Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments
certifies that this instrument has been calibrated
using standards and instruments traceable to
international standards.
We guarantee that at the time of shipping your
instrument has met its published specifications.
An NIST traceable certificate may be
requested at the time of purchase, or obtained
by returning the instrument to our repair and
calibration facility, for a nominal charge.
Repair and Calibration ............................................................................ 19
Technical and Sales Assistance ............................................................. 19
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
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.
Wear protective clothing and gloves as required.
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 max voltage ratings given.
Safety is the responsibility of the operator. The AmpFlex
must be used only by qualified personnel using applicable
safety precautions.
ALWAYS de-energize the circuit before wrapping the
AmpFlex
parts. Do not wrap on live conductors.
ALWAYS connect the electronic module to the display
device before wrapping the AmpFlex
being tested.
ALWAYS inspect the module, sensor, sensor cable, and
output terminals prior to use. Replace any defective parts
immediately. Use only factory parts.
NEVER use the AmpFlex
above 600V CAT IV; 1000V CAT III.
®
around bare conductors, bus bars, or near live
®
around the sample
®
on electrical conductors rated
®
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 symbol refers to a type B current sensor. Do not apply around
or remove from HAZARDOUS LIVE conductors without additional
protective means (de-energizing the circuit or wearing protective
clothing suitable for high voltage work).
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
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.
Packaging
Your AmpFlex® consists of the following items:
Flexible probe with electronic module
User manual
9V battery
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
Description
The AmpFlex® is a flexible AC current transformer composed of a flexible
sensor and an electronic module. The flexible sensor permits
measurements on conductors where standard clamp-on probes could
not be used. In particular, it can be installed in tight spaces, around
breaker panels, around cable bundles, around wide or large bus bars, or
even wrapped around irregular shapes. The Shape Memory feature
enables the user to “pre-shape” the sensor before inserting it between or
around conductors. This feature facilitates closing, enhances user safety,
and alleviates the drooping effect typically associated with flexible
sensors.
The AmpFlex
standard transformers. The transformation principle is based on an air
core. It presents virtually no load to the system under test, has a low
phase shift and excellent frequency response, and cannot be damaged
by overloads.
The sensor assembly is waterproof and insulated for 600V CAT IV;
1000V CAT III. The AmpFlex
designed with materials and components to meet international agency
approvals.
The AmpFlex
for direct readings on DMMs, data loggers, oscilloscopes, and power or
harmonic meters. TRMS measurements are taken when connected to a
TRMS meter. The AmpFlex
AC component of the measured signal is measured.
The length of the flexible sensor can be selected in lengths of 24", 36",
and 48" in length. Consult the factory for custom lengths, ranges and/or
features.
®
is lightweight and does not use magnetic cores like
®
meets EN 61010-1, is CE marked, and is
®
has an mV output proportional to the current measured
®
is insensitive to DC currents and only the
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AmpFlex®
AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
600V CAT IV
®
Figure 1
1. Positive: Red Banana Plug (+)
2. Common: Black Banana Plug (-)
3. Power ON Indicator (Green LED)
4. Overload Indicator (Red LED)
5. Range Selection Switch
6. AmpFlex
®
Connector/Latch
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7. Flexible Sensor
(Diameter 0.5", 12.5mm)
8. Lead from Sensor to Module
(6.5 ft, 2m)
9. Electronic Module -
Descriptive Label on Back
Case (range, model, etc.)
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
Features
Models to measure from 0.5Arms to 30,000Arms
Accuracy 1% of Reading
TRMS measurements when connected to a TRMS instrument
No core saturation or damage if overloaded
Overrange LED for measurement circuitry
600V CAT IV; 1000V CAT III; EN 61010; CE Mark
Waterproof sensor
9V battery for typical 150 hour continuous operation
Shape Memory for custom pre-shaping of sensor before use
(no drooping)
Very high frequency response
Low phase shift for power
Insensitive to DC, measures only AC component on DC + AC signals
Excellent linearity
Lightweight
*This model (Cat. #2114.87) is recommended to be used wi th our Sim pl e Log ge r® II Models
L101, L102 & L562.
