The TTRU3 API paves the way for integrated testing
While many Megger customers are very happy to use the company’s products ‘out of the box’ strictly in accordance with the user manual, there are those who are looking for rather more.
These are typically OEMs who value the functionality and performance that our instruments provide but want to be in control.
In a nutshell, they want to be able to control the instruments from their own systems and also to capture the test results automatically.
One such customer was recently looking to upgrade test facilities on a data centre solution manufacturing line. The TTRU3 three-phase transformer turns ratio tester would do the job and was competitively priced, but for this customer, automation would make or break the deal.
Fortunately, the TTRU3 is among the growing number of Megger instruments that offers a convenient customer-accessible API.
What’s that? API stands for Application Programming Interface, and it essentially provides a way for a third party to connect to a device and use their own software to access its internal functionality.
Typically, an API will provide a greater degree of access than a simple communications interface, giving the third party much more control over the device and how it operates.
A transformer turns ratio controlled by an external software
The journey with this customer started early in 2023 with a simple query, “Do you have a transformer turns ratio instrument that can be controlled by external software?”.
We offered the TTRU3, and before long, the customer’s engineers told us they wanted to know more.
We invited them to our Valley Forge factory, where they saw TTRU3 instruments undergoing final tests with our in-house test equipment that accesses them via the API.
This was enough encouragement for them to place an order that day for a single instrument for evaluation.
With a little support from us, the customer quickly found that the TTRU3 API was easy to work with and provided the level of interaction needed. An order for eight more TTRU3 instruments followed.
These have now been deployed on the production line, where they are used to check for connection, wiring and orientation problems of instrument transformers.
Avoiding problems before they make into the field
The customer has recently confirmed that the TTRU3s are identifying problems in the factory that would have previously made it into the field, where they would have been much more costly to rectify.
The moral of this story is simple.
If you’re considering the purchase of a transformer turns ratio tester for use in a production environment, don’t forget to check out the API.
First of all, make sure the instrument you’re considering actually has one, and then check that it’s flexible and straightforward to work with.
Choose wisely and you’ll get an instrument that’s easy to integrate with your production facilities; it will save you a lot of time, money and trouble while making your quality control easier and more certain.
In short, get an instrument with an API and use it – you’ll be glad you did!
