AEMC MN253 Operating Manual

AC Current Probe
Models MN252 and MN253

User Manual

DESCRIPTION

The MN252/MN253 (Catalog #2115.78 and #2115.79) 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. The
Models MN252/MN253 are compatible with any AC voltmeter, multimeter, or other voltage
measurement instrument that is capable of displaying 10 mV of output per amp of measured current,
voltmeter accuracy of 0.75% or better and an input impedance of ≥ 1MΩ.

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. I: For measurements on circuits not directly connected to the AC supply wall outlet such as

protected secondaries, signal level, and limited energy circuits.

Cat. II: For measurements performed on circuits directly connected to the electrical distribution system.

Examples are measurements on household appliances or portable tools.

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. IV: For measurements performed at the primary electrical supply (<1000V) such as on primary

overcurrent protection devices, ripple control units, or meters.

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.

2.56"

.83"

(65 mm)

(21 mm)

2.00"

(51 mm)

.73"

(18.5 mm)

5.47"

(139 mm)

Black

Red

.1.18"

MN253MN252

(30 mm)

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Nominal Range: 200A
Measurement Range: 0.1 to 240A
Transformation Ratio: Voltage output
Output Signal: 10mV/A
Accuracy and Phase Shift*:

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 10A: Not Specified
10 to 40A: ≤ 5°
40 to 100A: ≤ 3°
100 to 240A: ≤ 2.5°

(*Reference conditions: 18° to 28°C, 20 to 75% RH,
external magnetic field <40 A/m, 48 to 65 Hz sine wave,
distortion factor less than 1%, no DC component, no
external current carrying conductor, test sample
centered.) Load impedance > 1MΩ.

Overload: 240A for 10 min ON, 30 min OFF

Frequency Range: 40 to 10kHz

Limit Operating Conditions:

200A permanently to 1 kHz
Derating above 3 kHz: 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 50 Hz

Influence of DC on AC signal:

DC Current < 20A, < 5%

Influence of Conductor Position in Jaw:

0.5% of mV output @ 50/60Hz

Influence of Frequency:

40 Hz to 1 kHz: 3% of mV output
1 kHz to 10 kHz: 12% of mV output

Influence of Load:

< 3% of mA output from 40 Hz to 1 kHz
< 12% of mA output from 1 kHz to 10 kHz

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° to 35°C 85% RH (without roll-off above 35°C)

Maximum Cable Diameter:

One Ø 0.78” (20mm), bus bar 20 x 5mm

Case Protection:
IP 40 (IEC 529)

Drop Test:

Test per IEC 68-2-32: 1.0m drop on 38mm 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 30mm)

Weight: 6.5 oz (180g)
Polycarbonate Material:

Jaws: Polycarbonate with 10% fiberglass charge,
Red UL 94 V0
Case: Polycarbonate 920A Gray

Opening Operations - Life: > 50,000
Output:

MN252: Two standard safety banana jacks (4mm)
MN253: 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, 50/60 Hz 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 50/60 Hz IEC 1000-4-8

E192383

ORDERING INFORMATION

AC Current Probe MN252.................Cat #2115.78

AC Current Probe MN253.................Cat #2115.79

Both models include a user manual and a
product warranty and registration card.

Accessories:

Leads, set of 2, 5 ft safety

(1000V) for Model MN252...................Cat #2111.29

Banana plug adapter

(to nonrecessed 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 MN252/MN253

• 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. This
means that for 200A

AC in a conductor around which the probe is clamped, 2VAC 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 highest range and work down until the appropriate range
and resolution are reached. Clamp the probe around the conductor. Take the reading on the meter and
multiply it by 100 to obtain the measured current (e.g, 160mV reading = 160x100 = 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. 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: [phone] (Ext. 360)
[phone] (Ext. 360)
Fax: [phone] or [phone]

[e-mail]
(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:

[phone] • [phone] • Fax [phone]
Chauvin Arnoux

®

, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments
[e-mail]
www.aemc.com

99-MAN 100140.v5 09/07