SensorLink Ampstik+ User manual
SensorLink
Operators Manual
Ampstik®+
Slip-on Ammeters
Pad-mounted current measurement
Ampstik®+, Model 8-024-PLUS, Wide Jaw Sensor Opening
Overhead current measurement
Ampstik®+, Model 8-020-XT PLUS, Standard Sensor Opening
Operators Manual
Ampstik®+
Slip-on Ammeters
Table of Contents Page
Specifications 4
Safety Warnings 5
Theory of Operation 5
Taking a Measurement: RUN Mode 6-7
Taking a Measurement: HOLD Mode 8-9
Display Resolution 10
Powering the unit OFF 10
Backlight Operation 11
Battery Replacement 12
Cleaning 12
High Voltage operation 12
Troubleshooting 13
Warranty 14-15
Quality Assurance Back Cover
Available Stock Codes:
8-020-XT PLUS 50HZ 8-020-XT PLUS 60HZ 8-020-XT PLUS EURO 8-020-XT PLUS FRG
8-024-PLUS-50HZ 8-024-PLUS-60HZ 8-024-PLUS-EURO
Page 4
SPECIFICATIONS
Model Number 8-020-XT Plus 8-024-Plus
Range of Operation
Voltage Phase to Phase 0-500 kV 0-500 kV
Current 0.5-5000 A 0.5-5000 A
Sensor Opening Standard Wide Jaw
Opening Width 2.5 in, 6.35 cm 4 in, 10.16 cm
Dimensions 13.96 in x 5.5 in x 1.92 in
35.46 cm x 13.97 cm x 4.88 cm
17.04 in x 8.95 in x 1.93 in
43.28 cm x 22.73 cm x 4.9 cm
Weight 1.75 lbs, 0.79 kg 2.6 lbs, 1.18 kg
Type of Reading Four readings
Resolution
Amps .5-99.9A 0.1A
Amps 100-1999A 1A
Amps 2000-5000 0.01kA
Accuracy ± 1%, ± 2 Counts
Frequency Actual frequency marked on unit
50 Hz Calibrated 47 to 53 Hz
60 Hz Calibrated 57 to 63 Hz
Mechanical
Operating Temperature -22° to +140° F, -30° to +60° C
Shipped with Alkaline battery. Lithium battery required for
temperatures below -4° F (-20° C)
Display 3.5 Digit display
Backlight Automatic ambient light sensor
Housing Fire resistant and waterproof polycarbonate & silicone
Hotstick Mounting Universal chuck adapter. Hot stick not included.
Battery 9V Alkaline or Lithium
Durability Drop tested to 10'
Testing Standards IP65, CE DoC available upon request
THEORY OF OPERATION
The True RMS Ampstik+ has been developed specifically for measurement of AC current
in environments of up to 500 kV for the electrical utility industry. The True RMS feature
allows accurate measurement of current even when the nominal waveform is distorted
or when harmonics are present. This may be the case with Y connected transformer
neutral leads and distribution to many industrial customers using SCR controllers and
other switching devices. This instrument can be used remotely with any hot stick and
universal chuck adapter. It has no moving parts and does not require clamping onto the
wire. The Polycarbonate housing is water resistant and will withstand high physical impact.
Page 5
Safety Information
Read all safety and instruction statements before using the product. Failing to
follow the safety guidelines can cause severe injury or death.
Ampstik+ units are designed for use on live, overhead lines with 0 to 500KV.
All procedures appropriate for the line voltage are to be taken, including
proper work techniques, equipment, and Personal Protection Equipment.
The Ampstik+ should be used only by certified personnel who have been
trained for live-line, high voltage work by their organization.
The hot stick length must be the correct for line voltage per minimum
approach distances stated in published OSHA regulations and/or provided by
the utility.
The cover plate, chuck, and entire Ampstik+ are to be considered at the same
potential. Putting the cover plate, chuck, or other parts of the Ampstik+
within the air gap of adjacent phases or ground could cause a phase to phase
or phase to ground fault.
