PSL PQube 3 Series, PQube 3e, PQube 3v, PQube 3, PQube 3r Installation Manual
PQube 3 Installation Manual
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PQube® 3 Power Analyzer
Installation Manual
Revision 3.1
© 2008-2019 Power Standards Lab
Power Standards Lab
980 Atlantic Ave
Alameda CA 94501 USA
PQube 3 Installation Manual
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If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by
the equipment may be impaired. Installation, service, and maintenance of your PQube 3 must only
be done by qualified personnel for electrical installations.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
PSL MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITH REGARD TO THIS MATERIAL, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
USE.
PSL shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in
connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material. If you do not accept this
limitation on liability, please return the product to PSL prior to use.
Produced in the United States of America.
Symbol
Meaning
Caution. Consult this manual in all cases where this
symbol is marked, in order to find out the nature of
the potential hazards and any actions which have
to be taken to avoid them.
Caution. Risk of electric shock
Alternating current
Alternating current (a.c.) or direct current (d.c.)
Double or Reinforced insulation
Functional earth terminal not relied on for safety
© 2008-2019 Power Standards Lab. All rights reserved. No parts of this document may be copied, reproduced, or translated to another
language without the prior written consent of Power Sensors Ltd. “PQube 3” is a registered trademark of Power Standards Lab. “Windows”
“Excel”, and “PowerPoint” are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All product names, trademarks and registered trademarks
are property of their respective owners.
WARNING: Death, serious injury, or fire hazard could result from improper connection or
operation of this instrument. Carefully read and understand manual before connecting this
instrument.
AVERTISSEMENT: Si l'instrument est mal connecté, la mort, des blessures graves, ou un
danger d'incendie peuvent s'en suivre. Lisez attentivement le manuel avant de connecter
l'instrument.
WARNUNG: Der falsche Anschluß dieses Gerätes kann Tod, schwere Verletzungen oder Feuer
verursachen. Bevor Sie dieses Instrument anschließen, müssen Sie die Anleitung lesen und
verstanden haben.
ADVERTENCIA: Una conexión incorrecta de este instrumento puede producir la muerte,
lesiones graves y riesgo de incendio. Lea y entienda el manual antes de conectar.
PQube 3 Installation Manual
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/1 Introduction 5
1.1 What is a PQube® 3? ......................................................................................................... 5
What software do you need? 6
Which power configurations are supported? 6
How do I power my PQube 3? 6
Easy operation and communication with PQube 3? 6
1.2 How is the PQube 3 Unique? ............................................................................................ 7
1.3 Overview of PQube3 models and modules ....................................................................... 8
1.3.1 PQube 3 8
1.3.2 PQube 3e 8
1.3.3 PQube 3v 9
1.3.4 PQube 3r 9
1.3.5 Modules and Accessories 10
1.4 Overview of PQube 3 Ports, Connections and Controls .................................................. 12
1.5 Choosing Modules .......................................................................................................... 13
1.5.1 Power your PQube 3 from 100~240Vac (PM1/PM2) 13
1.5.2 Backup your PQube 3 during a power outage (UPS1/UPS2/UPS3) 13
1.5.3 Measure currents from secondary of current transformers (CTI-1A/CTI-5A) 14
1.5.4 Three Phase AC/Dual DC Voltage Attenuator 14
1.5.5 Relay Extension Module for load shedding (RM8) 15
1.5.6 Measure Environmental Conditions (ENV2) 15
1.5.7 Synchronize your PQube 3 clock to GPS time 16
2 Installing Your PQube 3 17
2.1 Unpacking your PQube 3 ................................................................................................ 17
2.2 Installation ...................................................................................................................... 17
2.2.1 Disconnect mains prior to servicing 17
2.2.2 Mount your PQube 3 properly and securely 17
2.2.3 Include overcurrent protection and a disconnecting device 18
2.2.4 Protect the operator from the hazardous terminals 18
