SensorLink Ampstik+ User manual

SensorLink
Operators Manual
Ampstik®+
Slip-on Ammeters

Pad-mounted current measurement
Ampstik®+, Model 8-024-PLUS, Wide Jaw Sensor Opening
Overhead current measurement
Ampstik®+, Model 8-020-XT PLUS, Standard Sensor Opening

Operators Manual
Ampstik®+
Slip-on Ammeters
Table of Contents Page
Specifications 4
Safety Warnings 5
Theory of Operation 5
Taking a Measurement: RUN Mode 6-7
Taking a Measurement: HOLD Mode 8-9
Display Resolution 10
Powering the unit OFF 10
Backlight Operation 11
Battery Replacement 12
Cleaning 12
High Voltage operation 12
Troubleshooting 13
Warranty 14-15
Quality Assurance Back Cover
Available Stock Codes:
8-020-XT PLUS 50HZ 8-020-XT PLUS 60HZ 8-020-XT PLUS EURO 8-020-XT PLUS FRG
8-024-PLUS-50HZ 8-024-PLUS-60HZ 8-024-PLUS-EURO

Page 4
SPECIFICATIONS
Model Number 8-020-XT Plus 8-024-Plus
Range of Operation
Voltage Phase to Phase 0-500 kV 0-500 kV
Current 0.5-5000 A 0.5-5000 A
Sensor Opening Standard Wide Jaw
Opening Width 2.5 in, 6.35 cm 4 in, 10.16 cm
Dimensions 13.96 in x 5.5 in x 1.92 in
35.46 cm x 13.97 cm x 4.88 cm
17.04 in x 8.95 in x 1.93 in
43.28 cm x 22.73 cm x 4.9 cm
Weight 1.75 lbs, 0.79 kg 2.6 lbs, 1.18 kg
Type of Reading Four readings
Resolution
Amps .5-99.9A 0.1A
Amps 100-1999A 1A
Amps 2000-5000 0.01kA
Accuracy ± 1%, ± 2 Counts
Frequency Actual frequency marked on unit
50 Hz Calibrated 47 to 53 Hz
60 Hz Calibrated 57 to 63 Hz
Mechanical
Operating Temperature -22° to +140° F, -30° to +60° C
Shipped with Alkaline battery. Lithium battery required for
temperatures below -4° F (-20° C)
Display 3.5 Digit display
Backlight Automatic ambient light sensor
Housing Fire resistant and waterproof polycarbonate & silicone
Hotstick Mounting Universal chuck adapter. Hot stick not included.
Battery 9V Alkaline or Lithium
Durability Drop tested to 10'
Testing Standards IP65, CE DoC available upon request

THEORY OF OPERATION
The True RMS Ampstik+ has been developed specifically for measurement of AC current
in environments of up to 500 kV for the electrical utility industry. The True RMS feature
allows accurate measurement of current even when the nominal waveform is distorted
or when harmonics are present. This may be the case with Y connected transformer
neutral leads and distribution to many industrial customers using SCR controllers and
other switching devices. This instrument can be used remotely with any hot stick and
universal chuck adapter. It has no moving parts and does not require clamping onto the
wire. The Polycarbonate housing is water resistant and will withstand high physical impact.
Page 5
Safety Information
Read all safety and instruction statements before using the product. Failing to
follow the safety guidelines can cause severe injury or death.
Ampstik+ units are designed for use on live, overhead lines with 0 to 500KV.
All procedures appropriate for the line voltage are to be taken, including
proper work techniques, equipment, and Personal Protection Equipment.
The Ampstik+ should be used only by certified personnel who have been
trained for live-line, high voltage work by their organization.
The hot stick length must be the correct for line voltage per minimum
approach distances stated in published OSHA regulations and/or provided by
the utility.
The cover plate, chuck, and entire Ampstik+ are to be considered at the same
potential. Putting the cover plate, chuck, or other parts of the Ampstik+
within the air gap of adjacent phases or ground could cause a phase to phase
or phase to ground fault.
The hot stick should be considered the sole isolation device.
Do not force the arms of the Ampstik+.
Do not alter the product in any manner.

