Radio Shack 22-601 User manual

Cat. No. 22-601
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
Clamp-On AC Ammeter Probe
with AC Current Adapter
A
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2
©1999 Tandy Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
RadioShack is a registered trademark used by Tandy Corporation.
This symbol is intended to inform you that
important operating and maintenance in-
structions are included in the literature ac-
companying this product.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
DO NOT OPEN.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER OR BACK. NO USER-SERVICE-
ABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVIC-
ING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
fire or shock hazard, do not ex-
pose this product to rain or mois-
ture.
!CAUTION
!
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INTRODUCTION
Your RadioShack Clamp-On AC Ammeter Probe works with a
separate digital multimeter that can measure AC current of up
to 300 amps in wires. You do not need to disconnect or break
the wires.
Using the supplied AC current adapter, you also can use the
probe to measure current (up to 10 amps) in wires that power
devices such as air conditioners, ovens, and ranges, devices
with a standard two- or three-wire power cable such as a lamp
cord, or plug-in devices such as an AC adapter. You can also
use the probe to tell how many watts an appliance uses, which
helps you figure electricity costs per appliance.
Important:
• The probe is not designed for commercial or industrial use.
• Completely read this manual before you use the probe.
• If you are not familiar with multimeters and testing proce-
dures, we suggest you read
Using Your Meter
(RadioShack
Cat. No. 62-2039, not supplied) before using the probe.
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CONTENTS
A Word About Safety ............................................................. 5
Panel Markings ................................................................ 7
Preparation ............................................................................ 8
Choosing a Multimeter ..................................................... 8
Connecting the Probe to Your Multimeter ........................ 9
Using the Probe ................................................................... 10
Measuring AC Current Using the AC
Current Adapter ............................................................. 10
Measuring AC Current in a Wire .................................... 13
Determining Wattage ..................................................... 13
Care and Maintenance ........................................................ 14
Specifications ...................................................................... 15
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A WORD ABOUT SAFETY
While we have taken every precaution in designing this probe
and AC current adapter to ensure that they are safe, but safe
operation depends on you, the operator. We recommend that
you follow these simple safety rules:
• Never use the probe where there is voltage of more than
500 volts RMS AC 50/60 Hz with respect to ground.
• Never use the AC current adapter where there is voltage of
more than 120 volts RMS AC 50/60 Hz with respect to
ground.
• Never plug the AC current adapter into an AC outlet unless
you are using it with the probe. Immediately unplug the AC
current adapter from the AC outlet when you finish measur-
ing current.
• Never use the probe to measure current of more than 300
amps AC, and never use the AC current adapter (together
with the probe) to measure current of more than 10 amps
AC.
• If you are measuring more than 200 amps AC of current,
never use the probe longer than 30 seconds at a time.
• Let the probe cool at least 15 minutes before using it again.
• Never apply power to or touch the probe’s test leads while
using the probe.
• Always connect the probe to a suitable multimeter before
using it (see “Choosing a Multimeter” on Page 8).
The probe is fully calibrated and tested. Under normal use, no
further adjustment should be necessary. If the probe should re-
quire repair, do not try to adjust it yourself. Take it to your local
RadioShack store. Service by unauthorized personnel voids the
probe’s warranty.
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WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION IN USE OF THIS DE-
VICE. IMPROPER USE OF THIS DEVICE CAN RESULT IN IN-
JURY OR DEATH. FOLLOW ALL SAFEGUARDS
SUGGESTED IN THIS OWNER’S MANUAL IN ADDITION TO
NORMAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN DEALING WITH ELEC-
TRICAL CIRCUITS. DO NOT USE THIS DEVICE IF YOU ARE
UNFAMILIAR WITH ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS AND TESTING
PROCEDURES.
WARNING: IF THE EQUIPMENT IS USED IN A MANNER
NOT SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER, THE PROTEC-
TION PROVIDED BY THE EQUIPMENT MAY BE IMPAIRED.
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PANEL MARKINGS
We have placed the following special markings on the bottom of
the probe to remind you of the measurement limitations and en-
sure your safety.
The maximum current that you can measure
with this probe is 300 amps AC.
To avoid electrical shock or instrument dam-
age, do not measure current where there is
any source of more than 500 volts RMS AC
with respect to ground.
This equipment is rated for installation catego-
ry II (maximum 3600 VA).
The current output between the probe’s test
leads is one milliamp per 2 amps of input cur-
rent between the probe’s jaws.
The probe is protected by double insulation.
