Bently Nevada 330173-00-17-10-02-CN — Detailed Product Specifications and Application Guide

1. Product Overview

The 330173-00-17-10-02-CN is a non-contacting proximity probe in the 3300 5 mm Proximity Transducer System family. It is designed to measure the movement of a conductive target, most commonly a rotating machine shaft, without physical contact.

The probe is used as part of a machinery-monitoring channel to measure relative shaft vibration and displacement. When paired with a compatible Proximitor sensor, the correct cable configuration, and suitable monitoring equipment, it can provide a signal for observing changes in shaft movement and supporting machinery-condition assessment.

This model uses an M8 × 1 mounting thread and an unarmored cable. Its ordering code identifies a 1.0-inch unthreaded length, a 1.7-inch overall case-length option, and a 1.0 m total-length option. The connector option is a miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector with standard cable, and the suffix CN identifies a country-specific approval configuration.

The probe is a sensing component rather than a standalone monitoring instrument. Accurate measurements depend on correct mounting, the operating gap, target material and geometry, cable routing, and compatibility with the Proximitor sensor and monitoring system.

2. Technical Specifications

Important dimensional note: The ordering code indicates a 0 mm unthreaded-length option and a 170 mm case-length option. The 1.0 m total-length option refers to the probe assembly’s specified length configuration, not the shipping carton. Confirm the dimensional drawing before installation.

The weight shown is an estimate for preliminary handling only. It should not be treated as a guaranteed specification for procurement, shipping, or engineering calculations.

3. Product Introduction

3.1 Operating principle

The probe uses eddy-current sensing to detect changes in the distance between its tip and a conductive target. In a typical installation, the probe is mounted close to a rotating shaft, with a small gap maintained between the probe tip and the shaft surface.

As the shaft moves, the gap changes. The probe’s electrical response changes with that gap, and a compatible Proximitor sensor converts the response into a measurement signal.

The signal can then be processed by a monitoring system to observe shaft movement, track vibration trends, or support machinery-protection functions. The probe itself does not independently display measurements or determine whether a machine is faulty.

3.2 Mechanical construction

This model uses an M8 × 1 mounting thread and an unarmored cable. The 170 mm case-length option makes the mounting geometry an important consideration when planning the installation.

The unarmored cable can be easier to route through a suitable protected space, but it needs protection from abrasion, crushing, sharp edges, heat, and mechanical impact.

The probe tip is designed for non-contact measurement. It must not touch the shaft during operation, including under expected shaft movement, thermal expansion, and transient operating conditions.

3.3 Role in a complete measurement system

A proximity probe is normally used with other components rather than as a standalone instrument.

– Probe: Detects the changing gap between the probe tip and the conductive target.

– Extension cable or connection assembly: Provides the required electrical connection to the compatible sensor.

– Proximitor sensor: Supplies the probe’s operating circuitry and converts its response into a usable signal.

– Monitoring equipment: Processes the signal, displays measurement values, and can provide alarms or protection functions when configured appropriately.

The probe, cable, sensor, and monitor must form a compatible measurement channel. Matching only the thread size or connector shape is not sufficient to guarantee correct operation.

3.4 Purpose of the CN suffix

The CN suffix identifies a country-specific approval configuration. It should not be interpreted as a guarantee that the probe is approved for every installation or hazardous area.

Before installation, check the approval documentation applicable to the exact catalogue number and the destination country. Where the equipment is used in a regulated or hazardous environment, verify that the complete measurement channel meets the installation requirements.

4. Typical Applications

4.1 Steam and gas turbines

Proximity probes are used on compatible turbine installations to measure relative shaft movement and vibration.

Measurements can help engineers observe shaft behavior during startup, normal operation, load changes, and shutdown. Changes from the established operating baseline can prompt further investigation into rotor dynamics, bearing clearances, or other mechanical conditions.

4.2 Centrifugal compressors

Large compressors often require continuous monitoring because shaft movement can be important to machine reliability and protection.

A correctly installed probe can provide shaft-motion information to a compatible monitoring system. The probe’s mounting position, target surface, cable route, and sensor compatibility should be checked against the compressor design.

4.3 Industrial pumps

The probe can be used on suitable pumps where relative shaft vibration or displacement is monitored.

Potential applications include process pumps, circulation pumps, and other rotating equipment with an appropriate shaft target and mounting arrangement.

It is not a general-purpose sensor for measuring vibration on any external machine surface. Its suitability depends on the target, mechanical geometry, and measurement system.

4.4 Gearboxes and rotating machinery

In compatible arrangements, proximity probes can monitor shaft movement in rotating equipment and selected gear-driven systems.

The resulting measurements can support investigation of abnormal shaft behavior, bearing clearances, alignment issues, and rotor-related problems. Interpretation should take account of machine speed, load, operating state, and other available condition-monitoring information.

4.5 Machinery monitoring and protection

When integrated with compatible monitoring equipment, the probe can contribute to a machinery-monitoring channel.

The monitoring system can compare measured values with configured alarm thresholds and, where the complete system is designed for it, initiate protective actions. Those functions depend on the monitor, configuration, control logic, and installation—not on the probe alone.

4.6 Predictive maintenance

Continuous shaft-motion measurements can help maintenance teams establish a normal operating baseline and identify changes over time.

