AEMC MD305 AC Current Probe User Manual

June 11, 2024
AEMC

AEMC MD305 AC Current Probe

AEMC MD305 AC Current Probe

DESCRIPTION

The MD305 (Catalog #1201.36) is designed for use in industrial environments. The hook
shaped jaws enable the user to “pry” into or “hook” onto cables (will accept 2 x 500 MCM) or smaller bus bars. This device is compatible with any AC Ammeter, multimeter, or other current measurement instruments with an input impedence lower than 5 Ω. To achieve this stated accuracy, use the MD305 with an ammeter with an accuracy of 0.75 % or better.

WARNING 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.
  • Use caution on any circuit; high voltages and currents may be present and may pose a shock hazard.
  • Read the Safety Specifications section prior to using the current probe. Never exceed the maximum voltage ratings given.
  • Safety is the respondibility of the operator.
  • ALWAYS connect the current probe to the display device before clamping the probe onto the sample being tested.
  • ALWAYS inspect the instrument, probe, probe cable, and output terminals prior to use. Replace any defective parts immediately.
  • NEVER use the current probe on electrical conductors rated above 600 V in overvoltage category III (CAT III). Use extreme caution when clamping around bare conductors or bus bars.

INTERNATIONAL ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS

 This symbol signifies that the current probe is protected by double or reinforced insulation. Use only factory-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.
This symbol signifies that this is a type A current sensor and that application near and removal from HAZARDOUS LIVE conductors is permitted.

CAT IV: For measurements performed at the primary electrical supply (< 1000 V), such as primary overcurrent protection devices, ripple control units, or meters.
CAT III: For measurements performed in the building installation at the distribution level, such as hardwired equipment in fixed installation or circuit breakers.
CAT II: For measurements performed on circuits directly connected to the electrical distribution system, such as measurements on household appliances or portable tools

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 with a detailed description of any damage immediately

CURRENT PROBE – MD305 DRAWING

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Current Range: 1 to 600 Aac Transformation Ratio:
1000: 1
Output Signal: 1 mA AC/Aac
Overload: 700 A for 10 min

*Accuracy:**

Primary Current| 25A| lO0A| 250 A;

500A

| 600A
---|---|---|---|---
Accuracy%| 3%| 1.5 %| 1%| 2%
Phase Shift| 30| 1.5 °| 1o| 1o

600 A for 20 min max
(*Referenced conditions: 23 °C ± 5 °K, 20 to 75 %RH, external magnetic field < 40 A/m, no DC component, no external current carrying conductor, test sample centered.)
5 Ω load.Frequency Range: 40 to 1000 Hz (error: add 2 % to ref.)
Load Impedence: 5 Ω max non-inductive
Open Secondary Voltage: Limited to 10 V peak max
Working Voltage: 600 Vrms
Common Mode Voltage: 600 Vrms
Influence of Adjacent Parallel Conductor: < 30 m A/A at 50 Hz
Influence of Conductor in Jaw Opening: < 1 %

MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Operating Temperature: (-5 to 122) °F (-15 to 50) °C
Storage Temperature: (-40 to 185) °F (-40 to 85) °C
Influence of Temperature: < 0.1 % per 10 °K
Altitude:
Operating: 0 to 2000 m
Non-operating: 0 to 12,000 m
Jaw Opening: 1.3 in (33 mm)
Maximum Conductor Size: 1.18 in (30 mm)
Maximum Bus Bar Size: 1.48 x 0.20 in (63 x 5 mm)
Envelope Protection: IP 20 (IEC 529)
Drop Test: 1.5 m (IEC 68-2-32)
Mechanical Shock: 100 g (IEC 68-2-27)
Vibration: 10/55/10 Hz, 0.15 mm (IEC 68-2-6)
Polycarbonate Material:
Handles: 10 % fiberglass charged polycarbonate UL 94 V0
Dimensions: 2.6 x 7.68 x 1.34 in (66 x 195 x 34 mm)
Weight: 14.82 oz (420 g)
Colors: Dark gray handles
Output: Double insulated 5 ft (1.5 m) lead with safety banana plugs

SAFETY SPECIFICATIONS

Electrical:
Double insulation or reinforced insulation between the primary or secondary and the outer case of the handle conforms to  IEC 1010-2-32.

Common Mode Voltage:
600 V CAT III, Pollution Degree 2
Electromagnetic Compatibility:
EN 50081-1 Class B
EN 50081-2 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

ORDERING INFORMATION

Current Probe MD305 …………..Cat #1201.36
Accessories: Adapter – 4 mm non-insulated for Safety
Leads……………………………………Cat #1017.45

OPERATION

Please make sure that you have already read and fully understand the WARNING section on page 1.
Making Measurements with the AC Current Probe Model MD305

  • Connect the black and red terminals to the Ampere AC range of your DMM or current measuring instrument. Select the appropriate current range (2 Aac range). Clamp the
    probe around the conductor with the arrow pointing toward the load. If the reading is less than 200 mA, select the lower range until you obtain the best resolution. Read the value display on the DMM and multiply it by the probe ratio (1000/1). If the reading = 0.459 A, the current flowing through the probe is 0.459 A x 1000 = 495 Aac.

  • For best accuracy, avoid taking measurements in the proximity of other conductors if possible. The other conductors may create noise that will affect the accuracy of the measurement. Please make sure that you have already read and fully understand the WARNING section on page 1.
    Making Measurements with the AC Current Probe Model MD305

  • Connect the black and red terminals to the Ampere AC range of your DMM or current measuring instrument. Select the appropriate current range (2 Aac range). Clamp the probe around the conductor with the arrow pointing toward the load. If the reading is less than 200 mA, select the lower range until you obtain the best resolution. Read the value  display on the DMM and multiply it by the probe ratio (1000/1). If the reading = 0.459  A,the current flowing through the probe is 0.459 A x 1000 = 495 Aac.

  • For best accuracy, avoid taking measurements in the proximity of other conductors if possible. The other conductors may create noise that will affect the accuracy of the measurement.

Tips For Making Precise Measurements

  • When using a current probe with a meter, please select the range that provides the best resolution. Failure to do this may result in measurement errors.
  • Make sure that the probe jaw mating surfaces are free from dust and contamination. It is critical for power measurement. Contaminants cause air gaps between the jaws, which increases the phase shift between primary and secondary.

MAINTENANCE

Warning
  • For maintenance, use only original replacement parts.
  • To avoid electrical shock, do not attempt to perform any service on the device unless you are qualified to do so.
  • To avoid electrical shock and/or damage to the instrument, do not allow water or other foreign agents to come into contact with the probe.
Cleaning

To ensure optimum performance, it is important to keep the probe jaw mating surfaces clean at all times. Failure to do so may result in error in readings. To clean the probe jaws, use very fine sand paper (fine 600) to avoid scratching the jaw, and then gently clean with a soft, oiled cloth.
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.

Ship To: Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments
15 Faraday Drive
Dover, NH 03820 USA
Phone: 800-945-2362 (Ext. 360)
603-749-6434 (Ext. 360)
Fax: 603-742-2346 or 603-749-6309
E-mail: repair@aemc.com

Or contact your authorized distributor)
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, fax or e-mail our technical support team:
Contact: Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments
Phone: 800-945-2362 (Ext. 351) or 603-749-6434 (Ext. 351)
Fax: 603-742-2346 • E-mail: techsupport@aemc.com

LIMITED WARRANTY

The current probe is warrantied to the owner for a period of two years 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.
Full warranty coverage and product registration is available on our website at: www.aemc.com/warranty.html. Please print the online Warranty Coverage Information for your records.

References

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