Caution: Risk of electric shock! Refer to the
complete operating instructions.
INPUT: AC
300A MAX.
500VAC TO
GROUND
CAT II
OUTPUT:
1mA=2A
!
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PREPARATION
CHOOSING A MULTIMETER
To use the probe, you must connect it to a suitable digital multi-
meter (RadioShack offers a wide variety of multimeters that
meet the following specifications).
Caution: The multimeter you select must:
• Be able to measure AC current equal to 1/2000th of the cur-
rent in the wire to be measured.
• Have input jacks that are compatible with the banana plugs
on the probe’s test leads.
• Have an AC current range of 20 mA or greater, up to 200
mA.
• Have an input resistance of less than 12Ωin its AC current
mode.
Using a multimeter that does not meet these specifications
could damage the probe or the multimeter.
Important: The probe will not provide accurate readings if the
multimeter you connect it to is set to an AC current range of less
than 20 mA.
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CONNECTING THE PROBE TO YOUR
MULTIMETER
Cautions:
• Always connect the probe to your multimeter before you
clamp the probe to a wire carrying current.
• Always remove the probe from a wire carrying current before
you disconnect the probe’s test leads from the multimeter.
• Never apply power to the probe’s test leads.
Insert the banana plug on the
probe’s red test lead into the multi-
meter’s current input jack. Then in-
sert the banana plug on the probe’s
black test lead into the multimeter’s
COM jack.
Note: If your multimeter does not
have a separate current input jack or
–COM jack, consult your multimeter’s
owner’s manual to find the correct
jacks to use.
Red Test Lead
Black Test Lead
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USING THE PROBE
MEASURING AC CURRENT USING THE
AC CURRENT ADAPTER
Warnings:
• Never use the AC current adapter with any device other
than the probe.
• Do not leave the AC current adapter plugged into an AC
outlet if you are not using it with the probe. Unplug the AC
current adapter from the AC outlet as soon as you have fin-
ished using it.
1. With the probe connected to your multimeter, turn on your
multimeter and set it to measure AC current.
2. Set your multimeter’s current range switch to the correct
setting for the current level you want to measure.
If you do not know the current level you are measuring, set
the range switch to its highest position, then reduce the set-
ting as necessary to obtain a satisfactory reading.
If you know the approximate current level you are measur-
ing, use the table on Page 11 to help you set the current
range.
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Note: A 31/2-digit multimeter can display up to 1,999 units.
A 32/3-digit multimeter can display up to 2,999 units. A 33/4-
digit multimeter can display up to 3,999 units.
3. Insert the AC current
adapter’s male plug into
the standard AC outlet
used to power the device
you are measuring. Then
plug the power cord for
the device you are mea-
suring into the adapter’s
female plug.
31/2-Digit
Multimeter 32/3-Digit Multimeter 33/4-Digit Multimeter
Estimated
Measured
Current
(amps)
Set the
Range
Switch to:
Set the
Range
Switch to:
Set the
Range
Switch to:
1–39 20 mA 30 mA 40 mA
40–59 200 mA 30 mA 40 mA
60–79 200 mA 300 mA 40 mA
80–300 200 mA 300 mA 400 mA
AC Current Adapter
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4. Hold down the trigger lever on the probe
so the probe’s jaws open. Then insert
the AC current adapter’s loop inside the
probe’s jaws. Release the trigger lever.
5. To help ensure an accurate read-
ing, move the probe so the
adapter’s loop is in the center of
the open area inside the jaws.
Then note the reading on your
multimeter.
The device’s current (in amps) is
equal to twice the reading you see
(in milliamps) on the multimeter’s
display. For example, if your multi-
meter shows 5 milliamps, the
device is carrying 10 amps of cur-
rent.
6. When you have finished measuring the wire’s current,
immediately unplug the AC current adapter then unplug the
device’s power cord from the adapter.
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MEASURING AC CURRENT IN A WIRE
To measure AC current in a single wire, follow the steps in
“Measuring AC Current Using the AC Current Adapter” on
Page 10, but do not use the AC current adapter (in other words,
skip Step 3). Instead, insert the wire you are measuring inside
the probe’s jaws in Step 4. Move the probe so the wire is in the
center of the open area inside the jaws. The wire’s current (in
amps) is equal to twice the reading you see (in milliamps) on
the multimeter. For example, if your multimeter shows 125 mA,
the wire is carrying 250 amps of current.
Important: Make sure you place only one wire inside the
probe’s jaws at a time. If you try to measure AC current in more
than one wire at a time, the measurement will not be accurate.