All of our AmpFlex® models are designed to be used with recorders or power analyzers with a
voltage AC input. A scale factor may need to be entered into the recorder to display the exact
value.
*Reference Conditions: 25°C ± 5°K, 20 to 75% RH, 1 minute warm-up, battery at 9V ± 0.5V, conductor
center, external DC magnetic field < 40A/m, no external AC magnetic field, no external electrical field, 10
to 100Hz, sine wave. See accuracy curves for low currents.
5 to 300A 5 to 300A 5 to 1000A 5 to 1000A
100mV/A or
10mV/A
3.0 3.0 9.0 9.0
1.5° 1.3° 0.7° 0.7°
5 to 3000A 5 to 3000A 5-30000A 5 to 6000A
10mV/A or
1mV/A
3.0 3.0 3.0 > 10
0.7° 0.7° 0.5° 0.5°
1mV/A
1mV/A or
0.1mV/A
10mV/A or
1mV/A
1mV/A or
0.1mV/A
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
Common Specifications
ELECTRICAL
Accuracy: 1% of reading ± residual noise
Frequency Range: 10 - 20,000Hz with current derating
Signal Output: 4.5V max
Working Voltage: 600V CAT IV; 1000V CAT III
Frequency Influence:
See Accuracy vs. Frequency curves on pages 18 and 19
Frequency Limitation:
See current derating curves (note no limitation on 300A Range) page 19
Influence of adjacent conductor in contact with sensor and
with AC signal: 0.2% typical, 2% maximum
Influence of conductor position in sensor: 0.5% typical, 4% max
Influence of shape of sensor: Oblong shape: 0.2% typical, 1% max
Common Mode Rejection: 100dB typical, 80dB min
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Temperature Range: -14° to 131°F (-10° to +55°C)
Storage Temperature Range: -40° to 158°F (-40° to +70°C)
Influence of Temperature:
Sensor: -14° to 194°F (-10° to 90°C); 0.15% per 18°F (10°C) typical,
0.5% per 18°F 10°C max
Module: -14° to 131°F (-10° to 55°C); 0.15% per 18°F (10°C) typical,
0.5% per 18°F (10°C) max
Influence of Relative Humidity:
10 to 90% RH: 0.2% typical, 0.5% maximum
Operating Relative Humidity:
50° to 86°F (10° to 30°C); 85° ± 5% RH (without condensation)
104° to 122°F (40° to 50°C); 45° ± 5% RH (without condensation)
Altitude:
Operating: 0 to 2000m, working voltage derating above
Non-operating: 0 to 12,000m
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Module Output: Two 4 mm safety banana jacks
Standard 3/4" (19mm) spacing
Battery: 9V Alkaline (NEDA 1604A, IEC 6LR61) recommended
Battery Life: Useable from 9V to 7V, 150 hours typical (continuous use)
Low Battery: Power ON indicator (green LED) when battery voltage
7V, LED blinks when battery voltage is low
Overload Indication: Red LED ON indicates the selected range is
overloaded. Module output may not reflect the actual measurement
Dimensions (Electronic Module): 4.9 x 2.5 x 1.1" (124 x 64 x 28mm)
Weight:
AmpFlex
AmpFlex
AmpFlex
AmpFlex
®
48" with battery: 0.95 lb
®
60" with battery: 1.13 lb
®
24" with battery: 0.74 lb
®
36" with battery: 0.89 lb
Connection Cable Length (sensor to module): 6.5 ft (2m)
Colors: Red sensor with dark gray connector and module, black
connection cable (sensor to module)
Drop Test: Per IEC 68-2-32
Vibration: Per IEC 68-2-6
Mechanical Shock: Per IEC 68-2-27
Weatherproofing: Module: IP40 (EN 60529)
Sensor: IP 45 (EN60529)
SENSOR SPECIFICATIONS:
Weight: 10.8oz (302.4g)
Bend Radius: 0.75" (19mm) minimum
Bending Life: >10000 without performance deterioration
Waterproofing: IP 65
Resistance to Chemicals: Resistant to oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons
Double insulation or reinforced insulation between primary or secondary
and outer case per EN 61010
600V CAT IV; 1000V CAT III
