AEMC SL261 User manual

AC/DC Current
Oscilloscope Probe
Model SL261
USER MANUAL
ZERO
100 mV/A
10 mV/A
OFF
I

AC/DC Current Oscilloscope Probe Model SL261
Limited Warranty
The AC/DC Current Oscilloscope Probe Model SL261 is warranted to the
owner for a period of one year from the date of original purchase against
defects in manufacture. This limited warranty is given by AEMC®
Instruments, not by the distributor from whom it was purchased. 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.
For full and detailed warranty coverage, please read the Warranty Coverage
Information, which is attached to the Warranty Registration Card (if
enclosed) or is available at www.aemc.com. Please keep the Warranty
Coverage Information with your records.
What AEMC®Instruments will do:
If a malfunction occurs within the one-year period, you may return the
instrument to us for repair, provided we have your warranty registration
information on file or a proof of purchase. AEMC®Instruments will, at its
option, repair or replace the faulty material.
YOU CAN NOW REGISTER ON LINE AT:
www.aemc.com
Warranty Repairs
First, request a Customer Service Authorization Number (CSA#) by phone or
by fax from our Service Department (see address below), then return the
instrument along with the signed CSA Form. Please write the CSA# on the
outside of the shipping container. Return the instrument, postage or
shipment pre-paid to:
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC®Instruments
15 Faraday Drive • Dover, NH 03820 USA
Tel: [phone] (Ext. 360)
[phone] (Ext. 360)
Fax: [phone] or [phone]
[email protected]
Caution: To protect yourself against in-transit loss, we recommend you
insure your returned material.
NOTE: All customers must obtain a CSA# before returning any
instrument.

Table of Contents
Warning .....................................................................................................2
International Electrical Symbols ................................................................2
Receiving Your Shipment..........................................................................3
Packaging..................................................................................................3
Compatibility..............................................................................................3
Description ................................................................................................4
Control and Connector Identification.........................................................4
Specifications ............................................................................................5
Electrical Specifications.........................................................................5
Environmental Specifications ................................................................6
Mechanical Specifications .....................................................................6
Safety Specifications .............................................................................7
Typical Response Curves......................................................................8
Linearity for a DC Signal Range 10 mV/A .............................................9
Operation...................................................................................................9
Zero Adjustment ....................................................................................9
Current Measurement............................................................................9
Battery Indication (Green LED) ...........................................................10
Overload Indication (Red LED) ...........................................................10
Maintenance............................................................................................10
Warning ...............................................................................................10
Battery Replacement ...........................................................................10
Repair and Calibration ............................................................................11
Technical and Sales Assistance.............................................................11

AC/DC Current Oscilloscope Probe Model SL261
- 2 -
Warning
These safety warnings are provided to ensure the safety of
personnel and proper operation of the instrument.
• Connect the probe to the oscilloscope or voltage measuring
instrument before clamping the probe around a conductor.
• Never use the probe on circuits rated higher than 600V or
with float voltage greater than 600V.
• Never leave the probe clamped around a conductor while it
is not connected to an oscilloscope or voltage measuring
instrument.
• Carefully center the conductor inside the probe jaws and
ascertain that the probe is perpendicular to the conductor
before closing the jaws.
• Avoid, if possible, the proximity of other conductors which
may create noise.
• Check the magnetic mating surfaces of the probe jaws;
these should be free of dirt, rust, or other foreign matter.
• Do not use a probe which is cracked, damaged, or has
defective leads.
International Electrical Symbols
This symbol signifies that the probes are protected by double or
reinforced insulation. Use only 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.

AC/DC Current Oscilloscope Probe Model SL261
- 3 -
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
The shipping container includes the SL261 AC/DC Current Oscilloscope
Probe with a separate battery (not installed) and this user manual.
Compatibility
• BNC input connector.
• Range capable of displaying 0.2 to 0.5V per division.
• Minimum input impedance of 1MΩ.

