99-MAN 100085.v3 11/02
OPERATION
Making Measurements with the AC Current Probe Model MN186
•
Connect the black (S2) and red (S1) terminals to the 200 mA range of your DMM or instrument. The
MN186 has a ratio of 1000:1. This means that for 100 A AC in the conductor around which the probe is
clamped, 100 mA AC will come out of the probe leads to your DMM or instrument. The output is 1 mA
AC per Amp. Select the range on your DMM or instrument which best corresponds to the measured
current. If the magnitude is unknown, start with the highest range (200 mA AC) then work down until the
appropriate range and resolution is reached. Clamp the probe around the conductor. Take the reading
on the meter and multiply it by 1000 to obtain the measured current (e.g., 59 mA reading: 59 x 1000 =
59,000 mA or 59 A).
•
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 factory 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. If the instrument is returned for calibration, we need to know if you
want a standard calibration, or a calibration traceable to N.I.S.T. (includes calibration certificate plus
recorded calibration data).
Chauvin Arnoux
®
, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC
®
Instruments
15 Faraday Drive
•
Dover, NH 03820 USA
Tel:
(800) 945-2362 (Ext. 360)
(603) 749-6434 (Ext. 360)
Fax:
(603) 742-2346 or (603) 749-6309
[email protected]
(Or contact your authorized distributor)
Costs for repair, standard calibration, and calibration traceable to N.I.S.T. are available.
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 call our technical hotline:
(800) 343-1391 • (508) 698-2115 • Fax (508) 698-2118
Chauvin Arnoux
®
, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC
®
Instruments
[email protected]
www.aemc.com
AC Current Probe
Model MN186
User Manual
DESCRIPTION
The MN186 (Catalog #2110.70) is a high accuracy current probe for tight areas such as crowded
wiring. Extends DMM AC measurements to 150 A AC. The Model MN186 offers a 5 ft lead with
safety 4mm banana plug.
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 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.
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.
PACKAGING
The AC Current Probe MN186 is shipped with this instruction manual and a product warranty and
registration card.
INSTRUMENT COMPATIBILITY
The Model MN186 is compatible with any ammeter, multimeter, or other current measuring instruments
with an input impedance of less than 5
Ω
. To achieve the stated accuracy, use the MN186 with a
voltmeter having an accuracy of 0.75% or better.
