A monitoring system is only as useful as its commissioning. Generic limits can provide an initial safeguard, but the most effective thresholds reflect the machine, mounting position, normal operating range and consequence of failure.
Build a representative baseline
Capture data after mechanical installation is complete and the asset is known to be healthy. Include the normal range of load, speed, process condition and ambient temperature. Record maintenance state, coupling condition and any temporary operating restrictions.
Separate warning from alarm
A warning should provide time for review and planned intervention. An alarm should indicate that the condition requires prompt action or a defined operational response. Separate thresholds may be needed for acceleration, velocity, displacement and temperature on each axis.
Prevent nuisance alarms
- Use persistence, delay or operating-state logic so start-up and transient events do not trigger unnecessary escalation.
- Review trends rather than reacting to one isolated sample.
- Apply different limits where operating regimes create materially different vibration levels.
- Document every threshold change, the reason for it and the approving engineer.
Integrate with maintenance workflow
Map severity, fault state and prognostic values into the CMMS or maintenance process with clear ownership. A warning should produce a defined inspection or validation task; an alarm should connect to an approved operating and safety response.
Technical basis: PyXis Smart 3-Axis Vibration Sensor datasheet TTN-DS-2026-002, issued 19 July 2026. Confirm the current hardware, firmware and controlled document revision before implementation.
