Model 933A Portable Power Sentinel™

Model 933A Portable Power Sentinel™

Arbiter's accurate and affordable portable power quality meter, with PMU compatible functions measuring synchrophasors, time, harmonics, flicker, K-factor, interruptions, phase and frequency.

Model 933A User Manual
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Model 933A Portable Power Sentinel™ Data Sheet
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Model 933A Portable Power Sentinel™ Data Sheet Español
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The perfect field analyzer for the power quality engineer, Model 933A Portable Power Sentinel™ is the most accurate and affordable portable power quality meter in the industry. The proprietary EnergyDSA™ Digital Signal Analysis algorithms allow the user to measure or record harmonics, flicker (per IEC 61000-4-15, PST and Instantaneous), K-factor and interruptions. The data logging capabilities allow the user to specify which data to log as well as when to log the data, continuously or when user specified thresholds are exceeded.

Time, Phase and Frequency Capabilities

Model 933A has the ability to also measure system time, phase, frequency and phasors. When synchronized using the IRIG-B IEEE-1344 unmodulated input or the GPS input, the Model 933A is capable of accurate revenue metering and synchrophasor analysis per the IEEE-1344. Pre-fault data is buffered for a half second allowing for accurate fault recording and event driven data analysis. The host processor and the DSP each have 128 MB of memory which provides ample space for data storage

Portability

Thanks to the high level of integration made possible with EnergyDSA™, this unit combines multiple capabilities into one compact, light weight instrument. Weighing less than 5.8 kg (12.8 lbs), the Portable Power Sentinel™ is a power quality monitor, a data and event logger, a system monitor, and a revenue meter designed to accompany you wherever you go and operate continuously for a full eight-hour shift. The unit comes pre-assembled with the adjustable tilt handle/bail assembly for easy transportability.

  • Measures and records harmonics, flicker, K-factor, interruptions
  • Support for synchrophasor measurements
  • Optionally measures system time, phase, frequency and phasors
  • Can be synchronized via IRIG-B IEEE-1344 unmodulated input or GPS input
  • 320 pixel x 240 pixel graphic LCD display
  • 30 key multifunction keypad
  • RS-232 cable included
  • RS-232 or USB 1.1 port
  • External power supply or Battery operated (NiMH, with 8 hours typical run time)

Input/Output

Configuration

3 Ø:

3-element, 2½-element, 2-element, selectable
1 Ø:

2-element, 1½-element, 1-element, selectable

Voltage

Range (3 Ø/1 Ø)

1 Vrms to 650 Vrms, selectable (phase-to-phase for 2 and 2½-element; phase-to-neutral for 1 and 3-element)
Overrange

1200 V peak, nominal

Current

Model 933A-01 20 Amp direct input module:

Range (3 Ø/1 Ø)

0.05 Arms to 20 Arms, selectable, per element
Low Range

1 mA to 1 Arms
Overrange

40 A peak, nominal (maximum continuous input current: 20 Arms per element, all ranges

VA, W, VAR

Range

Any voltage, current and number of elements within the specified limits

Compensation

CT and PT

Both magnitude and phase compensation, CT with 12 point nonlinear interpolation
Transformer

Both iron and copper loss

Frequency

Range

45 Hz to 65 Hz, for specified accuracy
Harmonics

to 3 kHz

Inputs

Voltage

Safety banana plugs
Current

5-way binding posts (Model 933A-01)
Insulation

400 volts, nominal, to neutral/chassis, surge voltage class III
600 volts, nominal, to neutral/chassis, surge voltage class II

Power Quality

Harmonics Measurement

Standard

2nd to 50th (50 Hz or 60 Hz) per IEC 61000-4-7, 100 ms overlapping data window
Measurements

THD, K-factor, rms harmonic current and voltage, rms harmonic current and voltage with K-factor compensation (each harmonic magnitude is multiplied by the square of the harmonic number before summing), individual magnitude and phase
Logged Data

Selectable, may be regularly logged or registered. Event-logged also available when user-specified limits are exceeded

Interruptions Logged Data

Selectable, may be regularly logged or registered. Event-logged also available when user-specified limits are exceeded.

