AEMC instruments AmpFlex User manual

AmpFlex®
Flexible AC Current Probes
USER MANUAL
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Table of Contents
Warning .....................................................................................................2
International Electrical Symbols ................................................................2
Definition of Measurement Categories......................................................3
Receiving Your Shipment..........................................................................3
Packaging..................................................................................................3
Description ................................................................................................4
Features ....................................................................................................6
Accessories ...............................................................................................6
Standard Models .......................................................................................7
Specifications ............................................................................................8
Instrument Compatibility..........................................................................12
Operation.................................................................................................12
Making Measurements with the AmpFlex®..........................................12
Tips for Making Precise Measurements: .............................................12
Typical Response Curves:...................................................................16
Maintenance............................................................................................18
Warning ...............................................................................................18
Battery Replacement ...........................................................................18
Cleaning...............................................................................................18
Repair and Calibration ............................................................................19
Technical and Sales Assistance .............................................................19
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AmpFlex®- Flexible AC Current Probes
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Warning
These safety warnings are provided to ensure the safety of
personnel and proper operation of the instrument.
•Read the instruction manual completely and follow all the
safety information before attempting to use or service this
instrument.
•Wear protective clothing and gloves as required.
•Use caution on any circuit: potentially high voltages and
currents may be present and may pose a shock hazard.
•Read the safety specifications section prior to using the
current probe. Never exceed the max voltage ratings given.
•Safety is the responsibility of the operator. The AmpFlex®
must be used only by qualified personnel using applicable
safety precautions.
•ALWAYS de-energize the circuit before wrapping the
AmpFlex®around bare conductors, bus bars, or near live
parts. Do not wrap on live conductors.
•ALWAYS connect the electronic module to the display
device before wrapping the AmpFlex®around the sample
being tested.
•ALWAYS inspect the module, sensor, sensor cable, and
output terminals prior to use. Replace any defective parts
immediately. Use only factory parts.
•NEVER use the AmpFlex®on electrical conductors rated
above 600V CAT IV; 1000V CAT III.
International Electrical Symbols
This symbol signifies that the current probe is protected by double
or reinforced insulation. Use only factory specified replacement
parts when servicing the instrument.
This symbol signifies CAUTION! and requests that the user refer to
the user manual before using the instrument.
This symbol refers to a type B current sensor. Do not apply around
or remove from HAZARDOUS LIVE conductors without additional
protective means (de-energizing the circuit or wearing protective
clothing suitable for high voltage work).
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AmpFlex®- Flexible AC Current Probes
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Definition of Measurement Categories
CAT IV: For measurements performed at the primary electrical supply
(<1000V) such as on primary overcurrent protection devices,
ripple control units, or meters.
CAT III: For measurements performed in the building installation at the
distribution level such as on hardwired equipment in fixed
installation and circuit breakers.
CAT II: For measurements performed on circuits directly connected to
the electrical distribution system. Examples are measurements
on household appliances or portable tools.
Receiving Your Shipment
Upon receiving your shipment, make sure that the contents are
consistent with the packing list. Notify your distributor of any missing
items. If the equipment appears to be damaged, file a claim immediately
with the carrier and notify your distributor at once, giving a detailed
description of any damage.
Packaging
Your AmpFlex®consists of the following items:
•Flexible probe with electronic module
•User manual
•9V battery
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AmpFlex®- Flexible AC Current Probes
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Description
The AmpFlex®is a flexible AC current transformer composed of a flexible
sensor and an electronic module. The flexible sensor permits
measurements on conductors where standard clamp-on probes could
not be used. In particular, it can be installed in tight spaces, around
breaker panels, around cable bundles, around wide or large bus bars, or
even wrapped around irregular shapes. The Shape Memory feature
enables the user to “pre-shape” the sensor before inserting it between or
around conductors. This feature facilitates closing, enhances user safety,
and alleviates the drooping effect typically associated with flexible
sensors.
The AmpFlex®is lightweight and does not use magnetic cores like
standard transformers. The transformation principle is based on an air
core. It presents virtually no load to the system under test, has a low
phase shift and excellent frequency response, and cannot be damaged
by overloads.
The sensor assembly is waterproof and insulated for 600V CAT IV;
1000V CAT III. The AmpFlex®meets EN 61010-1, is CE marked, and is
designed with materials and components to meet international agency
approvals.
