Tektronix A605 User manual

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Instructions
A605
500 Amp AC Current Probe
070–8880–00
First Printing: October 1993

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&*" ( #)' " &  ) %$( $ &'  $ &' + "( '('+
' $) $ ) 
!)'%$ , $  %,   "(%$+ ""  
 ' ' ()' )'#'!( % !)'%$ , $


!            
      "       " 
     "  !   
             
    !    
       "   " ! 
    !   "    
          
          
" !     !  "    
             " 
  !         
"     !  "    
  "  
 "   "  "      " #
         !  
       "     
  "    !    
            
            
           
      "    
         
         
        
        
      
         
        
         
      
         
   

1A605 Instructions
Product Description
The A605 is designed to extend the AC current range of a multimeter
up to 500 amps by acting as a proportional current/voltage
transformer. It is compatible with multimeters having an AC volts
function with an input resistance ≥1M.
General Safety Summary
Observe Maximum Working Voltage
Do not use the A605 above 440 VAC.
Do Not Operate in Wet/DampConditions
To avoid personal injury or damage to this product from electric
shock, do not operate this product in wet/damp conditions.
Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere
To avoid personal injury or fire hazard, do not operate this product in
an explosive atmosphere.
Do Not Immerse in Liquids
Clean the probe using a damp cloth. Refer to the cleaning instruc-
tions on page 6.
Do Not Use if Damaged
If you suspect that there is damage to this product, have it inspected
by qualified service personnel.

A605 Instructions 2
Operating Basics
WARNING. Do not clamp the probe onto circuits with voltages greater
than 440 VAC. Personal injury or damage to the probe may result.
Always connect the probe to the instrument before clamping
onto the circuit under test.
1. Connect the black lead to the meter COM, and the red lead to the
Vinput. Set the meter to the AC Volts position. See Figure 1 for
connection to a Tektronix DM 254.
Figure 1: Meter Connections
2. Connect the probe to the circuit by opening the jaws and
clamping around the conductor. Grabbing both the “hot’” and
neutral wires may give you a zero reading. See Figure 2.

Operating Basics
3A605 Instructions
Jaws
Handles
Figure 2: Connecting the A605
3. Adjust the meter as necessary to get a useable reading.
Each millivolt displayed on the meter indicates an ampere of current
in the circuit. For example: an 80 mV reading = 80 Amps in the
circuit.
(Remember to unclamp the probe from the conductor before
disconnecting it from your meter or instrument.)
To increase the measurement sensitivity of the A605, loop additional
turns of the wire under test through the jaws. See Figure 3. The
sensitivity of the A605 will be multiplied by the number of loops in
the jaws. For example: 1 mV/A X 4 turns = 4 mV/A.
Figure 3: Increasing the A605 Sensitivity

A605 Instructions 4
Functional Check
Follow the function check procedure to determine if your probe is
working properly.
AC Current
~60 Hz
Lamp
A605
Figure 4: Basic AC Test Circuit
To check your current probe, you will need a known AC voltage and
resistance. For example, measured 60 Hz line voltage and an
incandescent lamp of known approximate wattage are adequate. See
Figure 4. The power consumption of the lamp is usually printed on
the lamp. The lamp used should be designed for the test voltage.
1. Connect the probe to the instrument.
2. Connect the lamp to the line voltage.
3. Measure the line voltage at the lamp.

Functional Check
5A605 Instructions
4. Clamp the probe around one of the wires and measure the
current. (Additional loops may be necessary to get a reasonable
reading. See the Operating Basics section.)
5. Use the provided formulas to calculate current and error.
Currentcalculated Powerknown
Voltagemeasured
%Error 1Currentmeasured
Currentcalculated100
For example: given measured line voltage of 115 VAC, a 60 watt
light bulb, and 510 mA of measured current, find the calculated
current.
1510 mAmeasured
522 mAcalculated100 2.3% Error
60 watts
115 VAC 522 mAcalculated
An error of ±10% is acceptable, and a good indication that the probe
and meter are functioning properly.
The linearity of the probe can be checked by the method used to
increase measurement sensitivity. By increasing the number of loops
in the jaws, the measured current should increase proportionately.

A605 Instructions 6
Maintenance
Cleaning
To clean the probe body, use a soft cloth dampened in a solution of
mild detergent and water. To clean the core, open the jaw and clean
the exposed core surfaces with a cotton swap dampened with
isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) or ethyl alcohol (fotocol or ethanol).
Lubricate the jaws mating surfaces with a light oil.
Do not use chemicals containing benzine, benzene, toluene, xylene,
acetone, or similar solvents.
Do not immerse the probe in liquids or use abrasive cleaners.
Preparation for Shipment
If the original packaging is unfit for use or not available, use the
following packaging guidelines:
1. Use a corrugated cardboard shipping carton having inside
dimensions at least one inch greater than the probe dimensions.
The box should have a carton test strength of at least 200 pounds.
2. Put the probe into a plastic bag or wrap to protect it from
dampness.
3. Place the probe into the box and stabilize it with light packing
material.
4. Seal the carton with shipping tape.