---
title: "Show Us The Data"
url: "https://3dfs.com/articles/show-us-the-data"
description: "Readings from a Tektronix PA4000 power analyzer at a North Carolina three-phase facility as the VectorQ2 switched into correction mode in February 2014."
updated: "2026-10-15"
---

# Show Us The Data

> Readings from a Tektronix PA4000 power analyzer at a North Carolina three-phase facility as the VectorQ2 switched into correction mode in February 2014.

The performance claims of 3DFS Technology have been met with some skepticism, so as a teaser, here is some data of a North Carolina 3 phase facility’s electrical network at the point in the time (05:45) when the [Vector Q2](https://3dfs.com/products/vectorq2) was turned into its correction mode. The data provided was gathered by a Tektronix PA4000 power analyzer – overseen and verified by a Tektronix senior field Engineer and shows the readings as the 3DFS device went to work. The data speaks for itself and will hopefully spark more skepticism due its mesmerizing content.

This is a thermal image of the Vector Q2 connected in parallel to the main breaker panel – obtained with a thermal imager.

![Thermal image of the VectorQ2 at the main breaker panel](https://3dfs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/fluke.jpg)

Below are graphs from the data of the PA4000 power analyzer – captured on the 10th of February 2014 at 15:05:39

## Root-Mean-Square Current ![rms](https://3dfs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/rms.gif)

### Root-Mean-Square Voltage ![voltage](https://3dfs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/voltage.gif)

#### Watts

![va](https://3dfs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/va.gif)

#### Power Factor

![pf](https://3dfs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/pf.gif)

#### Volt-ampere

![va](https://3dfs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/va.gif)

#### Volt-ampere Reactive

![var](https://3dfs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/var.png)

### [Download the PDF: PA4000-TestData](https://3dfs.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/PA400-TestData.pdf)

## Reading a before-and-after capture

The [Glossary](https://3dfs.com/glossary) defines a true-RMS meter as one that computes rms from the sampled waveform rather than inferring it from the average. Average-sensing instruments read a distorted or pulsed current low.

Read true power factor, not displacement power factor. If the two differ, the problem is the shape of the current, and a capacitor bank will not fix it. The [Power Factor](https://3dfs.com/technology/power-factor) article splits the two parts: timing and shape.

Expect apparent power, current and reactive power to fall with correction on. Expect the active power at the connection to include the controller’s own draw. The change sits upstream of the panel. The branch circuits from the panel to the loads carry the same current as before, as the [Electric Optimization](https://3dfs.com/technology/electric-optimization) article notes.

## Evidence a third party can check

The [SDE Summary](https://3dfs.com/technology/sde-summary) cites a test that Deloitte and Touche reported, and offers its capture and method on request. We would rather somebody independent read it than have anyone take our word. We also recommend that a third party collect the baseline.

## Where this stands today

The [VectorQ2](https://3dfs.com/products/vectorq2) pilot starts with a network analysis on site. A written baseline report records what we measured, with which instruments and when. The pilot closes on an instrumented result, good or bad. That result names who measured it and on what date. The [Press and Case Studies](https://3dfs.com/press-proof) page keeps our case studies with the papers behind them.

### Related reading

- [Power Quality Risk Analysis](https://3dfs.com/technology/pqra): turns waveform recordings into power quality decisions

- [Request a site analysis](https://3dfs.com/site-analysis): an engineer replies with what we would measure first

- [Voltage Stability](https://3dfs.com/technology/voltage-stability): correct current, voltage follows