General
Rated current	100 A AC / 150 A DC – 1000 A AC / 1400 A DC

The PAC27 current clamp from Chauvin Arnoux is a measuring instrument from the PAC model series, developed for precise measurement of direct and alternating currents in industrial and commercial applications. The device uses the Hall effect as the measuring principle to detect both direct and alternating currents with high accuracy. The clamp is specifically designed for use with an oscilloscope, enabling the display of current waveforms, particularly peak currents. With a clamping diameter of 39 mm and the ability to enclose two smaller current bars of 25 mm or 50×5 mm, it offers flexibility for installation on various conductors.

Applications

The PAC27 is suitable for measuring low to high currents in electrical, energy, and industrial automation systems. It is particularly suited for applications requiring precise analysis of current waveforms, such as diagnosing switching operations, monitoring loads, or investigating transient current peaks. Its high bandwidth also makes it suitable for dynamic measurements.

Functions and Equipment in Detail

The device features two measurement ranges with different transformation ratios: 1 A/10 mV and 1 A/1 mV. This enables precise measurements in both low current ranges (from 0.5 A) and high ranges up to 1400 A DC. Typical accuracy is ≤ 1.5 % in the lower range and 4 % in the upper range. An integrated automatic DC zero adjustment (ZeroDC) ensures optimized accuracy, especially for direct current measurements, and reduces offset errors. The clamp features a selectable standby mode, which reduces power consumption and extends battery life.

Technology Explained Simply

The Hall effect is used here as a physical phenomenon, in which a magnetic field generated by a current-carrying conductor is detected by a Hall sensor. This sensor converts the magnetic field into a proportional electrical signal, which is transmitted via the output cable. The output signal is a direct and alternating voltage, delivered via a coaxial cable with an isolated BNC connector. This connector ensures a safe and interference-free connection to the oscilloscope or another measuring device. The bandwidth of up to 1400 kHz enables the display of fast current waveforms.

Compatibility and Accessories

The current clamp is primarily designed for use with oscilloscopes. The output interface with BNC connector is standard in measurement technology and allows direct connection to most oscilloscopes. The clamp is not designed for direct display of current values, but serves as a signal source for external measuring instruments.

Mounting and Installation

The clamp is closed around the conductor to be measured, taking into account the clamping diameter of 39 mm or the combination of two smaller bars (25 mm or 50×5 mm). Installation is performed without interrupting the circuit, enabling non-invasive measurement.

Advantages in Operation

The PAC27 offers high measurement accuracy combined with flexibility through two measurement ranges. The automatic zero adjustment function reduces the need for manual calibration. The use of a coaxial cable with an isolated BNC connector ensures reliable signal transmission. The standby mode reduces power consumption, extending operating time when battery-powered. The clamp is therefore suitable for continuous measurements in industrial practice.

Scope of Delivery

The scope of delivery includes the PAC27 current clamp and the operating instructions. The manual contains the necessary information for operation and installation.

Batteries are not included in the scope of delivery.