Page 6
Take a Measurement in RUN Mode
When in RUN MODE, the reading continuously changes as the current on the
conductor changes. The unit is immediately in the RUN mode after powering on.
To place the instrument into the RUN mode from a different mode, press and hold
the control switch and scroll to the option RUN, then release the control switch to
engage the option.
Step 1: Attach the unit to a hot stick with a universal chuck adapter.
Step 2: Power on the unit by pressing and releasing the control switch.
STARTUP TEST
The Ampstik+ conducts a startup test to verify the sensor and circuitry
is functioning correctly. The following screens will display during the
test:
If the test detects a failure, the display will show FAIL and a
corresponding code as per below. See page 13 for the failure code
chart.
If the test determines the unit is functioning properly, it will move to
normal mode and is ready to take the first measurement. The display
will show:
- - -
FAIL
1
0.0

Page 7
Step 3: Take a measurement. Place the Ampstik+ on the conductor as shown
below, with the conductor positioned anywhere below the measurement lines on
the arms of the unit. If the conductor cannot be placed below the bump-outs,
readings are taken but the accuracy may be lessened.
Step 4: Observe the readings being displayed on the unit.

HOLD
Take a Measurement in HOLD Mode
When in HOLD mode, the unit will automatically measure and hold up to four
unique current readings
Step 1: Attach the unit to a hot stick with a universal chuck adapter.
Step 2: Power on the unit by pressing and releasing the control switch.
Step 3: Place the instrument into the RUN mode. Press and hold the control
switch and scroll to the HLD option; release the control switch on this option. The
Ampstik+ is now in the HOLD mode and the word HOLD will appear on the bottom
left corner of the display.
STARTUP TEST
The Ampstik+ conducts a startup test to verify the sensor and circuitry
is functioning correctly. The following screens will display during the
test:
If the test detects a failure, the display will show FAIL and a
corresponding code as per below. See page 13 for the failure code
chart.
If the test determines the unit is functioning properly, it will move to
RUN mode and is ready to take the first measurement. The display will
show:
- - -
FAIL
1
0.0
Page 8

65.5
1
HOLD
72.0
1 3
2 4
HOLD
Step 4: Take a measurement. Place the Ampstik+ on the conductor as shown
below, with the conductor positioned anywhere below the measurement lines on
the arms of the unit. If the conductor cannot be placed below the measurement
line, readings are taken but the accuracy may be lessened.
Step 5: Hold the unit on the conductor for 2-4 seconds and then remove from
the line. The measurement has been taken and the unit is ready to take the next
reading. Each reading is numbered and displayed on the top left of the display.
Step 6: Repeat steps 4 & 5 to acquire up to three more readings. If the Ampstik+
has four readings in memory and another attempt is made to take a reading the
display will show "- - -".
Page 9
Deleting Stored Measurements
Measurements will clear when the unit is powered off, returned to RUN mode, or
deleted manually.
Step 1: Press and hold the control switch until the DEL option appears and release
the switch. All data has now been cleared.
Viewing Stored Measurements
The reading held will display one at a time.
Step 1: Scroll through the readings. Press and release the control switch to move
to the next reading. The number of the reading being viewed will flash.

The display resolution changes on the following ranges:
0-99.9Amps
0.1Amp resolution
100 to 1999 Amps
1Amp resolution
2000 to 5000 Amps
2.00 kAmps
10 Amp resolution (2 decimal places
indicates kAmp range)
XXXX
XX.X
X.XX
Display Resolution of the Measurements
The unit will display to .1A in RUN mode and .3A in HOLD mode.
Powering off the unit
Step 1: Press and hold the control switch until the OFF option appears and release
the switch. The unit is now powered off.
The Ampstik+ will power itself off after approximately 20 minutes of inactivity.
Page 10

