Tektronix TCPA300 SERIES, Instruction Manual

Page: 32 / 205

Getting Started
1- 10
TCPA300/400 Amplifiers and TCP300/400 Series Current Probes Instruction Manual
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 amplifier 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.
Figure 1--5 illustrates the slide operation of the TCP305 and TCP312 current
probes. 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.
Probe open Probe locked
Figure 1- 5: TCP312 and TCP305 slide operation
Figure 1--6 on page 1--11 illustrates the slide operation of the TCP303 and
TCP404XL current probes. To open the probe, press the bottom of the lock
button and squeeze the handle until the core is open. To lock the probe, release
the squeeze handle and press the top of the lock button.