Simpson 150-2
Amp Clamp
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
SIMPSON ELECTRIC COMPANY 520 Simpson Avenue
Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538-0099 (715) 588-3311 FAX (715) 588-3326
Printed in U.S.A. Part No. 06-111125 Edition 13, 05/07
Visit us on the web at: www.simpsonelectric.com
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About this Manual
To the best of our knowledge and at the time written, the information contained in this document is technically correct and the procedures accurate
and adequate to operate this instrument in compliance with its original advertised specifications.
Notes and Safety Information
This Operator’s Manual contains warning symbols which alert the user to
check for hazardous conditions. These appear throughout this manual where
applicable, and are defined below. To ensure the safety of operating performance of this instrument, these instructions must be adhered to.
Warning, refer to accompanying documents.
Caution, risk of electric shock.
!
!
This instrument is designed to prevent accidental shock to the operator when
properly used. However, no engineering design can render safe an instrument which is used carelessly. Therefore, this manual must be read carefully
and completely before making any measurements. Failure to follow directions can result in a serious or fatal accident.
Technical Assistance
SIMPSON ELECTRIC COMPANY offers assistance Monday through Friday
8:00 am to 4:30 pm Central Time. To receive assistance contact Technical
Support or Customer Service at (715) 588-3311.
Internet: http://www.simpsonelectric.com
Warranty and Returns
SIMPSON ELECTRIC COMPANY warrants each instrument and other articles
manufactured by it to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service, its obligation under this warranty being limited to
making good at its factory or other article of equipment which shall within one
(1) year after delivery of such instrument or other article of equipment to the
original purchaser be returned intact to it, or to one of its authorized service
centers, with transportation charges prepaid, and which its examination shall
disclose to its satisfaction to have been thus defective; this warranty being
expressly in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied and of all other
obligations or liabilities on its part, and SIMPSON ELECTRIC COMPANY neither assumes nor authorizes any other persons to assume for it any other
liability in connection with the sales of its products.
NOTES:
This Instrument is designed to prevent accidental shock to the operator when
properly used. However, no engineering design can render safe an instrument which is used carelessly. Therefore, this manual must be read carefully
and completely before making any measurements. Failure to follow directions can result in serious or fatal accident.
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NOTES:
SHOCK HAZARD: As defined in American National Standard, C39.5, Safety
Requirements for Electrical & Electronic Measuring & Controlling Instrumentation, a shock hazard shall be considered to exist at any part involving a
potential in excess of 30 volts RMS (sine wave) or 42.4 volts DC or peak and
where a leakage current from that part to ground exceeds 0.5 milliampere,
when measured with an appropriate measuring instrument defined in Section 11.6.1 of ANSI C39.5.
NOTE: The proper measuring instrument for the measurement of leakage
current consists essentially of a network of a 1500 ohm non-inductive resistor
shunted by a 0.15 microfarad capacitor connected between the terminals of
the measuring instrument. The leakage current is that portion of the current
that flows through the resistor. The Simpson Model 229-Series 2 AC Leakage Current Tester meets the ANSI C39.5 requirements for the measurement
of AC leakage current and can be used for this purpose. To measure DC
Leakage current, connect a 1500 ohm non-inductive resistor in series with a
Simpson 0-500 DC microammeter and use this as the measuring instrument.
MEETS FEDERAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The Simpson 380-2 Microwave Leakage Tester has been tested and evaluated by the Bureau of Radiological Health, Education and Welfare.
When correctly used, in accordance with the instructions contained within
this Operator’s Manual, the Simpson 380-2 meets the measurement requirements of the Federal Performance Standard for Leakage from Microwave
Ovens for both production and Field Service Testing.
This Instrument is designed to prevent accidental shock to the operator when
properly used. However, no engineering design can render safe an instrument which is used carelessly. Therefore, this manual must be read carefully
and completely before making any measurements. Failure to follow directions can result in serious or fatal accident.
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Contents
Figure A.
Figure B.
