milliAmp Loop Diagnostic Calibrator PIE 434 | find hidden loop problems

Do More with the Evolutionary PIE 434 – Find Hidden Loop Problems!

• Calibrate Milliamp Instruments
  Source 0.000 to 24.000 mA & -25.00 to 125.00% of 4-20 mA
  Read 0.000 to 24.000 mA & -25.00 to 125.00% of 4-20 mA
  Read -60.00 to +60.00 VDC
  Simulate 2-Wire Transmitter, Power & Read Transmitters
  Menu Selectable 250 Ohm resistor for HART compatibility
• Calibrate with Lab Accuracy
  Accurate to ±(0.01% of Reading + 0.002 mA)
  PIE 434 is more accurate than similar calibrators – within ±0.004 mA at 20 mA output!
• Easy-to-Read Backlit Display
• Locate Loop Current Leakages
  Automatic indication of Loop Current and Leakage Current. Measure ground current leakage from faulty wiring, flooded conduit and corrosion bridges. Leakage typically appears as a Zero Shift and helps you decide if the transmitter needs calibration or if there is a problem in the loop wiring.
• Faster Calibrations
  Three output EZ-CHECK switch
  2 speed EZ-DIAL
  Stepping & Ramping
• Includes Rubber Boot, Deluxe Hands Free Carrying Case & Test Leads
• Optional Accessories
  AC Adaptor 120 V (020-0101); 240 V (020-0100)
  NiMh Batteries & Charger 120 VAC/12V DC (020-0103)
  Magnetic hanging strap(020-0236)

Find Hidden Loop Problems with Ground Leak Detection

If you find a loop where the transmitter is calibrated correctly but all the readings elsewhere in the loop have a fixed offset this is due to a Zero Shift. This zero shift is typically caused by some current in the loop bypassing the transmitter. This might be caused by ground faults, moisture or corrosion.

Turn on Ground Leak Detection and use the PIE 434 to power up the loop. Any current that isn’t controlled by the transmitter or other current control element will be indicated as leakage on the calibrator’s display.

Typical problem found with Loop Diagnostics

Here is a loop where a technician has just recalibrated the transmitter but the control room still sees a problem. The problem started just after a rainstorm.

Using a PIE 434 to power the loop the technician detects a leakage of 0.51 mA – the same offset seen in the control room. He walks the loop and opens a junction box releasing a stream of water. The loop is again in control. Clink on the link below to see a video demonstation of Loop Diagnostics in action.

Advantages of the PIE 434 Automated Diagnostic Calibrator over the Altek 434 Milliamp Calibrator

• Larger Display with Backlight
  Easy viewing in dark locations
• Easy selection of 250 Ω Hart Compatible Resistor
  No disassembly to move internal jumper
• Find Loop Current Leakages
  Measure ground current leakage from faulty wiring, flooded conduit and corrosion bridges. Leakage appears as a Zero Shift and helps you decide if the transmitter needs calibration or if there is some problem in the loop wiring.
• More Resistant to Accidental Damage
  Rubber Boot and Stronger Switches
• Less Expensive Battery Changes
  Four versus six “AA” batteries
• Includes Certificate of Calibration
  All PIE Calibrators come with a free signed and dated certificate. Altek’s come only with an unsigned Statement of Calibration Practices with a certificate of calibration available for an extra charge.