AC/DC Current Oscilloscope Probe Model SL261
- 4 -
Description
The SL261 AC/DC Current Oscilloscope Probe expands oscilloscope
applications in industrial, automotive or power environments, and is ideal
for analysis and measurement of distorted current waveforms and
harmonics. The probe permits accurate display and measurement of
currents from 100mA to 100Arms, DC to 100kHz without breaking into
the circuit. The probe uses Hall effect technology to measure AC and DC
signals. The probe connects directly to an oscilloscope through a 2 meter
coaxial cable with an insulated BNC.
Control and Connector Identification
ZERO
OFF
I
Battery
Compartment
Screw
Range Selection Switch
Power Indication LED
Zero Adjust Knob
Current Flow for DC Measurements
or Supply to Load for AC Measurements
Battery Compartment Cover
Ø = 0.46"
(11.8 mm)
Peak Overload Indication LED
100 mV/A
10 mV/A
Figure 1

AC/DC Current Oscilloscope Probe Model SL261
- 5 -
Specifications
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Current Range:
100mV/A: 100mA to 10A peak
10mV/A: 1 to 100A peak
Output Signal: 1000mV peak max
AC Current Accuracy:
After calibration and for one year
(zero probe before making measurement)
Range Accuracy
100mV/A (50mA to 10A peak) 3% of reading ± 50mA
10mV/A (500mA to 40A peak) 4% of reading ± 50mA
10mV/A (40A to 100A peak) 15% max at 100A
Phase Shift*:
< 1° from dc to 65 Hz on 10mV/A
< 1.5° from dc to 65 Hz on 100mV/A
Frequency Range: DC to 100kHz (-3dB with current derating)
Noise:
Range 10mV/A: 480µV
Range 100mV/A: 3mV
Slew Rate:
Range 10mV/A: 20mV/µs
Range 100mV/A: 0.3V/µs
Load Impedance: > 1MΩ/100pF
Insertion Impedance (50/60 Hz): 100mV/A: 3µs
10mV/A: 0.01Ω
Rise or Fall Time: Range 100mV/A: 3µs
Range 10mV/A: 4µs
* Reference Conditions: 23°C ± 5°C, 20 to 75% RH, DC to 1kHz, probe zeroed, 1
minute warmup, batteries at 9V ± 0.1V, external magnetic field < 40 A/m, no DC
component, no external current carrying conductor, 1M
Ω /100pF load, conductor
centered in jaw.

AC/DC Current Oscilloscope Probe Model SL261
- 6 -
Working Voltage: 600Vrms max
Common Mode Voltage: 600Vrms max
Influence of Adjacent Conductor: < 0.2mA/A AC
Influence of Conductor Position in Jaw: 0.5% of reading at kHz
Battery: 9V alkaline (NEDA 1604A, IEC 6LR61)
Low Battery: Green LED when ≥6.5V
Overload Indication:
Red LED indicates input greater than the selected range
Typical Consumption: 8.6mA
Battery Life: 55 hours typical
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Temperature: 0° to 50°C (32° to 122°F)
Storage Temperature: -30° to 80°C (-22° to 176°F)
Temperature Influence: < 0.2% per °C
Operating Relative Humidity:
10° to 30° C: 85 ± 5% RH (without condensation)
40° to 50° C: 45 ± 5% RH (without condensation)
Altitude: Operating: 0 to 2000m
Non operating: 0 to 12000m
MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Zero Adjustment: 20 turn potentiometer
Maximum Cable Diameter: 0.46" (11.8 mm)
Case Protection: IP20 per IEC 529
Drop Test:
1.0m on 38mm of oak on concrete; test according to IEC 1010
Mechanical Shock: 100G; test per IEC 68-2-27

AC/DC Current Oscilloscope Probe Model SL261
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Vibration:
Test per IEC 68-2-6, frequency range 10 Hz to 55 Hz,
amplitude 0.15mm
Handle: Lexan®920A, UL 94 V2
Dimensions: 9.09 x 1.42 x 2.64" (231 x 36 x 67mm)
Weight: 11.6 oz (330 g) with battery
Color: Light gray
Output Lead: Insulated coaxial cable with insulated BNC connector
Cable Length: 6.5 foot (2m)
SAFETY SPECIFICATIONS
Double insulation or reinforced insulation between primary or secondary
and outer case of the handle, per IEC 1010-2-032.
600V, Cat. III, Pollution Degree 2
Electromagnetic Compatibility:
EN 50081-1 Class B
EN 50082-2 Electrostatic discharge IEC 1000-4-2
Radiated Field IEC 1000-4-3
Fast Transients IEC 1000-4-4
Magnetic Field at 50/60 Hz IEC 1000-4-8

