| General |
| Enclosure diameter | 52 mm |
The C160 current transformer from Chauvin Arnoux is a
current measuring device from the "C" series, specifically designed for precise measurement of
alternating currents in the range from very low to medium current strengths. The device is intended for use in
industrial and office buildings and enables measurements in the safety standard
CAT III 600 V, allowing application on conductors in commercial and industrial installations. The round shape of the jaw and the uniform winding of the coil ensure high
measurement accuracy and minimal phase shift, which is crucial for accurate current analysis.
Applications
The C160 is suitable for precise alternating current measurements in industrial and commercial environments, especially when accurate current strength and waveform analysis is required. It is particularly suitable for monitoring power consumption in machines, drives, lighting systems, or electronic devices. Combined with an oscilloscope, it enables the display of current waveforms with a bandwidth up to 100 kHz, which is useful for diagnosing transient events or harmonic distortions.
Functions and equipment in detail
The current transformer features
three measurement ranges, enabling flexible adaptation to different current strengths: 0.1 A to 30 A peak, 0.1 A to 300 A peak, and 1 A to 2000 A. The transformation ratios are 10 A/1 V, 100 A/1 V, and 1000 A/1 V, with typical accuracies ≤ 3 %, ≤ 2 %, and ≤ 1 %. These values ensure reliable current measurement, especially for smaller currents where high accuracy is required. The output is via a coaxial cable with an
insulated BNC connector, enabling secure and interference-free data transmission to the measuring device, e.g. an oscilloscope.
Technology explained simply
The C160 operates as a
transformer clamp, where the current to be measured passes through the clamp and generates a proportional alternating voltage signal at the output. The
bandwidth of up to 100 kHz allows capture of rapid current changes, which is important for analyzing electronic circuits or frequency converters. The
pendulum hinge system enables simple and stepless opening of the clamp jaws, allowing the device to be used even in tight spaces or with hard-to-reach conductors. The
clamping capacity of 52 mm is sufficient to accommodate most conductors in industrial and service installations.
Compatibility and accessories
The C160 is specifically designed for use with
oscilloscopes, with the output signal transmitted via the coaxial cable with BNC connector. Compatible accessories available in the range include a
set of 2 adapters BNC female/4mm male, enabling connection to measuring devices with 4-mm connectors. These adapters extend the device's compatibility with additional measuring systems.
Installation and mounting
Installation is carried out by simply clamping the conductor to be measured with the clamp. The stepless opening of the jaws via the pendulum hinge system facilitates handling, especially with conductors of different thicknesses. No additional tools or mounting components are required. The clamp is attached directly to the conductor, and the output signal is connected to the measuring device via the coaxial cable.
Advantages in operation
The C160 offers high
measurement accuracy with low phase shift, which is crucial for accurate analysis of current waveforms. The
three measurement ranges allow flexible adaptation to different applications, from small signals to high currents. The
safety class CAT III 600 V permits use in hazardous electrical installations, with the insulation of the BNC connector providing additional safety. The
ergonomic design with pendulum hinge ensures easy and quick handling, increasing efficiency during measurement.
Note: Batteries are not included in the delivery scope.