2.2.5 Connect your PQube 3 to the power supply 19
2.2.6 Connecting the wires 22
2.2.7 Connect mains AC voltage wires 24
2.2.8 Protect antenna terminals from lightning 25
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2.2.9 Installing Your PM1 Power Supply Module 25
2.2.10 Installing Your UPS Module 25
2.2.11 Installing Split Core Current Transformers (CTs) 26
26
2.2.12 Connecting the ENV2 environmental probes 30
2.2.13 Installing Your MS1 Sync Module (if GPS synchronization needed) 31
3 Wiring Diagrams 32
3.1 Wiring diagram for PQube 3v ......................................................................................... 32
3.2 Wiring Diagrams (PQube 3, PQube 3e, PQube 3r) .......................................................... 33
3.2.1 Single Phase L1-L2 33
3.2.2 Single Split Phase 34
3.2.3 Delta – 3 CTs 34
3.2.4 Delta – 2 CTs (PQube 3 calculates current on remaining channel) 35
3.2.5 Wye/Star 35
3.2.6 Measuring Neutral Current (applies to any power configuration with Neutral) 36
3.2.7 Measuring Earth Current (applies to any power configuration) 36
3.2.8 Measuring Net Earth Current – Delta 37
3.2.9 Measuring Net Earth Current – Wye/Star 37
4 Configuring Your PQube 3 38
4.1 Using the Configurator .................................................................................................... 38
4.2 Initial Device Setup ......................................................................................................... 40
4.2.1 Set Your Potential Transformer (PT) Ratio 40
4.2.2 Set Your Current Transformer (CT) Ratio 41
4.2.3 Troubleshooting: Common Installation Errors 44
5 Maintenance 46
5.1.1 Turning Off Your PQube 3 46
5.1.2 Replacing Your PQube 3’s Clock Battery 46
5.1.3 Life Expectancy of the PQube 3 and the PM1/PM2 module 46
5.1.4 UPS1 Life Expectancy and Long Term Storage Instructions 46
5.1.5 Cleaning Instructions 47
5.1.6 Reasons for reset 47
5.1.7 Calibration Information for Your PQube 3 47
6 PQube 3 Technical Specifications 48
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1 Introduction
1.1 What is a PQube® 3?
PQube® 3 is an instrument for both monitoring and diagnosing issues with electric power systems
and sensing environmental conditions, helping you to quickly solve problems that impact the quality
and reliability of your product or process.
Think of it as a black box for your electric power, environment and process: It is a unique combination
of the best features of a power disturbance monitor, a power/energy meter, a process and
environment data logger, and a digital fault recorder. It’s easy to install, easy use. No special training
is required, no software required.
What does the PQube 3 record?
In a few words, your PQube 3 detects and records disturbances on the mains circuit: Sags/dips,
swells, interruptions, frequency variations, HF impulses, Rapid voltage changes, waveform changes
and more... It also records steady state power quality parameters like flicker, unbalance, THD
harmonics and interharmonics. PQube 3 is compliant with the most stringent Power Quality
measurement standards: Class A IEC 61000-4-30 Ed3 (2015).
The PQube 3 is one of the few analyzers that measure 2kHz-150kHz conducted emissions.
Your PQube 3 automatically generates daily, weekly, and monthly trends/statistics reports.
When connected to compatible current transformers, your PQube 3 records current waveforms,
RMS magnitude, current unbalance and powers (watts, watt-hours, VAR’s, power factor, and other
power-related parameters). The PQube 3 can monitor power and energy on several circuits.
The PQube 3 when equipped with PSL ultra-precise CTs, is fully compliant with IEC 61000-4-30,
edition 3 Class A certified requirements and can be used as a revenue grade Class 0.2 energy meter.
Your PQube 3 includes 4 general purpose channels for interfacing with many type of sensors (RPM,
torque , flow , vibration…). It has a digital input, which can be used as an eternal trigger source, and
a relay contact output, used to notify alarms to an external indicator or PLC (the relay opens for at
least 3 seconds for any detected event).
Your PQube 3, with up to 2 optional ENV2 environmental probes, can measure and trigger on
temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and mechanical shocks, seismic disturbances and
vibration.
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What software do you need?
You don’t need special software to use your PQube 3. It records
all data on internal memory plus a removable microSD card.
