Tektronix A622 100 Amp AC/DC Current Probe

Contacting Tektronix

Tektronix, Inc.
14150 SW Karl Braun Drive
P.O. Box 500
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA

For product information, sales, service, and technical support:

• In North America, call 1-800-833-9200.
• Worldwide, visit www.tek.com to find contacts in your area.

Important Safety Information

This manual contains information and warnings that must be followed by the user for safe operation and to keep the product in a safe condition. To safely perform service on this product, refer to the Service safety summary that follows the General safety summary.

General Safety Summary

Use the product only as specified. Review the following safety precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to this product or any products connected to it. Carefully read all instructions. Retain these instructions for future reference.

• This product shall be used in accordance with local and national codes.
• For correct and safe operation, follow generally accepted safety procedures in addition to the safety precautions specified in this manual.
• The product is designed for use by trained personnel only.
• Only qualified personnel aware of the hazards should remove covers for repair, maintenance, or adjustment.
• Before use, always check the product with a known source to ensure it is operating correctly.
• This product is not intended for detection of hazardous voltages.
• Use personal protective equipment to prevent shock and arc blast injury where hazardous live conductors are exposed.

To Avoid Fire or Personal Injury

• Observe all terminal ratings. To avoid fire or shock hazard, observe all ratings and markings on the product. Consult the product manual for further ratings information before making connections.
• Do not exceed the Measurement Category (CAT) rating and voltage or current rating of the lowest rated component, probe, or accessory. Use caution with 1:1 test leads as the probe tip voltage is directly transmitted.
• Do not apply a potential to any terminal that exceeds its maximum rating.
• Do not connect a current probe to any wire carrying voltages above the probe's voltage rating.

Do Not Operate Without Covers

Do not operate this product with covers or panels removed, or with the case open. Hazardous voltage exposure is possible.

Avoid Exposed Circuitry

Do not touch exposed connections and components when power is present.

Replace Batteries Properly

Replace batteries only with the specified type and rating.

Do Not Operate in Wet/Damp Conditions

Be aware that condensation may occur if a unit is moved from a cold to a warm environment.

Do Not Operate in an Explosive Atmosphere

Keep product surfaces clean and dry. Remove input signals before cleaning.

Probes and Test Leads

Connect and Disconnect Properly

Connect the probe output to the measurement product before connecting the probe to the circuit under test. Connect the probe reference lead to the circuit under test before connecting the probe input. Disconnect the probe input and reference lead from the circuit under test before disconnecting the probe from the measurement product.

Do not connect a current probe to any wire that carries voltages or frequencies above the current probe voltage rating.

Inspect the Probe and Accessories

Before each use, inspect probe and accessories for damage (cuts, tears, or defects). Do not use if damaged.

Service Safety Summary

This section contains additional information required to safely perform service. Only qualified personnel should perform service procedures. Read this and the General safety summary before performing any service.

To Avoid Electric Shock

• Do not touch exposed connections.
• Do not service alone. Do not perform internal service or adjustments unless another person capable of rendering first aid and resuscitation is present.

Disconnect Power

To avoid electric shock, switch off product power and disconnect the power cord from the mains power before removing covers, panels, or opening the case for servicing.

Use Care When Servicing With Power On

Dangerous voltages or currents may exist. Remove battery before removing protective panels, soldering, or replacing components.

Terms in this Manual

• Warning: Warning statements identify conditions or practices that could result in injury or loss of life.
• CAUTION: Caution statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to this product or other property.

Terms on the Product

• DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible.
• WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible.
• CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.

Symbols on the Product

When a symbol is marked on the product, consult the manual to find out the nature of potential hazards and actions to avoid them. This symbol may also refer the user to ratings in the manual.

The following symbols may appear on the product:

• ⚠️ CAUTION: Refer to Manual
• [Double Insulated Symbol] Double Insulated
• [Connection to hazardous bare wire symbol] Connection and disconnection to hazardous bare wire permitted

Compliance Information

This section lists the safety and environmental standards with which the instrument complies. This product is intended for use by professionals and trained personnel only; it is not designed for use in households or by children.

