AEMC PEL 113 vs. PowerPad IV 8345: Power Logger vs. Power Quality Analyzer
Introduction
This document compares the AEMC PEL 113 Power Energy Logger and the AEMC PowerPad IV Model 8345 Power Quality Analyzer, highlighting their key differences, features, and applications in energy monitoring and power quality analysis.
The visual on the first page depicts the two devices side-by-side, with the PEL 113 on the left and the PowerPad IV 8345 on the right, separated by a "VS" graphic. The PEL 113 is shown with its monochrome display, while the PowerPad IV 8345 is shown with its larger, color touchscreen display, illustrating a key difference in user interface and capabilities.
Product Comparison Table
| Feature | AEMC PEL 113 (Power Energy Logger) | AEMC PowerPad IV Model 8345 (Power Quality Analyzer) |
|---|---|---|
| Catalog Number | 2137.64 | 2136.35 |
| Number of inputs (V/A) | 4 V / 3 A | 5 V / 4 A |
| Number of input channels (V/A) | 3 V / 4 A | 4 V / 4 A |
| Voltage - AC (Phase-to-Neutral) | 1000 V | 1000 V |
| Voltage - AC (Phase-to-Phase) | 1000 V | 2000 V |
| Voltage - DC | 1000 V | 1200 V |
| Voltage Ratio - AC | 13,000:1 (up to 650 kV) | up to 173 MV |
| Voltage Accuracy | ± 0.2% + 0.2 V | ±0.1% |
| Current AC/DC | 12,000 AAC / 5000 ADC (probe dependent) up to 25 kA - with MN193 probe in 5 A range | 10,000 AAC / 5000 ADC (probe dependent) up to 60 kA |
| Current Ratio - AC | (42.5 to 69) Hz (50/60) Hz, (340 to 460) Hz (400 Hz), DC | (42.5 to 69) Hz, DC |
| Frequency | Orders 0 to 50 for Voltage and Current (each phase) | Orders 0 to 127 (plus inter-harmonics 0 to 126) |
| Harmonics Recorded | W, VA, var | W, VA, var, VAD |
| Power Units Recorded | Wh, VAh, varh | Wh, VAh, varh, VADh |
| Energy Units Recorded | PF, DPF(cos φ), tan Φ, CF, THD-F (V,I), F(Hz) | PF, DPF, cos φ, tan φ, CF, FHL, K factor, THD-f (V,I), THD-r (V,I), Distorting RMS values, Pst, Plt, F(Hz) |
| Other Parameters Recorded | 17 | 25 |
| # Of Distribution Systems | No | Yes |
| Transient Detection | No | Yes |
| InRush® Capture | Yes | Yes (20,000+ of 40 types) |
| Alarm Mode | 200 mS to 60 min (2 fixed and 12 selectable options) | 200 mS to 2 hrs (19 options) |
| Aggregations (User Selectable) | Yes - using DataView® Software (Included) or the PEL App for Android™ Devices (Google® Play) | Yes - directly on display, through DataView® Software (Included), or Web Server |
| Phasor (Fresnel) Diagram | SD card - 8 GB Shipped (SD-HC up to 32 GB upgradeable) | Limited by SD card size |
| Storage Of Recordings | USB, Ethernet/Wi-Fi LAN, Ethernet/Wi-Fi Direct, DataViewSync® | USB, Ethernet/Wi-Fi LAN, Ethernet/Wi-Fi Direct, DataViewSync®, Web Server |
| Communications | Yes - DataView® Included | Yes - DataView® Included |
| Software | Yes - Backlit LCD Monochrome | 7 in color LCD touch screen: 800 x 480 (WVGA) |
| Display | Yes - with optional 600 V power adapter | Power from phase from 100 to 1000 VAC/DC with external supply block (Included) |
| Powered From Phase | Line Power with internal NiMH battery pack | External adapter with Li-ion battery pack |
| Power Source | NiMH Battery Pack (8.4 V) ~1 hour | Li-ion Battery (10.9 V) ~ 10 hours (with display off) or 6 hours (with display on) |
| Battery Backup For Ride-Through | 600 V CAT IV, 1000 V CAT III | 1000 V CAT IV |
| Electrical Safety | No | Yes |
| Screenshots | IP 54 | IP 54 |
| Protection | (10.08 x 4.92 x 1.46) in (256 x 125 x 37) mm | (7.87 x 11.22 x 2.17) in (200 x 285 x 55) mm |
| Dimensions | 2.2 lb (1 kg) | 4.19 lb (1.9 kg) |
| Weight | 2 years | 2 years; extended to 3 years if registered |
| Warranty | ||
| Current Probes | 200 mA to 12,000 AAC @ (50/60) Hz (Ranges reduced by 50% at 400 Hz) 1 A to 1200 AAC 500 mA to 240 AAC N/A 5 mA to 6 A (5 A), 200 mA to 120 AAC (100 A) 1 A to 1000 AAC/1300 ADC 50 mA to 10 AAC/DC (10A), 5 A to 100 AAC/DC (100 A) 50 mA to 10 AAC (10 A), 50mA to 100 AAC (100 A) |
AmpFlex & MiniFlex (AC only) SR193 (AC only) MN93 (AC only) MN94 (AC Only) MN193 (AC Only) (dual range) MR193 (AC/DC) SL261 (AC/DC) (dual range) E94 (AC/DC) (dual range) |
Key Differences & Advantages
Primary Function and Use Case
PEL 113: Designed primarily for long-term energy monitoring and energy audits. These loggers focus on recording power consumption and energy data over extended periods, making them ideal for energy efficiency projects and utility monitoring.