The hot stick should be considered the sole isolation device.
Do not force the arms of the Ampstik+.
Do not alter the product in any manner.
Page 6
Take a Measurement in RUN Mode
When in RUN MODE, the reading continuously changes as the current on the
conductor changes. The unit is immediately in the RUN mode after powering on.
To place the instrument into the RUN mode from a different mode, press and hold
the control switch and scroll to the option RUN, then release the control switch to
engage the option.
Step 1: Attach the unit to a hot stick with a universal chuck adapter.
Step 2: Power on the unit by pressing and releasing the control switch.
STARTUP TEST
The Ampstik+ conducts a startup test to verify the sensor and circuitry
is functioning correctly. The following screens will display during the
test:
If the test detects a failure, the display will show FAIL and a
corresponding code as per below. See page 13 for the failure code
chart.
If the test determines the unit is functioning properly, it will move to
normal mode and is ready to take the first measurement. The display
will show:
- - -
FAIL
1
0.0
Page 7
Step 3: Take a measurement. Place the Ampstik+ on the conductor as shown
below, with the conductor positioned anywhere below the measurement lines on
the arms of the unit. If the conductor cannot be placed below the bump-outs,
readings are taken but the accuracy may be lessened.
Step 4: Observe the readings being displayed on the unit.
HOLD
Take a Measurement in HOLD Mode
When in HOLD mode, the unit will automatically measure and hold up to four
unique current readings
Step 1: Attach the unit to a hot stick with a universal chuck adapter.
Step 2: Power on the unit by pressing and releasing the control switch.
Step 3: Place the instrument into the RUN mode. Press and hold the control
switch and scroll to the HLD option; release the control switch on this option. The
Ampstik+ is now in the HOLD mode and the word HOLD will appear on the bottom
left corner of the display.
STARTUP TEST
The Ampstik+ conducts a startup test to verify the sensor and circuitry
is functioning correctly. The following screens will display during the
test:
If the test detects a failure, the display will show FAIL and a
corresponding code as per below. See page 13 for the failure code
chart.
If the test determines the unit is functioning properly, it will move to
RUN mode and is ready to take the first measurement. The display will
show:
- - -
FAIL
1
0.0
Page 8
65.5
1
HOLD
72.0
1 3
2 4
HOLD
Step 4: Take a measurement. Place the Ampstik+ on the conductor as shown
below, with the conductor positioned anywhere below the measurement lines on
the arms of the unit. If the conductor cannot be placed below the measurement
line, readings are taken but the accuracy may be lessened.
Step 5: Hold the unit on the conductor for 2-4 seconds and then remove from
the line. The measurement has been taken and the unit is ready to take the next
reading. Each reading is numbered and displayed on the top left of the display.
Step 6: Repeat steps 4 & 5 to acquire up to three more readings. If the Ampstik+
has four readings in memory and another attempt is made to take a reading the
display will show "- - -".
Page 9
Deleting Stored Measurements
Measurements will clear when the unit is powered off, returned to RUN mode, or
deleted manually.
Step 1: Press and hold the control switch until the DEL option appears and release
the switch. All data has now been cleared.
Viewing Stored Measurements
The reading held will display one at a time.
Step 1: Scroll through the readings. Press and release the control switch to move
to the next reading. The number of the reading being viewed will flash.
The display resolution changes on the following ranges:
0-99.9Amps
0.1Amp resolution
100 to 1999 Amps
1Amp resolution
2000 to 5000 Amps
2.00 kAmps
10 Amp resolution (2 decimal places
indicates kAmp range)
XXXX
XX.X
X.XX
Display Resolution of the Measurements
The unit will display to .1A in RUN mode and .3A in HOLD mode.
Powering off the unit
Step 1: Press and hold the control switch until the OFF option appears and release
the switch. The unit is now powered off.
The Ampstik+ will power itself off after approximately 20 minutes of inactivity.
Page 10
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