EQ Wave Installation

Safety Requirements

Critical Safety Information

Qualified Personnel:

• Electrical contractor license (where required by local jurisdiction)
• Experience with 3-phase power systems up to 600V
• Knowledge of power measurement equipment
• Understanding of NFPA 70E arc flash and electrical safety standards

De-Energization Requirements:

• De-energize all circuits using proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures before making electrical connections
• Follow NFPA 70E or equivalent electrical safety standards
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE):
  • Arc-rated clothing (minimum 8 cal/cm² where required)
  • Arc-rated face shield (if working on energized circuits)
  • Insulated gloves rated for working voltage
  • Safety glasses and hard hat (where required)

Voltage and Power Limits:

• Voltage measurement inputs (V0-V3): 600V RMS maximum (designed to IEC 61010-2-030 CAT III, PD 2, ≤2000m)
• AC power supply terminals (L/L1, N/L2): 528V AC maximum, OVC III
• For systems above 600V line-to-ground, use appropriate potential transformers (PTs)
• For AC power above 528V, use external DC power supply

Installation Environment:

• Operating temperature: -40°C to +70°C
• Install in electrical enclosure or panel providing appropriate environmental protection
• Maintain clearances per local electrical code requirements

Package Contents

EQ Wave Device Unit:

• Device with serial number EQW-_________ (record for support reference)
• Mounting hardware (one option, as specified when ordering):
  • 3M Dual Lock adhesive strips (standard)
  • DIN rail clips (35mm rail, IEC 60715)
  • Magnets for ferrous surfaces
• USB power cable (for benchtop testing and configuration)

Communications:

• 2.2mm duplex POF (plastic optical fiber) cable (default 2m length; custom lengths available)
• Media converter (Firecomms FY-ENT-KSU)
• Media converter USB power cable
• Media converter USB power supply (5V, 0.5A)
• POF cutting tool
• Cat5e Ethernet patch cable (RJ45, for media converter to gateway connection)

Installation Materials:

• Self-adhesive cable identification labels
• Alcohol prep pad (surface preparation for adhesive mounting)

Accessories: Additional POF cable and media converter kits (FF-FYENT-KSU, includes media converter, USB power cable, USB power supply, POF cutting tool, and Cat5e patch cable) are available from FiberFin in North America.

Note: The EQ Wave requires a host computer for data collection and configuration. This can be the EQ Gateway (sold as a separate option) or a customer-supplied computer. See Deployment Options for details.

Connection Guide

Step 1: Mount the Device

Mounting Method (as supplied with your kit):

3M Dual Lock Adhesive (standard):

1. Clean mounting surface with alcohol prep pad; allow 15 seconds to dry
2. Peel protective backing from adhesive strips (pre-applied to sensor enclosure)
3. Position sensor and press firmly for 30 seconds

DIN Rail Clips:

1. Hook bottom edge of clip onto DIN rail (35mm per IEC 60715)
2. Lift the device upwards to compress the springs while bringing the top edge of the clip over the top of the rail
3. Release the device, then check that it is secure by pulling downwards and tilting side to side slightly

Magnetic Mounting:

1. Ensure ferrous mounting surface is clean and flat
2. Position sensor; magnets hold securely on contact
3. Verify mounting by attempting to slide sensor (should resist movement)

Clearance Requirements:

• Minimum 25mm clearance on all sides for convective cooling
• Do not obstruct optical fiber connector or terminal access
• Mounting surface temperature must remain within -40°C to +70°C range

Step 2: Connect Voltage Measurement Inputs

Voltage Input Terminals (Weidmüller Omnimate 4.0 push-in plug, 7.5 mm pitch, 12–20 AWG; header 8000078318, plug 8000078357):

Voltage Measurement Specifications:

