A622

100 Amp AC/DC Current Probe

Instructions

*P070888305*
070-8883-05
A622
100 Amp AC/DC Current Probe
Instructions

www.tek.com
070-8883-05
Copyright © Tektronix. All rights reserved. Licensed software products are
owned by Tektronix or its subsidiaries or suppliers, and are protected by
national copyright laws and international treaty provisions. Tektronix products
are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information in this
publication supersedes that in all previously published material. Specifications
and price change privileges reserved.
TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.
Contacting Tektronix
Tektronix, Inc.
14150 SW Karl Braun Drive
P.O. Box 500
Beaverton, OR 97077
USA
For product information, sales, service, and technical support:
■ In North America, call 1-800-833-9200.
■ Worldwide, visit www.tek.com to find contacts in your area.
 Warranty
Tektronix warrants that this product will be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment. If any such
product proves defective during this warranty period, Tektronix, at its option,
either will repair the defective product without charge for parts and labor, or will
provide a replacement in exchange for the defective product. Parts, modules and
replacement products used by Tektronix for warranty work may be new or
reconditioned to like new performance. All replaced parts, modules and
products become the property of Tektronix.
In order to obtain service under this warranty, Customer must notify Tektronix
of the defect before the expiration of the warranty period and make suitable
arrangements for the performance of service. Customer shall be responsible for
packaging and shipping the defective product to the service center designated by
Tektronix, with shipping charges prepaid. Tektronix shall pay for the return of
the product to Customer if the shipment is to a location within the country in
which the Tektronix service center is located. Customer shall be responsible for
paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes, and any other charges for products
returned to any other locations.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or damage caused by
improper use or improper or inadequate maintenance and care. Tektronix shall
not be obligated to furnish service under this warranty a) to repair damage
resulting from attempts by personnel other than Tektronix representatives to
install, repair or service the product; b) to repair damage resulting from
improper use or connection to incompatible equipment; c) to repair any damage
or malfunction caused by the use of non-Tektronix supplies; or d) to service a
product that has been modified or integrated with other products when the effect
of such modification or integration increases the time or difficulty of servicing
the product.
THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN BY TEKTRONIX WITH RESPECT TO THE
PRODUCT IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS DISCLAIM ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. TEKTRONIX' RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR
OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY PROVIDED TO THE CUSTOMER FOR BREACH OF THIS
WARRANTY. TEKTRONIX AND ITS VENDORS WILL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER TEKTRONIX OR THE
VENDOR HAS ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES.
[W2 – 15AUG04]
Important safety information
This manual contains information and warnings that must be followed
by the user for safe operation and to keep the product in a safe
condition.
To safely perform service on this product, see the Service safety
summary that follows the General safety summary.

General safety summary

Use the product only as specified. Review the following safety
precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to this product or any
products connected to it. Carefully read all instructions. Retain these
instructions for future reference.
Comply with local and national safety codes.
For correct and safe operation of the product, it is essential that you
follow generally accepted safety procedures in addition to the safety
precautions specified in this manual.
The product is designed to be used by trained personnel only.
Only qualified personnel who are aware of the hazards involved should
remove the cover for repair, maintenance, or adjustment.
Before use, always check the product with a known source to be sure it
is operating correctly.
This product is not intended for detection of hazardous voltages.
Use personal protective equipment to prevent shock and arc blast injury
where hazardous live conductors are exposed.

To avoid fire or personal injury

Observe all terminal ratings. To avoid fire or shock hazard, observe all
ratings and markings on the product. Before using the product, consult
the product manual for further ratings. Do not exceed the Measurement
Category (CAT) ratings and voltage or current rating.

Do not apply a potential to any terminal, including the common

terminal, that exceeds the maximum rating of that terminal. Do not use
the probe anywhere beyond the tactile barrier.

A622 Instructions vii

Important safety information

Do not operate without covers. Do not operate this product with covers or
panels removed, or with the case open. Hazardous voltage exposure is
possible.