Pollution Degree 2
7.50kV, 50/60Hz, dielectric between secondary and the outer case
Electromagnetic Compatibility
Immunity: meets BF EN 61326-1 Industrial environment category
- Electrostatic discharge (meets EN 61000-4-2)
8kV in air – level 3 – class B
4kV on contact – level 2 – class B
- 10V/m radiated electromagnetic field (in line with EN 61000-4-3) –
class B
- Rapid transients (in line with EN 61000-4-4)
1kV – level 2 – class B
- Electric shocks (in line with EN 61000-4-5)
6kV – class B
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
Instrument Compatibility
The AmpFlex® is compatible with any multimeter, AC voltmeter, or
other voltage measuring instrument with an input impedance greater
than 1M. To achieve the best overall accuracy, use the AmpFlex
®
with a AC voltmeter having an accuracy of 0.75% or better.
Operation
Please make sure that you have already read and fully understand the
WARNING section on page 2.
Making Measurements with the AmpFlex®:
Connect the electronic module to the AC Volt range of your DMM or
measuring instrument. Select the appropriate module output voltage
range. If the current magnitude is unknown, and if AmpFlex
ranges, select the lowest mV/A output setting.
Wrap the flexible core around the conductor to be tested. If possible
within range, select the higher mV/A AmpFlex
®
output range to obtain
the best resolution. Do not exceed specified current range for the
output. Do not use on selected range if overload LED goes on.
Read the displayed value on the DMM and divide it by the range
selected (i.e. if reading = 2.59V with the 10mV/A output range, the
current flowing through the probe is 2590mV ÷ 10 = 259A).
For best accuracy, carefully center the conductor inside the flexible
core, and avoid if possible, the proximity of other conductors which
may create noise and interference (particularly near the latch).
True RMS measurements are obtained when the AmpFlex
connected to a True RMS meter. Note that the DC component is not
measured.
Tips for Making Precise Measurements:
When using the AmpFlex® with a meter, it is important to select the
range that provides the best resolution. Failure to do this may result in
measurement errors.
®
For best results, select the highest AmpFlex
and the most sensitive meter range for this output.
Make sure the DMM or measuring instrument can accurately measure
AC. Certain inexpensive DMM have poor resolution and accuracy
mV
when measuring low mV AC.
For best accuracy, center the AmpFlex
®
measured. (See figure 2).
output signal possible
around the conductor to be
®
has two
®
is
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
®
Tips for Making Precise Measurements (continued):
To increase the sensitivity or measure on low currents, the AmpFlex®
may be wrapped several times around the conductor. Remember to
divide your reading by the number of turns for the actual
measurement (see Figure 4).
The overall measurement accuracy is the sum of the AmpFlex
accuracy and the displaying instrument accuracy.
!
ON
600V CAT IV
OL
10 mV/A
1 mV/A
OFF
AmpFlex
®
®
INSTRUMENTS
®
For best accuracy center the Ampflex
Figure 2
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
Tips for Making Precise Measurements (continued):
The AmpFlex® may be doubled around the conductor to be measured to
double the output. (See Figures 3 and 4 to show the different values on a
DMM while measuring 250A
AC.)
250.0 MV
250 A
ACV DCV
COM
ON
OL
600V CAT IV
10 mV/A
1 mV/A
OFF
AmpFlex
®
®
INSTRUMENTS
+
!
