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.
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• ALWAYS de-energize the circuit before wrapping the
AmpFlex
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around bare conductors, bus bars, or near live
parts. Do not wrap on live conductors.
• ALWAYS connect the electronic module to the display
device before wrapping the AmpFlex
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around the sample
being tested.
• ALWAYS inspect the module, sensor, sensor cable, and
output terminals prior to use. Replace any defective parts
immediately. Use only factory parts.
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• NEVER use the AmpFlex
on electrical conductors rated
above 600V CAT IV; 1000V CAT III.
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).
CAT IV: For measurements performed at the primary electrical supply
(<1000V) such as on primary overcurrent protection devices,
ripple control units, or meters.
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 II: For measurements performed on circuits directly connected to
the electrical distribution system. Examples are 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 at once, giving a detailed
description of any damage.
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.
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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
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meets EN 61010-1, is CE marked, and is
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has an mV output proportional to the current measured
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.
Custom lengths and ranges are available. Contact us:
*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.
The AmpFlex® is compatible with any multimeter, AC voltmeter, or
other voltage measuring instrument with an input impedance greater
than 1MΩ. 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
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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.
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• 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
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
• 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.
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• 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.
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• Remove the AmpFlex
• To replace the battery, open rear case, replace battery and
reassemble. The green LED should go on when the module is turned
on.
from any circuit before replacing the battery.
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.
To ensure that your instrument meets factory specifications, we recommend
that it be submitted to our factory Service Center at one-year intervals for
recalibration, or as required by other standards or internal procedures.
For instrument 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).
(O
r contact your authorized distributor)
Costs for repair, standard calibration, and calibration traceable to N.I.S.T. are
available.
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, fax or
e-mail our technical support hotline:
The instrument is warranted to the owner for a period of 2 years 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:
Please print the online Warranty Coverage Information for your
records.
What AEMC
If a malfunction occurs within the warranty 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.
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Instruments will do:
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Instruments, not by the distributor from whom it
.
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Instruments will, at its
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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:
Ca
ution: To protect yourself against in-transit loss, we recommend you
insure your returned material.
NOTE: You must obtain a CSA# before returning any instrument.