AEMC Digital FlexProbe 400D/4000D Series User Manual

Statement of Compliance

Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments certifies that this instrument has been calibrated using standards and instruments traceable to international standards. The instrument is guaranteed to meet its published specifications at the time of shipping. An NIST traceable certificate can be requested at purchase or obtained by returning the instrument for calibration. The recommended calibration interval is 12 months from the date of receipt. For recalibration, contact AEMC's repair and calibration services at www.aemc.com.

Serial #: ________________________________

Catalog #: ______________________________

Model #: ______________________________

Date Received: _________________________________

Date Calibration Due: _______________________

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing an AEMC® Digital Flexprobe. For best results and safety, read the operating instructions and precautions carefully.

Precautions Before Use

This instrument is protected against voltages up to 1000V with respect to ground (CAT III) or 600V (CAT IV) between the sensor and the conductor. Protection may be impaired if used improperly.

• Do not exceed rated maximum voltage and current or measurement category.
• Observe conditions of use: temperature, humidity, altitude, pollution, location.
• Before each use, check sensor, cable, and housing insulation integrity. Do not use if damaged or poorly assembled.
• The sensor must not be applied to or removed from uninsulated conductors at dangerous voltages.
• Use personal protection equipment systematically.
• All troubleshooting and metrological checks must be performed by competent personnel.

International Electrical Symbols

• [Double Insulation Symbol]: Signifies double or reinforced insulation.
• ⚠️ [Warning Symbol]: Indicates a WARNING and requires referring to the user manual.
• [No Bare Conductor Symbol]: Must not be applied to or removed from bare conductors at dangerous voltages. Type B current sensor per IEC 61010-2-032.
• ❗ [Important Instruction Symbol]: Important instructions to read and understand completely.
• ℹ️ [Information Symbol]: Important information to acknowledge.
• ? [Battery Symbol]: Battery.
• CE: Compliance with Low Voltage & Electromagnetic Compatibility European directives.
• ♻️ [WEEE Symbol]: Subject to separate collection system for recycling in the EU per WEEE 2002/96/EC.

Definition of Measurement Categories

• CAT IV: Primary electrical supply (<1000V), e.g., overcurrent protection devices, ripple control units, meters.
• CAT III: Building installation at distribution level, e.g., hardwired equipment, circuit breakers.
• CAT II: Circuits directly connected to the electrical distribution system, e.g., household appliances, portable tools.

Receiving Your Shipment

Verify contents against the packing list. Notify your distributor of any missing items. If damaged, file a claim with the carrier immediately and notify your distributor with a detailed description. Save damaged packaging.

Ordering Information

Models

• Digital FlexProbe® (MiniFlex) Model 400D-6 w/6 ft Lead (TRMS, 4AAC, 40AAC, 400AAC): Cat. #2153.30
• Digital FlexProbe® (MiniFlex) Model 400D-10 w/6 ft Lead (TRMS, 4AAC, 40AAC, 400AAC): Cat. #2153.31
• Digital FlexProbe® (MiniFlex) Model 4000D-14 w/6 ft Lead (TRMS, 40AAC, 400AAC, 4000AAC): Cat. #2153.32
• Digital FlexProbe® (MiniFlex) Model 4000D-24 w/6 ft Lead (TRMS, 40AAC, 400AAC, 4000AAC): Cat. #2153.35

All models include one Digital FlexProbe®, two AAA batteries, and a product user manual.

Accessories

• Multifix Multi-Position Magnetic Mounting Accessory: Cat. #5000.44
• Soft Carrying Case: Cat. #2118.65
• Small Classic Tool Bag: Cat. #2133.72

Order Accessories and Replacement Parts Directly Online. Check storefront at www.aemc.com for availability.

Product Features

Description

The Digital FlexProbe® series is an ideal addition for electricians, offering TRMS AC current measurements from 20mA to 4000A, rated 600V CAT IV. It provides a solution for accessing electrical conductors in difficult and tight spaces.

• Model 400D: Available with a 6" or 10" sensor, measurement range starting at 20mA, suitable for residential, commercial, and light industrial applications up to 400A.
• Model 4000D: Available with a 14" or 24" sensor, measurement range starting at 100mA, suitable for higher-power industrial installations and electrical utilities up to 4000A.