The AmpFlex®has an mV output proportional to the current measured
for direct readings on DMMs, data loggers, oscilloscopes, and power or
harmonic meters. TRMS measurements are taken when connected to a
TRMS meter. The AmpFlex®is insensitive to DC currents and only the
AC component of the measured signal is measured.
The length of the flexible sensor can be selected in lengths of 24", 36",
and 48" in length. Consult the factory for custom lengths, ranges and/or
features.
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AmpFlex®- Flexible AC Current Probes
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AmpFlex®
7. Flexible Sensor
(Diameter 0.5", 12.5mm)
8. Lead from Sensor to Module
(6.5 ft, 2m)
9. Electronic Module -
Descriptive Label on Back
Case (range, model, etc.)
1. Positive: Red Banana Plug (+)
2. Common: Black Banana Plug (-)
3. Power ON Indicator (Green LED)
4. Overload Indicator (Red LED)
5. Range Selection Switch
6. AmpFlex®Connector/Latch
Figure 1
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AmpFlex®- Flexible AC Current Probes
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Features
•Models to measure from 0.5Arms to 30,000Arms
•Accuracy 1% of Reading
•TRMS measurements when connected to a TRMS instrument
•No core saturation or damage if overloaded
•Overrange LED for measurement circuitry
•600V CAT IV; 1000V CAT III; EN 61010; CE Mark
•Waterproof sensor
•9V battery for typical 150 hour continuous operation
•Shape Memory for custom pre-shaping of sensor before use
(no drooping)
•Very high frequency response
•Low phase shift for power
•Insensitive to DC, measures only AC component on DC + AC signals
•Excellent linearity
•Lightweight
Accessories
Banana (Female) / BNC (Male) Adapter.....................Cat. # 2118.46
For connection of the AmpFlex®to SLII Models L101, L102, L562,
BNC terminals on scopes and other displaying instruments.
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AmpFlex®- Flexible AC Current Probes
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Standard Models
All of our AmpFlex® models are designed to be used with recorders or power analyzers with a
voltage AC input. A scale factor may need to be entered into the recorder to display the exact
value.
Custom lengths and ranges are available. Contact us:
Model Measurement
Range Output Sensor
Length
Max
Conductor
Size
Cat. #
300-24-2-10
30/300A
100/10mV/A
24” (610mm)
8” (190mm)
2112.88
1000-24-1-1
1000A
1mV/A
24” (610mm)
8” (190mm)
2112.39
1000-24-2-1
100/1000A
10/1mV/A
24” (610mm)
8” (190mm)
2112.98
1000-36-2-1
100/1000A
10/1mV/A
36” (910mm)
11” (290mm)
2113.00
3000-24-1-1
3000A
1mV/A
24” (610mm)
8” (190mm)
2112.46
3000-36-1-1
3000A
1mV/A
36” (910mm)
11” (290mm)
2112.48
3000-24-2-1
300/3000A
10/1mV/A
24” (610mm)
8” (190mm)
2113.05
3000-36-2-1
300/3000A
10/1mV/A
36” (910mm)
11” (290mm)
2112.00
3000-48-2-1
300/3000A
10/1mV/A
48” (1220mm)
15” (390mm)
2112.01
6000-36-2-0.1
600/6000A
1/0.1mV/A
36” (910mm)
11” (290mm)
2113.21
30000-24-2-0.1
3000/30,000A
1/0.1mV/A
24” (610mm)
8” (190mm)
2113.33
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AmpFlex®- Flexible AC Current Probes
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Specifications
Model
300A
30/300A
1000A
100/1000A
Measurement
Range
5 to 300A 5 to 300A 5 to 1000A 5 to 1000A
Accuracy
±1% +200mA
±1% +200mA
±1% +200mA
±1% +200mA
Output Signal 10mV/A
100mV/A or
10mV/A
1mV/A
10mV/A or
1mV/A
Crest Factor
(mid-range)
3.0 3.0 9.0 9.0
Phase Shift
@ 50/60Hz
1.5° 1.3° 0.7° 0.7°
Residual Noise
200mA
200mA
200mA
200mA
Model #
3000A
300/3000A
3000/30000A
600/6000A
Measurement
Range
5 to 3000A 5 to 3000A 5-30000A 5 to 6000A
Accuracy
±1% +200mA
±1% +200mA
±1% +1A
±1% +500mA
Output Signal 1mV/A
10mV/A or
1mV/A
1mV/A or
0.1mV/A
1mV/A or
0.1mV/A
Crest Factor
(mid-range)
3.0 3.0 3.0 > 10
Phase Shift
@ 50/60Hz
0.7° 0.7° 0.5° 0.5°
Residual Noise
200mA
200mA
1A
500mA
*Reference Conditions: 25°C ± 5°K, 20 to 75% RH, 1 minute warm-up, battery at 9V ± 0.5V, conductor
center, external DC magnetic field < 40A/m, no external AC magnetic field, no external electrical field, 10
to 100Hz, sine wave. See accuracy curves for low currents.