DETERMINING WATTAGE
You can use the probe to tell how many watts of power an appli-
ance uses. This helps you determine what the electricity costs
are for that appliance. The following formula can help you make
the necessary conversions.
V (volts) xA (amps) = W (watts)
To determine how many watts an appliance uses, use your mul-
timeter to measure the number of volts it uses (120 volts single-
phase AC is standard for most household appliances) then use
your probe and multimeter to measure the current it uses. Then
multiply those numbers. For example, if your air conditioner
uses 120 volts and you measured 10 amps, it uses 1,200 watts.
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Your RadioShack Clamp-On AC Ammeter Probe is an ex-
ample of superior design and craftsmanship. The following
suggestions will help you care for your probe so you can enjoy
it for years. Keep the probe dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry im-
mediately. Liquids might contain minerals that
can corrode the electronic circuits.
Use and store the probe only in normal tempera-
ture environments. Temperature extremes can
shorten the life of electronic devices and distort
or melt plastic parts.
Keep the probe away from dust and dirt, which
can cause premature wear of parts.
Handle the probe gently and carefully. Dropping
it can damage circuit boards and cases and can
cause the probe to work improperly.
Wipe the probe with a damp cloth occasionally
to keep it looking new. Do not use harsh chemi-
cals, cleaning solvents, or strong detergents to
clean the probe.
Modifying or tampering with the probe’s internal components
can cause a malfunction and might invalidate its warranty. If
your probe is not performing as it should, take it to your local
RadioShack store for assistance.
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SPECIFICATIONS
PROBE
Input Current Range .................................................... 1–300 A
Output ............... 0.5 mA per amp of input current (1 mA = 2 A)
Accuracy ................................ ±0.6 A at 50 Hz/60 Hz for 1–2 A
±(4% + 1 A) at 50 Hz/60 Hz for 2–300 A
Working Voltage ..................................... 500 V RMS maximum
Division Ratio .............................................................. 2000:1.0
Duty Cycle .............................. 30 seconds use/15 minutes rest
(Measurement Current More Than 200 A)
Shunt (Load) Resistance .................................. Less than 12 Ω
at current meter input
Jaw Opening ..................................................... 1 Inch (25 mm)
Test Lead Length ................................... 39.37 Inches (100 cm)
Operating Temperature ..................... 32 to 109.4°F (0 to 43°C)
Storage Temperature ....................... –4 to 140°F (–20 to 60°C)
Dimensions (HWD) ........................... 813/16 ×3 3/8 ×13/16 Inches
(224 × 86 × 30 mm)
Weight ............................................................ 10.4 oz (294.1 g)
AC CURRENT ADAPTER
Input Current Range ......................................... 10 A maximum
Working Voltage .......................................................... 120 VAC
Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifica-
tions are subject to change and improvement without notice.
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RadioShack
A Division of Tandy Corporation
Fort Worth, Texas 76102 811080900B
08A99 Printed in Hong Kong
Limited Ninety-Day Warranty
This product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material and
workmanship under normal use for ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from Ra-
dioShack company-owned stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES
AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURA-
TION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN. EXCEPT AS
PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY TO
CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LIABIL-
ITY, LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE OR PERFOR-
MANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INCONVE-
NIENCE, LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDI-
RECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack
HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow the limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclu-
sion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may
not apply to you.
In the event of a product defect during the warranty period, take the product and the Ra-
dioShack sales receipt as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. RadioShack
will, at its option, unless otherwise provided by law: (a) correct the defect by product repair
without charge for parts and labor; (b) replace the product with one of the same or similar
design; or (c) refund the purchase price. All replaced parts and products, and products on
which a refund is made, become the property of RadioShack. New or reconditioned parts
and products may be used in the performance of warranty service. Repaired or replaced
parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period. You will
be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the expiration of the war-
ranty period.
This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of
God, abuse, accident, misuse, improper or abnormal usage, failure to follow instructions,
improper installation or maintenance, alteration, lightning or other incidence of excess volt-
age or current; (b) any repairs other than those provided by a RadioShack Authorized Ser-
vice Facility; (c) consumables such as fuses or batteries; (d) cosmetic damage; (e)
transportation, shippingor insurance costs; or(f) costs of product removal, installation, set-
up service adjustment or reinstallation.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
RadioShack Customer Relations, 200 Taylor Street., 6th Floor,
Fort Worth, TX 76102
We Service What We Sell 4/99
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