Chauvin Arnoux AEMC AmpFlex User manual

CURRENT PROBES AmpFlex®
Flexible
AC Current
Probe
User ManualENGLISH

Copyright © Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC®Instruments. All rights reserved.
No part of this documentation may be reproduced in any form or by any means (including electronic
storage and retrieval or translation into any other language) without prior agreement and written consent
from Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc., as governed by United States and International copyright laws.
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC®Instruments
15 Faraday Drive • Dover, NH 03820 USA
Tel: [phone] or [phone] • Fax: [phone]
This documentation is provided “as is,” without warranty of any kind, express, implied, or otherwise.
Chauvin Arnoux®󰀨
but does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the text, graphics, or other information contained
in this documentation. Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. shall not be liable for any damages, special, indirect,


user of the documentation has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

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. For recalibration, please
use our calibration services. Refer to our repair and
calibration section at www.aemc.com.
Serial #:
Catalog #:
Model #:
Please fill in the appropriate date as indicated:
Date Received:
Date Calibration Due:
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc.
d.b.a AEMC®Instruments
www.aemc.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................ 5
1.1 PRECAUTIONS FOR USE ................................................ 6
1.2 RECEIVING YOUR SHIPMENT................................................ 6
1.3 PACKAGING............................................................................... 6
2. PRODUCT FEATURES...................................................................... 7
2.1 DESCRIPTION ........................................................................... 7
2.2 AMPFLEX®................................................................................. 8
2.3 FEATURES ................................................................................. 9
2.4 ACCESSORIES.......................................................................... 9
2.5 STANDARD MODELS.............................................................. 10
3. OPERATION ..................................................................................... 11
3.1 MAKING MEASUREMENTS WITH THE AMPFLEX®............ 11
3.2 TIPS FOR MAKING PRECISE MEASUREMENTS .......... 11-14
3.3 TYPICAL RESPONSE CURVES........................................15-16
4. SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................ 17
4.1 COMMON SPECIFICATION.................................................... 18
4.1.1 Electrical....................................................................................... 18
....................................................... 18
............................................................ 19
................................................................... 19
 ................................................................. 20
.................................................................... 20
4.2 INSTRUMENT COMPATIBILITY............................................. 20
5. MAINTENANCE................................................................................ 21
5.1 BATTERY REPLACEMENT..................................................... 21
5.2 CLEANING................................................................................ 21
5.3 REPAIR AND CALIBRATION .................................................. 22
5.4 TECHNICAL AND SALES ASSISTANCE ............................... 22
5.5 LIMITED WARRANTY.............................................................. 23
5.6 WARRANTY REPAIRS ............................................................ 23

AmpFlex®Current Probe 5
1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing an AEMC®Instruments AmpFlex®Flexible AC
Current Probe.
For best results from your instrument and for your safety, read the enclosed
operating instructions carefully and comply with the precautions for use. These

Symbols


when servicing the instrument.

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).
Denition of Measurement Categories (CAT)
CAT IV corresponds to measurements taken at the source of low-voltage
installations.
Example: power feeders, counters, and protections devices.
CAT III corresponds to measurements on building installations.
Example: distribution panel, circuit-breakers, machines, or xed industrial
devices.
CAT II corresponds to measurements taken on circuits directly connected to low-
voltage installations.
Example: power supple to domestic electrical appliances and portable tools.

6 AmpFlex®Current Probe
1.1 PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
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.
■
exceed the max voltage ratings given.
■Safety is the responsibility of the operator. The AmpFlex®must be used only

■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®
1000V CAT III.
1.2 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

distributor at once, giving a detailed description of any damage.
1.3 PACKAGING
Your AmpFlex®shipment consists of the following items:
■Flexible probe with electronic module.
■User manual.
■9V battery.

AmpFlex®Current Probe 7
2. PRODUCT FEATURES
2.1 DESCRIPTION
The AmpFlex®

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,
󰀨

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, has excellent
frequency response, and cannot be damaged by overloads.

CAT III. The AmpFlex®meets EN 61010-1, is CE marked, and is designed with
materials and components to meet international agency standards.
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.

length. Consult the factory for custom lengths, ranges and/or features.

8 AmpFlex®Current Probe
2.2 AMPFLEX®
Figure 1
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.
7. Flexible Sensor (Diameter 0.5”, 12.5mm).
8. Lead from Sensor to Module (6.5ft, 2m).
9. Electronic Module - Descriptive Label on
Back Case (range, model, etc.)

AmpFlex®Current Probe 9
2.3 FEATURES
■Models to measure from 0.5 A to 30,000 A
■Accuracy: 1% of reading.
■TRMS measurements when connected to a TRMS instrument.
■No core saturation or damage if overloaded.
■Overrange LED for measurement circuitry.
■
■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.
2.4 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.