Flicker

Standard

Per IEC 61000-4-15, PST and Instantaneous
Logged Data

Selectable, may be regularly logged or registered. Event-logged also available when user-specified limits are exceeded.

Limit Alarms

Functions

Upper or lower limits may be set on most measured functions. Limits may also be set on maximum imbalance (ratio of Zero and Negative Sequence Components to Positive Sequence)
Output

Via system interface and display

Accuracy/Specifications

Accuracy Note

Accuracy specifications include all sources of uncertainty. Except as noted, specifications apply for the full operating range, including temperature (- 10 °C to + 50 °C), line voltage, input range including specified overrange, power factor, input frequency, and drifts over a one-year calibration interval. Specifications assume synchronization to GPS and operation in 3-element mode or in a well-balanced system where imbalance does not degrade accuracy.

Watts

0.05 % of reading, for voltage 7 Vrms to 650 Vrms and current 10 mA to 20 Arms and PF > 0.2

Vrms

0.05 % of reading or ± 5 mV, whichever is greater. (For voltage 50 Vrms to 650 Vrms and current 50 mA to 20 Arms)

Arms

0.05 % of reading or ± 0.1 mA, whichever is greater. (For voltage 50 Vrms to 650 Vrms and current 50 mA to 20 Arms)

Phase Angle, Ø

Ø: 0.01 °, phase-to-phase or voltage-to-current (For voltage 50 Vrms to 650 Vrms and current 50 mA to 20 Arms)
0.2 % (current 10 mArms to 50 mArms)

Ø underrange: 0.05 ° of reading (current 10 mArms to 50 mArms)

VA, VAh

0.05 % of reading (For voltage 50 Vrms to 650 Vrms and current 50 mA to 20 Arms)
0.1 % (current 10 mArms to 50 mArms)

VAR, VARh

same as W, Wh except replace PF with (1 - PF2)0.5

Power Factor

0.0002 · sin (Ø) (For voltage 50 Vrms to 650 Vrms and current 50 mA to 20 Arms)
0.001 · sin (Ø) (current 10 mArms to 50 mArms)

Harmonics

0.1 % THD or 5 % of reading, whichever is greater

Frequency

< 1 ppm (0.0001 %) of reading, 50 Hz or 60 Hz nominal, plus timebase error

System

Phase

0.03 ° + [timebase error · 360 ° · frequency] (With GPS Option)
Time

1 µs + timebase error (With GPS Option)

Event Inputs

± 10 µs (typical)

Flash Memory Data Storage

Host Processor

Capacity

128 MB. See Operation Manual for record length and capacity calculations
Data

All functions measured and totalized by Model 933A; each record is stored with a time tag
Storage Rate

Selectable
Event data stored upon occurrence
Lifetime

100,000 storage cycles minimum
Data Retention

Indefinite; no power or battery is required to retain data

DSP Processor

Capacity

128 MB; about 1000 seconds or 17 minutes
Data

Primary waveform
Storage Rate

10240 samples per second (approximately 170 samples per cycle). Fixed 30 cycles pre-fault data. Event data stored to Host Processor flash memory upon occurrence. User has same triggers as the Host Processor flash and can select the maximum fault duration, post fault recording time, and retrigger on/off.
Lifetime

100,000 storage cycles minimum
Data Retention

Indefinite; no power or battery is required to retain data

System Control and Monitoring

System Time, Phase and Frequency

System Time

Unlimited accumulation with ± 1 µs resolution
Frequency

6 digits, xx.xxxx Hz
System Phase

0 ° to 360 ° with 0.01 ° resolution

Phasors

Standard

Per IEEE Standard 1344 or PSCSV
Rate

20 measurements/second

Interface

Operator

Display

320 pixel x 240 pixel graphic LCD display with CCFL Backlight
Keyboard

30 keys: 5 soft function, 7 dedicated function, 5 cursor control, power on/off and 12 key numeric key pad

Communications

Serial

RS-232, RJ-11 modular connector
USB

Version 1.1, B-Type receptacle

Protocols

Proprietary

PowerSentinelCSV 933 (PSCSV933)

