99-MAN 100141.v7 07/13
OPERATION
Please make sure that you have already read and fully understand the WARNING section on page 1.
Making Measurements with the AC Current Probe Model MN254 and MN255
Connect the black lead of the current probe to “common” and the red lead to the AC voltage input on
your DMM or other voltage-measuring instrument. The AC current probe has an output of 10mV/A and
100mV/A. This means that with the probe in the 10 mV/A position, for 200A AC in a conductor around
which the probe is clamped, 2V AC will come out of the probe leads to your DMM or instrument. Select
the range which corresponds to the measured current. If the current magnitude is unknown, start with
the probe in the 10mV/A position and if the current is < 20 amps the probe can be switched to the 100
mV/A position for the higher resolution. Clamp the probe around the conductor. With the probe in the
10 mV/A position take the reading on the meter and multiply it by 100 to obtain the measured current
(e.g, 160mV reading = 160 x 100 = 16,000mA or 16A).
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.
Chauvin Arnoux
®
, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC
®
Instruments
15 Faraday Drive
Dover, NH 03820 USA
(800) 945-2362 (Ext. 360) • (603) 749-6434 (Ext. 360) • [email protected]
(Or contact your authorized distributor)
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 contact our technical hotline:
(800) 343-1391 • (508) 698-2115 • [email protected]
LIMITED WARRANTY
The current probe is warranted to the owner for a period of one year from the date of original purchase
against defects in manufacture. This limited warranty is given by AEMC
®
Instruments, not by the
distributor from whom it was purchased. This warranty is void if the unit has been tampered with, abused
or if the defect is related to service not performed by AEMC
®
Instruments.
Full warranty coverage and product registration is available on our website at:
www.aemc.com/warranty.html.
Please print the online Warranty Coverage Information for your records.
AC Current Probe
Model MN254 and MN255
User Manual
DESCRIPTION
The MN254/MN255 (Cat. #2115.80/2115.81) are the latest in compact AC Current probes. Designed to
meet the most stringent demands in industry and electrical contracting, they also meet the latest safety
and performance standards. The probes have a measurement range up to 240 Arms which makes them
perfect tools for measurement with DMMs, recorders, power and harmonic meters. They are compatible
with any AC voltmeter, multimeter, or other voltage measurement instrument that is capable of
displaying 10mV of output per amp of measured current, voltmeter accuracy of 0.75% or better and an
input impedance of
≥
1M
Ω
.
WARNING
The safety warnings are provided to ensure the safety of personnel and proper operation of the
instrument. Read the instruction completely.
• Use caution on any circuit: potentially high voltages and currents may be present and may pose
a shock hazard.
• Do not use the probe if damaged. Always connect the current probe to the measuring device
before it is connected around the conductor
• Do not use on non-insulated conductor with a potential to ground greater than 600V CAT III
pollution 2. Use extreme caution when clamping around bare conductors or bus bars.
• Before each use, inspect the probe; look for cracks in housing or output cable insulation.
• Do not use clamp in wet environment or in locations that hazardous gases exist.
• Do not use the probe anywhere beyond the tactile barrier.
INTERNATIONAL ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS
This symbol signifies that the current probe is protected by double or reinforced insulation. Use
only factory 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.
This is a type A current sensor. This symbol signifies that application around and removal
from HAZARDOUS LIVE conductors is permitted.
DEFINITION OF MEASUREMENT CATEGORIES
CAT II:
For measurements performed on circuits directly connected to the electrical distribution system.
Examples are measurements on household appliances or portable tools.
CAT III:
For measurements performed in the building installation at the distribution level such as on
hardwired equipment in fixed installation and circuit breakers.
CAT IV:
For measurements performed at the primary electrical supply (<1000V) such as on primary
overcurrent protection devices, ripple control units, or meters.
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.