One turn around a conductor carrying 250AAC
Figure 3
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
Tips for Making Precise Measurements (continued):
500.0 MV
ACV DCV
250 A
COM
+
!
ON
OL
600V CAT IV
10 mV/A
1 mV/A
OFF
®
®
INSTRUMENTS
Double the turns to double the output
in low current applications or for higher sensitivity
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Figure 4
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
Typical Response Curves:
Typical Accuracy % vs. Frequency @ 100 A, 1 mV/A Output
0.00 %
-0.50 %
-1.00 %
-1.50 %
-2.00 %
-2.50 %
-3.00 %
1 Hz10 Hz100 Hz1000 Hz10 kHz100 kHz
Frequency
Typical Accuracy % vs. Frequency @ 100 A, 10 mV/A
0.00 %
-1.00 %
-2.00 %
-3.00 %
-4.00 %
-5.00 %
-6.00 %
-7.00 %
1 Hz10 Hz100 Hz1000 Hz10 kHz
Frequency
100 kHz
%
± 10
± 9
± 8
± 7
± 6
± 5
± 4
± 3
± 2
± 1
± 0
0.1 A0.5 A1 A5 A10 A100 A
Typical Accuracy % per Range to 100 A
20 A ... 3000 A
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Amps
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10 kA ... 30 kA
AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
Typical Response Curves (cont.):
5¡
0¡
-5¡
-10¡
Degrees
-15¡
-20¡
-25¡
Typical Phase Shift vs. Frequency @ 200 A, 1 mV/A Output
1 Hz10 Hz100 Hz1000 Hz10 kHz100 kHz
Frequency
3000 A
2500 A
2000 A
1500 A
Amps
1000 A
500 A
0 A
1000 Hz10 kHz100 kHz
Current Derating Curve (I < 3000 A)
Frequency
Current Derating Curve (I > 3000 A)
30 kA
25 kA
20 kA
15 kA
Amps
10 kA
5 kA
0 A
100 Hz1000 Hz10 kHz100 kHz
Frequency
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AmpFlex® - Flexible AC Current Probes
Maintenance
Warning
For maintenance use only specified replacement parts.
To avoid electrical shock, do not attempt to perform any servicing
unless you are qualified to do so.
®
Do not perform any service while the AmpFlex
To avoid electrical shock and/or damage to the instrument, do not get
water or other foreign agents into the electronic module.
Also see warning on page 2.
Battery Replacement
If the power ON indicator (green LED) blinks or does not light up,
replace the battery.
®
Remove the AmpFlex
from any circuit before replacing the battery.
To replace the battery, open rear case, replace battery and
reassemble. The green LED should go on when the module is turned
on.
Cleaning
It is important to keep the probe sensor latch mating surfaces clean
and prevent foreign bodies from hampering the closing. The sensor
may be gently cleaned with a soft cloth, soap and water. Dry
immediately after cleaning. Avoid water penetration into the electronic
module.
Make sure the sensor, electronic module, and all leads are dry before
any further use.
is on any circuit.
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Limited Warranty
The AmpFlex® Probe is warranted to the owner for a period of 1 year from
the date of original purchase against defects in manufacture. This limited
warranty is given by AEMC
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.
What AEMC
If a malfunction occurs within the one-year period, you may return the
instrument to us for repair, provided we have your warranty registration
information on file or a proof of purchase. AEMC
option, repair or replace the faulty material.
®
Instruments will do:
®
Instruments, not by the distributor from whom it
®
Instruments will, at its
®
REGISTER ONLINE AT:
www.aemc.com
Warranty Repairs
What you must do to return an Instrument for Warranty Repair:
First, request a Customer Service Authorization Number (CSA#) by phone or
by fax from our Service Department (see address below), then return the
instrument along with the signed CSA Form. Please write the CSA# on the
outside of the shipping container. Return the instrument, postage or
shipment pre-paid to:
Chauvin Arnoux
15 Faraday Drive • Dover, NH 03820 USA