ACI-Automation Components A/ACS2, A/ACSX2, A/ASCS2, A/ASCS2-L, A/ASCSX2 Operating Instructions

Installation and Operation Instructions

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Part #A/ACS2, A/ACSX2

A/ASCS2, A/ASCS2-L, A/ASCSX2

WARNING:

• This product is not intended to be used for Life or Safety applications.

• This product is not intended for use in any hazardous or classified locations.

• The A/ACS2 and A/ASCS2 Series Current Switches must be used on Insulated Conductors Only!

HIGH VOLTAGE:

• Disconnect and lock out all power sources before installation as severe injury or death may result from electrical
shock due to contact with high voltage wires.

• Never rely on the LEDs to determine whether power is present at the current switch. At very low monitored input
currents the LEDs may not light.

 Installation

Make sure that all installations are in compliance with all national and local electrical codes. Only qualified individuals that are
familiar with codes, standards, and proper safety procedures for high-voltage installations should attempt installation. The current
switches will not require external power, since the power for the current switch is induced from the conductor being monitored.

The current switch may be mounted in any position using the two #8 x 3/4” Tek screws and the mounting holes in the base, or
snapped directly on to the 35mm DIN rail (See Figure 1). Leave a minimum distance of 1” (3 cm) between the current switch and
any other magnetic devices such as contactors and transformers.

Please Read Instructions Carefully Before Installation!

Figure 1: Sensor Placed on Rail

 Latch Operation for A/ASCS2 Series
Press down on the side tab and swing the top of the unit up to open the split core current switch as shown in Figure 2. Press down
firmly on the cover to close the current switch. An audible “click” will be heard as the tab slides over the tongue on the base.

CAUTION: Mating surfaces of the magnetic core are exposed when the sensor is open. Electrical contact grease, present on
the cores to prevent corrosion, can capture grit and dirt if care is not exercised. Operation can be impaired if anything prevents
good contact between pole pieces. Visually check the mating parts of the core before closing the current sensor.

Figure 2: Opening A/ASCS2 Series

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 LEDs

The Red LED will indicate whether the current is above the adjustable trip point. The Blue LED will indicate whether the current
is below the adjustable trip point. At very low monitored input currents the LEDs may not light.

Application Notes

The conductor being monitored may be looped through the sensor multiple times. The loops increase the current measured by the
current switch. Each time the conductor passes through the current switch window equals one loop (See Figure 3 below). To
determine the proper number of turns required, take the rated Minimum Adjustable Trip Point of the current switch (see Figure 6)
and divide it by the Operating Current of the Monitored Device, add one (1), then round up to the nearest whole number.
Example: When using the A/ACS2, a small fan operating at 0.17A should be wrapped through the sensor four times to give you a
total operating current of 0.68Amps flowing through the A/ACS2. Formula Example: (0.5A/0.17A) = 2.94 + 1 = 3.94, which

rounded up equals 4 loops.

One Loop Four Loops

Figure 3: Wires Through Sensors

 Wiring

ACI recommends the use of a two conductor 16 to 22 AWG shielded cable or twisted pair copper wire only for all current switch
applications. A maximum wire length of less than 30 meters (98.4 feet) should be used between the current switch and the
Building Management System or controller. Note: When using a shielded cable, be sure to connect only (1) end of the shield to
ground at the controller. Connecting both ends of the shield to ground may cause a ground loop. When removing the shield
from the sensor end, make sure to properly trim the shield to prevent any chance of shorting. The current switch output terminals
represent a solid-state switch for controlling both AC and DC loads and are not polarity sensitive. Tighten the screws at the
terminal block connections to the recommended torque of 0.5 to 0.6 Nm (4.43 to 5.31 in-lbs.). The aperture (hole) size of the
current switch is 0.75” (1.90 cm).

 Application Examples

See Figure 4 and Figure 5 for two different current switch applications using your Building Management System (DDC/PLC
Controller). Figure 4 is showing the use of the Adjustable Current Switch as a Digital Input to your DDC Controller, whereas
Figure 5 is showing you how to use the Adjustable Current Switch in conjunction with your building management system to
monitor belt loss on a motor.

Figure 4: Digital Circuit

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