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................ 7
1.1 Items And Accessories .......................................................................7
1.2 Safety Considerations ........................................................................ 7
1.3 Technical Data ....................................................................................7
2. INSTALLATION .................................................................................. 9
2.1 Unpacking And Inspection ................................................................. 9
2.2 Warranty .............................................................................................. 9
2.3 Shipping .............................................................................................9
2.4 Care .................................................................................................... 9
3. CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS ................................................... 10
4. OPERATION.................................................................................... 11
4.1 AC Current Measurements : ............................................................. 1 1
5. APPLICATIONS .............................................................................. 12
5.1 Low Current Measurements ............................................................. 12
Figure 5-1. Amp-Clamp Connections
upper half of the scale, and reading is easier and more accurate. The same
technique may be used to make lower current measurements than would
normally be possible. For instance, by looping ten turns of the conductor
through the jaws of the 150-2, the 0-5 ampere scale is changed, in effect, to a
0-500 mA scale. Currents as low as 50 milliamperes can then be measured
with reasonable accuracy.
NOTE: Each time the wire passes through the jaws of the clamp is considered one turn. In Figure 5-1, B, there are five turns.
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To convert the reading observed on the meter scale directly to the current
measured on one of the 150-2 ranges, multiply the reading from the meter
scale by the factor as indicated on the Amp-Clamp instruction plate and listed
in Table 4-1.
Table 4-1. Meter Scale Multiplication Factors
Meter 2.5 VAC 3 VAC
Scale Range Range Factor
Current 5 6 2
Range 10 12 4
25 30 10
50 60 20
100 120 40
250 300 100
Current measured, in amperes: the readings on the meter scale used, multiplied by the factor for the current range selected.
Motor starting surges may overload and damage the Instrument. Either start
with the highest range and reset the Amp-Clamp to a lower range after the
motor has started, or start the motor before applying the Amp-Clamp.
5. APPLICATIONS
The 150-2 is valuable for tracing faults, diagnosing troubles and checking
and balancing distribution circuits without shutting down the equipment.
Sufficient range overlap provides excellent readability up to 300 amperes,
and thereby covers most frequently encountered currents in production, utility, maintenance, industrial and engineering work. The 150-2 is particularly
useful when measuring split phase, repulsion-induction and capacitor motor
current, as it can be snapped around a current conductor after the motor is up
to speed (eliminating the problem of by-passing a heavy starting current). To
observe the amount of current drawn while a motor is starting, however, use
one of higher ranges on the 150-2 for safety.
NOTES:
5.1 Low Current Measurements
When required testing of very small appliances and fractional horsepower
motors make better readability a necessity, the current range sensitivity can
be multiplied and the scale of any range can be expanded. An accurate reading is difficult to obtain when the meter deflection is small. To read a current of
about 1.5 amperes with the 150-2 set at the 0-5 ampere range, loop the conductor through the jaws of the 150-2 as indicated in Figure 5-1, A. The sensitivity of the probe is then multiplied by two, changing the 0-5 ampere scale, in
effect, to a 0-2.5 ampere scale. As a result, the meter pointer deflects to the
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NOTES:
4. OPERATION
This section contains information required to operate the Instrument in a safe
and proper manner.
Amp-Clamp core and circuit housings are made of high quality insulating
material and designed to hold the stresses of daily service involvements.
BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WHEN MEASURING HIGH MAGNITUDE CURRENTS OR APPROACHING WIRES OR APPLIANCES CARRYING HIGH
POWER LINE VOLTAGES.
4.1 AC Current Measurements :
1. Before starting measurements, connect a 5000 ohms per volt AC instrument containing either 2.5, or 3 volt scale to the output terminals of the
150-2. The test lead cord required to make this connection is supplied
with the 150-2.
2. Set the indicating instrument to 2.5, or 3V AC range, whichever of these
two ranges and scales is available on the instrument being used.
3. Set the current range selector switch on the 150-2 to a range which covers the probable current to be measured. While the 150-2 circuit contains the voltage limiter and will not be easily damaged, it is best to set
the range selector for a higher current range than needed as a protection against banging the meter pointer beyond the full scale deflection
point. After the first reading, set the range selector thumbwheel for a
lower range, if necessary, to provide a more accurate reading on the
upper half of the meter scale.
