PICO TA300 User Manual

TA300

AC/DC

CURRENT PROBE

User’s Guide

SAFETY

The following symbols appear on the product:

Attention! Refer to this manual.

Application around and removal from

UNINSULATED HAZARDOUS LIVE conductors is

permitted.

Double/r einforced Insulation.

Complies with the relevant European
standards.

Do not dispose of this product as unsorted
municipal waste. Contact a qualified recycler
for dispos al.

To avoid electric shock:

• Us e caution during installation and use of this product; high
voltages and currents may be present in the circuit under
test.

• This product must be used only by qualified personnel
practicing applicable safety precautions.

• Do not use the pr oduct if damaged.

• Always connect the probe to the scope device before
installing it around the conductor.

• Do not hold the probe anywhere beyond the tactile barrier:
see Fig. 1.

SPECIFICATION

Electrical data

(All accuracies are stated at 23 °C ± 1 °C)

Nominal current ....................... 40 A AC peak or DC

Measuring range (s) .................. 40 A

Overload capacity ..................... 500 A (60 s)

Output sensitivity ...................... 100 mV/A

Accuracy

1

................................. ± 1% of reading ± 2 mA

Resolution ................................ ± 1 mA

Gain variation ........................... ± 0.02% of reading/°C

Frequency range

1

..................... DC to 100 kHz (0.5 dB)

Power supply ............................ 5 V Nomina l via

............................................... PicoScope 4444

Load impedance (minimum) ....... > 100 kΩ and ≤ 100 pF

General data

Conductor size .......................... 25 mm diameter

Output cable and connectors ...... 2 m long screened cable

............................................... terminated with D9 plug

Operating temperature .............. 0 °C to +50 °C

Storage temperature ................. -20 °C to +85 °C

1

Accuracy quoted is for conductor in center of aperture

-20

-15

-10

-5

0

-3

-2.5

-2

-1.5

-1

-0.5

0

0.5

1

10 100 1000 10000 100000

Phase shift in degrees

Gain in dB (wrt 100 Hz)

Frequency (Hz)

Typical frequency plot

Gain
Phase

Fig. 1.

1. Jaws

2. Tactile barrier

3. Jaw trigger

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Connecting the probe to the PicoScope 4444

Connect the TA300 to the required channel of the
PicoScope 4444 via the D9 connector. The oscilloscope will
identify, power and activate the probe automatically

.

Zeroing the probe

The output zero offset of the probe may change due to thermal
shifts and other environmental conditions. Offset is controlled via
the PicoScope 6 software: open the Channel Options menu and
adjust the DC Offset con t rols. When zeroing the probe, close its
jaws and keep it away from the current-carrying conductor.

Current Measurement

1. Connect the output lead to the oscilloscope.

2. Zero the probe.

3. Clamp the jaws of the probe round the conductor, ensuring
a good contact between the closing faces of the jaws.

4. Observe and take measurements as required . Positive
output indicates that the current flow is in the direction
shown by the arrow on the probe.

SAFETY STANDARDS

EN 61010-1
EN 61010-2-032
300 V CAT III, Pollution Degree 2

EMC Standards

EN 61326-2-2
ROHS and WEEE compliant
This product is designed to be safe under the following

conditions:

- indoor use

- altitude up to 2000 m

- temperature 0 °C to +50 °C

- maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures up to

31 °C decreasing linearly to 40% relative humidity at
50 °C.

Use of the probe on uninsulated cond uc tor s is limited to
300 V AC RMS

or DC, and frequencies below 1 kHz.

Safety in its use is the responsibility of the operator, who mu st
be a suitably qualified or authorized person. Ensure that your
fingers are behind the tactile barrier (see Fig. 1) when using the
probe. Always inspect the probe and lead for damage before use.

To avoid electric shock, k eep the probe clean and free of surface
contamination.

Use a cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol to clean t he probe.
Make sure that the probe is completely dry before using it.

WARRANTY

Your current probe is guaranteed for one year from the date of
purchase against defective material or workmanship. If the
probe fails during the warranty period, we shall, at our
discret ion, rep air or rep lac e it wit h a ne w or re con dit ione d un it
provided we are satisfied that the failure is due to defective
material or workmanship. To make a claim under warranty,
return the probe to us, postage prepaid, with a description of the
defect.

Goods alleged by the buyer to be defective shall not form the
subject of any claim for injury, loss, dama ge, or any expense
howsoever incurred, whether arising directly or indirectly from
such alleged defects other than death or personal injury resulting
from the seller‘s negligence.

No condition is made or to be implied, nor is any warranty given
or to be implied as to the l ife or wea r of good s supp lied or that
they will be suitable for any particular purpose or for use under
specific conditions, notwithstanding that such purpose or
conditions may be made known to the seller.

Pico Technology Limited

James House
Colmworth Business Park
St Neots
Cambridgeshire
PE19 8YP
United Kingdom

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Technical Support: [e-mail]

TA300 User Guide Rev 1.4