TA189
AC / DC
CURRENT CLAMP
User Guide
SAFETY
The following symbols appear on the product:
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.
Read all instructions completely before using
this product.
To avoid electric shock:
• Use caution during installation and use of this product.
High voltages and currents may be present in circuit under
test.
• This product must be used only by qualified personnel
practising applicable safety precautions.
• Do not use product if damaged.
• Always connect clamp to display device before it is installed
around the conductor.
• Always ensure that the clamp is removed from any live
electrical circuit, and that leads are disconnected before
removing the battery cover.
• Do not hold the clamp anywhere beyond the tactile barrier
see Fig. 1.
SPECIFICATION
Electrical data
(All accuracies stated at 23°C ± 1°C)
Nominal current ................. 30 A ACPEAK or DC
Measuring range (s) ........... 30 A
Overload capacity .............. 500 A (60 s)
Output sensitivity ................ 100 mV/A
Accuracy ............................ ± 1% of reading ± 2 mA
Resolution .......................... ± 1 mA
Gain variation ..................... ±0.01% of reading/°C
Frequency range1) ............. DC to 100 kHz (0.5 dB)
Power supply ..................... 9 V Alkaline battery
PP3, MN 1604
or IEC6LR61
Load impedance (minimum) > 100 k and 100 pF
General data
Conductor size ................... 25 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
-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
12
3
4
7
9
54
6
8
Fig. 1.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Switch On
When the clamp 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 clamp 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 clamp is away
from the current carrying conductor while the clamp is being
nulled.
Current Measurement
1. Switch on the clamp using the on/off switch and check that
the green LED is lit.
2. Connect the output lead to the oscilloscope.
3. Zero the clamp using the Auto Zero button.
4. Clamp the jaws of the clamp 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 clamp.
Auto Power OFF
In order to save battery life, the clamp will automatically switch
itself off after approximately 10 minutes. To disable the Auto
power off function, switch off the clamp and switch on while
pressing the Auto Zero button. The red LED will illuminate and
the clamp 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 clamp 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 clamp body as
shown in Fig. 1. Replace the battery, re-fit the battery cover
and fasten the screw.
Fit only 9 V battery type PP3 Alkaline (MN 1604).
SAFETY STANDARDS
EN 61010-1:2010
EN 61010-2-032:2012
300 V Cat III, Pollution Degree 2
EMC Standards
EN 61326-2-2:2006
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 clamp on uninsulated conductors is limited to
300 V ACRMS or DC. and frequencies below 1 kHz.
Safety in its use is the responsibility of the operator who must
be a suitably qualified or authorised person. Ensure that your
fingers are behind the protective barrier (see Fig. 1) when
using the clamp. Always inspect the clamp and lead for
damage before use.
To avoid electric shock, keep the clamp clean and free of
surface contamination.
Use a cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol to clean the
clamp. Ensure that the clamp is completely dry before using.
WARRANTY
Your current clamp is guaranteed for one year from the date of
purchase against defective material or workmanship. If the
clamp 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 clamp to us, postage prepaid, with a description of
the defect. The use of a battery other than that specified
invalidates this warranty.
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.
SAFETY WARNING
Before removing the battery cover, ensure that the
clamp is disconnected from the oscilloscope and
remote from any live electrical circuit.
Pico Technology Limited
James House
Colmworth Business Park
St Neots
Cambridgeshire
PE19 8YP
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1480 396395
Fax: +44 (0) 1480 396296
Technical Support: support@picotech.com