4. While holding the 150-2 in the palm of the hand, press the finger tips
against the core lever exposed on the left side of the tester to open the
core jaws. Place the tester, with open jaws, around the conductor carrying current to be measured and release the pressure on the lever to close
the core jaws around the conductor. The 150-2 acts now as a transformer, because of the magnetic field around the conductor placed within
the core loop. The instrument connected to the Amp-Clamp will indicate
the voltage induced in the pick-up coil mounted on the core section within
the 150-2 circuit.
NOTE: There is no pointer deflection obtained with the Amp-Clamp jaws
clamped around both of the conductors as, for example, in an appliance line
cord, because the magnetic field of one wire opposes and cancels that of the
other. However, if a split cord is used, as shown in Figure 5-1-A either of the
wires may be selected for the current test of the circuit. Such a split cord is
made up easily from a readily available power line plug, receptacle, and two
pieces of insulated wire.
5. Observe and read the meter indication on the same scale arc for all current ranges as set by the selector switch on the 150-2. The range marking for a current range set on the 150-2 is expressed in amps, which
corresponds to the full scale indication on the meter scale.
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3. CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS
All operating and adjustment controls and connectors are described in this
section, along with a list (Table 3-1) describing their functions. Become familiar with each item before operating the Amp-Clamp.
Table 3-1. Controls and Connectors
RANGE SELECTOR
SWITCH: The range selector switch has six positions. Each
position is marked for two AC current ranges. The
two current ranges selected are indicated in a recessed sector on the upper right side of the housing. The current range used depends upon the dial
scale available on the AC instrument used with the
150-2. The range selector switch is operated by a
large diameter recessed thumbwheel. It enables
one hand operation for holding the 150-2, clamping it around the test current conductor, and switching the ranges at the same time.
CURRENT RANGES: One of the current ranges, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 to 250
amps, marked in red on a white background, is read
when the 150-2 is used with an instrument containing a 2.5 volt AC scale. A range of 6, 12, 30, 60,
120 or 300 amps, marked in white on a red background, is used with an instrument containing a 3
volt AC scale.
1. INTRODUCTION
The Simpson 150-2 Amp-Clamp (hereafter referred to as the 150-2 or the
Amp-Clamp) allows current measurements without breaking the current line
and interrupting the working appliance under test. In effect, the 150-2 works
as a transformer, containing a split core for accommodation of the current
conductor under test. The transformer split core is made of two sections, hinged
at one end, and pivoted so that it can be attached around the wire carrying
the current to be measured.
The current-carrying wire becomes the transformer primary; a coil in the 1502 circuit serves as the secondary winding. The Amp-Clamp output voltage is
proportional to the current measured, and is applied to an AC instrument for
indication and reading.
1.1 Items And Accessories
All items and accessories required for the operation of the 150-2 are furnished
with each instrument and listed in Table 1-2.
1.2 Safety Considerations
This Operator’s Manual contains cautions and warnings alerting the user to
hazardous operating and service conditions. This information is flagged by
CAUTION or WARNING symbols throughout this publication, where applicable, and is defined on the inside front cover under SAFETY SYMBOLS. To
ensure the safety of operating and servicing personnel, and to retain the operating condition of the Instrument, these instructions must be adhered to.
OUTPUT TERMINALS: Output terminal pins mounted on the terminal board
are recessed into the housing and are accessible
at the bottom left edge of the tester. The output pins
accept the female type plug connector used on the
test leads supplied with the 150-2.
MAGNETIC CORE The magnetic core is made of high-quality, low-loss
silicon steel. Laminations are uniquely shaped to
accommodate various conductors and to allow easy
insertion into crowded wire assemblies. Sufficiently
large spacing between hand-operated actuator lever and high current/high voltage wires under test
is provided.
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1.3 Technical Data
Table 1-1 lists the technical data for the 150-2.