10 AmpFlex®Current Probe
2.5 STANDARD MODELS
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
1000-36-2-1 100/1000A 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
All 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: [email protected]

AmpFlex®Current Probe 11
3. OPERATION
Please ensure that you have already read and fully understand the Precautions
for Use section on page 6.
3.1 MAKING MEASUREMENTS WITH THE AMPFLEX®
■Connect the electronic module to the AC Volt range of your Digital Multi-Meter
(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.
■
range, select the higher mV/A AmpFlex®output range to obtain the best

on selected range if overload LED goes on.
■Read the displayed value on the DMM and divide it by the range selected (i.e.

the probe is 2590mV ÷ 10 = 259A).
■
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.
3.2 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 mVAC.
■For best accuracy, center the AmpFlex®around the conductor to be measured


12 AmpFlex®Current Probe
TIPS FOR MAKING PRECISE MEASUREMENTS
(CONTINUED)
■To increase sensitivity or measure on low currents, the AmpFlex®may be
wrapped several times around the conductor. 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®

AmpFlex®Current Probe 13
TIPS FOR MAKING PRECISE MEASUREMENTS
(CONTINUED)
■The AmpFlex®may be doubled around the conductor to be measured to
󰀨
while measuring 250A).
Figure 3
One turn around a conductor carrying 250A

14 AmpFlex®Current Probe
TIPS FOR MAKING PRECISE MEASUREMENTS
(CONTINUED)
Double the turns to double the
output in low-current applications
or for higher sensitivity.
Figure 4

AmpFlex®Current Probe 15
3.3 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 A0.5 A1A5A 10 A
100 A
20 A ... 3000 A 10 kA ... 30 kA
Typical Accuracy % per Range to 100 A
Amps

16 AmpFlex®Current Probe
TYPICAL RESPONSE CURVES (CONTINUED)
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

AmpFlex®Current Probe 17
4. 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


accuracy curves for low currents.

18 AmpFlex®Current Probe
4.1 COMMON SPECIFICATION
4.1.1 Electrical
Accuracy: 1% of reading ± residual noise.
Frequency Range: 10 - 20,000Hz with current derating.
Signal Output: 4.5V max.
Working Voltage:
Frequency Inuence:
See Accuracy vs. Frequency curves on pages 16 and 17.
Frequency Limitation:
See current derating curves (NOTE: no limitation on 300A Range) page 17.
Inuence of adjacent conductor in contact with sensor and with AC signal:
0.2% typical, 2% maximum.
Inuence of conductor position in sensor: 0.5% typical, 4% max.
Inuence of shape of sensor: Oblong shape: 0.2% typical, 1% max.
Common Mode Rejection: 100dB typical, 80dB min.
4.1.2 Environmental Specications
Operating Temperature Range: -14° to 131°F (-10° to +55°C).
Storage Temperature Range: -40° to 158°F (-40° to +70°C).
Inuence of Temperature:

18°F 10°C max.

18°F (10°C) max.
Inuence of Relative Humidity:
10 to 90% RH: 0.2% typical, 0.5% maximum.
Operating Relative Humidity:


Altitude:
Operating: 0 to 2000m, working voltage derating above.
Non-operating: 0 to 12,000m.

AmpFlex®Current Probe 19
4.1.3 Mechanical Specications
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.

Dimensions (sensor):
24”, 36”, and 48” nominal (± 1”), other lengths optional.
Dimensions (Electronic Module): 4.9 x 2.5 x 1.1” (124 x 64 x 28mm).
Weight:
AmpFlex®24” with battery: 0.74 lb.
AmpFlex®36” with battery: 0.89 lb.
AmpFlex®48” with battery: 0.95 lb.
Connection Cable Length (sensor to module): 6.5ft (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.
Weatherproong: Module: IP40 (EN 60529).
4.1.4 Sensor Specications
Weight: 10.8oz (302.4g).
Bend Radius: 0.75” (19mm) minimum.
Bending Life: >10000 without performance deterioration.
Waterproong: IP 65.
Resistance to Chemicals: Resistant to oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons.
Diameter: 12mm ± 0.5mm.
Outer Sheath Material: Polyurethane, UL94V0.
Dielectric Strength: 7500V.
Latch Spring Life: >10,000 maneuvers.

20 AmpFlex®Current Probe
4.1.5 Material Specications
Module: UL 94V2, Color dark gray, Polycarbonate.
Sensor Latch: Material: Lexan 500R, UL94V0.
Cable Assembly to Sensor: UL94V0, 1000V rating.
4.1.6 Safety Specications
Electrical:
Double insulation or reinforced insulation between primary or secondary and
outer case per EN 61010.
■
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.
•  
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.
4.2 INSTRUMENT COMPATIBILITY
The AmpFlex®is compatible with any multimeter, AC voltmeter, or other voltage

best overall accuracy, use the AmpFlex®with an AC voltmeter with an accuracy
of 0.75% or better.