AEMC INSTRUMENTS MN103 AC Current Probe User Manual

: September 7, 2024
: AEMC INSTRUMENTS

AEMC INSTRUMENTS MN103 AC Current Probe

USER MANUAL

Model: MN103

The Model MN103 (Cat. #1031.02) measures leakage current and low currents from 1 mA, and measures current on 5 A secondaries. This current probe provides AC current measuring capabilities to instruments with mV inputs. The Model MN103 offers a 5 ft lead with safety 4 mm 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 250 V. 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 insu-lation. 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.

DEFINITION OF MEASUREMENT CATEGORIES (CAT)

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 providing a detailed description of any damage.

INSTRUMENT COMPATIBILITY

The Model MN103 is compatible with any AC voltmeter, multimeter, or other voltage measurement instrument with an input impedance of 100 kΩ or greater. To achieve the stated accuracy, use the MN103 with a voltmeter having an accuracy of 1 % or better.

CURRENT PROBE – MN103 DRAWING

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Current Range (low):
10 A: 1 mA to 10 AAC
Output Signal:
1 mV AC/mAAC (10 V @ 10 A)
*Accuracy:**
Accuracy: 1 mA to 10 AAC
(45 to 65) Hz: ±3 % Reading ±1 mA
Current Range (high):
100 A: (1 to 100) AAC
Output Signal:
1 mV AC/AAC
(100 mV @ 100 A)
Load Impedance:
100 KΩ min
*Accuracy:**
Accuracy: 1 A to 100 AAC
(45 to 65) Hz: ±2 % Reading ±0.1 A

(65 to 500) Hz: -2, +3 % Reading ±0.1 A
*Reference conditions: 23 °C ±3 °K,
(20 to 70) % RH, external magnetic field < 40 A/m, no DC component, no external current carrying conductor, test sample centered. Load impedance 1 MΩ.
Frequency Range:
(45 to 500) Hz
Working Voltage: 250 VAC
Common Mode Voltage: 250 VAC
Calibration Check:
Recommended once a year

MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Operating Temperature:
(14 to 122) °F (-10 to 50) °C
Storage Temperature:
(40 to 176) °F (-40 to 80) °C
Maximum Cable Diameter:
0.47 in Ø max. (12 mm)
Dimensions:
(1.26 x 4.53 x 0.87) in (32 x 115 x 22) mm
Weight:
5.6 oz (160 g)
Polycarbonate Material:
Handle: 10 % Fiberglass charged polycarbonate
UL 94 V0
Output:
MN103: Double/reinforced insulated
5 ft (1.5 m) lead with safety 4 mm banana plug

SAFETY SPECIFICATIONS

Electrical (IEC 414):
250 V working voltage
250 V max common mode between output and ground
3 kV 50/60 Hz dielectric for 1 min

ORDERING INFORMATION

AC Current Probe MN103……Cat #1031.02
(Discontinued – Replacement is Cat. 2129.19
AC Current Probe Model MN05)

Accessories:
Banana plug adapter
(to non-recessed plug) …………Cat #1017.45

OPERATION

Making Measurements with the AC Current Probe Model MN103

Connect the black lead of the current probe to “common” and the red lead to the AC voltage range on your DMM or other voltage measuring instrument. The “10 A” range has an output signal of 1 mV/mA AC. This means that for 10 AAC in a conductor around which the probe is clamped, 10 VAC will come out of the probe leads to your DMM or instrument. The “100 A” range has an output signal of 1 mV/AAC. This means that for 100 AAC in a conductor around which the probe is clamped, 100 mVAC will come out of the probe leads to your DMM or instrument. Select the range on your DMM or instrument which corresponds best to the measured current. If the current magnitude is unknown, start with the highest range first and 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 the output signal used to obtain the measured current. (e.g. If the meter reads 100.5 mV [range 1 mV/mA], then current equals 100.5 mAAC). Unclamp the probe from the conductor before disconnecting it from your DMM or instrument.
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 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
E-mail: repair@aemc.com
(Or contact your authorized distributor)

NOTE: You 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, e-mail or fax 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.

FAQ:

Q: What instruments is the Model MN103 compatible with?

A: The Model MN103 is compatible with any AC voltmeter, multimeter, or other voltage measurement instrument with an input impedance of 100 k or greater.

Q: What is the recommended calibration frequency for the Model MN103?

A: Calibration check is recommended once a year to ensure accurate measurements.

Q: What should I do if my shipment is damaged or missing items?

A: If your equipment appears to be damaged, file a claim immediately with the carrier and notify your distributor providing a detailed description of any damage. Notify your distributor of any missing items as well.