Proper FitMachine installation is crucial for maximising the value you receive from the system.
A well-placed sensor can significantly enhance the accuracy and reliability of the data collected, providing you with deeper insights into the health of your equipment.
The good news? Installing your FitMachine sensors is straightforward and requires no tools 🎉
To help you achieve the best possible installation, we've outlined some essential guidelines below:
Position Radially to the Shaft of the Fixed Rotating Asset
For optimal performance, place the FitMachine on the side of your equipment. If that's not feasible, positioning it on top of the equipment is your next best option. Avoid placing the sensor on the end of the equipment.
Why? Because faults often generate forces directed radially from the shaft, and a radial location ensures that the sensor captures these critical vibrations.
Stay Close to the Source of Vibration
Positioning the sensor close to the vibration source, such as above a bearing, minimises the transmission path and enhances data quality. The closer you are to the action, the clearer the picture of your equipment’s health.
Ensure a Single Point of Contact
For the most accurate data, the mount (magnet, stud or adhesive) should be the only contact point between the FitMachine and the equipment. Multiple contact points can introduce noise into the signal, compromising the quality of your insights. Keep it simple and clean for the best results.
Secure Attachment is Key
A firm, stable connection between the FitMachine and a surface is vital for collecting accurate data. The cleaner the surface, the clearer the signal. If the FitMachine rocks or shifts, it can distort vibration data, making it challenging to get a true read on your equipment’s condition.
To test, give the FitMachine a gentle wiggle—if you feel any movement, consider relocating it to a more secure spot.
Prioritise Driven Equipment over the Motor
For the best results, we recommend installing the FitMachine on the drive end of the equipment rather than on the motor itself. This is because the equipment tends to show signs of failure earlier and more frequently due to the variety of failure modes. However, if your focus is on the motor, install the sensor on the drive end to capture valuable feedback from the connected equipment.
Below is a photo showcasing an excellent example of a well-installed FitMachine, complete with the blue MOVUS swing tag.
For an even more effective setup, ensuring your dashboard reflects your data accurately is crucial. Learn about the importance of taking high-quality photos for your dashboard and how it can enhance your equipment monitoring.
Thank you for reading! If you have any specific questions about where to place your FitMachine or need personalised advice, feel free to reach out to us at MOVUS. We’re here to help!
Looking for more tips on optimising your FitMachine setup or other related topics?
Head back to the Knowledge Base to explore our additional resources to enhance your equipment monitoring and get the most out of your MOVUS system. Dive in and keep your equipment running smoothly!