APPA sFLEX 18A Flexible Current Probe Meter User Manual

APPA sFLEX 18A Flexible Current Probe Meter

Product Information

The sFLEX 18A is a flexible current probe meter that is designed to measure AC or DC current in electrical systems. It comes with a clamp lock mechanism, an LCD display, function buttons, V- input terminal, and a COM input terminal. The product is designed to protect against transients from the primary supply level and is suitable for use in fixed equipment installations such as distribution panels, feeders, lighting systems in large buildings, and underground utility services.

Warranty

The sFLEX 18A comes with a limited warranty of 2 years.

Product Usage

For safe operation and service of the meter, follow the instructions given below:

• Use caution with voltages above 30 Vacrms, 42 Vac peak, or 60 Vdc. These voltages pose a shock hazard.
• Remove test lead from Meter before opening the battery door or Meter case.
• DO NOT USE the test leads when the internal white insulation layer is exposed.
• DO NOT USE the test leads above maximum ratings of CAT. environment, voltage and current, that are indicated on the probe and the probe tip guard cap.
• DO NOT USE the test leads without the probe tip guard cap in CAT III and CAT IV environments.
• Probe assemblies to be used for MAINS measurements shall be RATED as appropriate for MEASUREMENT CATEGORY III or IV according to IEC 61010-031 and shall have a voltage RATING of at least the voltage of the circuit to be measured.
• Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high voltage capacitors before testing resistance, continuity, diodes, or capacitance.
• Do not use a flexible current sensor if the inner copper wire of the insulation of the flexible cord is visible.
• De-energize the installation under test or wear suitable protective clothing during fitting and removal of the Flexible Current Probe.
• Do not apply around or remove from UNINSULATED HAZARDOUS LIVE conductors, which may render electric shock, electric burn, or arc flash.

To power on the meter, replace the battery when 0% is shown on the LCD display. When powered on, the meter displays battery capacity. To power off, turn off the meter using the function buttons.

Safety Information

To ensure safe operation and service of the meter, follow these instructions. Failure to observe warnings can result in severe INJURY or DEATH.

Warning

WARNING identifies hazardous conditions and actions that could cause bodily harm or death.

• If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
• Always use proper terminals and range for measurements.
• Always use proper terminals, switch position, and range for measurements.
• To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not use this product around explosive gas or in damp locations.
• Verify the Meter operation by measuring a known voltage. If in doubt, have the Meter serviced.
• Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on Meter, between terminals or between any terminal and earth ground.
• To avoid false readings that can lead to electric shock and injury, replace battery as soon as low battery indicator appears.
• Avoid working alone so that assistance can be rendered.
• Do not use the Meter if the Meter is not operating properly or if it is wet.
• Individual protective device must be used if hazardous live parts in the installation where the measurement is to be carried out could be accessible.
• When using test leads or probes, keep your fingers behind the finger guards.
• Use caution with voltages above 30 Vac rms, 42 Vac peak, or 60 Vdc. These voltages pose a shock hazard.
• Remove test lead from Meter before opening the battery door or Meter case.
• DO NOT USE the test leads when the internal white insulation layer is exposed.
• DO NOT USE the test leads above maximum ratings of CAT. environment, voltage and current, that are indicated on the probe and the probe tip guard cap.
• DO NOT USE the test leads without the probe tip guard cap in CAT III and CAT IV environments.
• Probe assemblies to be used for MAINS measure ments shall be RATED as appropriate for MEAS UREMENT CATEGORY III or IV according to IEC 61010-031 and shall have a voltage RATING of at least the voltage of the circuit to be measured.
• Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high voltage capacitors before testing resistance, continuity, diodes, or capacitance.
• Do not use a flexible current sensor if the inner copper wire of the insulation of the flexible cord is visible.
• De-energize the installation under test or wear suitable protective clothing during fitting and removal of the Flexible Current Probe.
• Do not apply around or remove from UNINSULATED HAZARDOUS LIVE conductors, which may render electric shock, electric burn, or arc flash.

Caution

CAUTION identifies conditions and actions that could damage the Meter, the equipment under test, or cause permanent loss of data.

• Remove the batteries if the Meter is not used for an extended period of time, or if stored in temperatures above 50 °C. If the batteries are not removed, battery leakage can damage the Meter.
• Do not expose Meter to extremes in temperature of high humidity.

Symbols on Meter and in this Manual

Meter Description

1. Clamp lock mechanism
2. LCD display
3. Function buttons
4. V-Ω input terminal
5. COM input terminal

LCD Description

1. Meter status symbols
2. Battery capacity symbols
3. Large scale LCD readout
4. Function unit symbols
5. Hold symbol
6. Sub LCD readout

Power On / Off

The Meter displays battery capacity when powering up.Please replace the battery when 0% is shown.

Auto Power Off

If no any operation in Meter, it will auto power off after 20 minutes.

Disable Auto Power Off

To disable APO, push and hold the Bluetooth button, then turn the Meter power on.

AC Current Measurement

Warning

The barrier on the JAW is indicating the limit of safe access of the hand held part, do not hold over the barrier when in normal use.

Unlock / Lock Clamp Jaw

Turn the clamp lock counter-clockwise to release the flexible clamp. Fully enclose only one conductor of the device under test with the flexible clamp probe.
Re-secure the clamp lockafter clamping around a single conductor.

Position Error

When measuring current, move a single cable in the center of the flexible clamp jaw. It can make less the position error.

Voltage & Resistance Measurement

• When connecting the test leads to the DUT (Device Under Test) connect the common test leads before connecting the live test leads; When removing the test leads, remove the live test leads before removing the common test leads.
• Do not use the LoZ mode to measure voltages in circuits that could be damaged by this mode’s low impedance (approx. 4kΩ).

