AEMC PEL 103

Description

The AEMC PEL 103 is a three-phase power and energy logger used for electrical load studies, energy audits, demand monitoring, and building or system upgrades. It supports single-phase, split-phase, and three-phase wye and delta systems. The PEL 103 records voltage, current, active power, reactive power, apparent power, energy, power factor, total harmonic distortion, and individual harmonics through the 50th order. It measures up to 1,000V and 10,000A, depending on the current probe, and stores measurement data at one-second intervals. Its compact magnetic case fits inside many electrical panels during long-term power and energy logging.

A panel schedule identifies the circuits connected to an electrical system and often lists the calculated load assigned to each circuit. An equipment nameplate states its rated voltage, current, and power under specified operating conditions. These values describe what is connected and how the equipment is rated, but they do not show the actual demand on the system. Equipment may cycle on and off, operate below its nameplate rating, or run at different times. Measuring the system over time establishes the actual demand on an electrical service, feeder, distribution panel, or individual piece of equipment.

An electrical load study records voltage, current, power, energy, power factor, and harmonics while the system is operating. Technicians use this data to identify peak demand, confirm available electrical capacity, evaluate phase loading, track energy consumption, and plan system upgrades. A properly configured NEC Article 220.87 load study can also provide the demand data required when evaluating an existing service or feeder for additional load.

Every AEMC PEL 103 rental from A-Rent is functionally tested and shipped with the voltage leads, current probes, and line-power adapter specified for the application. AEMC DataView software is also included for logger configuration, real-time monitoring, load and energy analysis, and report generation. A-Rent’s engineer-led support team can help select the right test set and accessories, provide remote troubleshooting, and assist with data retrieval.

FAQs

When should you use an AEMC PEL 103 power and energy logger?

The AEMC PEL 103 is used for electrical load studies, energy audits, demand monitoring, phase-loading studies, and system-upgrade planning. Because it records measurements over time, it can capture equipment cycling and peak demand that may not occur during a brief inspection.

What electrical measurements does the AEMC PEL 103 record?

The AEMC PEL 103 records:

•    Voltage and current
•    Active power in watts
•    Reactive power in vars
•    Apparent power in volt-amperes
•    Active, reactive, and apparent energy
•    Power factor and displacement power factor
•    Voltage and current total harmonic distortion
•    Individual harmonics through the 50th order
•    Frequency and crest factor

The logger stores measurement data at one-second intervals and calculates demand over a user-selected period.

How does the AEMC PEL 103 compare with the Fluke 1777 and other power quality meters?

The AEMC PEL 103 is primarily used to measure electrical demand, energy consumption, phase loading, power factor, and harmonics over time. The Fluke 1777 and other power quality meters are used to investigate disturbances such as voltage dips, swells, interruptions, waveform events, and transients. The Fluke 1777 also provides IEC 61000-4-30 Class A measurements and 20MHz transient sampling.

Use the PEL 103 when the question is how much power the system uses and when peak demand occurs. Use the Fluke 1777 or another power quality meter when the question is what electrical event caused a breaker trip, equipment fault, or operating problem.

Can the AEMC PEL 103 be used for an NEC Article 220.87 load study?

Yes. The AEMC PEL 103 can record the demand data required for an NEC Article 220.87 load study. AEMC DataView software is used to configure the logger, download the measurements, and prepare the report. The recording period, demand interval, measurement location, and final load calculation must follow the applicable code edition and the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction.

What electrical systems can the AEMC PEL 103 monitor?

The AEMC PEL 103 supports single-phase, split-phase, and three-phase wye and delta systems. It can monitor 50Hz, 60Hz, and 400Hz AC systems as well as DC systems, with 17 available connection configurations.

What are the voltage and current limits of the AEMC PEL 103?

On 50Hz and 60Hz systems, the AEMC PEL 103 measures up to 1,000Vrms phase-to-neutral and 1,700Vrms phase-to-phase. Current range depends on the connected probes. A-Rent offers probe options covering approximately 5mA to 10,000A. The logger is rated 1,000V CAT III and 600V CAT IV. The measurement location, conductor size, expected current, and required safety category should be confirmed before selecting the test set.

Can the AEMC PEL 103 measure DC voltage and current?

Yes. The AEMC PEL 103 measures DC voltage from 100V to 1,000V. When used with an MR193-BK AC/DC current probe, it can measure DC current up to 1,000A. The selected current probe determines the available current range.

What current probes are available for the AEMC PEL 103?

Available current probes include:

•    MN193-BK clamp-on probe for 5A and 100A ranges
•    193-10-BK 10-inch flexible probe for measurements up to 3,000A
•    193-24-BK and 193-36-BK flexible probes for measurements up to 10,000A
•    MR193-BK AC/DC clamp-on probe for measurements up to 1,000A

Probe selection depends on conductor size, expected current, available installation space, and whether AC or DC current will be measured.

How do you connect an AEMC PEL 103 to an electrical system?

The AEMC PEL 103 connects to the system using voltage leads and current probes. Before recording begins, the logger must be configured for the correct electrical topology, nominal voltage, current-probe ratio, and phase order. The compact magnetic case fits inside many electrical panels, allowing the enclosure to remain closed during long-term monitoring. Installation should be performed by qualified personnel following the instrument instructions and site safety procedures.

How is the AEMC PEL 103 powered?

A-Rent supplies the PEL 103 with a line-power adapter that powers the logger from the measured circuit, eliminating the need for a separate outlet or extension cord. Its internal battery provides approximately 30 to 60 minutes of backup power but is not intended to power an extended study.

How long can the AEMC PEL 103 record?

The PEL 103 includes an 8GB SD card and supports cards up to 32GB. Recording duration depends on the selected measurements, demand interval, and available storage, but can comfortably handle a 30 day study. Measurement data is recorded once per second. Demand intervals can be configured from one to 60 minutes.

How do you download and analyze AEMC PEL 103 data?

Recorded data can be transferred through USB, Ethernet, or Bluetooth. Included AEMC DataView software is used to configure the logger, view measurements in real time, download recordings, analyze load and energy data, and generate reports.

Can the AEMC PEL 103 be monitored remotely?

Yes. The PEL 103 can connect to a network through Ethernet for remote monitoring with AEMC DataView software. Bluetooth can be used when working near the logger. Communication range depends on the computer or adapter, panel construction, and site conditions.

Is technical support available with an AEMC PEL 103 rental?

Yes. A-Rent’s engineer-led support team can help select the right test set and accessories, provide remote troubleshooting, and assist with data retrieval.

How does A-Rent ensure its AEMC PEL 103 loggers are project ready?

Every AEMC PEL 103 is functionally tested before each rental. A-Rent confirms that the voltage leads, current probes, line-power adapter, and specified accessories are included before shipment.