Questions about compliance information may be directed to:

Tektronix, Inc.
PO Box 500, MS 19-045
Beaverton, OR 97077, USA
tek.com

Safety Compliance

EU Declaration of Conformity – Low Voltage

Compliance demonstrated to Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU:

• EN 61010-1: Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 1: General Requirements
• EN 61010-2-032: Particular requirements for handheld current clamps for electrical measurement and test equipment

U.S. Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory Listing

• UL 61010-1: Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 1: General Requirements

Canadian Certification

• CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1: Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 1: General Requirements

Additional Compliances

• IEC 61010-1: Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 1: General Requirements
• IEC 61010-2-032: Particular requirements for handheld current clamps for electrical measurement and test equipment

Equipment Type

Test and measuring equipment.

Safety Class

Class 2

Pollution Degree Description

A measure of contaminants that could occur in the environment around and within a product. Products should be used only in the environment for which they are rated.

• Pollution Degree 1: No pollution or only dry, nonconductive pollution. Products are generally encapsulated, hermetically sealed, or located in clean rooms.
• Pollution Degree 2: Normally only dry, nonconductive pollution. Temporary conductivity from condensation may occur. Typical office/home environment.
• Pollution Degree 3: Conductive pollution, or dry, nonconductive pollution that becomes conductive due to condensation. Sheltered locations with uncontrolled temperature/humidity. Protected from direct sunshine, rain, or wind.
• Pollution Degree 4: Pollution generating persistent conductivity through dust, rain, or snow. Typical outdoor locations.

Pollution Degree Rating

Pollution Degree 2 (as defined in IEC 61010-1). Rated for indoor, dry location use only.

IP Rating

IP20 (as defined in IEC 60529).

Measurement and Overvoltage Category Descriptions

Measurement terminals may be rated for measuring mains voltages from one or more of the following categories:

• Measurement Category II: For measurements on circuits directly connected to the low-voltage installation.
• Measurement Category III: For measurements performed in the building installation.
• Measurement Category IV: For measurements performed at the source of low-voltage installation.

Note: Only mains power supply circuits have an overvoltage category rating. Only measurement circuits have a measurement category rating.

Environmental Compliance

This section provides information about the environmental impact of the product.

Product End-of-Life Handling

Observe the following guidelines when recycling an instrument or component:

Equipment Recycling

Production required extraction and use of natural resources. Equipment may contain harmful substances. Recycle this product in an appropriate system to ensure materials are reused or recycled.

This symbol [WEEE/Battery symbol] indicates compliance with EU requirements (Directives 2012/19/EU and 2006/66/EC). For recycling options, check the Tektronix Web site (www.tek.com/productrecycling).

Getting Started

Overview

The A622 current probe enables a general purpose oscilloscope to display AC and DC current signals up to 100 amps Peak (70 A RMS). It can also make AC and DC measurements with a multimeter using the recommended BNC-to-banana plug adapter.

Figure 1: A622 AC/DC Current Probe

The probe consists of a body containing the electronics, jaws to clamp around a conductor, a handle, an OFF/Range switch, a Zero adjustment control, a current flow symbol indicating polarity, and a battery compartment.

Controls and Indicators

Operating Basics

Before using the probe, the batteries must be installed (see Battery Installation).

Warning: Personal injury or damage to the probe can result if you clamp the probe onto circuits with voltages greater than 600 VAC. Do not clamp onto circuits with higher voltages. Always connect the probe to the instrument before clamping onto the circuit under test.

1. Connect the probe BNC connector to the oscilloscope input. Set the oscilloscope channel vertical coupling to DC volts and the vertical deflection to 0.1 V/div.
2. Move the OFF/Range switch to the 10 mV/A or 100 mV/A position to power on the probe. The A622 has a green LED power/battery indicator. If the LED does not light, replace the battery.
3. Use the ZERO adjustment to zero or offset the probe output.
4. Connect the probe to the circuit by opening the jaws and clamping around the conductor.

5. Note: Clamping around both the "hot" and neutral wires may yield a zero reading.

   (Remember to unclamp the probe from the conductor before disconnecting it from your meter or instrument.)

Figure 2: Connecting the A622 Current Probe

The figure shows the probe jaws clamping around a conductor, with connections to the instrument.

5. Adjust the probe and channel as necessary for a clear signal view. Set the channel to DC volts to see both AC and DC currents; set to AC to see AC current only.

