How do you use an alternating current amp probe?

Answer 1

An amp probe is a hand held amp meter. It uses the magnetic flux that surrounds a wire when there is a current flowing it. There are different styles of amp probes, one the jaws clamp over the wire to form a circle around the wire and another type just pushes the wire into a U shaped jaw. These jaws then act like a current transformer (CT). Inside these jaws there is a coil of wire much like the secondary of a transformer. As the magnetic flux of the wire, under test, cuts the coils in the meter, a small current is induced into the meters sampling circuit. The output of the sampling circuit reads out on a moving needle or a digital display located on the body of the amp probe. At the factory where the meter is manufactured, the meter is calibrated so that the reading of the wire's magnetic flux is linear from zero up to the maximum rating of the meter. This is to guarantee that the actual current flow through the wire is what the amp probe displays.

Answer 2

To use an alternating current amp probe, clamp the probe around a single conductor of the AC circuit you want to measure. Ensure that the probe is properly connected to the ammeter or multimeter. Turn on the instrument and read the current value displayed on the screen. Remember to follow all safety precautions when working with electricity.

Answer 3

Center the wire in middle of the probe and read the display.