



Introduction
The Bently Nevada 330173-00-04-20-02-05 is a 3300 5 mm proximity probe designed for non-contact measurement of shaft displacement, position, and vibration in rotating machinery. It belongs to the 330173 series, which uses an M8 × 1 mounting thread and unarmored construction.
This particular configuration combines a 0.0 mm minimum unthreaded length, 40 mm overall case length, 2.0 m total cable length, miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector, and multiple-approval configuration. The 2-meter cable makes it a useful option where the probe needs additional routing distance between the sensing location and the associated monitoring hardware.
The 3300 5 mm platform is widely suited to machinery applications where reliable shaft measurements are important. When correctly integrated with the compatible Proximitor sensor and extension cable, the system can provide both static and dynamic measurements, making this model a practical choice for turbines, compressors, pumps, motors, generators, and fluid-film bearing machinery.
Technical Specifications
The complete part number is significant because each section defines a particular mechanical or electrical configuration. For 330173-00-04-20-02-05, the 330173 base identifies the M8 × 1, unarmored 3300 5 mm probe, while the subsequent codes define its dimensional, cable, connector, and approval options.
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Manufacturer | Bently Nevada |
| Model | 330173-00-04-20-02-05 |
| Product Type | 3300 5 mm Proximity Probe |
| Sensing Principle | Eddy-current, non-contact |
| Probe Family | 3300 5 mm |
| Base Configuration | 330173 |
| Mounting Thread | M8 × 1 |
| Probe Construction | Unarmored |
| Minimum Unthreaded Length | 0.0 mm |
| Overall Case Length | 40 mm (1.57 in) |
| Total Cable Length | 2.0 m (6.6 ft) |
| Connector | Miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector |
| Cable Configuration | Standard cable |
| Cable Impedance | 75 Ω |
| Probe Tip Diameter | Approximately 5.2 mm |
| Probe Tip Material | PPS |
| Probe Case Material | AISI 304 stainless steel |
| Probe Temperature Range | Approximately -35°C to +177°C |
| Minimum Cable Bend Radius | 25.4 mm (1.0 in) |
| Typical Probe Weight | Approximately 323 g |
| Approval Configuration | Multiple Approvals |
Applications
Steam and Gas Turbine Monitoring
The probe can be incorporated into appropriate turbine monitoring systems to observe shaft position and dynamic rotor movement. This is particularly valuable for machinery where changes in shaft behavior need to be detected before they develop into more serious operating problems.
Compressor Shaft Monitoring
Centrifugal and process compressors can require precise proximity measurements around the rotor. The compact M8 × 1 design is useful in installations where mounting space is restricted.
Fluid-Film Bearing Machines
The 3300 5 mm transducer system is well suited to fluid-film bearing applications. It can provide measurements of both static shaft position and dynamic vibration when paired with the appropriate system components.
Pump and Motor Applications
High-speed pumps and motors can benefit from continuous shaft-position and vibration monitoring. The 2-meter cable provides additional routing flexibility when the sensing point is some distance from the monitoring electronics.
Generator Monitoring
For generators and other critical rotating assets, the probe can serve as part of a continuous condition-monitoring arrangement, helping operators track changes in rotor movement during normal operation.
Keyphasor and Speed Measurement
The 3300 5 mm transducer platform can also be used in suitable Keyphasor and speed-measurement applications, extending its usefulness beyond basic shaft vibration measurement.
Advantages
2-Meter Cable for Easier Routing
The 2.0-meter cable is one of the most useful features of this configuration. It offers considerably more routing distance than 1-meter versions and can simplify installations where the probe location is separated from the Proximitor or extension connection point.
Compact 40 mm Case
The approximately 40 mm case length keeps the probe relatively compact while providing the mechanical reach required by many industrial installations.
M8 × 1 Metric Thread
The M8 × 1 mounting arrangement makes this model appropriate for machinery and mounting hardware designed around metric dimensions. It also provides a clear distinction from 330171 and 330172 probes using 1/4-28 UNF threads.
Non-Contact Eddy-Current Technology
The sensing tip does not physically contact the rotating shaft. Instead, changes in the electrical interaction between the probe and conductive target are used to determine shaft displacement. This provides a durable measurement method for high-speed machinery.
Multiple-Approval Configuration
The final 05 indicates the multiple-approval configuration, which can be important when equipment is being installed in environments with specific regulatory or hazardous-area requirements.
TipLoc Probe Construction
The 3300 5 mm design incorporates a TipLoc molding approach intended to provide a robust bond between the probe tip and probe body. This helps support the mechanical integrity of the sensing assembly in demanding applications.
Flexible Installation
The combination of a compact probe body and 2-meter cable provides a useful balance between physical installation flexibility and cable-routing convenience.
Suitable for Critical Machinery
For facilities maintaining an established 3300 monitoring architecture, the 330173-00-04-20-02-05 can provide a practical replacement or spare-part option when its exact mechanical and approval configuration matches the existing installation.
Technical FAQs
1. What is the Bently Nevada 330173-00-04-20-02-05?
It is a 3300 5 mm proximity probe with an M8 × 1 thread, unarmored construction, approximately 40 mm overall case length, 2.0-meter cable, miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector, and multiple-approval configuration.
2. What does the 330173 series represent?
The 330173 family represents the M8 × 1 threaded, unarmored 3300 5 mm proximity probe configuration.
3. What does the first “00” indicate?
The first 00 specifies a 0.0 mm minimum unthreaded length configuration.
4. What does “04” represent?
The 04 identifies the 40 mm overall case-length option, approximately 1.57 inches.
5. How long is the cable?
This model has a 2.0-meter (6.6-foot) total cable length.
6. What connector does the probe use?
The 02 configuration uses a miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector with standard cable.
7. What does the final “05” mean?
The 05 identifies the multiple-approval configuration. The applicable approval requirements should always be checked against the actual installation.
8. What type of measurements can the probe support?
When used with a compatible 3300 transducer system, it can support static shaft-position and dynamic vibration measurements. The platform is also suitable for appropriate Keyphasor and speed-measurement applications.
9. What is the weight of the probe?
The typical probe weight is approximately 323 g (0.323 kg / 11.4 oz). Shipping weight can differ depending on packaging and supplier handling.
10. Can it replace a 330171 or 330172 probe?
Not automatically. The 330173 uses an M8 × 1 thread, while 330171 and 330172 configurations use 1/4-28 UNF. The probe-body dimensions, cable length, connector arrangement, armor configuration, and approval requirements should all be matched before selecting it as a replacement.