• Maximum input voltage: 600V RMS between any two voltage terminals (designed to IEC 61010-1 CAT III)
• Maximum voltage, any voltage terminal to earth: 600V RMS. The whole voltage input section is galvanically isolated, so V0 does not have to sit near earth potential — see Choosing the V0 Reference
• Input impedance: 4 MΩ per channel (V1/V2/V3 referenced to V0)
• No resistive path to earth from any voltage terminal. The dividers reference V0, not chassis or earth
• For systems above 600V: Use potential transformers (PTs) and connect sensor to PT secondaries

Connection Procedure:

1. Strip wire ends 7–8 mm
2. Push stripped wire into the connector until it clicks (no tools required, even for stranded wire without ferrules)
3. Confirm the green visual indicator has popped out on each terminal
4. To release a wire, lift the lever to open the contact
5. Apply terminal identification labels to facilitate future maintenance

Wire Routing:

• Route voltage wiring separately from current sensor wiring where practical

Voltage Connections by System Type

The datasheet shows typical connection diagrams. The following notes cover topology-specific wiring details.

4-Wire Wye Systems (3-Phase with Neutral)

• Voltage Connections: Connect neutral to V0, lines to V1, V2, V3
• Power Supply: Connect L/L1 to L1 terminal, N to N/L2 terminal
• Wiring Recommendation: Use separate wires for AC power supply and voltage measurement to avoid spurious readings from the ~3W power draw

3-Wire Delta Systems

• Voltage Connections: Connect L1 to V1, L2 to both V0 and V2, L3 to V3
• Firmware Configuration: Contact EQ to update firmware for L-L measurement reporting

Split-Phase Systems (2-Phase with Neutral)

• Voltage Connections: Connect neutral to V0, lines to V1 and V2 (leave V3 unused)
• Configuration: Similar to 4-wire Wye but with only two active phases
• Typical Applications: North American residential 240V/120V systems

Single-Phase Systems

• With Neutral Available: Connect neutral to V0, line to V1 (leave V2, V3 unused)
• Without Neutral (2-Wire): Connect L1 to V1, L2 to V0 (like Delta configuration without third wire)

Choosing the V0 Reference

V0 is the measurement reference, not a safety earth. The entire voltage input section — dividers, isolation amplifiers, and their supply — is galvanically isolated from the sensor’s low-voltage section, the DC terminals, and the enclosure. V0 may therefore sit anywhere within 600V RMS of earth, continuously, including at full line potential. The delta wiring above puts V0 on L2 for exactly this reason.

This is a design property with practical consequences, and the right choice of reference depends on what you need to measure.

Ungrounded (IT) and High-Resistance-Grounded Systems

Ungrounded and high-resistance-grounded systems are built so that a single ground fault does not shut the process down. The fault is alarmed and left in place until it can be located, which may take hours or days. Hospital isolated-power branches, ships, mining, and many industrial 480V distributions work this way.

During that time the system neutral is displaced toward earth potential: the faulted phase sits near earth and the healthy phases rise to line-to-line voltage above it. The EQ Wave keeps measuring through this condition — its voltage reference is free to move with the system rather than being tied near earth.

Two configurations are available, and they trade against each other:

Reference on neutral or a phase (recommended default). The voltage inputs present no resistive path to earth at all. The sensor cannot partially ground the system it is monitoring, and it adds nothing to the system’s hazard-current budget. This is the configuration to use where preserving the ungrounded property matters. It does not, however, reveal a ground fault, because phase-to-neutral voltages are unchanged by one.

Reference on earth/PE. Connect V0 to protective earth and V1/V2/V3 to the phases. The sensor then reads phase-to-earth voltage directly, so a ground fault is visible as it happens: the faulted phase collapses toward zero while the healthy phases rise toward line-to-line. This turns the EQ Wave into a continuous ground-fault and neutral-displacement recorder with full waveform capture of the event.

