



Introduction
The Bently Nevada 330173-15-20-10-12-00 is a specialized 3300 5mm Proximity Probe intended for non-contact measurement of shaft position and dynamic movement in critical rotating machinery. It belongs to the 330173 configuration family and uses an M8 × 1 thread with a without-armor construction.
What makes this configuration particularly distinctive is its 150 mm unthreaded length combined with a 200 mm overall case length. It also features a 1.0 m cable and miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector with standard cable. This extended mechanical design is well suited to installations where the sensing target is positioned deep inside a machine or where a conventional short-body probe cannot provide sufficient reach.
The complete part number is important when specifying a replacement. Although several 3300 5mm probes share the same sensing technology, differences in unthreaded length, case length, cable arrangement, and connector configuration can directly affect installation compatibility.
Technical Specifications
The 330173-15-20-10-12-00 configuration can be read as a combination of specific mechanical and connection options. The 15 identifies the 150 mm unthreaded option, 20 identifies the 200 mm overall case length, 10 represents a 1.0 m cable, and 12 specifies the miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector with standard cable.
| Specification | Details |
|---|
| Manufacturer | Bently Nevada |
| Model | 330173-15-20-10-12-00 |
| Product Type | 3300 5mm Proximity Probe |
| Sensing Principle | Eddy-current, non-contact |
| Probe Family | 3300 5mm |
| Base Model | 330173 |
| Mounting Thread | M8 × 1 |
| Construction | Without armor |
| Unthreaded Length | 150 mm (5.91 in) |
| Overall Case Length | 200 mm (7.87 in) |
| Total Cable Length | 1.0 m (3.3 ft) |
| Connector | Miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector |
| Cable Type | Standard cable |
| Cable Impedance | 75 Ω |
| Probe Tip Diameter | Approximately 5.2 mm |
| Approximate Probe Weight | 0.71 kg |
| Shipping Weight | Approximately 2 kg |
Applications
Steam and Gas Turbine Monitoring
The probe can be incorporated into suitable turbine monitoring systems for observing shaft position and dynamic rotor movement. Its extended configuration is particularly useful where the probe mounting location is separated from the actual sensing point.
Compressor Machinery
Compressors depend on accurate rotor monitoring for reliable operation. The 3300 5mm system provides non-contact sensing for compatible compressor applications, while the 150 mm unthreaded section offers additional installation flexibility.
Generator Monitoring
Large generators can use proximity probes as part of shaft-position and vibration-monitoring arrangements. The long-body configuration can be advantageous where access to the shaft target requires considerable probe extension.
Fluid-Film Bearing Applications
Proximity probes are commonly suited to machinery where shaft position relative to a bearing is an important operating parameter. When integrated with appropriate system electronics, this probe can contribute to continuous rotor monitoring.
Pump and Motor Equipment
Compatible pumps, motors, and other rotating machinery can benefit from non-contact shaft measurement. The M8 × 1 mounting interface makes this configuration appropriate for metric installations requiring an extended probe body.
Deep-Mount Installations
The 150 mm unthreaded section is the primary mechanical advantage of this model. It is designed for situations where the sensing location is substantially recessed from the probe mounting surface.
Retrofit and Replacement Work
For maintenance applications, the complete 330173-15-20-10-12-00 part number provides a precise specification for replacing an existing probe with the same mechanical geometry and connection arrangement.
Advantages
Exceptional Mechanical Reach
With a 150 mm unthreaded section, this model provides considerably more reach than many standard 3300 5mm configurations. It is an attractive solution for deep or offset installation points.
200 mm Overall Case
The 200 mm overall case length provides the physical scale required for extended installations while retaining the compact 3300 5mm sensing format.
Compact Probe Tip
The probe retains the compact sensing geometry associated with the 3300 5mm platform. This helps when the available space around the measurement target is restricted even though a long probe body is required.
M8 × 1 Metric Mounting
The M8 × 1 thread provides a compact metric mounting interface and identifies this configuration as part of the 330173 family.
Non-Contact Measurement
Eddy-current sensing allows shaft displacement to be measured without physical contact between the probe and rotating target. This makes the technology well suited to high-speed rotating machinery.
1.0 m Cable
The 1.0 m cable offers useful installation flexibility while keeping cable routing relatively straightforward.
ClickLoc Connector
The miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector provides a compact connection solution for compatible 3300 system components.
Configuration Precision
For industrial maintenance teams, the full part number is a major advantage during procurement. The combination of 150 mm unthreaded length + 200 mm case + 1.0 m cable + ClickLoc connector makes this configuration readily distinguishable from similar-looking 3300 5mm probes.
Suitable for Specialized Installations
Rather than adapting a shorter probe to a deep mounting arrangement, selecting the appropriately engineered long configuration can provide a cleaner and more reliable installation.
Technical FAQs
1. What is the Bently Nevada 330173-15-20-10-12-00?
It is a 3300 5mm proximity probe configured with an M8 × 1 thread, without-armor construction, 150 mm unthreaded length, 200 mm overall case, 1.0 m cable, and miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector.
2. What does the 330173 designation represent?
The 330173 family identifies a 3300 5mm proximity probe with an M8 × 1 mounting thread and without armor.
3. What does the first “15” mean?
The first 15 specifies the 150 mm unthreaded-length option, approximately 5.91 inches.
4. What does “20” specify?
The 20 identifies the 200 mm overall case-length option, approximately 7.87 inches.
5. How long is the cable?
The 10 cable option represents a 1.0-meter (3.3-foot) total cable length.
6. What connector does the 12 option use?
The 12 configuration specifies a miniature coaxial ClickLoc connector with standard cable.
7. Is the 330173-15-20-10-12-00 armored?
No. The 330173 family uses an M8 × 1 thread and without-armor construction.
8. What is the approximate weight?
The listed product weight is approximately 0.71 kg (710 g), while the shipping weight is approximately 2 kg.
9. What is the main difference between this model and shorter 330173 probes?
The most significant difference is the 150 mm unthreaded section and 200 mm overall case length. These dimensions provide substantially greater installation reach and should be carefully checked against the existing machine mounting arrangement.
10. Can it replace any other 3300 5mm probe?
Not automatically. A replacement should match the original probe's thread type, unthreaded length, overall case length, cable length, connector, and approval requirements. A probe with the same 5mm sensing designation may still have incompatible mechanical dimensions.