No special software is required – just open the GIF picture files
with standard image programs, Microsoft Word® and Microsoft
PowerPoint®, or open the CSV files with any spreadsheet program
such as Microsoft Excel®.
You configure your PQube 3 with our free PQube 3 Configurator
program.
Which power configurations are supported?
Your PQube 3 can monitor circuits anywhere in the world (from single-phase, split-phase to various
types of 3-phase configurations: wye, delta, open delta, corner grounded delta.
It can auto-detect nominal voltages from 57.5VAC up to 600 VAC phase-to-phase, 960VAC phase-tophase. It can auto-detect mains frequencies of 16.7 Hz, 50 Hz, 60 Hz, and 400 Hz. For medium and
high voltage applications, your PQube 3 supports PT ratios (up to 50000:1) and also CT ratios.
Beyond AC voltage, your PQube 3 can be used to monitor DC voltage at up to 60VDC, or up to 1200V
DC with an optional interface module (ATT1). For both DC voltage and DC current use the ATT2
interface module. For example, which can be useful for applications such as monitoring photovoltaic
generation sites or battery banks of UPS.
Your PQube 3 with an additional module (VAT1) can monitor both the input and output of a 3-phase
UPS.
How do I power my PQube 3?
It can be directly powered from 24V AC or 24~48V DC source.
If a network hub with Power over Ethernet is available, the PQube 3 can power from its Ethernet
port (PoE).
If a wall power socket is available, you can power the PQube 3 with a snap-in PM1/PM2 module
(range AC 100VAC ~ 240VAC, 50/60Hz, or 120VDC ~ 370VDC)
Easy operation and communication with PQube 3?
No network is required to retrieve files from your PQube 3. Simply copy the data using a USB thumb
drive or microSD card.
If a network connection is available, PQube 3 can automatically send you e-mails whenever it detects
an event. You can use emails the PQube 3 to send a new setup file, and update its firmware. It
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includes a built-in web server, FTP server, and supports communication protocols including MODBUS
TCP/IP, SNMP and DNP3.
1.2 How is the PQube 3 Unique?
There are many power quality meters, energy meters, and energy recorders available. What makes
the PQube 3 unique?
No software. Open data. – No specific software is required. All the data that the PQube 3 records
are in standard easy to understand open formats. No need to buy or lease software from PSL, or pay
a fee to see or use your data.
Friendly data. –Data is organized and presented to you in a format you can understand.
Works out of the box, or you can customize your configuration – Auto configuration, enables you
to instantly measure and start recording data. You can change almost any setting using the PQube
3 Configurator program.
Works with or without a network – Plug the cable into your PQube 3’s Ethernet port and get emails
when an event occurs, use your Internet browser to navigate through recorded events and trends.
Real time measurements are also available via communication protocols such as Modbus/TCP,
SNMP (including traps), or DNP3.
Don’t have a network? You can extract the data onto a USB thumb drive (or micro SD) and look at
all the files on any computer without proprietary software.
Store years of data in its internal flash memory. – Your PQube 3 comes with an external microSD
card which holds a backup for the internal memory. It automatically deletes the oldest data when it
becomes full, so no maintenance is required. You can take this card with you while your PQube3
continues to measure and store recordings.
Ultra-compact size – The PQube 3 is tiny, making it easy to integrate into your equipment, enclosure,
or electrical panel.
Great value – The PQube 3 provides high-end features at an affordable price.
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1.3 Overview of PQube3 models and modules
PQube 3 comes in four versions:
1.3.1 PQube 3
The PQube 3 is the most popular model (more details below)
in the family. It is easy to setup and comes from the factory
with a default setup so you can “plug and go” for most
installations. It auto-detects the mains frequency, wiring
configuration and nominal voltage. You can connect directly to
up to 600 volts (nominal) and the device computes 4-quadrant
ANSI Class 0.2 revenue–grade energy on eight single-phase
channels and is certified for Class A power quality according to
IEC 61000-4-30 Ed3
The PQube 3 holds years of data and thousands of events via
32 GB of internal flash memory.
1.3.2 PQube 3e
PQube 3e is identical to the PQube 3 and adds more metering
channels. You can connect up to 14 energy metering channels –
these can be configured in any combination of four three-phase
loads or 14 single-phase loads. You can quantify energy costs with
revenue-grade-accuracy ANSI Class 0.2 including CTs and
simultaneously utilize the PQube 3e’s advanced Class A power
quality monitoring.