PowerPad® IV Model 8345: Built for detailed power quality analysis. It focuses on diagnosing electrical disturbances, power quality issues (like transients, harmonics, voltage sags/swells), and system performance in real-time. This makes it better for troubleshooting and compliance with power quality standards like IEC 61000-4-30.
Display and User Interface
PEL 113: Features a monochrome display for simple on-site checks.
PowerPad® IV 8345: Equipped with a large 7-inch full-color touchscreen, the Model 8345 enables real-time analysis and visualization of waveforms, harmonic bar graphs, phasor diagrams, and more. It also offers 19 selectable aggregation options, surpassing the 12 provided by the PELs, and includes 40 alarm modes capable of storing over 20,000 triggered events per alarm recording. The visual feedback and interaction capabilities are far superior on the Model 8345.
Measurement Capabilities
PEL 113: Measures parameters such as voltage, current, power (active, reactive, apparent), energy, harmonics, and power factor, suitable for energy logging.
PowerPad® IV 8345: Measures the same basic parameters of the PEL 113 but offers a more precise voltage accuracy of +/- of 1%. It can measure on a greater number of distribution systems and measures a wider range of parameters including transients, inrush current, flicker, voltage dips, swells, and interruptions, along with detailed harmonic analysis up to the 127th order (plus inter-harmonics 0 to 126). It can capture and analyze waveforms and detect shock waves of up to 12 kV.
Data Logging vs. Real-Time Power Quality
PEL 113: Primarily focused on continuous data logging for energy monitoring with long-term trend analysis.
PowerPad® IV 8345: Not only does it log data, but it also provides real-time insights and detailed event capture like transients, allowing for immediate troubleshooting. The Model 8345 is designed to provide deeper diagnostics for power quality events as they occur.
Power Quality Standards and Compliance
PEL 113: Focus on basic energy metrics and does not provide detailed compliance with power quality standards.
PowerPad® IV 8345: Complies with IEC 61000-4-30, Class A, meaning it meets strict international standards for power quality measurement and is ideal for power quality studies that require compliance with these standards.
Connectivity and Communication
PEL 113: With multiple connectivity options including USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and remote access with DataViewSync™, these loggers enable remote monitoring and data-driven decision-making, ensuring smarter energy management and long-term savings.
PowerPad® IV 8345: In addition to USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, it also supports remote control via PC, tablet, or smartphone, which allows for real-time remote monitoring and control with DataViewSync®, making it more versatile for fieldwork.
Battery and Power Supply
PEL 113: Can be powered via 120 VAC supply line cord, power line adapter (CAT #2137.90) or internal battery, suitable for long-duration logging.
PowerPad® IV 8345: Similarly using its AC adapter/power supply, power line adapter (built into the AC adapter), or internal Li-ion rechargeable battery (provides up to 8 hours recording time).
Summary
In summary, the PEL 113 is better for long-term, large-scale energy consumption monitoring, while the PowerPad® IV 8345 excels in real-time power quality analysis with advanced diagnostic tools for compliance and troubleshooting power disturbances. If precise, real-time diagnostics and compliance with power quality standards are required, the PowerPad® IV 8345 offers a more advanced solution.
