Aemc instruments MD305 User Manual

AC Current Probe
Model MD305

User Manual

DESCRIPTION

The MD305 (Catalog #1201.36) is designed for use in industrial environments. The hook-shaped jaws
enable the user to “pry” into or “hook” onto cables (will accept 2 x 500 MCM) or even smaller bus bars.
compatible with any AC Ammeter, multimeter, or other current measurement instruments with an input
impedance lower than 5Ω. To achieve the stated accuracy, use the MD305 with an Ammeter having an
accuracy of 0.75% or better.

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 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.

Primary
current

25A

100A

250A;

500A

600A

Accuracy %

3%

1.5%

1%

2%

Phase shift

3°

1.5°

1°

1°

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Current Range:

1 to 600A AC

Transformation Ratio:

1000:1

Output Signal:

1mA AC/A AC

Overload:

700A for 10mn

Ac

curacy*:

600A for 20 mn max
(*Reference conditions: 23°C ± 5°K, 20 to 75%

RH, external magnetic field < 40 A/m, no DC
component, no external current carrying conductor,
test sample centered.) 5Ω load.

Fr

equency Range:

40 to 1000Hz
(error: add 2% to ref.)

Load Impedance:

5Ω max non-inductive

Open Secondary Voltage:

Limited to 10V peak max.

Working Voltage:

600Vrms

Common Mode Voltage:

600Vrms

Influence of Adjacent Parallel Conductor:

< 30mA/A at 50Hz

Influence of Conductor in Jaw Opening:

< 1%

Vibration:

10/55/10 Hz, 0.15mm
(IEC 68-2-6)

Polycarbonate Material:

Handles: 10% fiberglass charged
polycarbonate UL 94 V0

Dimensions:

2.6 x 7.68 x 1.34" (66 x 195 x 34mm)

Weight:

14.82 oz (420g)

Colors:
Dark gray handles

Output:

Double insulated 5 ft (1.5m) lead with safety
banana plugs

MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Operating Temperature:

-5° to 122°F (-15° to 50°C)

Storage Temperature:

-40° to 185°F (-40° to 85°C)

Influence of Temperature:

< 0.1% per 10°K

Altitude:

Operating: 0 to 2000m
Non-operating: 0 to 12,000m

Jaw Opening:

1.3" (33mm)

Maximum Conductor Size:

1.18” (30mm)

Maximum Bus Bar Size:

2.48 x 0.20” (63 x 5mm)

Envelope Protection:

IP 20 (IEC 529)

Drop Test:

1.5m (IEC 68-2-32)

Mechanical Shock:

100g (IEC 68-2-27)

SAFETY SPECIFICATIONS

ctrical:

Ele

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 CAT III, Pollution Degree 2

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

ORDERING INFORMATION

Current Probe MD305 ................... Cat #1201.36

Accessories:

Banana plug adapter

(to non-recessed 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 MD305

• Connect the black and red terminals to the Ampere AC range of your DMM or current measuring
instrument. Select the appropriate current range (2A AC range). Clamp the probe around the conductor to
be tested with the arrow pointed toward the load. If the reading is less than 200mA, select the lower range
until you obtain the best resolution. Read the value display on the DMM and multiply it by the probe ratio
(1000/1). (If reading = 0.459A, the current flowing through the probe is 0.459A x 1000 = 459A AC).

• 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 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.

Chauvin Arnoux
1

5 Faraday Drive • Dover, NH 03820 USA

®

, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments

[phone] (Ext. 360) • [phone] (Ext. 360) • [e-mail]

(Or contact your authorized distributor)

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 contact our technical hotline:

[phone] • [phone] • [e-mail]

LIMITED WARRANTY

The current probe is warranted 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
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.

®

Instruments, not by the

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.

99-MAN 100120.v9 3/17