These high-performance instruments are simple to use with two buttons for starting, deactivating auto power-off, holding the display value, or storing the maximum value (MAX HOLD). Readings are displayed on the built-in 4000-count display.

The design is ergonomic for comfortable handheld use, even with gloves. The optional articulating, magnetic Multifix mounting system allows easy hanging on walls, doors, table edges, or clipping onto a belt.

Control Features

• 1. Flexible sensor: Model 400D (6", 10"), Model 4000D (14", 24").
• 2. Sensor opening/closing lever: Used to open and close the sensor jaws.
• 3. Shielded lead: Connects the sensor to the main unit.
• 4. Protective housing: Encloses the electronics and display.
• 5. LCD display: Shows measurement readings and status indicators.
• 6. ON/OFF button: Powers the instrument on and off.
• 7. HOLD button: Freezes the current display value. Pressing and holding for over 2 seconds activates MAX HOLD.

Operation

Measurement Principle

The flexible sensor is based on the Rogowski coil principle, offering excellent linearity with no saturation effect (no heating) and a lightweight design due to the absence of a magnetic circuit.

Use

Connection

1. Press the locking clip(s) to open the sensor.
2. Place the sensor around the conductor through which the current is to be measured (ensure only one conductor is within the sensor), then close the sensor.
3. To optimize measurement quality, center the conductor in the coil and make the coil shape as circular as possible.
4. Press the [ON/OFF Button] to turn the instrument on.

Measurement

Read the measurement on the display. The current is given in Amperes (A).

• If the measurement exceeds the display capacity (4000A), the device displays "3999" blinking.
• If the measurement is too low, the device displays dashes.
• If the signal edges are too steep or the peak factor is too large, the device displays "OL".

Freezing the Measurement

To freeze the display of a measurement, press the [HOLD Button]. The [HOLD Symbol] will be displayed.

The device continues to make measurements, but the display is frozen. Press the [HOLD Button] again to release the display.

Search for Maximum

To search for a maximum value (e.g., a spike lasting at least 100ms), press and hold the [HOLD Button] (MAX > 2s) for more than two seconds. The [MAX Symbol] will display, and the instrument will begin measuring.

The Digital FlexProbe® compares each new measurement to the one displayed and replaces it if the new measurement is greater. Press the [HOLD Button] (MAX > 2s) again to return to the real-time display mode.

Auto Power OFF

If there is no activity for 10 minutes, the Digital FlexProbe® turns off automatically to preserve battery life (unless the MAX function is active). To deactivate Auto Power OFF, press the [ON/OFF Button] and [HOLD Button] simultaneously when turning the instrument on. To reactivate, switch the device off and then back on.

Low Battery

When battery voltage drops and approximately one hour of battery life remains, the ? [Battery Symbol] blinks on the display. When the battery voltage is too low to guarantee measurement accuracy, the ? [Battery Symbol] lights steadily, and batteries must be replaced (see § 5.2).

Disconnecting

Turn off the device by pressing the [ON/OFF Button]. Press the yellow opening lever to open the flexible sensor. Remove the sensor from the conductor.

Specifications

Reference Conditions

Electrical

Model 400D-6 / 400D-10

Model 4000D-14 / 4000D-24

Variations in Range of Use

Typical Frequency Response Curves

Power Supply

The device can be powered by either:

• Two 1.5V (AAA) alkaline batteries
• Two NiMH storage batteries of the same size

The nominal operating voltage is between 1.8V and 3.2V.

The battery life in continuous operation is:

• 70 hours with super-alkaline batteries
• 50 hours with NiMH storage batteries having a capacity of 1200 mAh

The low battery condition is acknowledged by a blinking ? [Battery Symbol] on the display. When lit steadily, the batteries must be replaced (see § 5.2).

Environmental

• Operating Temperature: 32° to 122°F (0° to 50°C)
• Storage Temperature (without batteries): -4° to 158°F (-20° to +70°C)
• Operating Relative Humidity: 80% RH to 122°F (50°C)
• Storage Relative Humidity: 90% RH up to 113°F (45°C)
• The sensor can withstand a temperature of 194°F (90°C)
• Indoor use / Level of pollution: 2 / Altitude: < 2000m

Mechanical

• Dimensions: 3.94 x 2.36 x 0.79" (100 x 60 x 20mm)
• Cable Length: 6 ft (1.83m)
• Sensor Length: 400D-6: 6" (170mm), 400D-10: 10" (250mm), 4000D-14: 14" (350mm), 4000D-24: 24" (610mm)
• Sensor Diameter: 400D-6: Ø 1.77" (45mm), 400D-10: Ø 2.75" (70mm), 4000D-14 : Ø 3.94" (100mm), 4000D-24 : Ø 8" (190mm)
• Weight: 0.29 lbs (130g) approx (MiniFlex)
• Index of protection: IP 40 per IEC 60529, IK 04 per IEC 50102, V0 (per UL 94)

The flexible coil is resistant to oils and aliphatic hydrocarbons.

