



Introduction
The Bently Nevada 330172-16-42-10-01-00 is an armored 3300 5 mm proximity probe designed for non-contact measurement of shaft position and dynamic vibration in rotating machinery. As part of the 3300 5 mm transducer family, it uses eddy-current sensing and is intended to work with compatible 3300 XL extension cables and Proximitor sensors. The complete system can provide both static shaft-position and dynamic vibration measurements.
This configuration is particularly distinctive because of its 1.6-inch unthreaded length, 4.2-inch overall case length, 1.0-meter cable, armored construction, and miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector with connector protector. The 330172 family is the 1/4-28 UNF version with armor, making this model a strong option for installations where additional cable protection is desirable.
For critical equipment such as turbines, compressors, pumps, generators, and large rotating machinery, the 330172-16-42-10-01-00 combines the compact 5 mm sensing format with a longer mechanical configuration and protected cable construction.
Technical Specifications
The 330172 family is defined as a 3300 5 mm probe with 1/4-28 UNF thread and armor. In this part number, the ordering code identifies the unthreaded length, case length, cable length, connector arrangement, and approval option.
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Manufacturer | Bently Nevada |
| Model | 330172-16-42-10-01-00 |
| Product Type | 3300 5 mm Armored Proximity Probe |
| Sensing Principle | Eddy-current, non-contact |
| Probe Family | 3300 5 mm |
| Thread | 1/4-28 UNF-2A |
| Probe Construction | Armored |
| Unthreaded Length | 1.6 in (40.6 mm) |
| Overall Case Length | 4.2 in (106.7 mm) |
| Total Cable Length | 1.0 m (3.3 ft) |
| Connector | Miniature coaxial ClickLoc with connector protector |
| Cable | 75 Ω triaxial cable |
| Cable Armor | Protective armored construction |
| Probe Tip Diameter | 5.2 mm (0.21 in) |
| Probe Tip Material | Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) |
| Probe Case Material | AISI 303/304 stainless steel |
| Probe Temperature Range | -35°C to +177°C (-31°F to +351°F) |
| Minimum Cable Bend Radius | 25.4 mm (1.0 in) |
| Recommended Probe Case Torque | 5.1 N·m (45 in-lb) |
| Maximum Probe Case Torque | 7.3 N·m (65 in-lb) |
| Maximum Thread Engagement | 0.375 in |
| Probe Tensile Strength | 222 N (50 lbf) |
| Typical Probe Weight | 323 g |
| Agency Approval | 00 — Standard / no additional approval option |
Applications
Turbine Vibration Monitoring
The probe can be incorporated into suitable turbine monitoring arrangements for measuring shaft displacement and dynamic rotor movement. Reliable proximity measurements can help operators observe changes in rotor behavior and support machinery protection strategies.
Compressor Shaft Monitoring
Large compressors frequently require proximity probes positioned at carefully defined locations around the shaft. The 4.2-inch case provides additional physical reach for installations where a shorter probe body is not suitable.
Pump and Generator Monitoring
For compatible pumps, motors, and generators, the probe can provide non-contact shaft measurements used for vibration and position monitoring.
Fluid-Film Bearing Machinery
The 3300 5 mm system is particularly suited to machinery using fluid-film bearings, where shaft position and dynamic movement are important indicators of machine condition. The system can provide both static and dynamic measurements when correctly configured.
Harsh Installation Environments
The armored configuration is a practical choice where the probe cable may be exposed to mechanical contact, abrasion, or demanding routing conditions. The armor provides an additional layer of physical protection compared with an unarmored probe cable.
Machinery Protection Systems
When paired with a compatible Proximitor sensor and extension cable, the probe can become part of a complete machinery protection chain. The resulting signal can be used for continuous shaft-position, vibration, Keyphasor, or speed-related monitoring applications.
Advantages
Armored Cable Protection
The most obvious advantage of the 330172 configuration is its armored construction. This provides additional mechanical protection in installations where an exposed probe cable could be vulnerable to abrasion or accidental damage.
Extended 4.2-Inch Case
The 4.2-inch overall case length provides useful installation flexibility. It is well suited to machinery mounting arrangements requiring a longer probe body while retaining the compact 5 mm sensing format.
1.6-Inch Unthreaded Section
The 1.6-inch unthreaded section gives the probe a specific mounting geometry that can be advantageous for deeper or more specialized installations.
Non-Contact Eddy-Current Measurement
The probe does not physically touch the rotating shaft. Instead, eddy-current sensing detects changes in the target gap, allowing continuous measurement without mechanical contact at the sensing interface.
Compact 5 mm Probe Tip
The approximately 5.2 mm tip diameter allows the sensor to fit into relatively confined measurement locations while still providing the sensing performance expected from the 3300 5 mm platform.
Rugged Stainless-Steel Construction
The probe case is made from stainless steel, while the sensing tip uses PPS material. This combination provides a durable mechanical package for demanding industrial environments.
Protected ClickLoc Connection
The 01 connector option includes a miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector with a connector protector, providing a more protected connection arrangement for field installation.
Reliable Choice for Maintenance Programs
For facilities already using 3300 5 mm systems, matching the complete 330172-16-42-10-01-00 configuration can simplify replacement planning and help maintain consistent probe geometry across critical machines.
Technical FAQs
1. What is the Bently Nevada 330172-16-42-10-01-00?
It is a Bently Nevada 3300 5 mm proximity probe featuring a 1/4-28 UNF thread, armored construction, 1.6-inch unthreaded length, 4.2-inch case length, 1.0-meter cable, ClickLoc connector with protector, and standard approval configuration.
2. What does the 330172 base number indicate?
330172 identifies the 3300 5 mm probe with a 1/4-28 UNF thread and armor. The 330171 family is the corresponding unarmored version.
3. What does “16” mean in the part number?
The 16 specifies the 1.6-inch unthreaded length, approximately 40.6 mm.
4. What does “42” represent?
The 42 identifies the 4.2-inch overall case length, approximately 106.7 mm.
5. How long is the integral cable?
This configuration has a 1.0-meter (3.3-foot) cable.
6. What connector is used?
The 01 option specifies a miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector with connector protector. This differs from the 02 option, which uses the miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector without the connector protector.
7. Why is the probe armored?
The armor provides additional mechanical protection for the cable, making the probe better suited to installations where cable abrasion or physical exposure is a concern.
8. What is the probe weight?
The listed probe weight is approximately 323 g. A complete 3300 5 mm transducer system is typically approximately 0.71 kg, depending on the associated extension cable and Proximitor sensor.
9. Can this probe measure shaft vibration and position?
Yes. When used as part of a compatible 3300 5 mm transducer system, it can support both static shaft-position and dynamic vibration measurements. The system can also be used for appropriate Keyphasor and speed-measurement applications.
10. Can it directly replace a 330171 probe?
Not necessarily. Although 330171 and 330172 probes share the same basic 5 mm sensing platform and 1/4-28 UNF thread, 330172 is armored. The case length, unthreaded length, connector configuration, cable routing, and approval requirements must also match the existing installation before replacement.