Clamp-On Current Sensor Fits Existing Solid Conductors
Pulse Electronics Corporation has introduced its new 50Hz/60Hz, di/dt ac-current sensor that can be clamped onto an existing solid conductor without having to disconnect the conductor. The PA3828NL clamp-on sensor has a linear current range of 0.1A to 200A with 1.0% accuracy for high-precision power measuring applications at 50Hz/60Hz. Another growing application is for arc fault ac current monitoring, sensing frequencies up to 1MHz. This sensor is the latest addition to Pulse Electronics' Sidewinder® current sensor family. Applications include metering, industrial motor control, power monitoring, circuit protection, and current fault monitoring.
"Pulse's new current sensor is quite unique," explained Glenn Roemer, field applications engineer, Pulse Electronics. "It enables the sensor to be installed into an existing application without disconnecting the system, thus providing a lower installation cost for AC current measurement and AC power control applications."
The sensor has an internal diameter of 6.2mm and opens to 7.0mm to easily clamp onto a conductor. It is core-less, lightweight, and can be quickly installed. The robust clamp feature can be opened and closed multiple times. These sensors differ from traditional current sensors because they do not contain a magnetic core. This makes them more accurate, highly linear, lighter, easier to assemble, less expensive, and offers flexibility of design to suit a wide range of applications.
Pulse's new Sidewinder PA3828NL clamp-on current sensors are RoHS compliant and meet ANSI C12.20 accuracy Class 1.0 standards. They are sold in trays with prices around $1.75 in quantities of 10,000. Leadtime is 8 to 10 weeks.
