Mains Power Monitoring

[pkeys66]

Hi,

I am currently involved with performance testing of a Static Transfer Switch (STS). These STSs have two mains (230V) inputs. When the primary source fails, the scondary fed should be switched to the output within 10ms.

I am exploring if a Picotech oscilloscope can be used to capture the data during transfer which can be shown visually. Ideally the sample rate should be >1ms.

Thoughts? If possible, what model would be recommended?

Regards

Pete Keys

[bennog]

for that low speed any of the scopes will do.

But:
You will also need 2 or 3 of these. https://www.picotech.com/accessories/ac ... tial-probe

Measuring mains voltages is a danger if you do not know exactly what you are doing.

So if you want to measure input 1 and input 2 and the output you need 3 of these differential probes. And a scope with 4 inputs. At the moment the one with the lowest budged is the 2405A
3x350 = 1050 + 506 = 1556 euro total.

I would suggest the 4444 with 3 PicoConnect 442 probes = 3 x 165 + 1175 = 1670 euro.

This is slightly more but you have 14bit resolution compared to 8bit.
No battery's in the differential probes needed.
And a lot more sample memory 256Ms vs 48ks that is 5000 times more memory.

Benno

[pkeys66]

Benno,

Many thanks for your response.

I concur mains voltage is dangerous. Fortunately I am a qualified electrician and have full respect for 230V.

There are specific power quality testers available. However these range in the 5K-10K range and sampling speed would not capture the switchover.

Thanks for the recommendation and I will purchase.

Regards

Pete Keys

[DwightG]

Hi Pete, how did you get on with this project?