1. Introduction
The Metrel MI 2885 Master Q4 is a sophisticated 3-phase power quality analyzer designed for comprehensive electrical system analysis. This instrument is engineered to automatically record critical data and waveforms related to voltage events such as dips and swells. It also supports user-defined triggers for capturing specific quantities. This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your MI 2885 Master Q4 device.
For detailed analysis and reporting, the included PC software PowerView3 enables advanced data processing and professional report generation. The device is compliant with power quality standard IEC 61000-4-30 Class S (0.1%) and performs complete power quality analysis according to EN 50160.
2. Product Overview
2.1 Key Features
- Three-Phase Power Quality Analysis: Measures Voltage/Current TRMS, Peak, and Crest Factor across 4 channels.
- Wide Measurement Range: 4-voltage channels (0 to 1000 Vrms, CAT III / 1000 V) and 4-current channels with automatic clamp recognition.
- Compliance: Adheres to IEC 61000-4-30 Class S (0.1%) and EN 50160 for complete power quality analysis, including signaling and interharmonics.
- Event Recording: Captures and records power supply events such as shutdowns, interruptions, swells, and dips.
- Harmonic Analysis: Performs harmonic and interharmonic analysis up to the 50th harmonic, including THD measurement.
- Inrush Current Monitoring: Records and displays inrush currents.
- Data Storage: Utilizes a microSD memory card (8GB included) for extensive data logging.
- PC Software: Includes PowerView3 for advanced data analysis, reporting, and remote control.
2.2 Included Equipment
The MI 2885 Master Q4 package typically includes the following components:
- MI 2885 Master Q4 Instrument
- 1-phase flexible current clamps 3000 / 300 / 30 A (A 1502), 4 pieces
- Test probes (brown, black, grey, green, blue), 5 pieces
- Crocodile clips (brown, black, grey, green, blue), 5 pieces
- Voltage measurement leads (brown, black, grey, green, blue), 5 pieces
- Labels for color coding
- microSD memory card 8.0GB
- microSD card reader
- PC SW PowerView3
- RS232, USB, and Ethernet patch cables
- Power supply adapter
- 1.2 V NiMH rechargeable batteries, 6 pieces
- Soft carrying bag
- Instruction manual (this document)
- Calibration certificate

Figure 1: Front view of the Metrel MI 2885 Master Q4 Power Quality Analyzer, showing the display and control buttons.

Figure 2: The Metrel MI 2885 Master Q4 instrument displayed with its full set of included accessories, including current clamps, test leads, and carrying bag.
3. Setup
3.1 Battery Installation and Charging
- Open the battery compartment cover located on the rear of the instrument.
- Insert the 6 provided 1.2 V NiMH rechargeable batteries, ensuring correct polarity.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.
- Connect the power supply adapter to the instrument and a suitable power outlet to charge the batteries before first use. The charging indicator on the device will confirm charging status.
3.2 Connecting Measurement Leads and Clamps
- Identify the voltage input terminals and current clamp inputs on the instrument.
- Connect the voltage measurement leads to the appropriate voltage input terminals. Use the provided color-coding labels for clear identification (brown, black, grey, green, blue).
- Attach the crocodile clips or test probes to the ends of the voltage measurement leads.
- Connect the flexible current clamps (A 1502) to the current input terminals. The instrument supports automatic clamp recognition.
- Ensure all connections are secure before proceeding with measurements.
3.3 Initial Power-On and Basic Navigation
- Press and hold the power button (usually marked with a red circle and line) to turn on the instrument.
- The device will perform a self-test and display the main menu.
- Use the arrow keys (Up, Down, Left, Right) to navigate through menu options.
- Press the ENTER button to select an option or confirm a setting.
- Press the ESC button to go back to the previous menu or cancel an operation.
- Function keys F1, F2, F3, F4 provide context-sensitive options displayed on the screen.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Measurement Functions
The MI 2885 Master Q4 offers a wide array of measurement capabilities:
- Voltage: TRMS, peak, crest factor (4-channels).
- Current: TRMS, peak, crest factor (4-channels).
- Power: Active, reactive, apparent.
- Power Measurements: Fully compliant with IEEE 1459 (active, non-active, fundamental, harmonic, load unbalance).
- VFD (Variable Frequency Drives) measurements.
- Unbalance, Flicker Measurement.
- Harmonic and Interharmonic Analysis: Up to 50th harmonics, THD measurement.
- Energy: Active, reactive, generated, consumed.
- Capturing and Recording of Power Supply Events: Shutdowns, interruptions, swells, dips.
- Inrush Currents: Monitoring and recording, waveform/inrush displaying, snapshot and recording.
- Power Quality Analysis: According to EN 50160.
- Temperature Measurement.
- Photo-Voltaic Inverter Efficiency Measurements.
- Power Factor, cos φ.
4.2 Performing a Measurement
- Ensure the instrument is properly connected to the electrical system to be measured. Refer to Section 3.2 for connection details.
- From the main menu, navigate to the desired measurement function (e.g., "Power Quality," "Harmonics," "Event Recording").
- Select the measurement type and configure any necessary parameters (e.g., recording interval, trigger levels).
- Initiate the measurement. The instrument will begin collecting and displaying data.
- To stop a measurement or recording, press the ESC button or follow on-screen prompts.
4.3 Data Recording and Export
The MI 2885 Master Q4 automatically records important data to the inserted microSD card. Recorded data can be reviewed on the instrument or exported for detailed analysis.
- On-Instrument Review: Navigate to the "Recorded Data" or "History" section in the menu to view past measurements and events.
- PC Software PowerView3: Connect the instrument to a PC using the provided USB, RS232, or Ethernet cable. Use the PowerView3 software to download, analyze, and generate reports from the recorded data. PowerView3 offers advanced features like data filtering, trend analysis, and graphical representation of measurements.

