Fluke meters for photovoltaic systems

For at least a decade, the demand for renewable energy solutions, mainly including power supply through solar panels has been growing. The work of technicians who specialise in this field is complex, because it is not limited to photovoltaic systems – it also requires expertise in the power grid technology. The right equipment can significantly improve and facilitate the implementation of hybrid power systems. Therefore, we recommend professional meters from Fluke to our customers. The products presented below are only a fraction of the manufacturer's full range – these are devices developed for electricians working with photovoltaic systems.

FLK-393FC-PVLEAD clamp meter

The 393 FC clamp meter is a device that is dedicated to work with DC voltages up to 1500V, i.e. also with photovoltaic systems. Its other application areas comprise wind farms, railway industry or energy storage facilities (battery banks used for uninterruptible power supplies). The meter is capable of measuring voltages up to 1,500 V DC and 1,000 V AC (using test leads) and currents up to 999.9 A DC/AC (using clamps). The flexible iFlex current probe included in the set extends the AC current measurement range to 2500A.

The extremely thin jaw allows access to cables laid in dense cable harnesses and distribution boxes. The included test leads are CAT III 1500 V DC safety rated. The IP54 ingress protection rating (high resistance to dust and water splashing) makes this model perfectly suited for outdoor use: for photovoltaic and wind power systems. An audible alarm indicates the reversed polarity of cable connections – a feature that greatly improves comfort when taking measurements between points located at a considerable distance from each other. What's more, the visual indication of continuity through the bright green backlighting of the screen makes the meter ideal for working in dark and noisy environments. With the Fluke Connect connectivity, the collected data can be aggregated via a mobile phone or PC.

Solar irradiance meter

Another Fluke meter dedicated to PV systems is the FLK-IRR1-SOL model. Using this device, you can take measurements of solar irradiance, temperature, inclination and cardinal direction. The first mode allows to determine the solar irradiance in watts per square metre (up to 1,400 W/m²), as required by IEC 62446-1 standard. Temperature measurement can be done using the built-in temperature probe (all you have to do is place the device on the tested panel). Connecting an external sensor is also possible. Measurement of the inclination and cardinal direction make the optimal panel installation possible, so that its rated performance parameters can be achieved.

By combining these four functions, the Fluke meter facilitates most tasks related to photovoltaic systems. It is a handy tool that fits in the palm of your hand. It should also be noted here that a single set of 4 AA batteries is sufficient for approx. 50 hours of operation (i.e. up to 9,000 measurements).