PM7000-FLM Fault Level Monitor

Fault Level Overview

Find out:

Reduce network uncertainty with the Outram PM7000 FLM.

See the PM7000 FLM

Is it really possible to measure Fault Level?

Yes it is!

The fault level or fault current is the maximum current to flow on a network in the event of a fault.

The PM7000 FLM is an entirely original solution to determine the prospective fault level on a radial network up to 132kV by observing natural disturbances e.g. tap changes and load switching.

Working with Scottish Power Energy Networks under the Innovation Funding Initiative (IFI), Outram Research Ltd has developed, tested and validated the first ever portable Fault Level Monitor that can be connected to a live network. It can produce relatively quick results given adequate disturbances, then be moved easily to another location.

The PM7000 FLM, based on the hardware of the Power Quality Analyser, the PM7000, is available not only as a portable unit but also as a sub-station panel mount instrument and as a vital component of future Active Network Management Schemes (The Real Time Fault Level Monitor).

Please get in touch if you would like us to come and give you a CPD certified training session (1 hour) on ‘The Basics of Fault Level‘.

Prospective Fault Level Monitoring

This Free PDF Download will explain:

  • Explain how Prospective Fault Level Monitoring came about

  • Show the benefits for customers

  • Share some of the pilot and application case studies

  • Detail how customers have saved money

  • Showcases breadth of support from the Network Operators – the engineers and managers using and endorsing our technology

  • Make a wider audience aware of our world-first technology

Immediate Uses of the Outram Fault Level Monitor

  • Validate your existing models. Confirm all sources of fault current are included in your predictions.
  • Give un-modelled areas a value. Obtain fault level values for areas of the network where models don’t exist or it’s difficult to obtain them, e.g. sections of the 11kV or Low Voltage network.
  • Establish local fault level. Measure the fault level at the point of common coupling (PCC) to enable accurate assessment of the impact of harmonic emissions for Engineering Recommendations such as G5/4 and G59/2.

Benefits of measuring the Network Fault Level

  • Health and Safety: Identify unknown problems.
    Identify and manage previously unknown conditions on the network and mitigate the risk.
  • Operational: Optimise management of network interconnections.
    Find out if it’s possible to make connections where previously thought to be restricted.
  • New Connection Possibilities: Plan for additional load with more certainty.
    Better predict the effect of harmonic emissions e.g. with respect to G5/4.
  • Financial Rewards: Save money through improved regulatory performance.
    Use accurate monitoring to plan re-enforcement more effectively and remove perceived fault level issues.
  • Environmental: Let your equipment work longer.
    Help the environment and save money by not performing unnecessary infrastructure upgrades.
  • Environmental: Increase renewable generation connection.
    Measure the real impact on fault level enabling more and faster connection.

Example 3D Graph Produced by the PM7000 FLM

Example FLM 3D Graph

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“These [PM7000s] really are pucker units”

Following successful measurements using 2 of our PM7000 Power Quality Hire units…

“We captured some good stuff, these [PM7000s] really are pucker units.”

Shaun Smith, Firstfield Electrical Ltd, March 2021

 

Shaun Smith, Firstfield Electrical Ltd, March 2021
Outram PM7000FLM proved capable of reliably assessing Fault Level

The Outram PM7000FLM and associated software proved to be capable of reliably assessing / calculating fault level from both repeated low-level steps, as well as one-off larger pulses.

Rob Weller, Rina Consulting, UK Power Networks Earth Fault Level Project, March 2018
Fault Level Monitors to Validate ENWL RESPOND Project Network models

Fault level monitors – Outram fault level monitors have been installed at seven [Electricity North West] Respond [Project] sites. These monitors will validate our network model and the Fault Level Assessment Tool. Electricity North West Ltd RESPOND Project Newsletter, May 2016.

Electricity North West Ltd RESPOND Project Newsletter, May 2016.
That’s a hell of a piece of Kit!

That’s a hell of a piece of Kit!

Now I’ve seen what it can do I’m going to mention it to another customer here in the UK who I know is having trouble.”

