AEMC AmpFlex 300A User manual

AmpFlex®
Flexible AC Current Probes
USER MANUAL
ON OL
!
600V CAT IV
10 mV/A
1 mV/A
OFF
®
INSTRUMENTS
AmpFlex
®
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Statement of Compliance
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC®Instruments
certifies that this instrument has been calibrated
using standards and instruments traceable to
international standards.
We guarantee that at the time of shipping your
instrument has met its published specifications.
An NIST traceable certificate may be
requested at the time of purchase, or obtained
by returning the instrument to our repair and
calibration facility, for a nominal charge.
The recommended calibration interval for this
instrument is 12 months and begins on the date of
receipt by the customer.


Serial #:
Catalog #:
_____________________________________
Model #: AmpFlex
®
AC Current Probe
Please fill in the appropriate date as indicated:
Date Received:
Date Calibration Due:
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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 .................................................................................................... 5
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
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
- 2 -
Warning
These safety wa rnings a re p rovided t o en sure the safety of
personnel and proper operation of the instrument.
 Read the in struction ma nual completely and foll ow all the
safety inform ation befo re attempting to use o r servi ce this
instrument.
 Wear protective clothing and gloves as required.
 Use ca ution on any circu it: potentially high voltag es an d
currents may be present and may pose a shock hazard.
 Read the safety spe cifications section prio r to using th e
current probe. Never exceed the max voltage ratings given.
 Safety is the responsi bility of the operator. T he A mpFlex®
must be used only by qu alified p ersonnel u sing a pplicable
safety precautions.
 ALWAYS de-energize the c ircuit before wrapping the
AmpFlex® around b are conductors, b us ba rs, or near live
parts. Do not wrap on live conductors.
 ALWAYS c onnect the elec tronic module to the dis play
device before wrap ping t he AmpFl ex® aro und th e sample
being tested.
 ALWAYS inspec t the module, sens or, s ensor cable, and
output termin als pri or to u se. Repl ace any defective parts
immediately. Use only factory parts.
 NEVER us e the AmpFlex ® on ele ctrical conductors rated
above 600V CAT IV; 1000V CAT III.
International Electrical Symbols
This symbol signifies that the current probe is p rotected by double
or reinforced insulation. Use o nly factory spe cified repla cement
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
- 3 -
Definition of Measurement Categories
CAT I: For measurements on circuits not directly connected to the A C
supply wall o utlet su ch as prot ected se condaries, si gnal level,
and limited energy circuits.
CAT II: For mea surements pe rformed on ci rcuits dire ctly co nnected to
the ele ctrical distri bution system. Exa mples are m easurements
on household appliances or portable tools.
CAT III: For me asurements p erformed in the b uilding in stallation at the
distribution l evel su ch a s on h ardwired e quipment in fixed
installation and circuit breakers.
CAT IV: For me asurements p erformed at the primary ele ctrical supply
(<1000V) such as on p rimary ove rcurrent protection devi ces,
ripple control units, or meters
Receiving Your Shipment
Upon receiving you r shipment, ma ke sure that the contents a re
consistent wi th the packin g list. Noti fy your di stributor of any mi ssing
items. If the equipment appears to be damaged, file a claim immediately
with the carrier a nd notify your di stributor at on ce, 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
- 4 -
Description
The AmpFlex® is a flexible AC current transformer composed of a flexible
sensor a nd an electronic m odule. The flexib le sen sor permits
measurements on condu ctors where standard clamp-on probe s could
not be used. In pa rticular, it can be installed in ti ght spaces, around
breaker panels, around cable bundles, around wide or large bus bars, or
even wrapp ed arou nd irregula r sh apes. The Shap e 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 all eviates the drooping effe ct ty pically a ssociated with flexible
sensors.
The AmpFle x® is lightwe ight and do es not u se magneti c co res like
standard t ransformers. Th e tran sformation pri nciple is ba sed on an ai r
core. It presents virtually no load to the system u nder te st, has a low
phase shift and excellent frequency response, and cannot be damaged
by overloads.
The se nsor assembly is waterproof and insul ated for 600V CAT IV;
1000V CAT III. The AmpFl ex® meets EN 61010-1, is CE m arked, and is
designed wit h material s a nd co mponents to meet internatio nal agency
approvals.
The Amp Flex® ha s a n mV output proportional to th e current m easured
for direct readings on DMMs, data l oggers, oscilloscopes, and power or
harmonic meters. TRMS m easurements are taken when connected to a
TRMS m eter. The Amp Flex® is in sensitive to DC currents an d onl y 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 le ngth. Consult the factor y for cu stom lengths, ranges and/or
features.
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
- 5 -
AmpFlex®
600V CAT IV
®
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
- 6 -
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
 Wate rproof 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
- 7 -
Standard Models
*This model (Cat. #2114.87) is recommended to be used with our Simple Logger® II Models
L101, L102 & L562.
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.
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
3000-24-2-0.3 300/3000 A 3.3/0.3mV/A 24” (610mm) 8” (190mm) 2114.87*
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
6000-36-2-0.1 600/6000 A 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
- 8 -
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
- 9 -
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 18 and 19
Frequency Limitation:
See current derating curves (note no limitation on 300A Range) page 19
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
- 10 -
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: IP 45 (EN60529)
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
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
- 11 -
Diameter: 12mm ± 0.5mm
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
- 12 -
Instrument Compatibility
The AmpFle x® is compatible with any mu ltimeter, AC voltmeter, or
other voltage measuring instrument with an input im pedance greater
than 1M . To a chieve th e be st ove rall accu racy, u se th e AmpF lex®
with a AC voltmeter having an accuracy of 0.75% or better.
Operation
Please m ake sure that yo u have alre ady read an d fully understa nd the
WARNING section on page 2.
