Extech 380820 can't do rated power

[Phaedrus]

We use an Extech 380820 power analyzer for efficiency and PFC measurements in our power supply test lab. It's been nothing but trouble.

It failed on us about a month ago when we tested a power supply that failed shorted. The analyzer lost all display on its front panel, but still showed voltage on its 115VAC pass-thru outlet. Fuse checked good. Sent it in for repair. It took two weeks to get it back; when we did the repair notes simply said "regular maintenance". It worked fine though.

Skip to today. I was testing a 1300W power supply at 1230W load, AC draw around 1450VA. Keep in mind this analyzer is rated for 2kVA. I shut the PSU off to attach an additional cable to reduce output voltage drop. The unit refused to turn back on. After troubleshooting a bit, I found the failure point: the Extech power analyzer, which had the same no display condition, but also now refused to conduct on the AC pass-thru! I disassembled it, tested the fuse OK, and found no obvious damage.


Why did this piece of crap fail over 500VA below its rating? Why does it not have user-replaceable output protection fuses to protect it from shorts? Why, in short, does it keep failing under conditions that every other power meter I've worked with just shrugs off?

[envisionelec]

According to the manual, it's 1100VA at 110V input and 2kVA at 220V input.

[TerminalJack505]

Doh!  Sounds like one of those error code ID 10T issues.  I've had plenty of those.