Pico Technology TA167 Users Guide

Attention! Refer to Manual.

Application around and removal from
UNINSULATED HAZARDOUS LIVE conductors is
permitted.

Double/Reinforced Insulation.

Complies with the relevant European standards.

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

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TA167

AC / DC

CURRENT PROBE

SAFETY

The following symbols appear on the product:

............................................. I

Power supply .......................... 9 V Alkaline battery

............................................. PP3, MN 1604

............................................. or IEC6LR61

Load impedance (minimum) ..... > 100 k and  100 pF

General data

Conductor size ........................ 32 mm diameter

Output cable and connectors .... 2 m long coax terminated

............................................. with safety BNC connector

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

Storage temperature with

Battery removed ..................... -20 °C to +85 °C

1)

Accuracy quoted is for conductor in centre of aperture

x f ≤ 400,000

RMS

User’s Guide

To avoid electric shock:

• Use 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 product 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 stated at 23 °C ± 1 °C)

Nominal current ............... 200 / 2000 A AC peak or DC

Measuring range (s) .......... 200 / 2000 A

Overload capacity ............. 2200 A (60 s)

Output sensitivity .............. 10 / 1 mV/A

Accuracy1) (0 – 200/1500 A) ± 1% of rdg ± 100 / ± 500mA
Accuracy

Resolution ........................ ± 100 / ± 500 mA

Gain variation ................... ± 0.15% of reading/°C

Frequency range .................... DC to 20 kHz (-1 dB)

1)

(1500 – 2000 A) ± 5% of reading

Fig 1

1. Jaws

2. Conventional current direction

3. Tactile Barrier

4. Battery cover

5. Battery cover screw

6. Jaw trigger

7. ON/OFF and Range switch

8. Auto zero button

9. LED

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

SAFETY WARNING

Before removing the battery cover,

ensure that the probe is disconnected from the

oscilloscope and remote

from any live electrical circuit.

Pico Technology Limited

TA167 User Guide Rev 4.0

Switch On

When the probe is switched on to the required measuring
range, the green LED will illuminate. The LED starts flashing
when the battery voltage is too low for normal operation and
warns the user that it requires changing. This procedure is
described below.

Auto Zero

The output zero offset voltage of the probe may change due to
thermal shifts and other environmental conditions. Select the
required measuring range and to null the output voltage
depress the Auto Zero button. Ensure that the probe is away
from the current carrying conductor whilst the probe is being
nulled.

Current Measurement

1. Switch on the probe by selecting the required measuring

range and check that the green LED is lit.

2. Connect the output lead to the oscilloscope,

3. Zero the probe using the Auto Zero button.

4. Clamp the jaws of the probe round the conductor ensuring

a good contact between the closing faces of the jaws.

5. Observe and take measurements as required. Positive

output indicates that the current flow is in the direction
shown by the arrow on the probe.

Auto Power OFF

In order to save battery life, the probe will automatically switch
itself off after approximately 10 minutes. To disable the Auto
power off function, Switch Off the probe and Switch On whilst
pressing the auto zero button. The red LED will illuminate and
the probe will stay ON until switched off again.

Battery Replacement

The green or red LED will flash when the minimum operating
voltage is approached. Refer to Fig 1. Use the following
procedure:

Unclamp the probe from the conductor, turn it off using the On

- Off switch and disconnect the output leads, from external
equipment.

Loosen the captive screw which secures the battery cover. Lift
the cover through 30° and pull it clear of the probe body as
shown in Fig 1. Replace the battery and re-fit the battery cover
and fasten the screw.

Fit only Type 9 V PP3 Alkaline (MN 1604).

SAFETY STANDARDS

EN 61010-1

EN 61010-2-032

300V 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 conductors is limited to
300 V AC RMS or DC. and frequencies below 1 kHz.

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
discretion, repair or replace it with a new or reconditioned unit
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, damage, 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 life or wear of goods supplied
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.

James House
Colmworth Business Park
St Neots
Cambridgeshire

Safety in its use is the responsibility of the operator, who must
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, keep the probe clean and free of
surface contamination.

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

PE19 8YP
United Kingdom

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