The current drawn by some devices differs significantly. While RMS current may be low, momentary peaks can be high. The following figures show the difference between line current drawn by a resistive load and a motor controller.

Figure 3: Typical Current Waveforms

This figure displays two waveforms: one for a resistive load (sinusoidal) and one for a motor controller (pulsed). The Y-axis represents current, and the X-axis represents time/frequency.

Using with a Multimeter

If using the A622 with a multimeter, connect the probe with the BNC-to-banana adapter. Connect the black lead to the meter COM, and the red lead to the VΩ input.

• To measure only AC current, set the meter to measure AC volts.
• To measure DC current, set the meter to measure DC volts. Note the current convention arrow on the probe for proper polarity reading.

Increasing Measurement Sensitivity

To increase sensitivity, loop additional turns of the wire under test through the jaws. The sensitivity is multiplied by the number of loops. For example: 10 mV/A × 4 turns = 40 mV/A.

Figure 4: Increasing the Sensitivity

The figure illustrates a wire being passed through the probe jaws multiple times to increase measurement sensitivity.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the probes, do not force the jaws closed. If you cannot close the jaws around the conductor(s), either reduce the number of conductors or measure on a smaller conductor.

Maintenance

Cleaning

To clean the probe body, use a soft cloth dampened in mild detergent and water. To clean the core, open the jaw and clean exposed core surfaces with a cotton swab dampened with isopropyl alcohol. Lubricate jaw mating surfaces with a light oil.

Do not clean with solvents or abrasives. Do not immerse the probe.

Battery Notes

The A622 uses a single 9 V battery. As the battery drains, significant gain errors can occur. The green LED remains lit until a low battery voltage of 6.5 V is reached. If gain errors are detected, replace the battery with a fresh one.

Battery Installation

1. Remove the probe from the circuit.
2. Open the battery compartment by loosening the captive screw and sliding the cover off.
3. While observing polarity, attach the battery to the battery connector.
4. Replace the cover and lightly tighten the screw.

Figure 5: A622 Battery Compartment

The figure shows the battery compartment with the battery and screw.

Specifications

These characteristics apply to an A622 AC/DC Current Probe installed on a Tektronix TDS 220 oscilloscope, after 20 minutes warm-up and within specified environmental limits.

Table 2: Electrical Characteristics

Table 3: Voltage and Current Ratings

¹ An insulated conductor is any conductor surrounded by insulating material capable of isolating the voltage. Lacquer coatings on transformer windings may not provide sufficient insulation and can be easily nicked or damaged.

² See frequency derating information in Figure 7 on page 13.

Table 4: Physical Characteristics

Table 5: Environmental Characteristics

Graphs

Figure 6: Gain versus frequency at 1 A peak, typical

This graph shows the gain in dB versus frequency (Hz) for the 10 mV/A and 100 mV/A ranges, illustrating how gain changes with frequency.

Figure 7: Maximum current versus frequency

This graph shows maximum current (peak and RMS) versus frequency (Hz), indicating the probe's current handling capability at different frequencies.

Figure 8: DC signal linearity in the 10 mV/A range, typical

This graph shows the percentage of uncertainty versus amperes (A) for DC signal linearity in the 10 mV/A range, comparing typical performance to specifications.

Figure 9: Phase versus frequency at 1 A peak, typical

This graph shows phase shift in degrees versus frequency (Hz) for the 10 mV/A and 100 mV/A ranges, illustrating phase response.

Preparation for Shipment

If the original packaging is unfit for use or not available, use the following packaging guidelines:

1. Use a sturdy shipping carton with inside dimensions at least one inch greater than the probe dimensions.
2. Put the probe into a plastic bag or wrap to protect it from dampness.
3. Place the probe into the box and stabilize it with light packing material.
4. Seal the carton with shipping tape.

Replaceable Parts

The A622 AC/DC Current Probe is shipped with the following items:

• These instructions: Tektronix part number 070-8883-XX
• One 9V battery: Tektronix part number 146-0017-XX (ANSI/NEDA number 1604A, IEC number 6LR61)

Recommended accessory for use with DMMs:

• One BNC to banana plug adapter: Tektronix part number 012-1450-XX

The A622 does not have any user-repairable assemblies. If you should have trouble with your probe, contact your local Tektronix Service Center or representative for help.