Synchronization

IRIG TTL-Level Shift

TTL-Level Shift per IEEE-1344 as output from an Arbiter Systems Model 1084B

General/Remote

Optional Remote GPS receiver available. See Accessory AS0077600

GPS Tracking

GPS-L1 (1575.42 MHz); 12 channel (tracks up to 12 satellites)
GPS Acquisition

2 minutes typical
GPS Accuracy

UTC-USNO ± 1 µs (only need 1 satellite with correct position)
GPS Out of Lock

Via system interface and status display; optional, via contact closure

Timebase Error

GPS Locked

Less than 1 µs, when locked to at least one satellite with correct position
Unlocked

10 ppm, typical, after being locked for 10 minutes minimum
IRIG-B

Less than 1 µs + accuracy of IRIG-B source

General

Physical

Size

205 mm x 305 mm x 225 mm (8 in x 12 in x 8.8 in)
483 mm x 483 mm x 305 mm (16 in x 16 in x 12 in), shipping
Weight

5.8 kg (12.8 lbs), maximum
9.1 kg (20 lbs), shipping

Environmental

Temperature

Operating: - 10 °C to + 50 °C
Nonoperating: - 40 °C to + 75 °C
Humidity

Noncondensing

Power Requirements

Internal Battery

Type

NiMH
Operation

Eight hours typical
Charging

Four hours
Stand by Use

5 VA typical

External Power

Range

85 Vac to 264 Vac, 47 Hz to 63 Hz or 120 Vdc to 275 Vdc, 25 VA typical when charging battery, 5 VA typical standby use
Input

IEC connector with fuse; surge withstand per ANSI C37-90.1 and IEC801-4 standard
I/O
933Aopt01 1 20 Arms Direct Input Module with 5-way connectors
933Aopt02 1 1.2 Arms or 2.4 Vrms CT Input Module with Banana Connectors
933Aopt03 1 1.2 Arms or 2.4 Vrms CT Input Module with Audio Connectors

1 Must select a minimum of one module at time of purchase.

Included
812 Safety Ground Lead
AP0007700 Modular DB-9 to RJ-11 Adapter, Preconfigured
AS0093900 Operation Manual (933A)
CA0023600 RJ-11 Cable Four-Pin Crossed, 2 m (7 ft)
P01R-P10R Country specific power cord with right angle female end
Available
09311A 400 A 20:1 Precision CT, 0.1 % Accuracy
811AT-8 3-Phase Univ. Test Plug Current Lead Set
813AT-8 3-Phase Safety Voltage Lead Set
815AT-8 Model 815 Fused Safety Voltage Probe Lead Set
816AT-8 3-Phase Spade-Lug Current Lead Set
817AA-8 1-Phase Clamp-On CT Test Lead
817AT-8 3-Phase Clamp-On CT Lead Set
818AT-8 3-Phase Safety C-Hook Current Lead Set
819xyz-8 Modified Safety Clip Lead Set
841A Series Test Jack Isolator Paddle
842A Three - Series Test Jack Isolator Paddles with 60 cm Nylon Cord
842B Four - Series Test Jack Isolator Paddles with 60 cm Nylon Cord
AP0001300 1000:1 Clamp-on CT, 1000 A (Current Output)
AP0012300 1 100:1 Clamp-on CT, 150 A, 10 mV/A (1 V @ 100 A ac)
AP0012800 1000:1 Clamp-on CT, 200 A, 1 mA/A (100 mA @ 100 A ac)
AS0035901 Adjustable Tilt Handle/Bail Assembly
AS0036000 400 A CT Bracket (each)
AS0077600 Remote GPS Receiver with mounting bracket and 15 m (50 ft.) cable
AS0077700 Programmable KYZ Contacts and Event Inputs
AS0079001 Universal Test Plug Current Shunt, A Phase Red
AS0079002 Universal Test Plug Current Shunt, B Phase Yellow
AS0079003 Universal Test Plug Current Shunt, C Phase Blue
AS0079030 Universal Test Plug Current Shunt, Set of Three
AS0097700 20 Arms Direct Input Module with 5-way connectors
AS0097800 1.2 Arms or 2.4 Vrms CT Input Module with Banana Connectors
AS0097900 1.2 Arms or 2.4 Vrms CT Input Module with Audio Connectors
CA0026106 USB Data Cable, 6 ft
CA0027100 2 CT Cable, Current Output, 6 ft
CA0027200 2 CT Cable, Voltage Output, 6 ft
CA0029800 Receiver Cable Extender 7.6 m (25 ft.)
CN0030500 Adaptor Banana Shielded - Red
CN0030501 Adaptor Banana Shielded - Black

