AEMC instruments MD305 User manual

AC Current Probe
Model MD305
User Manual
DESCRIPTION
The MD305 (Catalog #1201.36) is designed for use in industrial environments. The hook
shaped jaws enable the user to “pry” into or “hook” onto cables (will accept 2 x 500 MCM) or
smaller bus bars. This device is compatible with any AC Ammeter, multimeter, or other current
measurement instruments with an input impedence lower than 5Ω. To achieve this stated
accuracy, use the MD305 with an ammeter with an accuracy of 0.75% or better.
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.
• Use caution on any circuit; high voltages and currents may be present and may pose a shock hazard.
• Read the Safety Specications section prior to using the current probe. Never exceed the maximum
voltage ratings given.
• Safety is the respondibility of the operator.
• ALWAYS connect the current probe to the display device before clamping the probe onto the sample
being tested.
• ALWAYS inspect the instrument, probe, probe cable, and output terminals prior to use. Replace any
defective parts immediately.
• NEVER use the current probe on electrical conductors rated above 600V in overvoltage category III
(CAT III). Use extreme caution when clamping around bare conductors or bus bars.
INTERNATIONAL ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS
This symbol signies that the current probe is protected by double or reinforced
insulation. Use only factory-specied replacement parts when servicing the instrument.
This symbol signies CAUTION! and requests that the user refer to the user manual
before using the instrument.
This symbol signies that this is a type A current sensor and that application near and
removal from HAZARDOUS LIVE conductors is permitted.
DEFINITION OF MEASUREMENT CATEGORIES
CAT IV: For measurements performed at the primary electrical supply (<1000V), such as
primary overcurrent protection devices, ripple control units, or meters.
CAT III: For measurements performed in the building installation at the distribution level, such
as hardwired equipment in xed installation or circuit breakers.
CAT II: For measurements performed on circuits directly connected to the electrical
distribution system, such as 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, le a
claim immediately with the carrier, and notify your distributor with a detailed description of any
damage immediately.

CURRENT PROBE - MD305 DRAWING
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Current Range:
1 to 600A AC
Transformation Ratio:
1000:1
Output Signal:
1mA AC/A AC
Overload:
700A for 10min
Accuracy*:
Primary
Current
25A 100A 250A;
500A
600A
Accuracy % 3% 1.5% 1% 2%
Phase Shi 3° 1.5° 1° 1°
600A for 20min max
(*Referenced conditions: 23°C ± 5°K, 20 to
75% RH, external magnetic eld < 40 A/m, no
DC component, no external current carrying
conductor, test sample centered.) 5Ω load.
Frequency Range:
40 to 1000Hz
(error: add 2% to ref.)
Load Impedence:
5Ω max non-inductive
Open Secondary Voltage:
Limited to 10V peak max
Working Voltage:
600Vrms
Common Mode Voltage:
600Vrms
Inuence of Adjacent Parallel Conductor:
<30mA/A at 50Hz
Inuence of Conductor in Jaw Opening:
<1%

Output:
Double insulated 5ft (1.5m) lead with safety
banana plugs
SAFETY SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical:
Double insulation or reinforced insulation be-
tween the primary or secondary and the outer
case of the handle conforms to
IEC 1010-2-32.
Common Mode Voltage:
600V CAT III, Pollution Degree 2
Electromagnetic Compatibility:
EN 50081-1 Class B
EN 50081-2 Electrostatic discharge
IEC 1000-4-2
Radiated eld IEC 1000-4-3
Fast transients IEC 1000-4-4
Magnetic eld at 50/60Hz IEC 1000-4-8
ORDERING INFORMATION
Current Probe MD305 ..............Cat #1201.36
Accessories:
Adapter – 4mm non-insulated for Safety
Leads..........................................Cat #1017.45
MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Temperature:
-5° to 122°F (-15° to 50°C)
Storage Temperature:
-40° to 185°F (-40° to 85°C)
Inuence of Temperature:
< 0.1% per 10°K
Altitude:
Operating: 0 to 2000m
Non-operating: 0 to 12,000m
Jaw Opening:
1.3” (33mm)
Maximum Conductor Size:
1.18” (30mm)
Maximum Bus Bar Size:
1.48 x 0.20” (63 x 5mm)
Envelope Protection:
IP 20 (IEC 529)
Drop Test:
1.5m (IEC 68-2-32)
Mechanical Shock:
100g (IEC 68-2-27)
Vibration:
10/55/10Hz, 0.15mm
(IEC 68-2-6)
Polycarbonate Material:
Handles: 10% berglass charged
polycarbonate UL 94 V0
Dimensions:
2.6 x 7.68 x 1.34” (66 x 195 x 34mm)
Weight:
14.82 oz (420g)
Colors:
Dark gray handles
OPERATION
Please make sure that you have already read and fully understand the WARNING section on
page 1.
Making Measurements with the AC Current Probe Model MD305
• Connect the black and red terminals to the Ampere AC range of your DMM or current
measuring instrument. Select the appropriate current range (2A AC range). Clamp the
probe around the conductor with the arrow pointing toward the load. If the reading is less
than 200mA, select the lower range until you obtain the best resolution. Read the value
display on the DMM and multiply it by the probe ratio (1000/1). If the reading = 0.459A, the
current owing through the probe is 0.459A x 1000 = 495A AC.
• For best accuracy, avoid taking measurements in the proximity of other conductors if
possible. The other conductors may create noise that will a󰀨ect the accuracy of the
measurement.

Tips For Making Precise Measurements
• When using a current probe with a meter, please select the range that provides the best
resolution. Failure to do this may result in measurement errors.
• Make sure that the probe jaw mating surfaces are free from dust and contamination. It is
critical for power measurement. Contaminants cause air gaps between the jaws, which
increases the phase shift between primary and secondary.
MAINTENANCE
Warning
• For maintenance, use only original replacement parts.
• To avoid electrical shock, do not attempt to perform any service on the device unless you
are qualied to do so.
• To avoid electrical shock and/or damage to the instrument, do not allow water or other
foreign agents to come into contact with the probe.
Cleaning
To ensure optimum performance, it is important to keep the probe jaw mating surfaces clean at
all times. Failure to do so may result in error in readings. To clean the probe jaws, use very ne
sand paper (ne 600) to avoid scratching the jaw, and then gently clean with a soft, oiled cloth.
REPAIR AND CALIBRATION
You must contact our Service Center for a Customer Service Authorization number (CSA#).
This will ensure that, when your instrument arrives, it will be tracked and processed promptly.
Please write the CSA# on the outside of the shipping container.
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a AEMC® Instruments
15 Faraday Drive
Dover, NH 03820 USA
Phone: [phone] (Ext. 360)
[phone] (Ext. 360)
Fax: [phone] or [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
(Or contact your authorized distributor)
NOTE: All customers must obtain a CSA# before returning any instrument.
TECHNICAL AND SALES ASSISTANCE
If you are experiencing any technical problems or require any assistance with the proper use or
application of this instrument, please contact our technical hotline:
Phone: [phone] (Ext. 351)
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
LIMITED WARRANTY
The current probe is warrantied to the owner for a period of two years from the date of
original purchase against defects in manufacture. This limited warranty is given by AEMC®
Instruments, not by the distributor that it was purchased from. This warranty is void if the unit
has been tampered with, abused, or if the defect is related to service not performed by AEMC®
Instruments.
Full warranty coverage and product registration is available on our website at:
www.aemc.com/warranty.html.
Please print the online Warranty Coverage Information for your records.
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