A developing trend may indicate that a machine needs further inspection. This can help maintenance personnel prioritize work and make decisions based on operating condition rather than relying only on fixed maintenance intervals.

5. Product Advantages

5.1 Non-contact sensing

The probe measures the gap to a conductive target without physical contact. This avoids direct mechanical wear at the sensing point and allows shaft movement to be monitored while the machine is operating.

5.2 Suitable for shaft-motion measurement

The 3300 5 mm family is intended for close-range measurement of conductive targets, particularly in rotating-machinery monitoring systems.

The probe can provide useful measurement information when correctly installed and paired with a compatible signal-conditioning and monitoring system.

5.3 Defined mounting interface

The M8 × 1 thread provides a specific mounting interface for equipment designed around that thread size.

The 170 mm case-length option must be considered when checking available installation space, mounting depth, and access for maintenance.

5.4 Flexible cable routing

The unarmored cable can be routed through suitable protected spaces and may be easier to position than an armored cable in some installations.

However, it should be secured and protected from abrasion, impact, excessive bending, and other sources of mechanical damage.

5.5 Integration with condition-monitoring systems

When paired with a compatible Proximitor sensor, cable, and monitor, the probe can provide information for vibration monitoring, shaft-displacement measurement, and machinery-protection applications.

5.6 Support for trend analysis

A stable measurement channel can help maintenance personnel compare current readings with historical data and identify changes in machine behavior.

This is most useful when installation, calibration, monitoring settings, and operating conditions are consistent over time.

5.7 Multiple configuration options within the product family

The 3300 5 mm family includes different mounting, length, cable, and connector configurations. These options help engineers select a probe that fits the available mechanical space and measurement-system requirements.

A different length or connector option may look similar but can affect installation compatibility. Complete catalogue numbers should always be checked.

6. Brand and Series Information

The 3300 5 mm proximity probe series is designed for non-contact measurement of conductive targets in compatible machinery-monitoring installations.

For reliable operation, the probe must be treated as part of a complete calibrated measurement channel. Mechanical fit alone does not establish electrical compatibility or measurement accuracy.

7. Five Related Models in the Same Series or Product Family

The following models are comparison candidates within the same probe family or a closely related configuration. Their mechanical options and cable arrangements differ, so they should not be treated as automatic replacements.

Replacement note: These models are intended for comparison, not as guaranteed direct substitutes. Check the full catalogue number, mounting thread, case length, cable construction, connector, approval configuration, and compatibility with the existing Proximitor sensor before ordering.

8. Five Other Common Models from the Same Brand

The following products are associated with machinery monitoring and protection. They serve different functions, so not all are direct replacements for the 330173 probe.

The 3300 XL 8 mm probes may be appropriate where the machine and monitoring system are designed for that probe family. They should not be substituted for a 5 mm probe without checking the electrical characteristics and measurement-system compatibility.

The extension cable and monitoring modules perform different roles. A complete system requires the correct probe, cable, sensor, and monitor combination.

9. Installation and Maintenance Recommendations

9.1 Verify the mounting dimensions

Confirm the M8 × 1 thread, the 170 mm case-length option, and the available installation depth. Ensure that the probe can be installed securely and that the connector and cable can be routed without interference.

9.2 Set the operating gap correctly

The gap between the probe tip and the target is critical to measurement accuracy.

Follow the applicable installation procedure for the complete sensing system. Ensure that the probe remains within its permitted operating range during startup, normal operation, thermal expansion, and expected shaft movement.

9.3 Confirm electrical compatibility

Verify that the probe, extension cable, Proximitor sensor, and monitoring input are compatible. Confirm total cable length and connector type before energizing the measurement channel.

9.4 Protect the unarmored cable

Route the cable away from sharp edges, hot surfaces, moving components, and sources of mechanical damage.

Observe the specified minimum bend radius and avoid pulling on the cable or connector during installation.

9.5 Inspect the probe and connector

During maintenance, check for loose mounting, damaged threads, cable abrasion, connector contamination, and signs of impact.

A physically damaged probe or cable can produce unstable readings or interrupt the measurement signal.

9.6 Check signal quality and calibration

If readings become unstable, inspect the entire measurement channel. Possible causes include an incorrect gap, damaged cable, loose connectors, unsuitable target geometry, or mismatched system components.

Confirm that the monitor’s calibration and channel settings match the installed probe and cable configuration.

9.7 Verify approval requirements

The CN suffix identifies a country-specific approval configuration. Confirm that the supplied product’s documentation matches the destination country and the intended operating environment, especially where hazardous-area or other regulated installation requirements apply.

10. Summary

The Bently Nevada 330173-00-17-10-02-CN is a non-contacting 5 mm proximity probe in the 3300 series. It uses an M8 × 1 mounting thread, an unarmored cable, a 170 mm case-length option, a 1.0 m total-length option, and a miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector.

It is intended for use in compatible rotating-machinery monitoring systems, where it can provide shaft-motion measurements for vibration monitoring, displacement observation, and condition-based maintenance.

Its principal advantages are non-contact measurement, a defined threaded mounting interface, flexible cable routing, and integration with a compatible Proximitor sensor and monitoring system.

Before ordering or installing the probe, verify the complete catalogue number, mounting dimensions, cable construction, connector, approval configuration, and compatibility with the existing measurement channel. Use the approximate weight of 0.3 kg only for preliminary planning until the actual supplied assembly has been confirmed.