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Why use a CAT III rated meter in solar PV installations?

Overvoltage categories in a photovoltaic installation connected to the utility energy grid

Globally, solar installations (also known as photovoltaic or PV installations) are continuing to multiply rapidly, driven by compelling economics for utility-scale solar generation and efforts to decarbonize the grid. As solar distribution systems and loads become larger and more complex, the possibilities of transient overvoltages increase — and the implications for safety become more important than ever.

 

When you’re taking measurements on solar installations, these transients are invisible and largely unavoidable hazards, which means that your protection depends on the safety margins already built into your tools. That’s where the Measurement Category Rating comes in: it’s designed to tell the user which types of electrical installations the measurement device may safely make measurements in.

A voltage rating alone, however, won’t tell you how well a handheld tool was designed to survive high transient impulses — its category rating also needs to fit the environment you’re working on.

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Fundamentals

Article
ARTICLE: Use insulation resistance testing

Guide to Insulation Resistance Testing

A manufacturing line that goes down, even for a few seconds, could have a serious impact on production and to the bottom line.

Article
How to get great results with an infrared thermometer

How to get great results with an infrared thermometer

Infrared (IR) thermometers enable you to measure temperature quickly, at a distance, and without touching the object you're measuring. They are so useful, . . .

Article
Capturing motor vibration using the Fluke 810 handheld vibration tester

Most common causes of machine vibration

Vibration can result from a number of conditions, acting alone or in combination. Keep in mind that vibration problems might be caused by auxiliary . . .

Calibration

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Calibrating pressure transmitters and switches in potentially explosive atmospheres

Calibrating pressure transmitters and switches in potentially explosive atmospheres

Pressure calibration can be challenging in the best of environments. Working in an area that has the potential for explosion takes the degree of difficulty . . .

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Fluke Calibration 5608 Secondary Reference PRT, 5640 Thermistor Standards Probe, and 5649 Type R and Type S Thermocouple Standards

Calibrating industrial temperature sensors

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Fluke Calibration 9103 Dry-Well Calibrator

Common problems in achieving maximum performance from dry-well thermometer calibrators

Energy management

Maintenance and monitoring

Safety

Troubleshooting

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Improving air tools performance in automotive manufacturing

How to improve air tools performance

Maximize your pneumatic tools performance with the Fluke ii900 Acoustic Imaging Camera. Diagnose pressure drop and air flow issues in compressed air lines . . .

Article
Thermal imaging inspection checklist

Thermal imaging inspection checklist