Data Hold

The Meter uses low-power (BLE) v4.0 wireless technology to transfer the real- time data. To use the RF communication link on Android or iOS devices, install App from the below QR code.

The RF communication range: Open air up to 10 m

Backlight
To turn On / Off the backlight, press the backlight button once.

Worklight
To turn On / Off the worklight, push and hold the backlight button 1sec.

Battery Replacement

Maintenance

Verify the Meter’s operation by measuring a known voltage. If in doubt, have the Meter serviced. Do not attempt to repair this Meter. It contains no user serviceable parts. Repair or servicing should only be performed by qualified personnel. To maintain the best accuracy, calibrate Meter once per year.

Cleaning
Periodically wipe the case with a dry cloth and detergent do not use abrasives or solvents.

Storage
Remove the batteries if the Meter is not used for an extended period of time, or if stored in temperatures above 50 °C. If the batteries are not removed, battery leakage can damage the Meter.

General Specifications

• LCD display digits : 9,999 digit large scale LCD readout
• Overload display : OL or -OL
• Battery Type : 2 Batteries, IEC LR6, NEDA 15A, Alkaline (AA)
• Battery Life : Alkaline 60 hours
• Low Battery Voltage : 2.5V ± 0.2V
• Auto Power Off : The Meter automatically turns off if the buttons are not pressed for 20 minutes.
• Conductor Size : 18 inch

Environmental Conditions

• Temperature Coefficient : 0.1 x (specified accuracy) / °C (<18 °C or >28 °C)

• Operating Temperature : – 10°C to 30 °C (≤ 80% R.H.)
  30°C to 40 °C (≤ 75% R.H.)
  40°C to 50 °C (≤ 45% R.H.)

• Storage Temperature :
  – 20°C to 60°C (≤ 80% R.H., no batteries)

• Max. Operating Altitude : 2000m (6562 ft.)

• Drop Protection : 4 feet drop to hardwood on concrete floor

• Vibration :
  Random Vibration per MIL-PRF-28800F Class 2

• Calibration cycle : One year
  Indoor Use

Safety Standards :

• IEC / EN 61010-1
• EN 61010-2-032
• EN 61010-2-033
• CAT IV 600V, CAT. III 1000V, Pollution Degree 2

Electromagnetic Compatibility Standards (EMC):

• EN 61326-1

Wireless Communications

• Bluetooth Low Energy (4.0)
• Radio Frequency: 2.4 GHz ISM Band
• Effective Ranges: Open air 10m

Electrical Specifications
Accuracy is given as ± (% of reading + counts of least significant digit) at 23°C ± 5°C (≤ 80% R.H.)

AC Function

• ACV and ACA specifications are ac coupled, true RMS.
• For non-sinusoidal waveforms, Additional Accuracy by Crest Factor (C.F.) :
  • Add 1.0% for C.F. 1.0 to 2.0
  • Add 2.5% for C.F. 2.0 to 2.5
  • Add 4.0% for C.F. 2.5 to 3.0
• Max. Crest Factor of Input Signal:
  Range| Max. Crest Factor| Limit
  ---|---|---

30A

300A

3000A

| 3.0| ≤ 1500 counts
2.0| ≤ 2250 counts
1.5| ≤ 3000 counts

1000V

| 3.0| ≤ 5000 counts
2.0| ≤ 7500 counts
1.5| ≤ 9999 counts

Frequency Response is specified for sine waveform.

AC Ampere

*1 Minimum Reading is 1.00A

• Frequency Response : 45Hz to 500Hz
• Overload Protection : 3000A

Position Error of Clamp

sFLE 18A

| 1.4” (35mm)| ±1.0%
2.0” (50mm)| ±1.5%
2.4” (60mm)| ±2.0%

Voltage

1. Minimum Reading is 3.0V
2. Minimum Reading is +2.4V / -0.7V

• AC Frequency Response : 45Hz to 500Hz
• Input Impedance : >4kΩ for input voltage up to 30V, impedance increases to >375kΩ when input voltage up to 1000V.
• Maximum Operation Time : DT = 30sec for > 30V
• Overload Protection: AC / DC 1000V

AC Frequency

1. Minimum Reading is 10Hz

Minimum Sensitivity :
AC A: Reading > 3A at 40Hz to 1kHz, > 6A at < 40Hz or > 1kHz
AC V: Reading > 10V at 40Hz to 1kHz, > 20V at < 40Hz or > 1kHz

Resistance / Continuity

• Continuity Indicator : Built-in buzzer sounds when measured resistance is less than 20Ω and sounds off when measured resistance is more than 200Ω, between 20Ω to 200Ω the buzzer maybe sound or off either.
• Response Time of Buzzer : < 1ms
• Maximum Output Voltage : 2.1V
• Overload Protection : AC / DC 1000V

Measuring Rate & Response Time

Limited Warranty

This Meter is warranted to the original purchaser against defects in material and workmanship for 3 years from the date of purchase. During this warranty period, manufacturer will, at its option, replace or repair the defective unit, subject to verification of the defect or malfunction. This warranty does not cover disposable batteries, or damage from abuse, neglect, accident, unauthor-ized repair, alteration, contamina-tion, or abnormal conditions of operation or handling.
Any implied warranties arising out of the sale of this product, including but not limited to implied warran-ties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to the above.
The manufacturer shall not be liable for loss of use of the instrument or other incidental or consequen-tial damages, expenses, or economic loss, or for any claim or claims for such damage, expense or economic loss. Some states or countries laws vary, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.

www.appatech.com
APAC
MGL APPA Corporation
cs.apac@mgl-intl.com Flat 4-1, 4/F, No. 35,
Section 3 Minquan East Road, Taipei, Taiwan
Tel: +886 2-2508-0877

References

• APPA

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