Backlight
The Backlight on the Ampstik+ is designed to automatically power on when the
ambient light is low. This helps users view the display in low-light situations. The
light sensor is located on the front of the unit.
The user may see some flicker if the backlight is on when under artificial lighting
By default, the Ampstik+ will start in Auto on/off mode on each power on. The
modes may be changed manually during use of the unit. The unit will return to the
measurement mode the unit was in before the backlight change.
Backlight: auto on/off
Press the control switch until the following screen appears:
The backlight will now automatically power on when light is dimished and power
off when light is brighter.
Backlight: Always on
Press the control switch until the following screen appears:
The backlight will stay on until the unit is powered off and restarted, or the back-
light option is manually changed.
Battery life will dimish faster when the backlight option is always on.
Backlight: Always off
Press the control switch until the following screen appears:
The backlight will stay off until the unit is powered off and restarted, or the
backlight option is manually changed.
Page 11

Page 12
Battery Replacement
The Ampstik+ is powered by a single 9V battery. The battery should be replaced
when the “LO BAT” indication shows on the display. To change the battery, loosen
the screw on the battery cover at the rear of the unit. Pull the battery out of the
compartment and install a fresh battery. Secure the cover by closing and tightening
the screw on the battery cover.
Cleaning
The Ampstik+ can be cleaned by wiping with a silicone hot stick wipe to remove
sand, salt, and dirt.
High Voltage Operation
This instrument is designed to operate in high voltage fields. However, difficulty may
be experienced when excessive corona to the instrument occurs, resulting in a lost
reading when in HOLD mode or require the power to be cycled.

Page 13
Troubleshooting the Ampstik Plus
Unit will not power on
Verify there is a fresh 9V battery in the unit.
Backlight Flicker
Due to the refresh rate of the light, some users may see flicker if the backlight is on
when under artificial lighting.
Fail Codes
The unit will not enter into measurement mode if the self-test has any of the below
failures. The unit will need to be returned to SensorLink for repair evaluation.
FAIL CODE "1": Break to the main current sensor
FAIL CODE "2": Break to a current sensor component
FAIL CODE "3": Circuit failure
FAIL CODE "4": Circuit failure
Incorrect readings
Verify if the inaccuracy is occurring in one location, or multiple locations. If a single
location, take a second ammeter to the location and verify the measurement.
Contact us if the unit proves to be out of tolerance.
Calibration Mode (not a standard use mode)
If no|Yes|FAC is scrolling through on the display, the unit has been put into CAL
mode. Exit by pressing and holding the switch when NO appears on the display. This
will restart the unit. Erroneously entering entering this mode will not effect the units
calibration.
Service and Repair Questions
Please contact SensorLink or an authorized agent for the return process of product
for evaluation, repair, calibration, and verification.
SensorLink Corporation
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.sensorlink.com

Page 14
SENSORLINK CORPORATION
LIMITED WARRANTY
What Does This Warranty Cover?
This warranty covers the following with respect to new, non-custom SensorLink
products (the “Product”):
- Defects in materials
- Defects in workmanship
- Damages occurring during shipping from SensorLink if shipped under FOB
Freight Allowed shipping terms
How Long Does This Warranty Last?
This warranty runs for twenty-four (24) months from the date of invoice by
SensorLink.
What SensorLink Will Do:
If a defect in materials or workmanship or shipping damages as described above
occurs within the warranty period, SensorLink will, at its election, repair or replace
the Product at no charge or provide a refund.
What This Warranty Does Not Cover:
This warranty does not cover or apply to:
- Any defects or damages caused directly or indirectly by misuse, abuse,
disassembly, alteration, negligence, accident, act of God, improper voltage, or
improperly or incorrectly performed maintenance or repair
- Any defects or damages caused by any connection, installation or use of the
Product not in compliance with the instructions and specifications for its use
- Any defects or damages caused by any alterations, modifications or repairs not
made by SensorLink
- Third party products connected to the Product or in which the Product is
installed
- Any Product purchased by the user in used condition
- Any custom Product produced by SensorLink
- Any Product repaired or calibrated by any party other than SensorLink
No Other Warranties:
OTHER THAN THE WARRANTIES PROVIDED HEREIN, SENSORLINK MAKES NO
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ORAL OR WRITTEN WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE
PRODUCT AND ALL SUCH WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUDED BY AGREEMENT AND
SHALL NOT BE IMPLIED BY LAW, CUSTOM, USAGE, TRADE PRACTICE, COURSE
OF DEALING OR COURSE OF PERFORMANCE. ALL WARRANTIES IMPLIED BY
LAW, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WHICH CANNOT BE EXCLUDED BY LAW ARE LIMITED TO
THE DURATION OF THE WARRANTY. Some states do not allow limitations on how
long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.
Limitation On Damages:
SENSORLINK SHALL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE FOR DEATH, INJURIES TO PERSONS
OR PROPERTY OR FOR INCIDENTAL, CONTINGENT, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES ARISING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT. Some states do not allow
the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

