AEMC INSTRUMENTS JM861 AC Current Probe User Manual
- June 13, 2024
- AEMC INSTRUMENTS
Table of Contents
- AEMC INSTRUMENTS JM861 AC Current Probe
- Product Information
- Product Usage Instructions
- DESCRIPTION
- INTERNATIONAL ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS
- DEFINITION OF MEASUREMENT CATEGORIES
- ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- OPERATION
- MAINTENANCE:
- LIMITED WARRANTY
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
AEMC INSTRUMENTS JM861 AC Current Probe
Product Information
The AC Current Probe Model JM861 is a current sensor used for measuring AC current in electrical systems. It is designed with double or reinforced insulation for added safety. The probe is categorized as CAT III, indicating that caution should be exercised when clamping around bare conductors or bus bars. The current probe is equipped with international electrical symbols indicating its safety features and usage guidelines. It is important to use only factory specified replacement parts when servicing the instrument. The AC Current Probe Model JM861 is a type A current sensor, allowing for application around and removal from HAZARDOUS LIVE conductors.
Product Usage Instructions
- Before using the AC Current Probe Model JM861, refer to the user manual for detailed instructions and safety precautions.
- When clamping the probe around bare conductors or bus bars, exercise extreme caution to prevent any electrical hazards.
- Ensure that you are familiar with the international electrical symbols used on the probe and understand their meanings.
- In case of servicing or repairs, always use factory specified replacement parts to maintain the instrument’s safety and functionality.
- When using the probe, follow the measurement categories defined in the user manual. The AC Current Probe Model JM861 is categorized as CAT III.
- For measurements performed at the primary electrical supply, refer to CAT IV measurement category guidelines.
- Always remove and apply the probe carefully around HAZARDOUS LIVE conductors, following the guidelines provided in the user manual.
AC Current Probe
Model JM861
User Manual
DESCRIPTION
The JM861 (Catalog #2110.90) is designed for use in industrial environments. The “squared” jaws permit multiple conductor or bus bar positioning. The Model JM861 accurately measures AC current waveforms and has proportional mV output for direct readings on oscilloscopes. Three-position slide switch on the handle selects ranges. The Model JM861 offers an insulated 6.5 ft. coaxial cable with insulated BNC connector rated 600Vrms and is compatible with any AC voltmeter, multimeter, or other voltage measuring instrument with an input impedance greater than 1M, 47 pF. To achieve the stated accuracy, use the JM861 with a voltmeter having 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: Potentially 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 responsibility 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 600V 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 is a type A current sensor. This symbol signifies that application around and removal from HAZARDOUS LIVE conductors is permitted.
DEFINITION OF MEASUREMENT CATEGORIES
CAT IV: For measurements performed at the primary electrical supply
(<1000V) such as on primary overcurrent protection devices, ripple control
units, or meters.
CAT III: For measurements performed in the building installation at the
distribution level such as on hardwired equipment in fixed installation and
circuit breakers.
CAT II: For measurements performed on circuits directly connected to the
electrical distribution system.
Examples are 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 at once, giving a detailed description of any damage.
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Current Range:
1 to 30A AC continuous cycle; 90A peak to peak
1 to 300A AC continuous cycle; 900A peak to peak
1 to 2400A AC continuous cycle; 9000A peak to peak
1 to 2400A AC continuous cycle for the full temperature range (3000A if
temperature is < 35°C or 95°F)
Output Signal:
10 mV AC/A AC (0.3V at 30A)
1 mV AC/A AC (0.3V at 300A)
0.1 mV AC/A AC (0.3V at 3000A)
Accuracy and Phase
*Shift:
** 30A RANGE
Primary current | 1.5A | 6A | 30A |
---|---|---|---|
Accuracy % | 2% ± 1 mV | ||
Phase shift | 20° | 10° | 5° |
300A RANGE
Primary current | 15A | 60A | 300A |
---|---|---|---|
Accuracy % | 2% ± 0.5 mV | ||
Phase shift | 3° | 1.5° | 1° |
3000A RANGE
Primary current | 150A | 600A | 3000A |
---|---|---|---|
Accuracy % | 2% ± 0.2 mV | ||
Phase shift | 3° | 1.5° | 1° |
(* Reference conditions: 23°C±3°K, 20 to 85% RH, 48 to 65 Hz, external magnetic field < 40 A/m, no DC component, no external current carrying conductor, test sample centered.)