1 Requires Option 02 or Option 03
2 Required with Option 03

The FTDI USB driver is for use with serial number A263 and newer. The Windows Update Driver Search may also work for all Model 933A's.

Click to Download Latest Version of Software
933_PSCSV_17Jun2013_1132 Configuration Utility
933_PSCSV_SHA256_17Jun2013_1132 933A_PSCSV SHA256 checksum
933_Uploader_05Feb2010_0050 Required to upload firmware to Model 933.
933_Uploader_SHA256_05Feb2010_0050 933_Uploader SHA256 checksum
 

Software Version and Related Information

Read the release notes BEFORE downloading any software.

933_PSCSV

System Requirements:

  • CPU: 486 or better.
  • Operating system: Windows XP and newer. Click here for Arbiter software installation guidelines for Windows 7 and 10.
  • Common Controls v4.71 or better.
VersionRev LevelVersion Notes
17Jun2013 1.132
  1. Migrated to new installer so it is in line with the PSCSV installer for the Model 1133A.
  2. Fixed Energy Register Data Summaries - The Kp Scale Factor values are correctly stored so that the Summary Tab can calculate summary data properly. Will warn user if data file being opened lacks Kp Scale Factors.
27Apr2010 1.129
  1. Fixed problem with the program treating the broadcast file save as dialog as if the "limit file size" checkbox was always checked and limiting the file size to the last known limit (or default of about 1hr).

933_PSCSV_SHA256

VersionRev LevelVersion Notes
17Jun2013 1.132

933_Uploader

VersionRev LevelVersion Notes
05Feb2010 0.0.5.0

Latest Version

933_Uploader_SHA256

VersionRev LevelVersion Notes
05Feb2010 0.0.5.0

DO NOT UPDATE YOUR FIRMWARE...

... until you read this. The 933A's firmware must be listed in the revision table below for a successful update. If the firmware is not listed then the 933A must be returned to the factory for firmware update under the standard warranty terms and conditions.

Firmware Information (EPROM based firmware is not available for download)
933_Firmware_01Oct2012_117 Downloadable. Requires 933uploader.
933_Firmware_SHA256_01Oct2012_0117 933_Firmware SHA256 checksum
 

Firmware Version and Related Information

How do I find my firmware revisions?

From the 933A front panel:

  1. Press the DISPLAY button.
  2. Press the 9 button.
  3. Press VERSION & S/N hot key
  4. The VERSION & SERIAL NUMBER display will show the versions, serial numbers, and calibration dates for the UNIT and the CURRENT MODULE

From PSCSV:

  1. Run PSCSV and connect to the 933A.
  2. Click on Connection.
  3. Click on Information. A window with the Firmware version and DSP version will pop up.

Downloadable firmware (933_Firmware)