Step 3: Connect Current Measurement Inputs

Current Input Terminals (Weidmüller Omnimate 4.0 push-in plug, 5.0 mm pitch, 12–20 AWG; header 8000072456, plug 2741750000):

Current Sensor Installation:

1. Install current sensors on conductors with arrow or directional marking pointing toward the source (or as indicated)
2. Verify current sensor ratio matches the expected load current (e.g., 100A sensor for 80A maximum load)
3. Secure current sensor to conductor per manufacturer specifications
4. Route current sensor cables separately from high-voltage wiring
5. Push sensor wires into connectors until they click (observing polarity)
6. Confirm the green visual indicator has popped out on each terminal

Polarity:

• Correct polarity is critical for accurate power measurement; reversed polarity will show negative power for consuming loads
• If polarity is reversed, physically swap the connections at the terminal

Wire Colors:

• Shown are typical for Socomec Accu-CT and similar transducers
• Always verify wiring per your specific current sensor manufacturer’s documentation

Step 4: Apply Power

Power Input Terminals (same connector as voltage inputs, 7.5 mm pitch push-in, 12–20 AWG):

AC Power Option (85–528V AC, 50/60 Hz):

Overvoltage category: OVC III. The supply is internally fused (2A time-delay, 600V) on the L/L1 leg. Reversing the two terminals does not create a hazard — the isolated supply is Class II with no earth reference, and the fuse interrupts the series loop from either leg — but where the system has an identifiable neutral, landing the line on L/L1 leaves the fuse in the conductor that carries the fault.

• Reference-agnostic design supports line-to-neutral or line-to-line configurations
• Common voltages: 100V (Japan), 120V (North America), 230V (Europe), 277V (commercial L-N), 480V (industrial L-L)
• Maximum input: 528V AC
• For systems above 528V AC: Use external DC power supply
• Power consumption: 2.7W typical, AC-powered

DC Output (when AC powered, same connector as current inputs, 5.0 mm pitch push-in):

• Terminals VDC+/VDC- provide regulated DC output for auxiliary devices
• Default output: 12V DC at up to 1W (custom voltages available when specified at ordering)
• Typical use: Powering Rogowski coil signal conditioners, transmitters, or indicator lights

DC Power Option (4.5–48V DC on v1.3, same connector as current inputs, 5.0 mm pitch push-in):

• Wide input range (4.5–48V on v1.3) accommodates automotive (12V), industrial (24V) and telecom (48V) DC sources
• Reverse polarity protected
• Power consumption: 2.4W typical
• Recommended: Connect VDC- to earth ground for optimal signal quality and noise immunity

USB power cable connected to DC input for benchtop testing

The included USB power cable provides a convenient 5V DC source for benchtop testing and configuration without requiring AC mains or an external DC supply. The USB cable connects to the VDC+/VDC- terminals.

Grounding and Bonding

Chassis Ground:

• Connect sensor enclosure to facility earth ground per local electrical code
• Recommended wire: 12 AWG minimum copper conductor
• Verify continuity to main ground bus with multimeter
• Proper grounding ensures optimal signal quality and noise immunity

Signal Grounds:

• All measurement circuits are isolated from chassis
• VDC− is the sensor’s system signal ground, not just the return for the DC power option. It is the reference for the entire low-voltage section, including the current inputs. Bond it to earth whether the sensor is AC- or DC-powered; on AC-powered units it is the same terminal, on the current-input connector.
• Avoid ground loops through current sensor shields

No ground leakage from the voltage inputs:

Most power quality meters reference their voltage inputs to their own chassis ground, which is bonded to earth. Their input dividers are therefore a permanent resistive path from each measured phase to earth, and that path is a condition of their safe operation — the instrument depends on its reference staying near earth potential.

The EQ Wave does not work this way. The voltage dividers reference V0 only, and the whole voltage section sits behind a galvanic barrier. Unless you deliberately connect V0 to earth, there is no resistive path from any measured conductor to earth through this sensor — only the barrier’s capacitance, on the order of picofarads.

Two things follow, and both matter more in ungrounded and impedance-grounded systems than in solidly grounded ones:

• The sensor does not inject measurement current into the earth system, and does not appear in the facility’s leakage or hazard-current budget.
• The sensor cannot partially ground a system that was deliberately left ungrounded. See Choosing the V0 Reference for the earth-referenced case, where this is traded away on purpose in exchange for ground-fault visibility.