Table 1-1. Technical Data
INSTRUMENT REQUIRED: AC Voltmeter or a regular VOM.
Sensitivity: 5000⍀ per volt AC
Range and Scale: 2.5 or 3V full scale
Accuracy error of the Instrument is added to the error of the Amp-Clamp.
AC CURRENT RANGE:
6 Ranges: 0-5-10-25-50-100-250 amperes AC when
used with an instrument containing 2.5 volt
AC scale.
6 Ranges: 0-6-12-30-60-120-300 amperes AC when
used with an instrument containing 3 volt
AC scale.
ACCURACY: On all ranges, with current conductor cen-
tered: 3% of full scale.
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OPERATING FREQUENCY: These amp clamps are calibrated for opera-
tion on 60 Hz circuits, however, they can be
calibrated for operation on 50 Hz circuits or
other frequencies on special order.
EFFECT OF CONDUCT OR
POSITION: The effect of moving current conductor from
center to any position within core jaws:
ⱕ3%.
TEST CONDUCTOR SIZE
CHECK: Round wires and buss bars, 1-1/8 inch
maximum outside diameter. Rectangular
and square-shaped conductors to 1 inch
square inch cross-sectional area. Foils and
sheets with maximum thickness of 3/8 inch
and 2-3/8 inches wide.
INSULATION CHECK: Polycarbonate housing designed for opera-
tion to 600V rms/60 Hz.
OUTPUT VOLTAGE LIMITER: To protect the operator against electrical
shock and the meter movement from heavy
overload, an over-voltage limiter is employed to restrict the output terminal voltage
to below 8.5 volts, regardless of the test
current magnitude or the range selector
setting.
OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 7-3/4 x 3 x 1-1/6 in. (196.85 x 76.2 x 23.9
mm)
WEIGHT: 12 oz. (340.2 grams)
Table 1-2. Items & Accessories Furnished for Use with
Models 250, 255, 260-6, 260XL, 261 & 270 Testers
Item Catalog No.
150-2 Amp-Clamp .............................. 00541
Instruction Manual .............................. 6-111125
Table 1-3. Items & Accessories Furnished for
Use with 260 Series 8 & 270 Series 5 Tester
Item Catalog No.
150-2 Amp Clamp ..............................00545
Instruction Manual .............................. 6-111125
Table 1-4. Additional Accessories
2. INSTALLATION
The following contains instructions for installation and shipping of the 150-2.
Included are unpacking and inspection procedures, warranty, shipping and
care.
2.1 Unpacking And Inspection
Examine the shipping carton for signs of damage before unpacking. If undamaged unpack the instrument and inspect it for possible damage. Check
that all furnished items and accessories are included (Table 1-2). Check the
electrical performance as soon as possible. If instrument is damaged, notify
the carrier and supplier before using .
2.2 Warranty
The Simpson Electric Company warranty policy is printed on the inside front
cover of this manual. Read it carefully before requesting a warranty repair.
For all assistance, contact the nearest Authorized Service Center for instructions. If necessary, contact the factory directly, give full details of the difficulty
and include the Instrument model number, serial number and date of purchase. Service data or shipping instructions will be mailed promptly. If an
estimate of charges for non-warranty or other service work is required, a maximum charge estimate will be quoted and will not be exceeded without prior
approval.
2.3 Shipping
Pack the Instrument carefully and ship it prepaid and insured to the proper
destination.
2.4 Care
The housing, made of high quality Polycarbonate, has high impact strength
and a low water absorption coefficient. However, care must be taken to avoid
solvents or vapors which might attack the housing. For cleaning purposes,
alcohol (wood, grain, isopropyl or denatured alcohol) or higher aliphatic hydrocarbons such as white kerosene, petroleum ether, V.M. & P. Naptha, can
be used.
Keep the magnetic surfaces at the jaw locking area clean and free from dust,
wire insulation or any other particles. Only with completely closed jaws is the
magnetic reluctance of the core held to a minimum and full accuracy and
repeatability of the current readings assured.
Item Catalog No.
Carrying Case ....................................00548
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