Setup is identical to the PQube 3: Configure the additional channels
at installation using the same Configurator tool as the PQube 3.
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1.3.3 PQube 3v
If you are focusing purely on voltage compliance the PQube 3v is the
best value: It connects the mains voltage directly at up to 600VAC
nominal.
The unit does a great job verifying electricity delivered at the point of
common coupling (PCC), as well as diagnosing equipment
malfunctions. It monitors AC power (or DC voltage), but you can also
monitor process parameters like speed or flow, by attaching sensors
to the analog AC/DC channels.
You get the same ultra-precise results delivered immediately to your
inbox.
Setup is identical to the PQube 3: You only need configure voltage
values and the unit uses the same easy-to-use Configurator tool.
1.3.4 PQube 3r
PQube 3r identical to PQube 3 and is your best choice for protecting
sensitive processes that require recovery actions because of specific
power disturbances. For example, a production line running a
sensitive process where tools must be reset to a known state or the
line must be properly shut down before the production process is
restarted.
It features 3 additional trigger output relays to monitor sag/swells/
interruptions, wave shape changes, high frequency impulses,
over/inrush current.
Setup is identical to the PQube 3and uses the same easy-to-use
Configurator tool.
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1.3.5 Modules and Accessories
Each PQube 3 comes standard with the following features:
Three AC mains voltage channels
Eight current channels (for CTs with 0.333V secondary), 14 channels for PQube 3e
Four analog input channels for additional signals (for example, the output of a power
supply)
One digital input channel (monitor the state of an interlock switch)
One signal output relay (notify your PLC that an event has occurred)
Power supply input rated for 24VAC or 24-48VDC
One 10/100 Ethernet port (PoE compatible!)
One Hi-speed USB 2.0 port (for USB drive or ENV2 environmental probe)
Two standard USB 1.0 ports (for ENV2 environmental probes)
Full color touchscreen
32GB internal memory
One 16GB microSD card
One USB drive included with each PQube 3 (contains manual, quickstart guide, setup file,
Configurator program, Report Writer program)
Several types of modules and accessories are available including:
AC/DC Interface: VAT1, ATT1, and ATT2.
Power Supply and Backup: UPS1, UPS2, and UPS3.
Time and Synchronization: MPS1 and GPS.
Relay Extensions: RM8.
Environment Sensors: ENV 2.
Current Interface for 1A/5A CT Secondaries: CT-1A and CT-5A.
To choose modules for your application, you need to ask yourself:
Do I need to power my PQube 3 from 100~240Vac (50/60/400 Hz) and if so do I need battery
backup in the event of a power outage? See Power Supply and Backup Modules
Do I need current inputs to measure the 1A or 5A secondary of a CT at ANSI Class 0.2 or IEC
62053-22 Class 0.2S revenue energy accuracy? See CTI Series CT Interface Modules
Do I need ultra-precise GPS timestamps on your data? See Time and Sync Modules
Do I want to record the environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, pressure,
or acceleration? See Environmental Sensor
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Below is an overview of the PQube 3 family and accessories. The left hand connected modules
include the GPS, relay module and those for measuring the secondary of current transformers.
The right hand modules are power supply and power backup. The accessories include various
attenuators, split core CTs and environmental probes.
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1.4 Overview of PQube 3 Ports, Connections and Controls
A
Coin-cell battery (keeps real time clock
alive when instrument power is lost)
I
10/100 Ethernet RJ-45 port. 48V PoE compatible.
B
USB-1 High-Speed USB 2.0 port for USB
hard drives and adjacent microSD card
slot (format using FAT32 filesystem)
J
USB-2 Standard USB 1.0 port for use ONLY with ENV2
environmental probes.
C
Touchscreen display
K USB-3 Standard USB 1.0 port for use ONLY with ENV2
environmental probes.