Safety

• Electrical safety per IEC 61010-2-032 for type B sensors
• Rated 600V CAT IV
• CE

Electromagnetic Compatibility

Emissions and immunity in an industrial setting compliant with IEC 61326-1 for portable devices.

Maintenance

Use only factory specified replacement parts. AEMC® will not be held responsible for any accident, incident, or malfunction following a repair done other than by its service center or by an approved repair center.

Cleaning

Disconnect the instrument from any source of electricity.

• Use a soft cloth lightly moistened with soapy water.
• Wipe with a moist cloth and then dry with a dry cloth.
• Do not allow water or other foreign substances into the case.
• Never use alcohol, solvents or hydrocarbons.

Replacing the Batteries

Disconnect the instrument from any source of electricity.

The battery must be replaced when the ? [Battery Symbol] flashes or remains steady on the display.

1. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the two closing screws on the back of the housing.
2. Replace the old battery with a new battery (1.5V or AAA super-alkaline batteries).
3. Close the housing; make sure that it is completely and correctly closed.
4. Screw both screws back in.

♻️ [WEEE Symbol] Used batteries must not be treated as ordinary household waste. Take them to the appropriate recycling collection point.

Repair and Calibration

To ensure that your instrument meets factory specifications, it is recommended to schedule recalibration at one-year intervals with the factory Service Center, or as required by other standards or internal procedures.

For instrument repair and calibration: You must contact the Service Center for a Customer Service Authorization Number (CSA#). This ensures prompt tracking and processing upon arrival. Write the CSA# on the shipping container. For calibration, specify if a standard calibration or a calibration traceable to N.I.S.T. is required (includes certificate and recorded data).

Ship To: Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments, 15 Faraday Drive, Dover, NH 03820 USA

Phone: (800) 945-2362 (Ext. 360) / (603) 749-6434 (Ext. 360)

Fax: (603) 742-2346 or (603) 749-6309

E-mail: repair@aemc.com

(Or contact your authorized distributor)

Costs for repair, standard calibration, and NIST traceable calibration are available. NOTE: You must obtain a CSA# before returning any instrument.

Technical and Sales Assistance

If you experience technical problems or require assistance with operation or application, contact the technical support team:

Contact: Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments

Phone: (800) 945-2362 (Ext. 351) / (603) 749-6434 (Ext. 351)

Fax: (603) 742-2346

E-mail: techsupport@aemc.com

Limited Warranty

The Digital FlexProbe® Models 400D and 4000D are warranted for two years from the date of original purchase against manufacturing defects. This warranty is provided by AEMC® Instruments. It is void if the unit has been tampered with, abused, or if the defect relates to service not performed by AEMC® Instruments.

Full warranty coverage and product registration are available at www.aemc.com/warranty.html. Please print the online Warranty Coverage Information for your records.

If a malfunction occurs within the warranty period, return the instrument for repair, provided warranty registration or proof of purchase is available. AEMC® Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace the faulty material.

REGISTER ONLINE AT: www.aemc.com

Warranty Repairs

To return an instrument for Warranty Repair:

1. Request a Customer Service Authorization Number (CSA#) by phone or fax from the Service Department.
2. Return the instrument along with the signed CSA Form. Write the CSA# on the outside of the shipping container.
3. Return the instrument, postage or shipment pre-paid to:

Ship To: Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments, 15 Faraday Drive • Dover, NH 03820 USA

Phone: (800) 945-2362 (Ext. 360) / (603) 749-6434 (Ext. 360)

Fax: (603) 742-2346 or (603) 749-6309

E-mail: repair@aemc.com

Caution: To protect against in-transit loss, insure your returned material. NOTE: You must obtain a CSA# before returning any instrument.

Notes

This section is intentionally left blank.