This article will explain the best practice for FitMachine installation in general terms. If you want to discuss with us a specific case about where to place a FitMachine, please contact us here.
FitMachine installation is important as you will get more value from the system with a well placed FitMachine on each of your equipment.
However, installing your FitMachine sensors is very easy and requires no tools. Just find a nice flat surface on your equipment and attach using the magnet on the base. To ensure the best possible installation, some guidlines are provided below to help you.
1. Single Point of Contact
Make sure the magnet is the only point of contact between the FitMachine and the equipment to receive the best data and insights into the health of your equipment. Always avoid multiple points of contact where possible, as it will introduce noise into the signal.
2. Secure Attachment
Be sure to check the FitMachine is mounted securely on a flat surface to receive clear and accurate data. The cleaner the surface, the better.
If the FitMachine rocks around when installed it will introduce a lot of noise to vibration data making it very difficult to provide an accurate picture of the health of your equipment. Test this by giving the FitMachine a gentle wiggle in a couple of different directions and feeling for a small rocking movement and relocate the FitMachine where necessary.
3. Upright Rotation
Due to the location of the antenna inside the sensor, rotate the FitMachine so the label is facing upright so the sensors have the best opportunity to communicate via WIFI. The photo below is an excellent example of a well installed FitMachine with the blue MOVUS swing tag.
4. Optimal Location
To get the most out of your FitMachines, MOVUS suggests installing the sensors on the drive end of the equipment rather than the paired motor. This is because the equipment the motors are coupled to generally show signs of failure earlier and more often due to an increased number of failures modes.
However, if the motor is the asset you're interested in, MOVUS suggests installing on the drive end to gather as much feedback from the coupled equipment as possible.
It is also recommended your FitMachines are located:
- Radial to the shaft of the fixed rotating asset (i.e. on the top or side of the shaft - not on the end), and
- Close to the vibration, as this improves data quality.
Thanks for reading. As always, if you have any questions, please contact MOVUS Support here.