Overview
The Electrocorder DC-3VA is a DC voltage, current and energy data logger for PV arrays, battery systems, charging circuits, DC supplies, traction systems, telecoms circuits and other DC installations.
Use it when you need DC voltage and DC current together, so the behaviour of a DC system can be reviewed over time. The DC-3VA records up to two DC voltage channels with respect to 0 V or ground and one DC current channel using the selected current probe range.
Best for:
- DC voltage and current monitoring.
- PV array voltage/current checks.
- Battery, charger and DC power supply investigations.
- DC traction, telecoms, motor and generator systems.
- Energy and load studies where DC current is needed as well as voltage.
Consider another model if:
- You only need DC voltage on up to three channels, where the DC-3V-RS may be simpler.
- You need solar irradiance and PV output together, where the PV-3 may be more appropriate.
- You only need solar irradiance, where the SR-1R may be simpler.
What you get:
- DC-3VA logger in the smaller 190 x 120 x 60 mm enclosure.
- DC current sensor, three voltage leads, USB lead, 12 Vdc power supply, carry case, batteries, user instructions and free Electrosoft analysis software.
- Selectable DC current probe ranges for different DC monitoring requirements.
Set up the logger in Electrosoft, connect the voltage leads and current sensor to the DC system being monitored, then start recording. When enough data has been captured, disconnect the logger, connect it to a PC by USB and use Electrosoft to view, save, export and report on the results.
Applications
Typical applications: The DC-3VA is intended for DC systems where voltage and current need to be understood together.
What the DC-3VA records:
- One or two DC voltage channels up to 300 Vdc.
- One DC current channel using the selected probe range.
- DC power and energy information derived from the voltage and current measurements.
- Minimum, maximum and true average values over the selected averaging period.
Why constant sampling matters: many instruments only take periodic snapshots. The Electrocorder continuously samples throughout the averaging period, helping capture short events, changing loads and trend data that can otherwise be missed.
Recording duration depends on the selected averaging period. For models with a 12 Vdc port, external power is recommended where available to preserve internal batteries.
The logger is designed to be installed by a competent person, generally an electrician or engineer. If suitable isolated test points are available, it can often be fitted without interrupting the system being monitored.
Case Studies
These related Electrocorder case studies, application pages and articles show how this type of logging is used in practical investigations.
Battery Storage Systems
A knowledge page covering battery storage issues where recorded DC voltage and current data can support diagnosis.
Battery Storage System Issues
An article discussing battery storage problems and why measured DC behaviour matters.
Solar Photovoltaic Auditing
A solar PV application page where DC voltage and current monitoring can support PV output assessment.
Application Notes
A collection of Electrocorder application notes covering practical logging uses across voltage, current, energy and specialist measurements.
Resources
Documentation:
Download the DC-3VA datasheet and user instructions for detailed technical information, installation guidance and operating instructions.
 |
Datasheet |
|
User Instructions (English) |
Free Electrosoft PC software
Electrosoft is compatible with Windows 11 down to Windows 7. It lets you view and zoom current, power and energy graphs, export data to Microsoft Excel, email results to colleagues, and print or save reports as PDF files with your company logo.
Electrosoft includes statistics, load balancing, tariff and costing analysis, annual CO2 and energy usage projections, logger management and calibration management tools. Sample files are included so you can try the software without having a logger connected.
 |
Download Electrosoft PC software |
Features
When to choose the DC-3VA
Choose this model when DC voltage and current both matter, especially where the goal is to understand power, energy or load behaviour in a DC system.
Compare with related Electrocorder models
If voltage-only logging is enough, consider the DC-3V-RS. If solar irradiance needs to be recorded alongside PV output, consider the PV-3. If only irradiance is needed, consider the SR-1R.
Key features:
- Records DC voltage and DC current together.
- Supports one or two DC voltage channels up to 300 Vdc.
- Current probe options for +/-10 A, +/-100 A, +/-30 A or +/-300 A scales.
- Useful for batteries, chargers, PV arrays, telecoms and DC traction systems.
- Constant sampling to reduce the risk of missing short-duration or changing DC events.
Measurement note
The DC-3VA should be installed by a competent person where DC conductors, voltage points or current probes are being connected.
Included with your DC voltage, current and energy logger:
- DC-3VA logger in the smaller 190 x 120 x 60 mm enclosure.
- DC current sensor, three voltage leads, USB lead, 12 Vdc power supply, carry case, batteries, user instructions and free Electrosoft analysis software.
- Selectable DC current probe ranges for different DC monitoring requirements.
Shipping and origin details:
- Harmonised Code: 9030.3901.00 (electronic datalogger).
- Origin: Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
- Packaged dimensions: approximately 2.2 kg, 30 x 26 x 17 cm.
Determining product order codes:
To specify your Electrocorder select various codes and enter into the boxes in order to create an accurate product code. For example: DC-3VA-11-IP43-SET.
FAQ
What does the DC-3VA measure?
It records DC voltage and DC current so DC power and energy behaviour can be reviewed.
How many voltage channels are available?
It can record one or two DC voltage channels up to 300 Vdc with respect to 0 V or ground.
What current ranges are available?
Current probe options include +/-10 A, +/-100 A, +/-30 A and +/-300 A scales.
How is it different from DC-3V-RS?
The DC-3V-RS is voltage-only. The DC-3VA records DC voltage and current together.
What software is used to analyse the data?
Electrosoft PC software is used to configure the logger, download recorded data, view graphs, export data and create reports.