Avoid exposed circuitry. Do not touch exposed connections and

components when power is present.
Use only specified replacement parts.

Replace batteries properly. Replace batteries only with the specified type
and rating.

Recharge batteries properly. Recharge batteries for the recommended

charge cycle only.

Do not operate in wet/damp conditions. Be aware that condensation may

occur if a unit is moved from a cold to a warm environment.

Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.

Keep product surfaces clean and dry. Remove the input signals before
you clean the product.

Probes and test leads

Connect and disconnect properly. Connect the probe output to the
measurement product before connecting the probe to the circuit under
test. Disconnect the probe from the circuit under test before
disconnecting the probe from the measurement product.

Do not connect a current probe to any wire that carries voltages,

currents, and frequencies above the current probe rating.

Inspect the probe and accessories. Before each use, inspect probe and
accessories for damage (cuts, tears, or defects in the probe body,
accessories, or cable jacket). Do not use if damaged.

viii A622 Instructions

 Important safety information

Service safety summary

The Service safety summary section contains additional information
required to safely perform service on the product. Only qualified
personnel should perform service procedures. Read this Service safety
summary and the General safety summary before performing any
service procedures.

To avoid electric shock. Do not touch exposed connections.

Do not service alone. Do not perform internal service or adjustments of

this product unless another person capable of rendering first aid and
resuscitation is present.

Disconnect power. To avoid electric shock, remove the current probe

from the circuit before removing any covers or panels, or opening the
case for servicing.

Use care when servicing with power on. Dangerous voltages or currents
may exist in this product. Disconnect power, remove battery (if
applicable), and disconnect test leads before removing protective
panels, soldering, or replacing components.
Verify safety after repair. Always recheck operation after performing a
repair.

Terms in the manual

These terms may appear in this manual:

WARNING. Warning statements identify conditions or practices that

could result in injury or loss of life.

CAUTION. Caution statements identify conditions or practices that

could result in damage to this product or other property.

A622 Instructions ix
Important safety information

Terms on the product

These terms may appear on the product:
■ DANGER indicates an injury hazard immediately accessible as
you read the marking.
■ WARNING indicates an injury hazard not immediately accessible
as you read the marking.
■ CAUTION indicates a hazard to property including the product.

Symbols on the product

When this symbol is marked on the product, be sure to

consult the manual to find out the nature of the potential
hazards and any actions which have to be taken to avoid
them. (This symbol may also be used to refer the user to
ratings in the manual.)

The following symbols may appear on the product:

x A622 Instructions
Compliance information
This section lists European contact information, safety, and
environmental standards with which the instrument complies.

European contact:
Tektronix UK, LTD
Western Peninsula
Western Road
Bracknell, RG12 1RF
United Kingdom

Safety compliance
This section lists the safety standards with which the product complies
and other safety compliance information.

EU declaration of conformity – low voltage

Compliance was demonstrated to the following specification as listed
in the Official Journal of the European Union:
Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU
■ EN 61010-1. Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for
Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 1: General
Requirements.
■ EN 61010-2-032. Particular requirements for handheld current
clamps for electrical measurement and test equipment.

U.S. nationally recognized testing laboratory listing

■ UL 61010-1. Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for
Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 1: General
Requirements.

A622 Instructions xi
Compliance information

Canadian certification
■ CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1. Safety Requirements for Electrical
Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part
1: General Requirements.

Additional compliances
■ IEC 61010-1. Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for
Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use – Part 1: General
Requirements.
■ IEC 61010-2-032. Particular requirements for handheld current
clamps for electrical measurement and test equipment.

Equipment type
Test and measuring equipment.

