Page 39 - Energize October 2022

NEWS

in high voltage DC environments. The clamp can measure up to 1500 V DC, 1000 V AC,
DC power and current up to 999,9 A DC or AC through the thin jaw which is ideal for the
kind of cramped spaces found in combiner boxes or inverters. Other key features of the
clamp, which has a three-year warranty and is IP54 rated (making it well suited to work
outdoors), include an audio polarity indicator that helps to prevent accidental incorrect wire
connections and ensuring PV panels are installed correctly.
Polarity functions and audible and visual polarity checks are crucial when
commissioning a new site, whether at the combiner box level or inverter level. With a DC
polarity check, it’s easy to spot if the polarity of strings has been reversed accidentally,
avoiding the risk of fires at the combiner box as well as damage to the equipment and
danger to personnel.

Safe, reliable and rugged
All test results are logged and reported via the Fluke Connect software that comes with the
Fluke 393 FC true-RMS Solar Clamp Meter. Using just a phone, engineers can make and save
measurements quickly, with the phone recording for ten minutes and reporting readings
to colleagues. Capable of measuring and recording for up to two weeks, this safe, reliable
and rugged meter also comes with an 18-inch iFlex flexible current probe for extended AC
measurements up to 2500 A. Test leads are also rated to CAT III 1500 V DC. Contact Comtest, Phone 010 595-1821,
Hans-Dieter Schuessele, Application and Technology Expert EMEA, Fluke said: “Safety is sales@comtest.co.za,
essential when commissioning and installing PV systems. The future of power needs tools www.comtest.co.za
that can keep you safe in harsh environments – risk is not an option, and you literally have Facebook: bit.ly/3iuk4cg
to trust your meter with your life. That’s why the world’s first CAT III 1500 V true-RMS clamp YouTube: bit.ly/2V4nc6j
meter has been designed to deliver enhanced protection for users in challenging CAT III LinkedIn: bit.ly/3rpTu86
environments. It’s very important that there’s a solid meter with multiple functions capable PRODUCT: https://bit.ly/3I5YoPK
of operating at that rating – the solar industry desperately needs a solution like the Fluke Hashtags: #Fluke #Comtest #Solar
393 FC.” #alternativeenergy

Inverter-based energy management solution

he Fronius inverter and smart meter offers inverter- Furthermore, it is possible to define a minimum load runtime
integrated energy management which ensures that and set load prioritisation.
Tenergy-intensive loads in the household can be directly
supplied with surplus PV energy. Thanks to the inverter’s open Other open interfaces
interfaces, a variety of third-party components can be integrated By means of other open interfaces such as Modbus RTU, Modbus
into the PV system. TCP SunSpec, LAN or WiFi, and Fronius Solar API (JSON), third-
party components such as a wall box or a home automation
Four digital energy management outputs system can be intelligently controlled and supplied with surplus
Four digital energy management outputs from the inverter PV energy.
control external relays connect loads to the PV-sourced power
as soon as a user-defined surplus energy threshold is reached. About Fronius
What began in 1945 as a one-man operation now sets
technological standards in the fields of welding technology,
photovoltaics and battery charging. Today, the company
employees around 5660 people worldwide and holds 1321
patents. Its product developments show the innovative spirit
within the company. Sustainable development for us means the
implementation of environmentally relevant systems which meet
social and economic needs. Our goal has remained constant
through the years: to be the innovation leader.

Contact Jean Cilliers, Electrilabs, Phone 011 315-3791,
jean@electrilabs.co.za, www.electrilabs.co.za

energize | October 2022 | 39