Page 15
How Do You Get Warranty Performance?
In order to be eligible under this warranty, you must promptly contact SensorLink
upon discovery of a possible defect, supply a copy of this warranty along with
proof of purchase, and request a return material authorization (RMA). If you do not
contact SensorLink within the twenty-four (24) month warranty period, your rights
under this warranty will terminate. All warranty correspondence should be directed
to:
SensorLink Corporation
1360 Stonegate Way
Ferndale, WA 98248
[phone]
SensorLink will begin its inspection of the Product within five (5) business days
of receipt and will contact you when its inspection is complete. If the inspection
uncovers a defect, SensorLink will repair or replace the Product and pay for the
cost of shipping the Product back to you. Alternatively, SensorLink may issue you a
refund of your original purchase price.
If the inspection does not uncover a defect, or the defect resulted from causes not
within the scope of the warranty, then the Product will be replaced only at your
request and at your expense and you must bear all costs of shipping the Product.
Additionally, you will be responsible to reimburse SensorLink for its evaluation
expenses and Product verification fee. You may obtain SensorLink’s current fees by
calling the number listed above.
How Does State Law Apply?
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
Choice of Law:
This warranty, including without limitations the rights and responsibilities granted
hereunder, shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the
State of Washington, without regard to the conflicts of law provisions thereof.
Severability:
If any provision of this warranty is held unenforceable or illegal, or otherwise limited
in its application, by a court or other authority with competent jurisdiction, such
provisions shall be modified to the minimum extent required such that the rest of
the warranty will continue in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.
Entire Agreement:
This writing embodies the entire limited warranty of SensorLink, and no other
warranties are given beyond those set forth herein. No oral agreements or
understandings shall be binding on SensorLink. SensorLink neither assumes, nor
authorizes, anyone (including without limitation SensorLink agents, employees or
contractors) to assume or create for it other obligations or liabilities or modify in any
way any item or provision of this warranty.

Quality Assurance Certification
True RMS Ammeter Models
8-020-XT Plus, 8-024-Plus
SensorLink certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to the extent allowed by the Institute's
calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other International Standards
Organization members.
This document certifies the following True RMS Ammeter was tested at the
SensorLink High Voltage Laboratory, Ferndale, WA, USA to the appropriate standard
and comply with the requirements of that standard.
Serial Number: _____________________________________________________
Model Number: _____________________________________________________
I hereby certify that the True RMS Ammeter listed above has passed all tests defined
in the SensorLink standard.
Signed: _______________________________________________
Date: _________________________________________________
SensorLinkCorporation
1360 Stonegate Way
Ferndale, WA 98248 USA
phone: [phone]
fax: [phone]
www.sensorlink.com
Form No: SALE-Manual Template AMPSTIK-006 REV: V01
Date: 07/2022
Manual Stock Code No: M050-010-003
Information contained in this document is preliminary and subject to change without notice. Product specification may
change. Contact your SensorLink representative for the most current product information.
© 2020 by SensorLink. All rights reserved.
These products proudly made in the USA.