- Load impedance ≥ 1MΩ, 47 pF.
- Accuracy: Per IEC 185
- Ampere Second Product: 90 A.S
- Frequency Range: 10 to 50 kHz; current derating above 5 kHz for continuous use
- Load Impedance: 1 MΩ, 47 pF
- Working Voltage: 600V AC
- Common Mode Voltage : 600V AC
- Influence of Adjacent Conductor : 0.005A/A AC
- Influence of Conductor in Jaw Opening: 1% ± 0.1A of reading
- Influence of Frequency from 10Hz to 10kHz: 1 dB on all ranges
- Influence of DC Voltage: 0.05% per A DC
MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Operating Temp.: 14° to 122°F (-10° to 50°C)
- Storage Temp.: -40° to 176°F (-40° to 80°C)
- Influence of Temperature: < 0.1% per 10°K
- Jaw Opening: 3.54″ (90mm)
Maximum Conductor Size:
- Cable: 2.52″ max. (64mm)
- Bus bar: 1.97 x 5.31″ (50 x 135mm) 2.52 x 3.94″ (64 x 100mm)
- Envelope Protection: IP 20 (IEC 529)
- Drop Test: 500 mm (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
- Jaws: ABS UL 94 V2
- Dimensions: 4.72 x 12.40 x 1.89″ (120 x 315 x 48 mm)
- Weight: 2.65 lbs. (1200 g)
- Colors: Dark gray handles with red jaws
- Output: Insulated 6.5 ft. (2 m) coaxial cable with insulated BNC connector rated 600V rms
SAFETY SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical:
Double insulation or reinforced insulation between primary or secondary and
outer case of handle upon IEC 1010-2-32
Common Mode Voltage: 600V CAT III, Pollution: 2
ORDERING INFORMATION
- Current Probe JM861 ………………. Cat #2110.90
Accessories:
Banana/BNC Connector XF-SS
- (4 mm banana plug) ………………….. Cat #2111.32
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 JM861
-
Connect the black and red terminals to the Volt AC range of your DMM or voltage measuring instrument. Select the appropriate voltage range. If the current magnitude is unknown, select the highest range (3000A AC / 3V AC) on the switch probe located inside the handle. Clamp the probe around the conductor to be tested. If the reading is less than 300mV or 30mV, select the lower range until you obtain the best resolution. Read the value display on the DMM (in mV) and divide it by the range selected. (If reading = 2.59V on the 10mV AC/A AC range, the current flowing through the probe is 2590mV ÷ 10 = 259A AC).
-
For best accuracy: carefully center the conductor inside the probe jaw, avoid if possible, the proximity of other conductors which may create noise.
Tips for Making Precise Measurements -
When using a current probe with a meter, it is important to select the range that provides the best resolution. Failure to do this may result in measurement errors.
-
Make sure that probe jaw mating surfaces are free of dust and contamination. Contaminants cause air gaps between the jaws, increasing the phase shift between primary and secondary. It is very critical for power measurement.
MAINTENANCE:
Warning
- For maintenance use only original replacement parts.
- To avoid electrical shock, do not attempt to perform any servicing unless you are qualified to do so.
- To avoid electrical shock and/or damage to the instrument, do not get water or other foreign agents into 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, 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.
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments
15 Faraday Drive Dover, NH 03820 USA
800-945-2362 (Ext. 360) •
603-749-6434 (Ext. 360) •
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 use or application of this instrument, please contact our technical
hotline:
800-945-2362 (Ext. 351) •
603-749-6434 (Ext. 351) •
techsupport@aemc.com
LIMITED WARRANTY
The current probe is warranted to the owner for a period of 2 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
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>