7 Important Factors and Procedures to Consider When Calibrating a Clamp Meter
1. Clamp shaped watches come in various shapes and sizes.
The size design of the jaws makes the calibration process difficult and requires the selection of appropriate calibration equipment.
Most of today's clamp watches are multifunctional.
In addition to current, most clamp meters can generally measure voltage, continuity, and other common digital functions,
Not all calibrators are competent for their job.
When the output is high, many calibrators limit the continuous output of large currents. In addition, you must use a calibrator with sufficient accuracy and comply with a voltage sufficient to drive the coil. Fluke uses "L-COMP" (inductive compensation) technology to increase compliance voltage to drive loads.
Coil inductance can cause faults, so it is important to avoid current sources that are not designed for current coils. The transient when turning on and off the current may cause the current source to trip.
4. The winding (number of turns) and range of the current coil are very important.
The number of turns of the coil used must be sufficient to test the entire current range of the current clamp. The winding of the coil determines the amount of current. For example, when the calibrator has 50 turns and outputs a current of 20 A, a higher current of 1000 A will appear on the clamp meter.
5. Do not ignore attachments.
Some clamp gauges may be equipped with flexible current probes, such as Fluke iFlex, which must be calibrated together with the clamp gauge.
6. High current will generate heat.
The design of the current coil must be able to dissipate as much heat as possible. Coils typically have a maximum operating time indicator at higher currents.
7. Positioning is very important.
When aligning the clamp meter with the current coil, attention should be paid to the stray field and position sensitivity of the current clamp. Avoid interference fields from other devices and current wires. Pay attention to aligning the clamp table with the markings. Align the axis of the clamp table parallel to the axis of the coil, and align the clamp plane perpendicular to the coil wire.
