Atd 5592 80A Current Probe AC/DC mA Current Clamp User Manual

Overview

The 5592 80A Current Probe AC/DC mA Current Clamp is a clamp-style current transducer for measuring low electrical and electronic current with a compatible multimeter or oscilloscope. It measures AC or DC current up to 80 A and supports frequency response up to 20 kHz.

Because the jaws surround a conductor without requiring the circuit to be opened, the probe is useful for automotive battery-drain testing, leakage detection, current monitoring, and measurements in confined areas. Extended jaws help reach conductors in tight spaces.

Specifications

• Model: 5592
• Measurement type: AC/DC current
• Maximum current: 80 A
• Selectable ranges: 20 A and 80 A
• 20 A output: 100 mV/A, equivalent to 1 mV per 10 mA
• 80 A output: 10 mV/A
• Frequency response: Up to 20 kHz
• Captured conductor opening: 0.5 inch
• Output connection: Banana plugs
• Required meter input impedance: At least 10 kΩ
• Power source: One 9 V battery, NEDA 1604, 6F22, or 006P
• Typical alkaline battery life: 80 hours
• Operating temperature: 0°C to 50°C at up to 70% relative humidity
• Storage temperature: -20°C to +70°C at up to 80% relative humidity
• Typical weight: 240 g
• Dimensions: 190 mm high × 70 mm wide × 38 mm deep
• Safety classification: Class II, CAT II 600 V; pollution degree 2 for indoor use

Detailed Description

The 5592 current clamp converts the magnetic field around a current-carrying conductor into a low-voltage signal that a multimeter or oscilloscope can display. The conductor remains intact during testing, which is safer and more convenient than disconnecting wires to place a meter in series.

The probe has a hinged jaw assembly, a range power switch, a green operating LED, a red low-battery LED, a DC zero-adjustment button, and two banana-plug leads. The black lead connects to the meter’s COM terminal, while the red lead connects to the V-Ω input.

On the 20 A range, the probe provides 100 mV for every ampere measured. On the 80 A range, it provides 10 mV per ampere. The selected range determines how the multimeter display must be converted into current.

Safety

• Do not clamp around conductors carrying 300 V DC or more.
• Do not clamp around conductors carrying 240 V RMS AC or more.
• Never measure bare conductors or wires with cracked, damaged, or frayed insulation.
• Use the probe only as described in its operating instructions. Incorrect use can reduce the protection provided by the instrument.
• The probe is intended for CAT II 600 V environments and pollution degree 2 indoor use.

Setup and Operation

Connect the Probe

1. Insert the black banana plug into the multimeter’s COM jack.
2. Insert the red banana plug into the multimeter’s V-Ω jack.
3. Confirm that the meter has an input impedance of at least 10 kΩ.

Select the Measurement Range

1. Move the power switch from OFF to either the 20 A or 80 A position.
2. Confirm that the green LED illuminates, indicating that the clamp is powered.
3. For a current below 20 A, use the 20 A range.
4. If the expected current is greater than 20 A, select the 80 A range.

Configure the Multimeter

For measurements below 20 A, select the 200 mV or 2 V meter range. Choose an AC range for AC current or a DC range for DC current.

For measurements on the 80 A range, use the meter’s 200 mV AC or DC range as appropriate for the current being measured.

Measure Current

1. For DC measurements, press the zero-adjustment button until the multimeter displays zero before clamping around the conductor.
2. Open the jaws and place them around one current-carrying conductor. Do not place both sides of a complete supply-and-return circuit inside the jaws, because their magnetic fields can cancel.
3. Close the jaws fully around the conductor.
4. Read the multimeter and convert the result using the selected range.

Convert the Reading

On the 20 A range, divide the meter reading in millivolts by 100 to obtain amperes. For example, a 100 mV display represents 1 A.

On the 80 A range, divide the meter reading in millivolts by 10 to obtain amperes. For example, a 50 mV display represents 5 A.

For DC current, the output is positive when current flows from the upper side of the clamp toward the underside. The red banana-plug lead is the positive output.

Remove DC Zero Offset

A hysteresis effect can prevent the display from returning exactly to zero during DC measurements. If this occurs, open and close the jaws several times, then press the zero-adjustment button again until the meter reaches zero.

Accuracy and Measurement Performance

• DC, 20 A range: 10 mA to 20 A, ±(3% of reading + 5 mA)
• DC, 80 A range: 100 mA to 40 A, ±(3% of reading + 0.3 A)
• DC, 80 A range: 40 A to 80 A, ±(4% of reading + 0.3 A)
• AC, 20 A range: 10 mA to 20 A, ±(3% of reading + 5 mA)
• AC, 20 A range at 40 Hz to 2 kHz: ±(4% of reading + 30 mA)
• AC, 20 A range at 2 kHz to 10 kHz: ±(6% of reading + 30 mA)
• AC, 20 A range at 10 kHz to 20 kHz: ±(8% of reading + 30 mA)
• AC, 80 A range: 100 mA to 80 A, ±(2% of reading + 30 mA)
• AC, 80 A range at 40 Hz to 1 kHz: ±(4% of reading + 30 mA)
• AC, 80 A range at 1 kHz to 2 kHz: ±(6% of reading + 30 mA)
• AC, 80 A range at 3 kHz to 5 kHz: ±(8% of reading + 0.3 A)
• AC, 10 A to 20 A at 40 Hz to 20 kHz: ±(8% of reading + 30 mA)
• AC, 40 A to 80 A at 40 Hz to 5 kHz: ±(8% of reading + 0.3 A)

Troubleshooting

• The green LED does not illuminate: Check that the power switch is set to a measurement range and replace the 9 V battery if necessary.
• The DC reading will not zero: Cycle the jaws open and closed several times, then press the zero-adjustment button again.
• The reading appears incorrect: Verify that the meter is set to the correct AC or DC function, select the proper voltage range, and apply the correct 20 A or 80 A conversion factor.
• The reading is unexpectedly low or near zero: Confirm that the jaws surround only one current-carrying conductor and are completely closed.
• The red LED illuminates: Replace the battery before continuing measurements.

Warranty

The 5592 is covered against defects in materials and workmanship for one year. During the first 12 months, a product that fails because of a manufacturing defect may be replaced at the manufacturer’s discretion.

The warranty excludes depleted batteries and blown fuses. Damage caused by misuse or abuse may be handled as an out-of-warranty repair rather than covered service. Proof of purchase date is required for warranty evaluation.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Measures AC and DC current without opening the circuit.
• Pros: Supports readings from low milliamp levels to 80 A.
• Pros: Extended jaws help access restricted spaces.
• Pros: Two output ranges provide flexibility for low- and higher-current testing.
• Cons: The probe requires manual conversion of the multimeter voltage reading.
• Cons: DC measurements require zero adjustment and may need repeated jaw cycling.
• Cons: The conductor opening is limited to 0.5 inch.
• Cons: Accuracy decreases at higher frequencies and near the upper current limits.