5kV scope probe - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jheissjr
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2025, 02:20:16 am
content: I was expecting dollar store plastic but the probe is actually good. Especially for $39 / €37 / £30. The cable is silicone and the plastic is PA6 I think. I don't have equipment to test it to at 5kV though. Do they take it? Anyone have a P2301?

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2025, 02:47:52 am
content: You have to watch the frequency derating. I've used mine on the HV SMPS of a Tek 2200 series, that's 2000Vpkor 4kVp-p@ 20kHz IIRC. I don't remember whether I've tested it with a full 5kV, but it does have some noticeable voltage coefficient error above 2kV. Of course these are not for any sort of high energy circuit (one that will throw molten metal at you, for example). YPioneer clones are often pretty good, in fact.

author: squadchannel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2025, 06:03:14 am
content: definitely Staubli clone looks likeoriginal Staubli, 3540v max ratings. hmmm.. upgraded?

author: bdunham7
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2025, 03:06:26 pm
content: Quote from: squadchannel on March 12, 2025, 06:03:14 am3540 (RMS) X 1.414 = 5kV (peak)They're telling you the same things except the YPioneer model doesn't mention CAT ratings.

author: EC8010
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2025, 03:23:15 pm
content: Exactly. The two speciifcations are the same. Call me a fairy if you like, but I'd like more and larger diameter insulating rings between my fingers and 5kV.Neglecting whether the experimenter receives a lethal shock, the (significant) voltage coefficient of high voltage probes is significant and usually swept under the carpet. Read the specifications of the Fluke 25kV probe for DMMs (not oscilloscopes) carefully and you will find it has been adjusted to give a correct reading at 25kV. By inference, readings at lower voltages will be wrong. And that is what I found when I tested. That was what made me read the specifications carefully.A colleague of mine used to stack metal film resistors inside the (clear polystyrene tube) of a Biro to give a probe suitable for measurements between 1kV and 5kV. One of these days, I will do the same.

author: Hydron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 12, 2025, 09:31:38 pm
content: Also remember not to use one of these with AC coupling on your scope or you'll pop the cap/SSR in the scope

author: MarkL
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 12, 2025, 10:14:42 pm
content: Maybe it's just me, but there's no way I would trust my equipment or my well-being measuring high voltages with a cheap 5kV probe. The grammar and spelling errors in the datasheet don't add any confidence.The Staubli is a well-known brand that is UL-listed and has specific CAT ratings.If you must have the Ypioneer, I wouldn't use it beyond the native ratings on the input jack to the equipment.

author: jheissjr
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2025, 05:27:12 am
content: The P2301 probe was checked at 280V against an HP and Agilent probe. The output of the P2301 matched the HP and Agilent. Next 1800V was fed into the P2301. The fly swatter below outputs maximum 1800V. The probe remained functional. The breakdown in air is about 1kV per mm or 1.5kV per 1/16” for reference.