LED Status Indicators:

After applying power, observe the LED indicators on the device enclosure. The red and green indicators report different things: red is startup progress, green is the optical link.

• Startup: Both red LEDs light, then go out within a few seconds
• LINK LED: Turns solid green when fiber optic link is established with endpoint
• ACT LED: Turns solid green when actively transmitting data
• Fault condition: One or both red LEDs remain lit. How many are still lit indicates how far startup got — see Troubleshooting Guide

Step 5: Connect Plastic Optical Fiber (POF)

POF Cable Preparation (if not supplied with pre-installed connectors):

1. Cut cable end: Use the supplied POF cutting tool to make a clean, perpendicular cut
2. Separate duplex fibers: Split the webbing 10–15mm from the cut end to separate the two fiber strands
3. Verify clean ends: Inspect fiber ends; cuts must be smooth and perpendicular, free from debris

Connect to EQ Wave Device:

1. Unlock OptoLock® connector (Firecomms): Pull retainer clip outward to open position
2. Insert fiber strands: Push both prepared fiber ends fully into the OptoLock receptacle until seated
3. Lock connector: Press retainer clip back to closed position to secure fibers
4. Verify insertion: Fibers should be firmly held and not pull out with gentle tugging

Route POF Cable:

• Route cable from sensor location (inside electrical panel) to media converter location (typically outside panel), up to 100 m
• Minimum bend radius: 25mm (do not create sharp bends or kinks)
• Avoid routing near sharp edges that could damage fiber
• Secure cable with tie-wraps or cable clamps every 300–500mm along routing path

Connect to Media Converter:

1. Repeat OptoLock connection procedure at media converter end
2. Match transmit/receive fibers (if devices are powered, illuminated fiber connects to dark port, dark fiber to illuminated port)

Power Media Converter:

• Recommended (simpler): Connect media converter USB power cable to EQ Gateway USB port
• Alternative: Connect to included USB power supply and plug into mains power

Verify Optical Link:

After connecting fiber and powering media converter:

• EQ Wave sensor: LINK LED turns solid green, ACT LED turns green when data transfer is active
• Media converter: Both amber and green LEDs illuminated
• If link does not establish, see Troubleshooting section

Close Electrical Panel:

Once LED status confirms successful link establishment, reinstall panel cover and secure per local electrical code requirements.

Data Access and Configuration

With EQ Coherence (Recommended)

EQ Coherence records all data locally and provides REST API and WebSocket access. EQ Sight provides real-time visualization of waveforms, power metrics, and harmonics. Data can be exported using the equser Python package. Additional protocol support for SCADA/BMS integration is available upon request.

Setup: Refer to the Gateway Overview for setup procedures.

Direct Network Access (Advanced Integration)

For custom applications requiring direct sensor communication:

Network Configuration:

• IP address: 192.168.10.10 (fixed)
• Subnet: 255.255.255.0
• Connect to sensor network via media converter and Ethernet

Data Protocols:

• CPOW: TCP port 1534 — real-time high-resolution waveform streaming
• Metrics: TCP port 1535 — 10 or 12 cycle aggregated measurements

Documentation:

• API specifications and programming examples available from support@eq.systems
• See Data Access Guide for protocol details and sample code

Verification Checklist

After completing installation, verify system operation through EQ Sight or direct network access.