Safety class
Class 2

Pollution degree description

A measure of the contaminants that could occur in the environment
around and within a product. Typically the internal environment inside
a product is considered to be the same as the external. Products should
be used only in the environment for which they are rated.
■ Pollution Degree 1. No pollution or only dry, nonconductive
pollution occurs. Products in this category are generally
encapsulated, hermetically sealed, or located in clean rooms.
■ Pollution Degree 2. Normally only dry, nonconductive pollution
occurs. Occasionally a temporary conductivity that is caused by
condensation must be expected. This location is a typical office/
home environment. Temporary condensation occurs only when the
product is out of service.
■ Pollution Degree 3. Conductive pollution, or dry, nonconductive
pollution that becomes conductive due to condensation. These are
sheltered locations where neither temperature nor humidity is
controlled. The area is protected from direct sunshine, rain, or
direct wind.
■ Pollution Degree 4. Pollution that generates persistent conductivity
through conductive dust, rain, or snow. Typical outdoor locations.

xii A622 Instructions

 Compliance information

Pollution degree
Pollution Degree 2 (as defined in IEC 61010-1). Note: Rated for
indoor, dry location use only.

IP rating
IP20 (as defined in IEC 60529).

Measurement and overvoltage category descriptions

Measurement terminals on this product may be rated for measuring
mains voltages from one or more of the following categories (see
specific ratings marked on the product and in the manual).
■ Measurement Category II. For measurements performed on
circuits directly connected to the low-voltage installation.
■ Measurement Category III. For measurements performed in the
building installation.
■ Measurement Category IV. For measurements performed at the
source of low-voltage installation.

NOTE. Only mains power supply circuits have an overvoltage category

rating. Only measurement circuits have a measurement category
rating. Other circuits within the product do not have either rating.

Environmental compliance
This section provides information about the environmental impact of
the product.

Product end-of-life handling

Observe the following guidelines when recycling an instrument or
component:

A622 Instructions xiii

Compliance information

Equipment recycling. Production of this equipment required the

extraction and use of natural resources. The equipment may contain
substances that could be harmful to the environment or human health if
improperly handled at the product’s end of life. To avoid release of
such substances into the environment and to reduce the use of natural
resources, we encourage you to recycle this product in an appropriate
system that will ensure that most of the materials are reused or recycled
appropriately.

This symbol indicates that this product complies with the

applicable European Union requirements according to
Directives 2012/19/EU and 2006/66/EC on waste
electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and
batteries. For information about recycling options, check
the Tektronix Web site (www.tek.com/productrecycling).

xiv A622 Instructions

Getting started
The A622 current probe enables a general purpose oscilloscope to
display AC and DC current signals up to 100 amps Peak (70 A RMS).
The A622 current probe can also make AC and DC measurements with
a multimeter by using the BNC-to-banana plug adapter available as a
recommended accessory (see Replaceable Parts on page 13).

Figure 1: A622 AC/DC Current Probe

The following table highlights the controls and indicators on the A622
current probe.

A622 Instructions 1
Getting started

Table 1: A622 controls and indicators

Control/Indicator Description
Current flow symbol. The arrow shows the
polarity convention of the probefor measuring
current flowing from positive to negative.
Zero adjustment. Rotate to adjust the probe
output to zero when there is no current present.
It can also be used to offset a DC signal
component. Zeroing is not needed for AC
measurements unless your instrument cannot
isolate a DC component (if present).
OFF/Range switch. Slide the switch from OFF
to either the 10 mV/A or 100 mV/A range. When
either range is selected, the probe is turned on,
and the green battery indicator lights. If the
indicator does not light, see Battery Notes on
page 7.
Battery indicator. The green battery indicator
lights when the probe is turned on. For more
information, see Battery Notes on page 7.

Overload indicator. The red overload indicator

lights if the measured signal is greater that the
selected range capacity. Switch the probe to
10 mV/A if possible, or remove the probe from
the circuit.

2 A622 Instructions
Operating Basics
Before using the probe, the batteries must be installed; see Battery
Installation on page 7.

WARNING. Personal injury or damage to the probe can result if you

clamp the probe onto circuits with voltages greater than 600 VAC. Do
not clamp the probe onto circuits with higher voltages. Always connect
the probe to the instrument before clamping onto the circuit under test.