Figure 3: Screenshot illustrating the Metrel PowerView3 PC software interface, showing various graphs and data analysis capabilities for power quality measurements.
5. Maintenance
5.1 Cleaning
Regularly clean the instrument's casing and display with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents, as these can damage the device. Ensure the instrument is powered off and disconnected from all power sources before cleaning.
5.2 Battery Care
- Charge the NiMH batteries fully before extended storage to prolong their lifespan.
- If the instrument will not be used for a long period, remove the batteries to prevent leakage.
- Replace batteries when their performance degrades significantly. Use only recommended NiMH rechargeable batteries.
5.3 Firmware Updates
Periodically check the Metrel website or use the PowerView3 software for available firmware updates. Firmware updates can introduce new features, improve performance, or address known issues. Follow the instructions provided with the update package carefully.
6. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with the MI 2885 Master Q4. For problems not listed here, contact Metrel technical support.
6.1 Common Issues and Solutions
- Instrument does not power on:
- Ensure batteries are correctly installed and charged.
- Verify the power supply adapter is functioning if attempting to power via external source.
- No measurement readings:
- Check all measurement lead and current clamp connections for proper seating.
- Ensure the correct measurement function is selected on the instrument.
- Verify that the current clamps are correctly positioned around the conductors.
- Data not saving to microSD card:
- Ensure the microSD card is properly inserted.
- Check if the microSD card has sufficient free space.
- Try formatting the microSD card (Note: This will erase all data on the card. Back up important data first.).
- Communication issues with PC (PowerView3):
- Verify the USB, RS232, or Ethernet cable is securely connected to both the instrument and the PC.
- Ensure the correct communication port is selected in the PowerView3 software.
- Restart both the instrument and the PC.
7. Specifications
The following tables provide detailed technical specifications for the Metrel MI 2885 Master Q4 Power Quality Analyzer.
7.1 General Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Metrel |
| Model | MI 2885 Master Q4 |
| Power Source | Battery Powered (1.2 V NiMH rechargeable batteries) |
| Display | 4.3 inch color TFT (480 x 272) |
| Communication | USB, RS232, Ethernet |
| Memory | 8GB microSD, up to 32GB supported |
| Overvoltage Category | CAT IV / 600V or CAT III / 1000V |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 230 x 140 x 80 mm |
7.2 Voltage Inputs (AC+DC)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Nominal voltage range (L-N) | 1000 Vrms |
| Measuring range | 10% ... 150% of nominal voltage |
| Accuracy | 0.2% of nominal voltage |
| Sampling rate | 5 kSamples per sec @ 50/60 Hz, sync with mains freq. |
| Mains frequency range | 42.5 ... 69.0 Hz ± 10 mHz |
7.3 Current Inputs (AC+DC)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Measuring range (with A1502 clamps) | 3 ... 6000 Arms ± 1.5% of m.v. |
| Measuring range (with A1281 clamps) | 50 m ... 1200 Arms ± 0.5% of m.v. |
7.4 Functions and Accuracy
| Function | Measuring Range | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Power (P, Q, S) | Depends on voltage and selected clamps | IEC 61000-4-30 Class S (0.1%) |
| Energy | Depends on voltage and selected clamps | IEC 62053-21 Class 1, IEC 62053-23 Class 2 |
| Harmonics (DC ... 50th) @ 50/60 Hz | 0 ... 20% of nom. voltage | IEC 61000-4-7 Class 1 |
| Flicker | 0.2 ... 10 | IEC 61000-4-15 Class F3 |
| Unbalance | Voltage: 0 ... 5%, Current: 0 ... 20% | IEC 61000-4-30 Class S |
| Temperature | -10 ... +85 °C | ±0.5 °C |
| Dips, Swell | 10 ... 150% of nom. voltage | ±0.2% of nominal voltage, ±1 cycle |
| Interrupts | 0 ... 10% of nom. voltage | ±1 cycle |

Figure 4: A page from the technical specifications document, detailing various measurement parameters, ranges, and accuracies for the MI 2885 Master Q4.
8. Warranty and Support
8.1 Product Warranty
The Metrel MI 2885 Master Q4 Power Quality Analyzer comes with a 2-year (24-month) warranty from the manufacturer. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
8.2 Technical Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or service inquiries, please contact Metrel customer support. Refer to the official Metrel website for the most current contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses for your region.
Additional resources, such as FAQs, software downloads, and updated manuals, may also be available on the Metrel website: www.metrel.si