Making Measurements with the AmpFlex®:
 Connect the electroni c module to t he AC Volt rang e of your DM M or
measuring in strument. Select the a ppropriate module output volt age
range. If the current magnitude is un known, and if AmpFlex ® has two
ranges, select the lowest mV/A output setting.
 Wrap the flex ible core aro und the conductor to be t ested. If po ssible
within range, select the hig her mV/A AmpFlex® output range to obt ain
the best re solution. Do n ot exceed specified cu rrent rang e for the
output. Do not use on selected range if overload LED goes on.
 Read the displayed valu e on the DM M and divid e it by the range
selected (i.e. if reading = 2.59V with the 10mV/A output ra nge, the
current flowing through the probe is 2590mV ÷ 10 = 259A).
 For best a ccuracy, ca refully cent er the co nductor in side the flexi ble
core, and av oid if possibl e, the prox imity of other cond uctors which
may create noise and interference (particularly near the latch).
 True RMS measurements a re obtai ned when t he Amp Flex® is
connected to a True RMS meter. Note that the DC component is not
measured.
Tips for Making Precise Measurements:
 When u sing t he AmpFlex ® with a m eter, it is impo rtant to sel ect the
range that provides the best resolution. Failure to do this may result in
measurement errors.
 For b est results, sel ect t he hig hest A mpFlex® out put sig nal p ossible
and the most sensitive meter range for this output.
 Make sure the DMM or measuring instrument can accurately measure
mVAC. Certai n inexpen sive DMM h ave poor resolution and accuracy
when measuring low mV AC.
 For be st accura cy, cente r the AmpFle x® aroun d the con ductor t o be
measured. (See figure 2).
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
- 13 -
Tips for Making Precise Measurements (continued):
 To increase the sensitivity or mea sure on low currents, the Amp Flex®
may be wrap ped several t imes a round the con ductor. Remember to
divide your reading by the number of turns for the actual
measurement (see Figure 4).
 The ove rall measurement accura cy i s the sum of the AmpFl ex®
accuracy and the displaying instrument accuracy.
Figure 2
ON OL
!
10 mV/A
1 mV/A
OFF
For best accuracy center the Ampflex
®
®
INSTRUMENTS
600V CAT IV
AmpFlex
®
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
- 14 -
Tips for Making Precise Measurements (continued):
The AmpFlex® may be do ubled around the conductor to be mea sured to
double the output. (See Figures 3 and 4 to show the different values on a
DMM while measuring 250AAC.)
Figure 3
ACV DCV
COM
+
250.0 MV
One turn around a conductor carrying 250AAC
ON OL
!
10 mV/A
1 mV/A
OFF
250 A
®
INSTRUMENTS
600V CAT IV
AmpFlex
®
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
- 15 -
Tips for Making Precise Measurements (continued):
Figure 4
ACV DCV
Double the turns to double the output
in low current applications or for higher sensitivity
ON OL
!
10 mV/A
1 mV/A
OFF
COM
+
500.0 MV
250 A
®
INSTRUMENTS
600V CAT IV
®
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
- 16 -
Typical Response Curves:
0.00 %
-0.50 %
-1.00 %
-1.50 %
-2.00 %
-2.50 %
-3.00 %
1 Hz 10 Hz 100 Hz 1000 Hz 10 kHz 100 kHz
Typical Accuracy % vs. Frequency @ 100 A, 1 mV/A Output
Frequency
0.00 %
-1.00 %
-2.00 %
-3.00 %
-4.00 %
-5.00 %
-6.00 %
-7.00 %
1 Hz 10 Hz 100 Hz 1000 Hz 10 kHz
100 kHz
Typical Accuracy % vs. Frequency @ 100 A, 10 mV/A
Frequency
%
± 10
± 9
± 8
± 7
± 6
± 5
± 4
± 3
± 2
± 1
± 0
0.1 A 0.5 A 1 A 5 A 10 A 100 A
20 A ... 3000 A 10 kA ... 30 kA
Typical Accuracy % per Range to 100 A
Amps
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
- 17 -
Typical Response Curves (cont.):
3000 A
2500 A
2000 A
1500 A
1000 A
500 A
0 A
1000 Hz 10 kHz 100 kHz
Current Derating Curve (I < 3000 A)
Frequency
Amps
30 kA
25 kA
20 kA
15 kA
10 kA
5 kA
0 A
100 Hz 1000 Hz 10 kHz 100 kHz
Current Derating Curve (I > 3000 A)
Frequency
Amps
5¡
0¡
-5¡
-10¡
-15¡
-20¡
-25¡
1 Hz 10 Hz 100 Hz 1000 Hz 10 kHz 100 kHz
Typical Phase Shift vs. Frequency @ 200 A, 1 mV/A Output
Frequency
Degrees
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
- 18 -
Maintenance
Warning
 For maintenance use only specified replacement parts.
 To avoi d el ectrical shock, do not attempt to p erform a ny 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 in strument, do not get
water or other foreign agents into the electronic module.
 Also see warning on page 2.
Battery Replacement
 If the powe r ON in dicator (g reen LE D) blinks o r does not lig ht up,
replace the battery.
 Remove the AmpFlex® from any circuit before replacing the battery.
 To replace the battery, open re ar case, replace b attery an d
reassemble. The gre en LED should go on whe n the module is t urned
on.
Cleaning
 It is importan t to keep the probe sensor latch matin g su rfaces clean
and prevent foreign bo dies from hampering the cl osing. The se nsor
may be gently cleaned with a soft cloth, soa p and wate r. Dry
immediately after cleaning. Avoid water penetration i nto the elect ronic
module.
 Make sure the sensor, electronic module, and all l eads are dry before
any further use.
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