Tektronix TCP300 Series, User Manual, Page: 27 / 80

Getting Started
Operating the Current Probe Slide
The current probes each have a slide mechanism that opens and closes the probe
jaw. This allows you to clamp the probe around a conductor under test. The slide
must be locked closed to accurately measure current or to degauss the probe. If a
probe is unlocked, the PROBE OPEN indicator on the ampli
fi er will light.
WARNING. Do not clamp the TCP305 or TCP312 current probes around
uninsulated wires. Damage to the probe or personal injury may result. Only use
the TCP305 or TCP312 current probes on INSULATED wires.
The TCP303 and TCP404XL current probes can be used to measure current on
uninsulated wires. However, the circuit must be de-energized when connecting or
removing the current probe.
The slide operation of the TCP305 and TCP312 current probes is shown in the
following illustration. (See Figure 5.) To open the probe, pull the slide back
until the jaw is open. To lock the probe, push the slide forward until the detent
snaps into place.
Figure 5: TCP312 and TCP305 slide operation
TCPA300/400 Ampli fi ers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes User Manual 9