Fluke 3130 Portable Calibrator

Fluke 3130 Portable Calibrator

 

The Fluke 3130 Portable Calibrator is a compact and versatile device used for calibrating a wide range of electrical equipment. While not as widely known or as common as other Fluke calibration instruments, the 3130 is designed to provide precise testing and calibration of electrical parameters in various field applications. Here’s a breakdown of its features and capabilities:

Features:

1. Multi-Function Calibration: The Fluke 3130 is capable of simulating and measuring several electrical parameters, such as voltage, current, and resistance. This makes it useful for calibrating devices like digital multimeters, loop testers, and other field instruments.
2. Portability: It is designed to be small, lightweight, and rugged, making it ideal for portable use in the field. You can carry it around easily for on-site calibration without needing a bulky bench setup.
3. Accuracy: As expected from Fluke, the 3130 offers high accuracy in its measurements, ensuring that your calibrations are reliable. It helps ensure that instruments you are calibrating meet the necessary performance standards.
4. Built-in Power: The device can simulate various conditions for testing, and often it can also provide its own power source to the devices being calibrated, reducing the need for an external power supply.
5. Battery Operated: The Fluke 3130 is powered by batteries, which helps when working in environments without access to mains power.
6. Ease of Use: The calibrator is designed for ease of use with simple controls and a clear display, helping field technicians perform calibration tasks efficiently.
7. Wide Application Range: It is suitable for use in a variety of industries, including electrical, industrial, and HVAC, where precise calibration is critical for safety and compliance.

Typical Applications:

• Field Calibration of Instruments: Ideal for field use to ensure testing and calibration of electrical instruments like multimeters, process controllers, and test equipment.
• Loop Testing: Can be used to calibrate instruments that measure current and voltage in industrial process control systems.
• Voltage and Current Calibration: Used to simulate standard signals for calibrating devices that measure voltage and current.
• Safety and Compliance Testing: Ensures that equipment is calibrated to the required standards for safe operation.

Benefits:

• Compact Size: Portable and rugged for use in various field environments.
• Wide Calibration Range: Offers flexibility for testing a variety of electrical devices.
• Accuracy and Precision: Provides accurate results that ensure proper calibration of field equipment.
• Durability: Built to withstand tough working conditions in industrial and outdoor environments.

Considerations:

• Limited Range: As a portable calibrator, its capabilities might be limited when compared to larger, more specialized laboratory calibrators.
• Batteries: While battery operation is an advantage for portability, the calibrator’s battery life can be a limiting factor if you’re working in an environment where you can’t recharge or replace the batteries frequently.

Features

• Measure and generate pressures from vacuum to 2 MPa (300 psi, 20 bar)
• Internal pump can generate vacuum to -80 kPa (-12 psi, -0.8 bar) or pressure to 2 MPa (300 psi, 20 bar)
• Supply pressure connection allowing the use of external gas supply up to 2 MPa (300 psi, 20 bar)
• Includes variable volume for fine adjustment of pressures
• Pressure measurement accuracy of ± (0.025 % reading + 0.01 % FS)
• Electrical measurement and 24 volt supply for close looped calibrations
• Measure or generate 4 to 20 mA
• Measure 0 to 30 V dc
• Powered by internal, high capacity, NiMH battery or universal ac mains adapter
• Compatible with Fluke 700P and 750P Pressure Modules

General Specifications:

• Type: Multi-function portable electrical calibrator
• Power Supply: Battery-operated (typically uses 6 AA alkaline batteries)
• Battery Life: Approximately 20 hours of continuous use (depending on the load)
• Dimensions: 8.5″ x 6″ x 2″ (216 mm x 153 mm x 50 mm)
• Weight: Approximately 1.1 kg (2.4 lbs)
• Operating Temperature Range: 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F)
• Storage Temperature Range: -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F)
• Humidity: 0 to 90% RH (non-condensing)

Output Capabilities:

1. Voltage Output:
   • Range: 0 to 30 V DC
   • Accuracy: ±(0.1% + 0.01 V)
   • Resolution: 0.001 V
   • Output Impedance: Approx. 10 Ω
2. Current Output:
   • Range: 0 to 24 mA DC
   • Accuracy: ±(0.1% + 0.002 mA)
   • Resolution: 0.001 mA
   • Output Impedance: Approx. 2 Ω
3. Resistance Output:
   • Range: 0 to 1000 Ω
   • Accuracy: ±(0.2% + 0.01 Ω)
   • Resolution: 0.001 Ω
   • Current Drive: Typically 1 mA for 0 to 1000 Ω range
4. Frequency Output (if applicable):
   • Range: 0 to 1000 Hz (depending on the configuration and models)
   • Accuracy: ±(0.1% + 0.001 Hz)

Measurement Capabilities (for simulation purposes):

• Voltage Measurement: Simulated and read on the display, accurate for field calibration.
• Current Measurement: Simulated output with feedback for validating current loop systems.
• Resistance Measurement: Used to simulate specific resistance levels for testing devices such as RTDs, thermistors, and similar systems.

Display:

• Type: 3.5-digit LCD display
• Resolution: 1999 counts
• Display Range: 0.000 to 1999 for measurements
• Units Displayed: V (Volts), A (Amperes), Ω (Ohms), and other relevant units.

Safety and Compliance:

• Safety Standards: Designed to meet international safety standards such as IEC 61010-1 (Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use).
• Overload Protection: Internal protection against short-circuit and overload conditions to safeguard both the calibrator and the equipment being tested.

Other Features:

• Simulate Output for Testing: Ideal for simulating the output from sensors and other devices for calibration and troubleshooting.
• Rugged Construction: Designed to handle tough field environments (drop-resistant and built for durability).
• Transport Case: Often includes a carrying case for portability and protection.

Calibration Accuracy (Typical at 23°C):

• Voltage: ±(0.1% of reading + 0.01 V)
• Current: ±(0.1% of reading + 0.002 mA)
• Resistance: ±(0.2% of reading + 0.01 Ω)

Limitations:

• Not as precise as high-end laboratory calibrators: While the Fluke 3130 is accurate for most field and industrial applications, it’s not designed to replace laboratory-grade calibration equipment in high-precision environments.