TA300 AC/DC Current Probe

User's GuideTA300 AC/DC Current Probe User's Guide

Pico TechnologyIntroduction
The TA300 is a 100 kHz bandwidth, single-range 40 A AC or DC current probe using theD9 connector specific to the PicoScope 4444 differential oscilloscope. On connection
with the scope, the probe is instantly sensed and the vertical range automatically set up inPicoScope software. The probe is also powered by the scope through the D9 connector.
Note: When using the PicoScope 4444 with USB power (no AC adaptor connected), sensor
power is limited to a maximum of 3 x TA300 probes at once.

123

1.

Jaws

2.

Tactile barrier

3.

Jaw trigger

Safety information
A WARNING identifies conditions or practices that could result in injury or death.
A CAUTION identifies conditions or practices that could result in damage to the product orequipment to which it is connected.
WARNINGTo prevent injury or death, use the product only as instructed. The protection provided by
the product may be impaired if used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer.
Safety: Conforms to EN 61010-1 and EN 61010-2-032, CAT III 300 V, Class II, Pollution
degree 2, indoor use.
EMC: Conforms to EN 61326-2-2.
The symbols used on this instrument are:Caution: refer to accompanying documents
Application around and removal from UNINSULATED HAZARDOUS LIVE
conductors is permitted. Use of the probe on uninsulated conductors is limited to300 V AC RMS or DC, and frequencies below 1 kHz.
Equipment protected by double insulation (Class II)

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TA300 AC/DC Current Probe User's Guide

Alternating current
Direct current
Earth (ground) terminal
Measurement Category II is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected

CAT II directly to utilization points (socket outlets and similar points) of the low-voltage

mains installation.
Measurement Category III is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected
CAT IIIto the distribution part of the building’s low-voltage mains installation.
Complies with relevant European Directives
WARNINGUse caution during the installation and use of this product; high voltages and currents
may be present in the circuit under test.
WARNINGThe TA300 current probe has a tactile barrier provided for user safety. To prevent injury ordeath, do not hold the current probe beyond the tactile barrier when in use.
WARNINGThe TA300 current probe is marked with its maximum voltage rating, which applies
when clamped over an uninsulated conductor. To prevent injury or death, do not use thecurrent probe on an uninsulated conductor operating outside the probe’s marked voltage
protection levels.
WARNINGTo prevent injury or death, if the probe has asymbol or is not marked with any
symbol, always de-energize any uninsulated conductor before you install or remove theprobe.
A current probe with thesymbol may be safely installed on or removed from anuninsulated conductor while the conductor is energized (live).
WARNING

When measuring currents in uninsulated circuits connected directly to the utility power
supply, always use probes with the appropriate CAT ratings.
To prevent injury or death, always follow the CAT rating of the probe and do not use a non
CAT-rated current probe to measure utility power current.
Always use extreme caution when working around bare conductors or bus bars. Contact
with the conductor could result in electric shock. Always follow relevant industry-standard
safety procedures and use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) whereapplicable. Safety training is essential in these cases and should be separately gained.

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TA300 AC/DC Current Probe User's Guide

Pico Technology
CAUTION

To avoid damage to the probe and inaccurate readings, do not use a current probe on acircuit that exceeds the probe’s maximum rated frequency, or the maximum rated current
at the measurement frequency.
All current probes have a maximum current rating which may be derated depending on
the measurement frequency in accordance with the following table:
Probe

Probe maximum current (I) byfrequency (f)Auto power-off

Power supply/
batteryConnection

TA300

IRMS x f ≤ 400 000

N/A

Oscilloscope
powered

9-way D plug

Environment
This product is for indoor use, in dry locations only.
WARNINGTo prevent injury or death, do not use in wet or damp conditions, or near explosive gas orvapor.
CAUTIONTo prevent damage, always use and store your unit in appropriate environments as below:

Probe
TA300

Operatingtemperature

Storagetemperature

0 to 50 °C−20 to +85 °C

Operatinghumidity

Storagehumidity(non-condensing)
15 to 85 %RH

Pollution
degreeMax.
altitude

22000 mOperating instructions
Connecting the probe to the PicoScope 4444
Connect the TA300 to the required channel of the PicoScope 4444 via the D9 connector.
The oscilloscope will identify, power and activate the probe automatically.
Zeroing the probe
The output zero offset of the probe may change due to thermal shifts and otherenvironmental conditions. Offset is controlled via the PicoScope software: open theChannel Options menu and adjust the DC Offset controls. When zeroing the probe, close its
jaws and keep it away from the current-carrying conductor.
Current measurement
1.
2.
3.
4.

4

Connect the output lead to the oscilloscope.
Zero the probe.
Clamp the jaws of the probe around the conductor, ensuring a good contact between
the closing faces of the jaws.
Observe and take measurements as required. Positive output indicates that the current
flow is in the direction shown by the arrow on the probe.
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TA300 AC/DC Current Probe User's Guide

Care of the product
The product contains no user-serviceable parts. Repair, servicing and adjustment require
specialized test equipment and must only be performed by Pico Technology or an
approved service provider. There may be a charge for these services unless covered by thePico one year warranty.
Inspect the probe and all connectors and cables before use for signs of damage.
Cleaning: Wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not use abrasives orsolvents. Dirt or moisture in the terminals can affect readings.

Specifications
Electrical data (at 23 ±5 °C, 70 %RH maximum)
Nominal current
40 A AC peak or DC
Measuring range (s)40 A
500 A (60 s)
Overload capacity
Output sensitivity
100 mV/A
Accuracy¹±1% of reading ±2 mA
Resolution±1 mA
Gain variation±0.02% of reading/°C
DC to 100 kHz (−0.5 dB)
Frequency range
Power supply
5 V nominal via PicoScope 4444
Load impedance (minimum)> 100 kΩ and ≤ 100 pF
General data
25 mm diameter
Conductor size
Output cable and connectors
2 m long screened cable terminated with D9 plug
¹Accuracy quoted is for conductor in center of aperture

Warranty and returns
Your probe is supplied with a one-year return-to-manufacturer warranty. You may also
return your probe for any reason within 14 days of purchase for a refund. For terms andconditions, visit picotech.com/about.

Legal information
Information regarding Pico’s software licenses, liability, privacy policy, trademarks andother legal matters is available (in English only) at picotech.com/about/legal-information.

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