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How To Alert on Power Module Life

During Exchange today, I had lots of conversations about the best way to know if a power module is getting low and should be replaced.

We HIGHLY reccomend NOT tracking battery voltage and setting alerts.  First, the voltage curve is not linear - its fairly flat until the very end when it drops quickly.  Second, each device uses a different about of power, so the alert levels are device dependent.

There are two alerts sent for Emerson Smart Wireless Devices - a warning, which indicates that the power module should be replaced soon and a Critical alert, which means that it should be changed immediately.  For the Rosemount Wireless products, a device will stop reading the sensor on a critical alert;  however, it will keep transmitting data for the rest of the mesh.

If you are mapping for OPC/ Modbus:

Rosemount, Vibration, Analytical Devices:  

Low Warning alert tag:  POWER_SUPPLY_CONDITIONS_OUT_OF_RANGE   (Boolean)

Critical Alert:  CRITICAL_POWER_FAILURE   (Boolean)

Fisher 4300 Series:

Low Warning Alert: BATTERY_WARNING_GETTING_LOW

Critical Alert:  CRITICAL_POWER_FAILURE

These alerts are easy to use and provide a better indication of power module status.

2 Replies

  • If you want to see how long your power module is expected to last, there is a free online tool:

    www.emersonprocess.com/smartwireless  under "Getting Started With Wireless"

  • If you need a quick Power Module replacment, the Rosemount online store has them!  Available for 3 day shipment with credit card order!

    http://store.rosemount.com/