



Introduction
The Bently Nevada 330173-10-18-10-02-00 is a 3300 5mm Proximity Probe configured for non-contact measurement of shaft displacement, radial vibration, and dynamic rotor movement. It belongs to the 330173 metric probe family, featuring an M8 × 1 mounting thread and without-armor construction.
This particular configuration combines a 100 mm unthreaded section, 180 mm overall case length, 1.0 m cable, and miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector with standard cable. The extended geometry makes it a practical choice for machinery installations where the probe must reach a measurement position located significantly beyond the normal mounting surface.
As with other precision proximity probes, the complete part number matters. Matching only the 3300 5mm designation is not enough to confirm mechanical compatibility; unthreaded length, case length, cable configuration, connector style, and approval requirements should all be considered during replacement.
Technical Specifications
The 330173 series provides a metric M8 × 1 mounting arrangement for the 3300 5mm system. In this part number, each configuration segment identifies a specific mechanical or connection characteristic.
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Manufacturer | Bently Nevada |
| Model | 330173-10-18-10-02-00 |
| Product Type | 3300 5mm Proximity Probe |
| Measurement Principle | Eddy-current, non-contact |
| Probe Series | 3300 5mm |
| Base Model | 330173 |
| Mounting Thread | M8 × 1 |
| Construction | Without armor |
| Unthreaded Length | 100 mm (3.94 in) |
| Overall Case Length | 180 mm (7.09 in) |
| Total Cable Length | 1.0 m (3.28 ft) |
| Connector | Miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector |
| Cable Configuration | Standard cable |
| Cable Impedance | 75 Ω |
| Probe Tip Diameter | Approximately 5.2 mm (0.21 in) |
| Probe Tip Material | PPS |
| Probe Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Minimum Cable Bend Radius | Approximately 25.4 mm (1.0 in) |
| Typical Probe Weight | Approximately 323 g |
Applications
Turbine Monitoring
The probe can be used in suitable turbine monitoring arrangements for observing shaft position and dynamic rotor movement. Continuous proximity measurements can provide important information for machinery protection and operational assessment.
Compressor Applications
High-speed compressors require dependable shaft monitoring because changes in rotor behavior can develop into serious operating problems. The 3300 5mm system provides non-contact measurement suitable for compatible compressor installations.
Generator and Motor Monitoring
The probe can be incorporated into monitoring arrangements for generators, motors, and other rotating equipment where shaft displacement or vibration needs to be measured continuously.
Fluid-Film Bearing Machinery
Proximity probes are particularly useful on machinery equipped with fluid-film bearings, where shaft position relative to the bearing can be monitored without physically contacting the rotating shaft.
Pump Monitoring
Compatible industrial pumps can benefit from non-contact shaft measurement for vibration and positional monitoring, particularly in applications where continuous condition information is important.
Recessed Measurement Locations
The 100 mm unthreaded section is the key advantage for installations where the sensing target is located well inside the machine housing. It provides additional reach while retaining the compact 5.2 mm sensing tip.
Machinery Protection Systems
When paired with compatible Proximitor and monitoring equipment, the probe can form part of a machinery protection chain designed to detect abnormal shaft movement and vibration.
Maintenance and Retrofit Projects
This configuration is particularly useful when replacing an existing probe with the same 100 mm unthreaded length and 180 mm case length. Using the complete part number reduces the risk of selecting a mechanically similar but dimensionally incorrect replacement.
Advantages
100 mm Extended Unthreaded Section
The 100 mm unthreaded section gives this probe considerable installation reach. It is one of the most important reasons to choose this configuration over shorter 330173 variants.
180 mm Overall Case Length
The 180 mm overall case provides a long-body arrangement suitable for deeper probe installations while maintaining the established 3300 5mm sensing format.
Compact Sensing Tip
Despite its extended body, the probe uses an approximately 5.2 mm sensing tip, allowing installation in relatively restricted areas around the shaft target.
M8 × 1 Metric Thread
The M8 × 1 mounting thread provides a compact metric interface and is a defining characteristic of the 330173 family.
Non-Contact Operation
Eddy-current technology enables the probe to measure the distance to a conductive target without physical contact. This makes the technology well suited to continuously rotating shafts where mechanical contact would be impractical.
1.0 m Standard Cable
The 1.0 m cable provides a useful balance between installation flexibility and manageable cable routing.
ClickLoc Connection
The miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector provides a compact connection arrangement for compatible 3300 system components and is well suited to industrial monitoring installations.
Industrial-Grade Construction
The stainless-steel probe case and PPS sensing tip provide a durable construction for demanding machinery environments.
Configuration-Specific Replacement
The complete 330173-10-18-10-02-00 identifier makes it easier to specify the correct replacement when mechanical dimensions are critical. This is particularly important for long-reach installations, where even a small dimensional difference can affect the probe's sensing position.
Technical FAQs
1. What is the Bently Nevada 330173-10-18-10-02-00?
It is a 3300 5mm proximity probe with an M8 × 1 thread, without-armor construction, 100 mm unthreaded length, 180 mm overall case, 1.0 m standard cable, and miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector.
2. What does 330173 identify?
The 330173 base designation identifies the M8 × 1, without-armor 3300 5mm proximity probe configuration.
3. What does the first “10” mean?
The first 10 identifies the 100 mm unthreaded-length option.
4. What does “18” represent?
The 18 specifies the 180 mm overall case length, approximately 7.09 inches.
5. How long is the cable?
The 10 cable-length code specifies a 1.0 m total cable length, approximately 3.28 feet.
6. What connector is used?
The 02 configuration uses a miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector with standard cable.
7. Is the probe armored?
No. The 330173 family is the without-armor version with an M8 × 1 mounting thread.
8. What is the probe-tip diameter?
The 3300 5mm probe design uses an approximately 5.2 mm probe tip.
9. How much does the probe weigh?
The typical probe weight is approximately 323 g (0.323 kg). This figure applies to the probe itself and does not represent packaged shipping weight.
10. Can this probe replace a 330173-08-18-10-02-00?
Not necessarily. Both models have an 180 mm overall case and 1.0 m cable, but the 330173-10-18-10-02-00 has a 100 mm unthreaded section, while the 330173-08-18-10-02-00 has an 80 mm unthreaded section. The difference can materially affect mounting and sensing position, so the original installation dimensions should be verified before substitution.