1. Connect the probe BNC connector to the oscilloscope input. Start

by setting the oscilloscope channel vertical coupling to DC volts
and the vertical deflection to 0.1 V/div.
2. Move the OFF/Range switch to the 10 mV/A or 100 mV/A
position to power on the probe.
The A622 current probe has a green LED power/battery indicator.
If the LED does not light, replace the battery.
3. Use the ZERO adjustment to zero or offset the probe output.

A622 Instructions 3
Operating Basics

4. Connect the probe to the circuit by opening the jaws and clamping
around the conductor. See Figure 2: Connecting the A622 current
probe on page 4.

NOTE. Clamping around both the "hot" and neutral wires may give
you a zero reading.

(Remember to unclamp the probe from the conductor before

disconnecting it from your meter or instrument.)

Figure 2: Connecting the A622 current probe

5. Adjust the probe and channel as necessary to get a clear view of
the signal. Set the channel to DC volts to see both the AC and DC
currents; set the channel to AC to see the AC current only.
The current drawn by some devices looks much different than that of
others. While the RMS current may be low, the momentary peaks can
be quite high. The following figures shows the difference between the
line current drawn by a resistive load and a motor controller.

4 A622 Instructions
 Operating Basics

Figure 3: Typical current waveforms

If you are using the A622 current probe with a multimeter, connect the
probe with the recommended BNC-to-banana adapter. Connect the
black lead to the meter COM, and the red lead to the VΩ input.
To measure only AC current, set the meter to measure AC volts.
To measure DC current, set the meter to measure DC volts. Note the
current convention arrow on the probe to get the proper polarity
reading.
To increase the measurement sensitivity of the A622 current probe,
loop additional turns of the wire under test through the jaws. See
Figure 4: Increasing the sensitivity on page 6. The sensitivity of the
A622 current probe is multiplied times the number of loops in the jaws.
For example: 10 mV/A × 4 turns = 40 mV/A.

CAUTION. To prevent damage to the probes, do not force the jaw

closed. If you cannot close the jaw around the conductor(s), either
reduce the number of conductors you are measuring, or, if possible,
take your measurement on a smaller conductor.

A622 Instructions 5
Operating Basics

Figure 4: Increasing the sensitivity

6 A622 Instructions
Maintenance
Use the information in this section to properly maintain the operation
of your A622 AC/DC Current Probe.

Cleaning
To clean the probe body, use a soft cloth dampened in a solution of
mild detergent and water. To clean the core, open the jaw and clean the
exposed core surfaces with a cotton swap dampened with isopropyl
alcohol (isopropanol). Lubricate the jaws mating surfaces with a light
oil.
Do not clean with solvents or abrasives. Do not immerse the probe.

Battery Notes
The A622 current probe uses a single 9 V battery. Refer to Table 2:
Electrical Characteristics on page 8.
As the battery in the A622 current probe is drained, significant gain
errors can occur. The green LED will continue to light until a low
battery voltage of 6.5 V is reached.
If probe gain errors are detected, replace the battery with a fresh one.

Battery Installation
1. Remove the probe from the circuit.
2. Open the battery compartment by loosening the captive screw and
sliding the cover off (see Figure 5: A622 battery compartment on
page 8).
3. While observing polarity, attach the battery to the battery
connector.
4. Replace the cover and lightly tighten the screw to hold the cover in
place.

A622 Instructions 7
Maintenance

Figure 5: A622 battery compartment

Specifications
These characteristics apply to an A622 AC/DC Current Probe installed
on a Tektronix TDS 220 oscilloscope. The oscilloscope must be
warmed up for at least 20 minutes and be in an environment within the
specified limits in Table 5: Environmental Characteristics on
page 10.