Physical Installation Verification

• Device securely mounted with adequate clearance (25mm minimum all sides)
• All voltage and current measurement wires fully seated in push-in connectors
• Power connection secure (AC or DC, not both)
• POF cable connected at both ends (sensor and media converter)
• POF cable routing has no sharp bends (25mm minimum radius)
• Terminal identification labels applied for future reference
• Electrical panel cover reinstalled and secured

LED Status Verification

• LINK LED solid green (optical link established)
• ACT LED solid green (sensor active and transmitting data)
• Media converter LEDs illuminated (both amber and green)

Voltage Measurement Verification

• All phase voltages displayed and within ±5% of nominal system voltage
• Phase-to-phase voltages balanced (within 2% of each other for symmetrical systems)
• Phase sequence correct (A→B→C rotation, 120° phase separation for 3-phase systems)
• Voltage reference (V0) reading appropriate for system configuration

Current Measurement Verification

• All phase currents displaying reasonable magnitudes for connected load
• Current magnitudes balanced (within expected range for load configuration)
• Active power (kW) positive for all phases (consuming load) or as expected for generation
• Power factor values reasonable for load type
• Current sensor polarity correct on all phases (reverse polarity if power shows negative for consuming loads)

Network Communication Verification

• Gateway can communicate with sensor (web interface shows live data)
• Data updating in real-time (waveforms refreshing, values changing with load)
• No communication errors or timeout messages
• Network link stable over 5–10 minute observation period

Troubleshooting

For comprehensive troubleshooting beyond installation issues, see the Troubleshooting Guide.

Common Installation Issues

Both LEDs Off - No Power

Symptoms: LEDs completely dark, no startup flash.

Diagnostic Steps:

1. Verify power source is energized (measure voltage at source)
2. Check terminal connections for proper seating (pull gently to confirm)
3. Verify correct power type (AC or DC, not both)
4. For AC power: Verify voltage within 85–528V range
5. For DC power: Verify voltage within the range for your revision (4.5–48V on v1.3, 4.5–36V on v1.2) and correct polarity

Solutions:

• Verify power supply voltage and re-check terminal connections
• Ensure power source circuit breaker is closed
• For DC power: Verify polarity (VDC+ positive, VDC- negative)
• If power verified at terminals but sensor not operating, contact support@eq.systems

Red LEDs Remain Lit - Fault Condition

Symptoms: One or both red LEDs are still lit a minute after power-on. On a healthy unit they light at power-on and go out within a few seconds. How many remain lit indicates how far startup got — see the Troubleshooting Guide for the LED reference.

Diagnostic Steps:

1. Check all measurement input connections for proper seating (visual only — do not unplug)
2. Verify no short circuits or over-voltage conditions on measurement inputs
3. De-energize per lockout/tagout, wait 10 seconds, then re-energize
4. Check for visible damage to sensor enclosure or terminals

Solutions:

• Verify all terminal connections are fully seated
• To isolate the fault, de-energize per lockout/tagout, then disconnect measurement inputs
• If fault persists with no connections, contact support@eq.systems for RMA

LEDs Not Green - No Optical Link

Symptoms: ACT LED solid green, but LINK LED not solid green.

Diagnostic Steps:

1. Verify media converter has power (LEDs illuminated)
2. Check POF cable connections at both ends (sensor and media converter)
3. Inspect fiber ends for contamination or damage
4. Verify cable routing has no sharp bends or pinch points

Solutions:

• Remove and reconnect POF cable at both ends, ensure full insertion
• Clean fiber ends with isopropyl alcohol if contaminated
• Re-cut fiber ends if damaged or poorly prepared
• Try swapping transmit/receive fibers at media converter
• If link cannot be established, refer to EQ Gateway troubleshooting documentation or contact support@eq.systems

Negative Power Readings - Current Sensor Polarity Reversed

Symptoms: Active power (kW) shows negative for consuming loads on one or more phases.

Solutions:

• Recommended: Correct polarity via EQ Gateway software configuration (no rewiring required)
• Alternative: Physically reverse current sensor connections for affected phase (swap + and - terminals)

Incorrect Phase Sequence

Symptoms: Phase rotation displays as A→C→B instead of A→B→C, or phases are misidentified.

Solutions:

• Recommended: Correct phase mapping via EQ Gateway software configuration
• Alternative: Verify and correct voltage input wiring to match actual system phases

Technical Specifications

For complete technical specifications, see the EQ Wave v1 Datasheet (PDF).