AEMC MN255 AC Current Probe User Manual
- June 17, 2024
- AEMC
Table of Contents
AEMC MN255 AC Current Probe
DESCRIPTION
The MN254/MN255 (Cat. #2115.80/2115.81) are the latest in compact AC Current probes. Designed to meet the most stringent demands in industry and electrical contracting, they also meet the latest safety and performance standards. The probes have a measurement range up to 240 Arms which makes them perfect tools for measurement with DMMs, recorders, power and harmonic meters. They are compatible with any AC voltmeter, multimeter, or other voltage measurement instrument that is capable of displaying 10mV of output per amp of measured current, voltmeter accuracy of 0.75% or better and an input impedance of ≥ 1M Ω.
WARNING
The safety warnings are provided to ensure the safety of personnel and proper
operation of the
instrument. Read the instruction completely.
-
Use caution on any circuit: potentially high voltages and currents may be present and may pose a shock hazard.
-
Do not use the probe if damaged. Always connect the current probe to the measuring device
before it is connected around the conductor -
Do not use on non-insulated conductor with a potential to ground greater than 600V CAT III pollution 2. Use extreme caution when clamping around bare conductors or bus bars.
-
Before each use, inspect the probe; look for cracks in housing or output cable insulation.
-
Do not use clamp in wet environment or in locations that hazardous gases exist.
-
Do not use the probe anywhere beyond the tactile barrier.
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
Nominal Range: 20A, 200A
Measurement Range: 20A: 0.1 to 24A
200A: 0.1 to 240A
Transformation Ratio: Voltage output
Output Signal: 20A: 100mV/A
200A: 10mV/A
*Accuracy and Phase Shift:
20 A Range
Accuracy : 1% ± 50mV
Phase Shift: Not specified
Overload: 24 A for 10 min ON, 30 min OFF
200 A Range:
Accuracy: 0.5 to 10A: 3.0% Reading ± 5mV
10 to 40A: 2.5% Reading ± 5mV
40 to 100A: 2.0% Reading ± 5mV
100 to 240A:** 1.0% Reading ± 5mV
Phase Shift: 0.5 to 10 A: Not Specified
10 to 40A: ≤ 5°
40 to 100A: ≤ 3°
100 to 240A: ≤ 2.5°
(*Reference conditions: 18°C to 28°C, 20 to 75% RH, external magnetic field <40 A/m, 48 to 65Hz sine wave, distortion factor less than 1%, no DC component, no external current carrying conductor, test sample centered.) Load impedance > 1MΩ.
Frequency Range: 40 to 10kHz
Limit Operating Conditions:
200 A permanently to 1 kHz ; derating above
3kHz : 200A x (1/0.333 F), F in kHz
Crest Factor:
3 @ 200Arms with an error (due to CF) of 3%
Working Voltage: 600Vrms
Common Mode Voltage: 600Vrms
Influence of Adjacent Conductor: < 15mA/A at 50Hz
Influence of DC on AC signal:
20A Range: DC Current < 2A, < 0.5%
200A Range: DC Current < 20A, < 5%
Influence of Conductor Position in Jaw:
0.5% of mV output @ 50/60 Hz
Influence of Frequency:
20A Range:
40Hz to 1 kHz: 5% of mV output
1kHz to 10 kHz: 15% of mV output
200A Range:
40Hz to 1kHz: 3% of mV output
1kHz to 10kHz: 12% of mV output
Influence of Temperature:
≤ 150 ppm/°K, or 0.15% of mV output per
10°K
Influence of Humidity (10 – 90% RH):
≤ 0.2% of mV output per 10°K @ 18°C to 28°C
MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Temperature:
14° to 131°F (-10° to +55°C)
Storage Temperature:
-40° to 158°F (-40° to +70°C)
Operating Relative Humidity:
10-35°C 85% RH (without roll-off above 35°C)
Maximum Cable Diameter:
One Ø 0.78″ (20 mm), bus bar 20 x 5 mm
Case Protection: IP 40 (IEC 529)
Drop Test:
Test per IEC 68-2-32:
1.0 m drop on 38 mm of Oak on concrete.
Mechanical Shock: Test per IEC 68-2-27
Vibration: Test per IEC 68-2-6
Dimensions:
5.47 x 2.00 x 1.18″ (139 x 51 x 30 mm)
Weight: 180 g (6.5 oz)
Polycarbonate Material:
Jaws: Polycarbonate with 10% fiberglass charge,
Red UL 94 V0
Case: Polycarbonate 920A Gray
Opening Operations – Life: > 50,000
Output:
MN254: Two standard safety banana jacks (4mm)
MN255: Double/reinforced insulated 5 ft (1.5m) lead with safety 4mm
banana plug
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:
600V Category III, Pollution Degree 2
Dielectric Strength:
5550V, 50/60Hz between primary, secondary
and the outer case of the handle
Electromagnetic Compatibility:
EN 50081-1 Class B
EN 50082-2 Electrostatic discharge
IEC 1000-4-2
Radiated field IEC 1000-4-3
Fast transients IEC 1000-4-4
Magnetic field at 50/60Hz IEC 1000-4-8
ORDERING INFORMATION
AC Current Probe MN254 ……………..Cat #2115.80
AC Current Probe MN255 ……………..Cat #2115.81
Accessories:
Leads, set of 2, 5 ft safety
(1000V) for Model MN254 ………………. Cat #2111.29 Banana plug adapter
(to non-recessed plug) ………………….. 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 MN254 and MN255
- Connect the black lead of the current probe to “common” and the red lead to the AC voltage input on your DMM or other voltage-measuring instrument. The AC current probe has an output of 10mV/A and 100mV/A. This means that with the probe in the 10 mV/A position, for 200A AC in a conductor around which the probe is clamped, 2V AC will come out of the probe leads to your DMM or instrument. Select the range which corresponds to the measured current. If the current magnitude is unknown, start with the probe in the 10mV/A position and if the current is < 20 amps the probe can be switched to the 100 mV/A position for the higher resolution. Clamp the probe around the conductor. With the probe in the 10 mV/A position take the reading on the meter and multiply it by 100 to obtain the measured current (e.g, 160mV reading = 160 x 100 = 16,000mA or 16A).
- For best accuracy, 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 factory 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.
de 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 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.