VersionRev LevelVersion Notes
01Oct2012 1.17
  1. Input configuration now saved during power cycle (BZ660).
  2. Add wideband option. Allows power factor measurements to more closely match the Model 931A.
  3. Fix to battery charger firmware.
24Jan2011 1.15
  1. Updates to Real Time Clock (RTC) code - factory use only.
  2. Update UTC leap second offset default value (changed to -15 in 01Jan2009).
  3. Update check for minimum year value.
  4. Add support for new RTC chip.
24Nov2010 1.14
  1. Power button delay adjusted. Power button requires a 0.25 second hold-down before initiating the shutdown.
  2. Add command to clear battery charger's EEPROM memory.
  3. Add notification to power charger module that power is being turned off.
22Sep2010 1.13
  1. On/Off key needs some protection (Require key to be depressed for a short time period before doing shutdown). (BZ 615)
  2. Fix harmonics screen reset problem. (Only happens with very large voltage/current values)
  3. Update trigger setup screens to match PSCSV.
  4. Fix log time setup screen init problem. The "MaxLogTime" value will take on the "PostFault" value when first switched to the "PostFault" entry (enter or up/down arrow).
18Feb2010 1.12
  1. Change tabular results, display 0, function key 4 from "PH ABC" to "PH ABCN". (BZ 559)
  2. Inconsistencies in user interface - Change references to "Sag Swell" to "Power Quality". (BZ 572)
  3. Rename "DUR", in Sag-Swell setup, to Dwell. (BZ 591)
  4. Auto log data loss (max log size seems to be around 1032 records - should be able to store upwards of 16,000 records). (BZ 594)
  5. View auto log - Fixed problem of paging up (using increment of more than 1) from the bottom of the log. (Depending on the increment size, the only record showing might be the one in the edit box). (BZ 595)
  6. Custom input screen allowed illegal settings. (BZ 601)
31Aug2009 1.11
  1. Correct battery gas gauge calculation.
  2. Update battery threshold values (low warning and shutdown).
18Aug2009 1.10
  1. Add support for new current module backend.
28Jul2009 1.09
  1. Fix CT/PT setup screen: When reverting back to previous version, also needed to revert CT/PT bit-map indicator (side brackets).
  2. Fix lock-up problem associated with event inputs. (BZ 577)
17Jun2009 1.08
  1. Update current ratio low limit check to take into account CT module type.
  2. CT/PT setup anomalies (restored old method). (BZ 568)
12Jan2009 1.07
  1. Revised CT setup screen to include CT file data
  2. Saves CT setup screen in flash
  3. Visible satellite status screen would not update every 5 seconds. Successfully updates when changed to every second.
  4. Add support for new main board (Atmega48 battery charger and FTDI USB chip)
  5. Fix GPS DOP display overwrite problem
17Sep2007 1.06
  1. Fix even-odd harmonics calculation
  2. Fix autolog to correctly reset min/max/avg when enabled.
  3. Add PST and Voltage-Current scheduled data to one-second log structure
  4. Add PST screen
  5. Fix input configuration screen to correctly save configuration using "Save settings" key.
03Aug2007 1.05
  1. Speed up DSP Flash waveform download.
  2. Add ratio screen.
  3. Add Motorola M12M receiver capability.
  4. Fix redraw problem when switching between harmonics channels (bar graph).
  5. Save backlight and contrast settings when backlight On-Off-Auto function keys pressed.
  6. Correct Flicker readings (now they agree with 1133).
22Feb2007 1.04
  1. Corrections to trigger logging system
  2. Require GPS 4 satellites for normal operation
  3. Fix relative phase
  4. Fix PMU phasor broadcast
  5. USB fixes
  6. Several status screen updates
20Dec2006 1.03
  1. Correct neutral current on "Basic Data List" (was always showing 0's)
  2. Fix voltage/current average on tabular display screen
  3. Add voltage/current phase average to tabular display screen
11Dec2006 1.01
  1. Reduce phasor display screen update rate.
  2. Add download capability of One-second log, DSP-I/O event log and Sag-Swell log.
  3. USB capability added.
  4. Fix references to trigger number (DSP and Sag-Swell triggers screens).
  5. Re-organized the configuration-status screen (move version information to its own screen).
  6. Now only showing the "main" host processor revision information.
  7. Add display for current module serial number.
  8. Update current module configuraiton data storage (make more robust).
  9. Fix power up problem with GPS not connected.

933_Firmware_SHA256

VersionRev LevelVersion Notes
01Oct2012 01.17

Remote GPS Receiver for Model 933A
Download 933A_remote_gps_receiver.pdf (392 kB) »

Using SensorLink Litewires with the Model 933A
Download Using_SensorLink_Litewires_with_933A.pdf (1 MB) »

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