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AmpFlex®- Flexible AC Current Probes
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Common Specifications
ELECTRICAL
Accuracy: 1% of reading ± residual noise
Frequency Range: 10 - 20,000Hz with current derating
Signal Output: 4.5V max
Working Voltage: 600V CAT IV; 1000V CAT III
Frequency Influence:
See Accuracy vs. Frequency curves on pages 16 and 17
Frequency Limitation:
See current derating curves (note no limitation on 300A Range) page 17
Influence of adjacent conductor in contact with sensor and
with AC signal: 0.2% typical, 2% maximum
Influence of conductor position in sensor: 0.5% typical, 4% max
Influence of shape of sensor: Oblong shape: 0.2% typical, 1% max
Common Mode Rejection: 100dB typical, 80dB min
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Temperature Range: -14° to 131°F (-10° to +55°C)
Storage Temperature Range: -40° to 158°F (-40° to +70°C)
Influence of Temperature:
Sensor: -14° to 194°F (-10° to 90°C); 0.15% per 18°F (10°C) typical,
0.5% per 18°F 10°C max
Module: -14° to 131°F (-10° to 55°C); 0.15% per 18°F (10°C) typical,
0.5% per 18°F (10°C) max
Influence of Relative Humidity:
10 to 90% RH: 0.2% typical, 0.5% maximum
Operating Relative Humidity:
50° to 86°F (10° to 30°C); 85° ± 5% RH (without condensation)
104° to 122°F (40° to 50°C); 45° ± 5% RH (without condensation)
Altitude:
Operating: 0 to 2000m, working voltage derating above
Non-operating: 0 to 12,000m
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AmpFlex®- Flexible AC Current Probes
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MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Module Output: Two 4 mm safety banana jacks
Standard 3/4" (19mm) spacing
Battery: 9V Alkaline (NEDA 1604A, IEC 6LR61) recommended
Battery Life: Useable from 9V to 7V, 150 hours typical (continuous use)
Low Battery: Power ON indicator (green LED) when battery voltage
≥7V, LED blinks when battery voltage is low
Overload Indication: Red LED ON indicates the selected range is
overloaded. Module output may not reflect the actual measurement
Dimensions (sensor):
24", 36", 48" & 60" nominal (± 1"), other lengths optional
Dimensions (Electronic Module): 4.9 x 2.5 x 1.1" (124 x 64 x 28mm)
Weight:
AmpFlex®48" with battery: 0.95 lb
AmpFlex®60" with battery: 1.13 lb
AmpFlex®24" with battery: 0.74 lb
AmpFlex®36" with battery: 0.89 lb
Connection Cable Length (sensor to module): 6.5 ft (2m)
Colors: Red sensor with dark gray connector and module, black
connection cable (sensor to module)
Drop Test: Per IEC 68-2-32
Vibration: Per IEC 68-2-6
Mechanical Shock: Per IEC 68-2-27
Weatherproofing: Module: IP40 (EN 60529)
SENSOR SPECIFICATIONS:
Weight: 10.8oz (302.4g)
Bend Radius: 0.75" (19mm) minimum
Bending Life: >10000 without performance deterioration
Waterproofing: IP 65
Resistance to Chemicals: Resistant to oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons
Diameter: 12mm ± 0.5mm
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AmpFlex®- Flexible AC Current Probes
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Outer Sheath Material: Polyurethane, UL94V0
Dielectric Strength: 7500V
Latch Spring Life: >10,000 maneuvers
MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS
Module:
UL 94V2, Color dark gray, Polycarbonate
Sensor Latch:
Material: Lexan 500R, UL94V0
Cable Assembly to Sensor:
UL 94V0, 1000V rating
SAFETY SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical:
Double insulation or reinforced insulation between primary or secondary
and outer case per EN 61010
•600V CAT IV; 1000V CAT III
Pollution Degree 2
•7.50kV, 50/60Hz, dielectric between secondary and the outer case
Electromagnetic Compatibility
•Immunity: meets BF EN 61326-1 Industrial environment category
- Electrostatic discharge (meets EN 61000-4-2)
8kV in air – level 3 – class B
4kV on contact – level 2 – class B
- 10V/m radiated electromagnetic field (in line with EN 61000-4-3) –
class B
- Rapid transients (in line with EN 61000-4-4)
1kV – level 2 – class B
- Electric shocks (in line with EN 61000-4-5)
6kV – class B
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AmpFlex®- Flexible AC Current Probes
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Instrument Compatibility
The AmpFlex®is compatible with any multimeter, AC voltmeter, or
other voltage measuring instrument with an input impedance greater
than 1MΩ. To achieve the best overall accuracy, use the AmpFlex®
with a AC voltmeter having an accuracy of 0.75% or better.
