Rigol RP1002C - Current Probe 100 A Peak AC/DC, 1 MHz

The RP1002C current probe enables a general purpose oscilloscope to display AC and DC current signals up to 100 A Peak (70 A RMS).

The RP1002C current probe can also make AC and DC measurements with a multimeter by using the BNC-to-banana plug adapter

Connection between the Current Probe and  Oscilloscope

1. Set the coupling mode of the oscilloscope to DC and connect the BNC interface of the RP1002C current probe to the oscilloscope input via dual-BNC coaxial cable.
2. Move the Range switch to the 50 mV/A or 500 mV/A position to  turn on the RP1002C current probe. At this point, the green battery indicator lights.
3. Use the zero adjustment knob to adjust the probe to the proper DC offset. Note: when measuring DC signals, accurate DC value is possible only when the current probe is fixed at a certain position, otherwise, the change of the position of the probe will cause the DC drift. When measuring AC signals, users can move the current  probe.
4. Before connecting the current probe to circuit, open the test clamp and clamp it onto the conductor as shown in the figure below.

5. Adjust the probe channel and oscilloscope as necessary to get a clear and stable view of the signal. At this point, you can see both the current components of AC and DC. Set the coupling mode of the oscilloscope to AC to see the current components of AC. The operation method of the current components of AC is the ratio of the voltage amplitude measured through the oscilloscope and the switch range currently selected of the current probe (10 mV/A or 100 mV/A).

Note: The current drawn by different devices look much different than that of others. While the RMS current can only be used in low frequency current, the momentary peaks may be quite high. The figure on the next page shows the difference between the line current drawn by a resistive load and a motor controller. 

Connection between the Current Probe and Digital  Meter

Connect the BNC connector of the RP1001C current probe and the  input terminal of the digital meter using the BNC-to-banana plug  adapter provided with the accessories.

To measure only AC current, select the AC volts of the meter. To  measure DC current, select the DC volts of the meter, and adjust the  probe output to the proper DC offset. When connecting the current  under test, please note the current convention arrow on the test clamp  to get the proper polarity reading.

Note: To increase the measurement sensitivity of the RP1001C current  probe, loop additional turns of the wire under test through the test  clamp. The sensitivity of the RP1001C current probe is multiplied times  the number of loops in the test clamp, for example, 10 mV/A X 4 turns  = 40 mV/A.