General
Inductance measurement range	500 µH
Earth fault current range	40 A
Memory function	2000 Messungen
Enclosure diameter	35 mm
Real-time clock
Automatic Pre-HOLD mode
Automatic calibration of air gap
Force-compensated opening system
Hand guard
Rotary switch with silicone coating

The CA 6417 from Chauvin Arnoux is an earthing test clamp designed specifically for measuring earth loop impedances. The device is intended for use in electrical installations with a voltage up to 600 V CAT IV and offers high safety for the operator. The clamp enables quick and precise determination of loop impedance, while simultaneously calculating and displaying the touch voltage. This function provides additional safety, as a visual alarm on the display and an audible warning buzzer are activated if a preset threshold is exceeded. The clamp is supplied in a transport case, ensuring protection of the device during storage and transportation.

Applications

The CA 6417 is intended for use in electrical installations within the low-voltage technology sector, particularly for testing earth loops in buildings, industrial plants, and other electrical installations. Measuring loop impedance is an essential part of electrical safety testing to verify the effectiveness of fault current protection measures. The clamp is especially suitable for electrical specialists who regularly perform safety inspections, offering ergonomic handling and high measurement accuracy.

Functions and Equipment in Detail

The clamp features an OLED display that is clearly readable under all lighting conditions and from an angle of up to 180°. This enables safe and quick reading of measurement values, even in poorly lit environments. In standard mode, the display shows impedance and fault current; in extended mode, it additionally displays touch voltage as well as the resistive and inductive components of the measured impedance. The clamp offers an automatic Pre-HOLD mode, which displays ongoing measurements even when the clamp is open, thus speeding up measurement procedures. Calibration of the iron gap is performed automatically at start-up and when voltage is applied, ensuring high measurement accuracy.

Technology Explained Simply

The CA 6417 uses a magnetic measurement method, in which the clamp encloses the conductor to be measured and evaluates the magnetic fields to determine impedance. The impedance is converted to the network frequency, which particularly reduces measurement errors for small resistances. The clamp features two independent, shielded magnetic circuits, enabling excellent noise suppression. The contact surfaces are smooth and prevent dust or other particles from adhering, which could affect measurement accuracy. The clamp can measure impedances up to 1,500 Ω, inductances up to 500 µH, and fault currents up to 40 A.

Compatibility and Accessories

The CA 6417 supports data transmission via Bluetooth, enabling real-time transfer of measurement values to a PC system or mobile devices. The DataView software and GTC software allow visualization of measurement values, report creation, and data storage. Additionally, a Bluetooth / USB modem for PC is available, enabling connection between the clamp and a computer. A calibration loop CL1 can be used to check the accuracy of the clamp. The clamp is equipped with a real-time clock that adds a timestamp to each measurement value, facilitating documentation and traceability of measurements.

Mounting and Installation

The clamp is simply placed around the conductor to be measured, with opening facilitated by a force-compensating system. Only minimal force is required to hold the clamp in the open position, making handling easier for the operator. Operation is via a rotary switch with a silicone coating, which can also be operated with protective gloves. The large control buttons on the front provide direct access to key functions such as HOLD, memory recall, and menu access.

Operational Advantages

The CA 6417 offers high measurement accuracy, ergonomic operation, and additional safety features such as touch voltage display and alarm function. Automatic calibration and the Pre-HOLD mode speed up measurement procedures. Bluetooth connectivity enables efficient data transfer and documentation. The clamp stores up to 2,000 measurements with timestamps, facilitating traceability and documentation of inspections. The robust construction and low weight, achieved through magnetic high-performance materials, ensure long service life and easy handling.

Protection Rating and Environmental Conditions

The clamp is rated IP 40, meaning it is protected against solid foreign objects up to 1 mm in diameter. The clamp is intended for indoor use, as IP 40 does not provide water resistance or protection against splashing water. The maximum ambient temperature is 40 °C, and the minimum temperature is -10 °C. The clamp is designed for use in electrical installations with a voltage up to 600 V CAT IV, making it suitable for low-voltage applications.

Ergonomics and User-Friendliness

The clamp features a force-compensating opening system that facilitates holding the clamp in the open position. A hand guard prevents hands from slipping during measurement. Operation is via a rotary switch with a silicone coating, which can also be operated with protective gloves. The large control buttons on the front provide direct access to key functions. The display is large and offers high readability under various lighting conditions.

Data Transmission and Software

The clamp supports data transmission via Bluetooth, enabling real-time transfer of measurement values to a PC system or mobile devices. The DataView software and GTC software allow visualization of measurement values, report creation, and data storage. Data can also be tagged with GPS positioning if the measurement is performed via an Android application. Data can subsequently be sent by email, with graphs, notes, and photos linked to the measurement values.

Safety Features

The clamp features a touch voltage display, which shows the estimated voltage that would occur at the earth loop in the event of a fault current. If this value exceeds a preset threshold, a visual alarm on the display and an audible warning buzzer are activated. The clamp includes programmable alarms for impedance, fault current, and voltage, which can be set according to requirements. Automatic calibration of the iron gap ensures high measurement accuracy and prevents systematic errors.

Memory and Documentation

The clamp stores up to 2,000 measurements with timestamps. Measurement values can be retrieved, visualized, and documented in reports via the DataView or GTC software. The real-time clock ensures that each measurement value is timestamped, facilitating traceability and documentation of inspections. Data can also be tagged with GPS positioning if the measurement is performed via an Android application.