D
Signal relay output. Normally closed
during recording mode. Opens ½ cycle
after event or device shutdown.
L
Current transformer inputs – nominal 0.333V RMS
(LOW range) or ±10Vpk (HIGH range)
E
Analog inputs. Maximum ±60VDC or
33VAC to earth. Can be used as
differential inputs.
M
L1, L2, L3 voltage inputs. See page 23 for
maximum voltage ratings.
F
Earth – functional. Use as a reference
point for analog inputs (not needed if
using analog channels in differential
mode).
N
Neutral terminal – optional depending on
your power configuration
G
Digital input. Wetted with 2.4V at 3
microamps. 1.5-volt threshold. 60-volt
tolerant.
O
Not connected.
H
Power supply input. 24VAC, or 24VDC to
48VDC (either polarity) nominal. 20VA
max.
P
Earth – functional. Used as the reference
point for voltage measurements.
IMPORTANT: this terminal must be properly
connected to ground for safety, accuracy, and
reliability.
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1.5 Choosing Modules
1.5.1 Power your PQube 3 from 100~240Vac (PM1/PM2)
If you have 24~48Vdc or 24Vac, you can use your PQube 3’s internal power
supply (just connect the voltage to the power supply screw terminal blocks).
If you need to power your PQube 3 from 100~240Vac, you’ll need the plug-
in PM1 or PM2 Power Manager module.
The PM2 module also includes a 24VDC auxiliary output so you can power small
accessories (up to 5W) like LEDs or fans.
1.5.2 Backup your PQube 3 during a power outage (UPS1/UPS2/UPS3)
UPS1
Connect the UPS1 Battery Backup module to your PQube 3 to provide
up to 30 minutes of backup power during a power outage. It can be
used with or without a PM1 or PM2 module.
UPS2 and UPS3
Extended autonomy models are
available: The UPS2 backup module
provides extended power backup (up to
three hours) controlling up to three
PSL XB1 lead acid battery packs (60
min/pack). The UPS3 is identical and
also includes outputs to backup 5 watts
of accessories. Both units offer a wide
temperature range (25°C~60°C) for
severe environments such as
shipboard.
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1.5.3 Measure currents from secondary of current transformers (CTI-
1A/CTI-5A)
Your PQube 3 comes standard with 8 current
channels which are compatible with CTs with
0.333V secondary.
But if you need to measure CTs with 1A or 5A
secondary wires for your application, use the CTI
Current Transformer Input module.
There are two versions; one with 1A input and
one with 5A input. Use the CTI module that
matches the secondary rating of your external
CTs.
There are four current inputs per module. Your
PQube 3 can accommodate up to two CTI
modules.
Use this module if your application requires ANSI
C12.20 Class 0.2 or IEC 62052-22 Class 0.2S
revenue grade accuracy.
1.5.4 Three Phase AC/Dual DC Voltage Attenuator
The perfect solution for monitoring two sets of three-phase AC voltages
such as the primary and secondary side of transformers or the input and
output of a three–phase UPS. The unit could be used in a data center to
monitor two HVDC channels like the input and output of 480VAC to 380
VDC rectifiers.
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1.5.5 Relay Extension Module for load shedding (RM8)
You can now turn your PQube 3 into a powerful controller, and
command the shedding of loads to protect your main
distribution circuit from tripping.
The RM8 extension relay module snaps easily to your PQube3
(also PQube 3e) and its 8 relays are fully programmable.
This allows you to customize your load shedding scheme by
assigning incremental thresholds, or by applying the scheme to
protect up to 4 circuits. And the PQube3 power Analyzer
measures, reports in real time and records the power, VA, VARs
and Power Factor of all the circuits monitored
1.5.6 Measure Environmental Conditions (ENV2)
The ENV2 environmental probe allows your PQube 3 to measure ambient temperature, humidity,
pressure.
It also includes an accelerometer to measure shock and vibration, a thermocouple input for wide
temperature ranges, and a solar irradiation input.
Connect up to 2 probes to your PQube 3 using a microUSB to USB cable.
You can use a USB cable with a length of up to 15ft /5 meters.
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