Table 2: Electrical Characteristics

Current Ranges 10/100 mV/A

DC Accuracy, typical ±3% ± 50 mA at 100 mV/A (50 mA to 10 A peak
range)
±4% ± 50 mA at 10 mV/A (500 mA to 40 A peak
range)
±15% max at 100 mV/A (40 A peak to
100 A peak range)
Gain versus frequency, typical Figure 6: Gain versus frequency at 1 A peak,
typical on page 10
Maximum Working Current Table 3: Voltage and current ratings on
page 9

8 A622 Instructions
 Maintenance

Current Ranges 10/100 mV/A

Maximum Working Voltage 1 Table 3: Voltage and current ratings on
page 9
30 Vms,42 Vpk, 60 VDC, for voltages above
these limits, use insulated conductors only.
Maximum Float Voltage Table 3: Voltage and current ratings on
page 9
Frequency Range DC to 100 kHz (-3 dB)
Battery Type and Life, typical 9V NEDA 1604A, IEC 6LR61 40 hours minimum
(1 each)
DC signal linearity, typical Figure 8: DC signal linearity in the 10 mV/A
range, typical on page 11
Phase shift, typical Figure 9: Phase versus frequency at 1 A peak,
typical on page 12

Table 3: Voltage and current ratings

Rating Maximum working current (A) Maximum Maximum

Range 10 mV/A Range 100 mV/A working voltage floating
(V)
DC 100 2 10 600 600
DC + peak AC 100 2 10 600 600
AC peak 100 10 600 600
AC peak-peak 200 20 1200 -
RMS CAT III 70.7 7.07 600 600
RMS CAT II 70.7 7.07 600 600
RMS CAT I 70.7 7.07 600 600

1 An insulated conductor is any conductor that is surrounded by an insulating material that is capable of
isolating the voltage present on the conductor. Lacquer coatings like those typically found on
transformer windings do not provide sufficient, reliable insulation for use with current probes. The
lacquer coating can be easily nicked or damaged, which compromises the insulating capabilities of the
lacquer coating.
2 See frequency derating information in Figure 7: Maximum current versus frequency on page 11.

A622 Instructions 9
Maintenance

Table 4: Physical Characteristics

Characteristic Description
Dimensions 231 mm x 36 mm x 67 mm (9.09 x 1.42 x
2.64 inches)
Maximum Conductor Size 11.8 mm (0.46 inches)
Cable Length 2 m (6.6 feet)
Weight 330 g (12 oz) with battery

Table 5: Environmental Characteristics

Characteristic Description
Temperature
Working 0 °C to +50 °C (+32 °F to +122°F)
Storage -20 °C to +80°C (-4 °F to +176°F)
Humidity 0 °C to 40 °C, 95% humidity
40 °C to 50 °C, 45% humidity
Pollution Degree 2

Figure 6: Gain versus frequency at 1 A peak, typical

10 A622 Instructions
 Maintenance

Figure 7: Maximum current versus frequency

Figure 8: DC signal linearity in the 10 mV/A range, typical

A622 Instructions 11
Maintenance

Figure 9: Phase versus frequency at 1 A peak, typical

Preparation for Shipment

If the original packaging is unfit for use or not available, use the
following packaging guidelines:
1. Use a sturdy shipping carton having inside dimensions at least one
inch greater than the probe dimensions.
2. Put the probe into a plastic bag or wrap to protect it from
dampness.
3. Place the probe into the box and stabilize it with light packing
material.
4. Seal the carton with shipping tape.

12 A622 Instructions
 Maintenance

Replaceable Parts
The A622 AC/DC Current Probe is shipped with the following items:
■ These instructions Tektronix part number 070-8883-XX
■ One 9V battery Tektronix part number 146-0017-XX ANSI/
NEDA number 1604A IEC number 6LR61
Recommended accessory for use with DMMs:
■ One BNC to banana plug adapter Tektronix part number
012-1450-XX
The A622 does not have any user repairable assemblies. If you should
have trouble with your probe, contact your local Tektronix Service
Center or representative for help.

A622 Instructions 13
Maintenance

14 A622 Instructions