Rob Rose, Simpson and Wood, UK Feb 2019
The Outram PM7000FLM … software made analysis of fault-current straightforward

We found the Outram PM7000FLM useful for capturing data, and its software made analysis of fault-current straightforward. Other methods of data capture can be used, but would require further development to accurately give fault level information; the area where the FLM scores is its ease of use, and also that statistical analysis is applied over the whole test period, rather than at a ‘snapshot’ of one event as our analysis. This makes it less prone to noise and other disturbances on the system.

Rob Weller, Rina Consulting, UK Power Networks Earth Fault Level Project, March 2018
I have been quite astounded at the detail the Outram Data Logger has captured.

During communications regarding the 3 PM7000TIs that Bob is managing remotely, with new data sent back to him over email every 24 hrs, he told us that he has been finding detail in the recordings he never thought he would see. “I have been quite astounded at the detail the Outram Data Logger has captured.”

Bob King, Power Phase Services, UK
….Commendable for its ease of use and portability

The Outram equipment is commendable for its ease of use and portability.

Rob Weller, Rina Consulting, UK Power Networks Earth Fault Level Project
I have used data loggers in the past… Not in the same league as the Outram equipment

Thank you for all your fantastic efforts yesterday.

I have used data loggers in the past but they were not in the same league as the Outram equipment.

Last December when Network Rail asked me to install PQ monitoring I looked at hiring a couple of [competitor] PQ monitors. I had a Network Rail Graduate alongside me and I thought it would be a good learning exercise for him. As I began to understand the railway electrification system I realised [these] were a non-starter, so when the local electricity board ‘turned the screw’ I decided to look deeper.

I discovered Outram and when I read about your collaboration with Scottish Power I immediately realised the Outram equipment was the only one to consider. From what I have seen since yesterday morning I know I was correct in contacting your company.

Bob King, Power Phase Services, UK (Contracting for Network Rail)
…PM3000 is the best product in my shop

The reason I think your PM3000 is the best product in my shop is the reliability and the software. I use 5 different brands of recorders and this one by far has been the most reliable. The software updates are great, with the 60 day reminders. The layout of the software and every single function make it simple and user friendly unlike most products.

Greg Ellis, Electrical District #3, Arizona USA, 2014
…calculation of fault level trivial in comparison to the ‘manual’ methods

The Outram equipment (and associated software) makes calculation of fault level trivial in comparison to the ‘manual’ methods.

Rob Weller, Rina Consulting, UK Power Networks Earth Fault Level Project
Bluetooth functionality with PMScreen and real time monitoring is sensational.

Thank you so much for attending to [my support query], and so quickly! Very impressed with these [PM3000] power analysers and the Bluetooth functionality with PMScreen and real time monitoring is sensational.

Euan Galbally, Operations Project Engineer - Supply Restoration, SSE.
Your kit knocks spots of the bigger manufacturers

Your kit knocks spots of the bigger manufacturers.

Andrew Williams, MD, Smart Electrical Systems, Sept 2018
It’s an amazing piece of Kit!

I certainly will be hiring another PM7000 again. It’s an amazing piece of kit!

Stuart Turner, PCAS (Power Control and Automation Solutions) Ltd, Feb 2020
By far the best project partner I have ever worked with!

Thank you for all the help and support you all gave me on the RTFLM project… It was an absolute privilege to work with you all and Outram are by far the best project partner I have ever worked with!

Cameron Scott, Innovation Engineer, UK Power Networks, 2022
The analyser did everything that we needed. We were also impressed with how quickly it got across the US.

The analyser did everything that we needed. Rob was surprised at how easily it went on.

We were also impressed with how quickly it got across the US. It was there before we even left [the UK] and we didn’t expect that to happen.

It’s a specialised subject and the support we received from Duncan was second to none.

Chris Brookes, Simpson and Wood, UK Feb 2019
It’s shown me just how much time your software is going to save me!

What you showed me this morning and what I’ve been doing this afternoon has shown me just how much time your software is going to save me!

Bob King, Power Phase Services, UK (Contracting for Network Rail)
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