Datasheet
7.8. Unbalance 
Unbalance displays phase relations between voltages and currents. Measuring results are based upon 
the fundamental frequency component (50 or 60Hz, use symmetrical components). In a 3-phase power 
system, the phase shift between voltages  and  between  currents should be  close to  120°. Unbalance 
mode offers a measurement table and a Phasor display. 
 Table 
The  table  screen  shows  all  relevant  numerical  values:  negative  voltage  unbalance  percentage,  zero 
sequence  voltage  unbalance  percentage,  negative  current  unbalance  percentage,  zero  sequence 
current unbalance percentage, fundamental phase voltage, frequency, fundamental phase current, angle 
between voltage and current for each phase relative to the reference phase  (A/L1)and angles between 
voltage and current for each phase. 
Available function keys: 
F4 
Access Phasor screen. 
F5 
Switch between RUN and HOLD. 
 Phasor 
Shows  the  phase  relation  between  voltages  and  currents  in  a  vector  diagram  divided  in  30  degree 
sections.  The  vector  of  the  reference  channel  A  (L1)  points  to  the  horizontal  direction.  Additional 
numerical values are given: negative voltage and current unbalance percentage, zero sequence voltage 
and current unbalance percentage, fundamental phase voltage and current, frequency, phase angles. 
With function key 【F1】, you can choose readings of all phase voltages, phase currents or voltage and 
current in one phase. 
Available function keys: 
F1 
Selection of signals to be 
displayed: 
V displays all voltages; A displays all currents. L1, L2, 
L3 give simultaneous display of phase voltage and 
current. 
F4 
Return to unbalance table screen. 
F5 
Switch between RUN and HOLD 
 Tips and Hints 
The voltages and currents in the table can e.g. be used to check if power applied to a 3-phase induction 
motor is in balance. Voltage unbalance causes high unbalanced currents in stator windings resulting in 
overheating and reduced motor life. Negative voltage component Vneg should not exceed 2%, current 
unbalance should not exceed 10%. In case of too high unbalance, use other measuring modes to further 
analyze the power system. 
Each  phase  voltage  or  current  can  be  split-up  into  three  components:  positive  sequence,  negative 
sequence, and zero sequence. 
The  positive  sequence  component  is  the  normal  component  such  as  present  in  balanced  3-phase 
systems.  The  negative  sequence  component  results  from  unbalanced  phase-to-phase  currents  and 
voltages. This  component for instance causes a  ‘braking’ effect in 3-phase motors, which will result in 
overheating and life reduction. Zero sequence components may appear in an unbalanced load in 4-wire 
power systems and represent the current in the neutral wire. Unbalance exceeding 2% is considered as 
too high. 
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