AC/DC Current Oscilloscope Probe Model SL261
- 8 -
Typical Response Curves
0
-1
-2
-3
-4
-5
Frequency
Frequency in Hz
range 100 mV/A
range 10 mV/A
frequency response
measurement current: 1A sine
100 1000 10000 100000
gain in dB
0
-10
-50
-100
-150
Phase Shift
Frequency in Hz
range 100 mV/A
range 10 mV/A
phase graph
measurement current: 1A sine
100 10000 100000
phase in ˚

AC/DC Current Oscilloscope Probe Model SL261
- 9 -
Linearity for a DC Signal Range 10mV/A
0%
-2%
-4%
-6%
-8%
-10%
-12%
-14%
-16% 0A 20A 40A 60A 80A 100A
Accuracy
Uncertainty
Typical
Specification
Operation
Zero Adjustment
The probe has a zero adjustment which should be adjusted before
measurement. Alternatively, you may “zero” with the oscilloscope
instead.
Current Measurement
Connect the current probe to the proper input channel on the
oscilloscope. Begin with the least sensitive range on the current probe
(10mV/A). Select the 0.5V/Division range on your oscilloscope. Clamp
the probe on the conductor to be measured and read the current flowing
directly on your oscilloscope.

AC/DC Current Oscilloscope Probe Model SL261
- 10 -
You may also use your oscilloscope to amplify the signal while using the
100mV/A probe range (which offers the best accuracy and least phase
shift).
Important: It is possible to change the range on the current probe
without removing the probe from the current carrying conductor,
but it is important to remember not to exceed the permissible
peak ratings of 1000mV peak or 2000mV peak to peak maximum.
The peak ratings by range are: 10A peak on the 100mV/A range,
100A peak on the 10mV/A range.
Battery Indication (Green LED)
The probe has a battery condition LED. To ensure proper readings with
your current probe, be sure that the green LED is lit during
measurement. If not, replace the 9V battery.
Peak Overload (OL) Indication (Red LED)
The SL261 offers an overload indicator. If the red LED illuminates during
measurement, this indicates that the peak value exceeds the instrument
response level and that the output is distorted. Switch the probe to a
higher range if possible.
Maintenance
Warning
• For maintenance use only specified replacement parts.
• Avoid electrical shock: do not attempt to perform any servicing unless
you are qualified to do so.
• 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
When the probe is turned on, the green battery indication LED should
light up. If not, replace the 9V battery (see figure 1). To replace the
battery, disconnect the probe from the circuit and the oscilloscope. Turn
the probe “OFF”. Unscrew the battery compartment screw and pull out
the battery compartment cover. Replace the battery and put the cover
back on. Do not replace the battery while probe is in use.

AC/DC Current Oscilloscope Probe Model SL261
- 11 -
Repair and Calibration
To ensure that your instrument meets factory specifications, we recommend
that it be submitted to our factory Service Center at one-year intervals for
recalibration, or as required by other standards or internal procedures.
For instrument 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. If the instrument is returned for calibration, we need
to know if you want a standard calibration, or a calibration traceable to
N.I.S.T. (includes calibration certificate plus recorded calibration data).
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc.
d.b.a. AEMC®Instruments
15 Faraday Drive
Dover, NH 03820 USA
Tel: [phone] (Ext. 360)
[phone] (Ext. 360)
Fax: [phone] or [phone]
[email protected]
(Or contact your authorized distributor)
Costs for repair, standard calibration, and calibration traceable to N.I.S.T. are
available.
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 operation or application of your instrument, please call, mail,
fax or e-mail our technical support hotline:
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc.
d.b.a. AEMC®Instruments
200 Foxborough Boulevard
Foxborough, MA 02035, USA
Phone: [phone]
[phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
www.aemc.com
NOTE: Do not ship Instruments to our Foxborough, MA address.

Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a AEMC®Instruments
15 Faraday Drive • Dover, NH 03820 USA
www.aemc.com
99-MAN 100042 v5 01/04