PowerScout HD Commissioning

 

 

Meter commissioning is one of the most critical steps in ensuring a successful energy monitoring project. It’s not just about turning the system on—it’s about ensuring accuracy, reliability, and efficiency from the start.

 

Thorough commissioning supports:

  • Accuracy: Proper setup ensures the data collected is precise and trustworthy.

  • Reliable Data: Quality commissioning eliminates errors that could undermine system confidence.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Meeting industry standards avoids costly fines or delays.

  • Job Efficiency: Avoid the hassle of failed inspections or costly repeat visits to the job site.

  • Getting It Right the First Time: You want your work product to live up to your name. A properly commissioned meter sets the foundation for long-term performance and satisfaction.

     

With these goals in mind, this month’s issue is dedicated to PowerScout HD Commissioning Best Practices to help you streamline your workflow and achieve optimal results.

Documentation is key to a repeatable and professional installation. It also makes future maintenance and troubleshooting much, much simpler. Follow these best practices to ensure accurate and accessible records:

 

Photographic Records

  • Overall Installation: Take wide-angle photos showing the meter, breaker layout, and panel setup.

  • Open Panel Close-Up: Focus on the placement of current transformers (CTs) and breaker connections.

  • Voltage Connections: Include images that clearly show the voltage connections to the meter.

     

Meter/Panel Configuration

  • Record the meter’s configuration settings, including CT types, amperage settings, service types, and reference voltages. This can be easily done by saving the Meter Setup Table file.

  • Store detailed breaker and panel layouts to document circuit connections.

     

Commissioning Checklist

  • Store completed commissioning checklists alongside other documentation to verify that all proper procedures were followed.

     

Pro Tip 1:
Organize all documentation—including photos, setup tables, breaker/panel layouts, and completed commissioning checklists—in a single digital shared folder. This is the most convenient and professional way to organize your proof of work.

 

Pro Tip 2:
If you don’t have a detailed breaker layout, create a diagram of CT connections. Labeling CT leads can also save you headaches in the future as panel layouts change.

 

Always Check your Real-Time Values

 

Verifying your real-time values is vital for both the operation of your metering system and a successful commission. Make sure you always check Real-Time values using ViewPoint software when commissioning.

 

Key parameters to observe include:

 

Current and Watt Measurements:

  • Are the current and watt measurements appropriate for the load being monitored?

 

Check kW:

  • Are the kW values positive?  

 

Check Power Factor:

  • Are Power Factor values within the normal range (typically ±0.6 – 0.95)?

  • Are Power Factors uniform across the phases (within ~20% of each other)?

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

After reviewing your Real-Time values in ViewPoint, you may encounter discrepancies or unexpected readings. Troubleshooting these issues is straightforward with the right approach. Use the tips below to quickly identify and resolve common problems.

Solution: Correct CT polarity by physically reversing the CT orientation or using the digital CT Flipper feature.

Solution: If single-phase Power Factor is out of normal range (±0.6-0.95), correct by adjusting the phase/voltage reference.
Solution: If power factors are uneven across multiple phases, adjust the phase/voltage reference (will be 2 or 3 incorrect).

Solution: Correct by changing the phase/voltage reference input, then verify if the CT also needs to be flipped.

Additional Commissioning Resources

 

For more detailed information, refer to the PowerScout HD Series Documentation. You’ll find additional insights into installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.

Have a question?

 

Ask the DENT Sales team or reach out to Technical Support!

 

 

Dent Instruments has an exceptional customer success and account management team available to handle any questions.

For Technical Support:

Our dedicated technical support team is here to help with your troubleshooting and setup needs.

  • Phone: 1-541-388-4774 or 800-388-0770 (Toll-Free)

  • Email: support@dentinstruments.com

     

Let us know how we can assist you!