General
Enclosure diameter	52 mm
Crest factor	≤ 6
Load resistance	≤ 15 Ω
Maximum jaw opening	53 mm
Drop test	1 m
Vibration test	5/15 Hz 1,5 mm, 15/25 Hz 1 mm, 25/55 Hz 0,25 mm

The C173 current clamp from Chauvin Arnoux is a precise measuring instrument from the "C" series, designed for measuring alternating currents in the range of 1 mA to 1200 A. The device is particularly suitable for measuring leakage and fault currents in the mA range, where high accuracy and minimal phase shift are ensured by the round shape of the clamp jaws and the uniform winding of the coil. The clamping diameter of 52 mm allows use on conductors in industrial and office buildings, while the safety category CAT III 600 V ensures safe measurement under real operating conditions. The current clamp features a pendulum hinge system that adjusts the magnetic elements, and a patented system for stepless, assisted opening of the jaws, which facilitates handling.

Applications

The C173 is designed for use in industrial and service facilities where precise current measurements are required without switching off the installation. It is particularly suitable for diagnosing leakage currents, monitoring energy consumption, and testing electrical installations in the CAT III 600 V range. The versatility of the four measurement ranges makes it suitable for applications ranging from very low currents in the milliampere range to higher currents of up to 1200 A.

Functions and Equipment in Detail

The device offers four measurement ranges with transformation ratios of 1 A/1 V, 10 A/1 V, 100 A/1 V, and 1000 A/1 V. Typical accuracy varies by range between ≤ 0.2 % and ≤ 0.7 %, with improved accuracy at higher currents. Output signals are transmitted via a cable with 4 mm insulated connectors, enabling a secure and reliable connection to measuring instruments such as multimeters, wattmeters, or oscilloscopes. The output signals are alternating voltages that can be directly connected to measuring instruments with an mVAC measurement range.

Technology Explained Simply

The C173 operates as a transformer clamp, where the current to be measured flows through the clamp jaws and generates a proportional alternating voltage signal at the output. The round shape of the jaws and the symmetrical winding minimize phase shifts and ensure high measurement accuracy. The maximum current load is 1000 A continuously at frequencies up to 1 kHz, with short-term peaks up to 1200 A for a maximum of 40 minutes. The device's bandwidth ranges from 30 Hz to 10 kHz, enabling accurate measurement even at higher frequencies.

Compatibility and Accessories

The C173 is compatible with a wide range of measuring instruments that have an alternating voltage input, such as multimeters, wattmeters, recording devices, or oscilloscopes. The device is supplied with an operating manual. As suitable accessories, a set of two adapters (BNC socket/4 mm plug) is offered, enabling connection to devices with BNC connectors.

Mounting and Installation

The current clamp is simply placed around the conductor to be measured, with the clamp jaws opening steplessly thanks to the patented opening system. The maximum jaw opening is 53 mm, allowing even larger conductors or multiple cables to be measured simultaneously. The clamp is designed for use in environments with an operating temperature of -10 °C to +50 °C and a relative humidity of 0 to 85 % RH. The protection class IP40 protects against contact with moving parts and against splashing water.

Operational Advantages

The combination of high accuracy, four measurement ranges, and safety category CAT III 600 V makes the C173 a reliable tool for professional users. The ergonomic design with finger grips and the pendulum hinge system facilitate handling. The 4 mm output connectors ensure a secure connection, and the ability to use the clamp without switching off the installation increases efficiency during inspections and maintenance work.

Safety and Standards

The device complies with the IEC 61010 standard and is approved for safety category CAT III 600 V. The insulation is double or reinforced, enabling safe measurement under voltage. The clamp is designed for use in industrial and service facilities where high safety requirements apply.

Scope of Delivery

• Current clamp C173
• Operating manual

The clamp is delivered without additional components such as batteries or tools. The operating manual is part of the scope of delivery and contains information on handling and maintenance.

Ergonomics and Operation

The design of the clamp takes ergonomic aspects into account, with a grip that ensures safe handling. The pendulum hinge system enables precise adjustment of the magnetic elements, and the patented opening system reduces the force required to open the jaws. The clamp is therefore also comfortable to operate during longer measurement periods.

Application Scenarios

The C173 is frequently used in electrical installation, energy efficiency testing, fault diagnosis in electrical systems, and testing of safety measures. The ability to precisely measure leakage currents in the mA range makes it particularly valuable for testing protective measures and identifying electrical disturbances.