All tools created by humans have a usage limit. The usage limit can be defined in hours, years, number of uses and so on.
For years, humans have conducted research on how to make the usage limit longer, so that the tool created can be used and enjoyed for its benefits longer.
Until one day humans found a way to make the usage limit extended, which is by doing maintenance. This applies to all man-made technologies, including current clamp.
There are ways that must be done so that the current clamp are not easily damaged, continue to be in top condition and to extend their service life. These methods will be explained as follows.
Maintenance in Terms of Use
Maintenance not only be done when the tool is not in use, but also by using the tool properly and correctly in accordance with the direction of the agency that made the tool.
There is a correct technique for using current clamp, such as:
Electric Current Measurement
- Make sure the unit to be used (current clamp) can function properly.
- Make sure the power source to be measured is AC or DC. Condition the AC/DC Switch (number 10 in figure 1) according to the power source to be measured.
- In the initial conditions, the Switch Function will usually be on the OFF sign which indicates the current clamp cannot be used. Turn the Switch Function (number 6 in figure 1) at the sign that says a number and ends with the letter “A” according to the possible current flowing. The symbol “A” indicates the amperage or current abbreviation.
- If you do not know the range of current flowing in the cable, turn the Switch Function on the maximum current range that can be measured by current clamp.
- Insert the cable to measure how much current flows into the clamp current (see figure 2), just one cable is enough. Try to use it away from the terminal to make it easier to measure and reduce the risk of shifting the wires at the terminal.
- Read the measurement results on the display, wait until the numbers that appear fluctuate low, then press the hold button to lock the readings.
- Take 3 measurements to ensure the accuracy and precision of the measurement results.
- When finished measuring, press the Lever (number 5 in figure 1).
- Return the Switch Function to the OFF condition.
Electrical Voltage Measurement
- Make sure the unit to be used (current clamp) can function properly.
- Make sure the power source to be measured is AC or DC. Condition the AC/DC Switch according to the power source to be measured.
- In the initial conditions, the Switch Function will usually be on the OFF sign which indicates the current clamp cannot be used. Turn the Switch Function on the sign that reads a number and ends with the letter “V” according to the possible current flowing. The symbol “V” indicates the amperage or current.
- If you do not know the terminal voltage range, turn the Switch Function in the maximum voltage range that can be measured in amperes.
- Insert the black probe wire (figure 3) into the COM terminal (number 11 in figure 1).
- Insert the red probe wire (figure 3) into the VWHz terminal (number 13 in figure 1).
- Glue the red probe’s immune end to the phase wire terminal and the black probe wire to the neutral terminal.
- Read the numbers that appear on the display. If, the number does not appear, make sure that the probe iron has hit the phase and neutral cable conductors at the terminal.
- Take measurements 3 times to get accurate and precise data.
- Remove the iron end of the probe cable from the measurement terminal, remove the probe cable from the current clamp terminal and return the Switch Function button to the OFF condition.
Cable Channel Detection
Current clamp is also equipped with a function to detect problematic cable connections.
- Position the Switch Function on the diode symbol.
- Place the black probe lead into the COM terminal (number 11 in figure 1) and the red probe lead into the VWHz terminal (number 13 in figure 1).
- Place the iron end of the red probe wire on the terminal where the phase wire to be detected is attached and the iron end of the black probe wire on the terminal where the neutral wire to be detected is attached.
- If there is a squeaky sound, it means the cable connection is in good condition. On the other hand, if the current clamp don’t make a squeaky sound, then there is certainly a problem with the cable connection.
- After the detection is complete, remove the probe cable from the current clamp terminal and return the Switch Function to the OFF condition.
Storage Care
- Keep current clamp away from strong magnetic fields. When a magnetic field hits a conductor, it can generate electricity. The electricity that rises in the current clamp causes heat, the heat which will have a negative impact on the components in the current clamp.
- Place at room temperature, away from overheating. Heating causes the possibility of component expansion.
- Avoid placing in places that vibrate or have vibrations. Vibration can cause the components in the current clamp to be disposed and loose.
- Avoid cleaning tools by washing. Simply clean with a cloth that is smeared with a little water, then dry until there is no water left.
Those are the explanation regarding how to maintain current clamp from the point of use and storage. How to care for current clamp by using them properly and correctly can vary from one current clamp to another, depending on the brand and type of current clamp use.