.


 POWER


Fluke 43B Specifications

General

Category	Power Quality Analyzer
Interface	RS-232
Volts AC/DC	Yes
Ohms	Yes
Continuity	Yes
Diode Test	Yes
Capacitance	Yes
Harmonics Measurement	Up to 51st harmonic
Display	LCD
Battery Life	Approximately 6 hours
Weight	1.1 kg (2.4 lb)
Data Storage	Yes
Amps AC/DC	0.1 to 1000 A (with clamp)
Power Measurement	W, VA, VAR, PF
Dimensions	50 mm
Current Measurement Range	Via current clamp accessories (not built-in)