AEMC INSTRUMENTS MN186 AC Current Probe User Manual
- June 17, 2024
- AEMC INSTRUMENTS
Table of Contents
**AEMC INSTRUMENTS MN186 AC Current Probe User Manual
**
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION
DESCRIPTION
The MN186 (Catalog #2110.70) is a high accuracy current probe for tight areas such as crowded wiring. Extends DMM AC measurements to 150 A AC. The Model MN186 offers a 5 ft lead with safety 4mm banana plug.
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 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.
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.
PACKAGING
The AC Current Probe MN186 is shipped with this instruction manual and a
product warranty and registration card.
INSTRUMENT COMPATIBILITY
The Model MN186 is compatible with any ammeter, multimeter, or other current
measuring instruments with an input impedance of less than 5 Ω. To achieve the
stated accuracy, use the MN186 with a voltmeter having an accuracy of 0.75% or
better.
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Current Range: 50 mA to 150 A AC, continuous
Output Signal: 1mAAC / AAC (150mA @ 150A)
*
Accuracy and Phase Shift:**
Accuracy:
50 mA to 120 A: 1% ± 0.01 A (with non inductive load) 120 A to 150 A: 1.5% ±
0.01 A
Phase Shift:
50 mA to 120 A ≤ 5°
(*Reference conditions: 23°C ± 3°K, 20 to 85% RH, external magnetic field < 40
A/m, no DC component, no external current carrying conductor, test sample
centered.) Load impedance 1 Ω.
Overload:
170 A continuously
Frequency Range:
30 to 10 kHz
Load Impedance:
5Ω max
Working Voltage:
600 V AC
Common Mode Voltage:
600 V AC
Polycarbonate Material:
Handle: 10% Figerglass charged polycarbonate
UL 94 V0
Output:
Double/reinforced insulated 5 ft (1.5 m) lead with
safety 4mm banana plug
Polarity: S1 is the red lead.
SAFETY SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical:
600 V working voltage
600 V max common mode between output and
ground
3 kV 50/60 Hz dielectric for 1 mn
ORDERING INFORMATION
AC Current Probe MN186…………… Cat #2110.70
Accessories :
Banana plug adapter
(to nonrecessed plug) …………………. Cat #1017.45
MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Temperature:
-13° to 122°F (-25° to 50°C)
Storage Temperature:
-40° to 176°F (-40° to 80°C)
Maximum Cable Diameter:
0.47” Ø max. (12 mm)
Dimensions :
1.26 x 4.53 x 0.87″
(32 x 115 x 22 mm)
Weight:
160 g (6 oz)
Colors:
Dark gray handles with red cover
OPERATION
Making Measurements with the AC Current Probe Model MN186
-
Connect the black (S2) and red (S1) terminals to the 200 mA range of your DMM or instrument. The
MN186 has a ratio of 1000:1. This means that for 100 A AC in the conductor around which the probe is clamped, 100 mA AC will come out of the probe leads to your DMM or instrument. The output is 1 mA AC per Amp. Select the range on your DMM or instrument which best corresponds to the measured current. If the magnitude is unknown, start with the highest range (200 mA AC) then work down until the appropriate range and resolution is reached. Clamp the probe around the conductor. Take the reading on the meter and multiply it by 1000 to obtain the measured current (e.g., 59 mA reading: 59 x 1000 = 59,000 mA or 59 A). -
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. If the instrument is returned for calibration, we need to
know if you want a standard calibration, or a calibration traceable to
N.I.S.T. (includes calibration certificate plus recorded calibration data).
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments
15 Faraday Drive • Dover, NH 03820 USA
Tel: 800-945-2362 (Ext. 360)
603-749-6434 (Ext. 360)
Fax: 603-742-2346 or
603-749-6309
[email protected] (Or contact your authorized distributor)
Costs for repair, standard calibration, and calibration traceable to N.I.S.T.
are available.
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 call our technical hotline:
800-343-1391 •
508-698-2115 • Fax
508-698-2118
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments
[email protected]
www.aemc.com