Operation
Please make sure that you have already read and fully understand the
WARNING section on page 2.
Making Measurements with the AmpFlex®:
•Connect the electronic module to the AC Volt range of your DMM or
measuring instrument. Select the appropriate module output voltage
range. If the current magnitude is unknown, and if AmpFlex®has two
ranges, select the lowest mV/A output setting.
•Wrap the flexible core around the conductor to be tested. If possible
within range, select the higher mV/A AmpFlex®output range to obtain
the best resolution. Do not exceed specified current range for the
output. Do not use on selected range if overload LED goes on.
•Read the displayed value on the DMM and divide it by the range
selected (i.e. if reading = 2.59V with the 10mV/A output range, the
current flowing through the probe is 2590mV ÷ 10 = 259A).
•For best accuracy, carefully center the conductor inside the flexible
core, and avoid if possible, the proximity of other conductors which
may create noise and interference (particularly near the latch).
•True RMS measurements are obtained when the AmpFlex®is
connected to a True RMS meter. Note that the DC component is not
measured.
Tips for Making Precise Measurements:
•When using the AmpFlex®with a meter, it is important to select the
range that provides the best resolution. Failure to do this may result in
measurement errors.
•For best results, select the highest AmpFlex®output signal possible
and the most sensitive meter range for this output.
•Make sure the DMM or measuring instrument can accurately measure
mVAC. Certain inexpensive DMM have poor resolution and accuracy
when measuring low mV AC.
•For best accuracy, center the AmpFlex®around the conductor to be
measured. (See figure 2).
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AmpFlex®- Flexible AC Current Probes
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Tips for Making Precise Measurements (continued):
•To increase the sensitivity or measure on low currents, the AmpFlex®
may be wrapped several times around the conductor. Remember to
divide your reading by the number of turns for the actual
measurement (see Figure 4).
•The overall measurement accuracy is the sum of the AmpFlex®
accuracy and the displaying instrument accuracy.
Figure 2
For best accuracy center the AmpFlex®
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AmpFlex®- Flexible AC Current Probes
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Tips for Making Precise Measurements (continued):
The AmpFlex®may be doubled around the conductor to be measured to
double the output. (See Figures 3 and 4 to show the different values on a
DMM while measuring 250AAC.)
Figure 3
One turn around a conductor carrying 250AAC
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AmpFlex®- Flexible AC Current Probes
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Tips for Making Precise Measurements (continued):
Figure 4
Double the turns to double the output in low-
current applications or for higher sensitivity
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AmpFlex®- Flexible AC Current Probes
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Typical Response Curves:
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AmpFlex®- Flexible AC Current Probes
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Typical Response Curves (cont.):
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AmpFlex®- Flexible AC Current Probes
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Maintenance
Warning
•For maintenance use only specified replacement parts.
•To avoid electrical shock, do not attempt to perform any servicing
unless you are qualified to do so.
•Do not perform any service while the AmpFlex®is on any circuit.
•To avoid electrical shock and/or damage to the instrument, do not get
water or other foreign agents into the electronic module.
•Also see warning on page 2.
Battery Replacement
•If the power ON indicator (green LED) blinks or does not light up,
replace the battery.
•Remove the AmpFlex®from any circuit before replacing the battery.
•To replace the battery, open rear case, replace battery and
reassemble. The green LED should go on when the module is turned
on.
Cleaning
•It is important to keep the probe sensor latch mating surfaces clean
and prevent foreign bodies from hampering the closing. The sensor
may be gently cleaned with a soft cloth, soap and water. Dry
immediately after cleaning. Avoid water penetration into the electronic
module.
•Make sure the sensor, electronic module, and all leads are dry before
any further use.
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