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200 A / 2000 A (high amps) DC current clamp

The 200 A / 2000 A current clamp allows you to measure up to 2000 amps without cutting, or disconnecting or stripping wires. Simply clamp the jaws around the cable to be tested and plug the clamp into your PicoScope.

Before the launch of this probe we recommended the TA019 (600 A) for working on the starting and charging systems of petrol passenger cars and the PP253 (2000 A) clamp for high compression diesel engines. The TA167 (200 A / 2000 A) covers both these applications in one probe with improved range and sensitivity, lower noise and faster response.

The TA167 features a 200 A mode for better performance at lower currents and has an increased jaw size. It also features an auto power-down facility to save battery life when not in use (this feature can be disabled for battery drain / shutdown current testing).

A review of this current probe is available on the Pico forum.

^£219 TA167

Typical Uses

compression waveform with a 2000A current clamp

The wide range of this clamp allows currents to be measured from under 1 amp right up to 2000 amps. It can therefore be used with a PicoScope for many applications including:

Battery testing with PicoDiagnostics software
Relative compression testing
Starter motor testing
Alternator output testing
Hybrid and EV electric motor current

On the 200 A range the TA167 can also be used many applications where a "low amps" clamp would normally be required such as checking injector and ignition current.

Instructions

Switch on
When the probe is switched on to the required measuring range, the green LED will illuminate. The LED starts flashing when the battery voltage is too low for normal operation and warns you that it requires changing. This procedure is described below.

Auto power off
In order to save battery life, the probe will automatically switch itself off after approximately 10 minutes. To disable the auto power off function, switch off the probe and switch on while pressing the auto zero button. The red LED will illuminate and the probe will stay on until switched off again.

Auto zero
The output zero offset voltage of the probe may change due to thermal shifts and other environmental conditions. Select the required measuring range and to null the output voltage
depress the Auto Zero button. Ensure that the probe is away from the current-carrying conductor while the probe is being nulled.

Current measurement
1. Switch on the probe by selecting the required measuring range and check that the green LED is lit.
2. Connect the output lead to the oscilloscope,
3. Zero the probe using the Auto Zero button.
4. Clamp the jaws of the probe round the conductor ensuring a good contact between the closing faces of the jaws.
5. Observe and take measurements as required. Positive output indicates that the current flow is in the direction shown by the arrow on the probe.

Battery replacement
The green or red LED will flash when the minimum operating voltage is approached. Use the following procedure:

SAFETY WARNING
Before removing the battery cover, ensure that the probe is disconnected from the oscilloscope and remote from any live electrical circuit.

Unclamp the probe from the conductor, turn it off using the On / Off switch and disconnect the output leads from external equipment. Loosen the captive screw that secures the battery cover. Lift the cover through 30° and pull it clear of the probe body. Replace the battery, re-fit the battery cover and fasten the screw.

Fit only Type 9 V PP3 Alkaline (MN 1604).

Specifications

Electrical data
(All accuracies stated at 23°C ± 1°C)
Nominal current	2000 A AC pk max. or DC
Measuring range(s)	2000 A
Overload capacity	2200 A (60 s)
Output sensitivity	10 mV/A and 1 mV/A switchable
Accuracy¹⁾ (0 to 200 A of 10 mV/A)	± 1% of reading ± 100 mA
Accuracy¹⁾ (0 to 1500 A of 1 mV/A)	± 1% of reading ± 500 mA
Accuracy¹⁾ (1500 to 2000 A of 1 mV/A)	± 5% of reading
Gain variation	±0.15% of reading/°C
Frequency range	DC to 20 kHz (–1 dB)
	i_RMS x f ≤ 400,000
Power supply	9 V alkaline battery PP3, MN 1604 or IEC6LR61
Load impedance (minimum)	> 100 kΩ and ≤ 100 pF

General data
Conductor size	32 mm diameter
Output cable and connectors	2 m long coax terminated with safety BNC connector
Operating temperature	0°C to +50°C
Storage temperature with Battery removed	–20°C to +85°C

¹⁾Accuracy quoted is for conductor in centre of aperture

Case studies

Cylinder misfire
An intermittent issue of the engine warning light illuminating and fault code “P0302 Cylinder 2 misfire” detected.

Guided tests

Relative compression (cranking current)

Cooling fan - variable speed

Glow plug system current

Relative compression - diesel

Relative compression - gasoline

Alternator - smart charge (Ford)

Alternator voltage and current – 24 V

Alternator voltage and current – 12 V

Title	Language	Issue	Size	Updated	All products	All languages	All documents	Status
TA167 200 A / 2000 A DC Current Clamp User’s Guide		2	276 KB	Apr 07 2022	Current clamps			open

Accessories for the 200 A / 2000 A (high amps) DC current clamp

Product		Price	Quantity
	Foam tray for 2 current clamps PA108	£32.00

Customer reviews

5 reviews | Add review

jerry smaith
200 A / 2000 A (high amps) DC current clamp

This current clamp works really well for bigger gage cables.
Pico does a great job making tools that we actually need.

Ahti Hinnov
200 A / 2000 A (high amps) DC current clamp

Bought this clamp recently to replace my non-Pico 600A clamp. What a difference.

I like the jaw size since it’s big enough to get around wires yet small enough to work in tight spaces.

Enough range to measure diesel starters and good resolution for low current measurements also.

Well and compared to my old clamp it’s almost noise free. Just wish I had bought it eralier.

Michael John Eilbracht
200 A / 2000 A (high amps) DC current clamp

This clamp is far better than the old clamp that used to come with the kits. The resolution on the low 200 amp range is great! I used it to look at Marine Pump Inrush current and regular operation and it looks just as good with the Low Amp Probe! Plus it works great for relative compression, looking at High Current Motors, for me this is Evap Motors and Condensor Motors on New Flyer Transit Buses. I also use the clamp all the time for Starting and Charging System testing. A great clamp and I recommend to anyone who doesn’t have one yet to purchase one.

Autonerdz Member Busjockey

Robert Burgy
200 A / 2000 A (high amps) DC current clamp

A little bit more expensive than the 600a clamp. I use this clamp for hybrid cars and transit buses. Works very well .

Mark Stammers
200 A / 2000 A (high amps) DC current clamp

I purchased this clamp to replace my 1000amp Fluke clamp. I must say it is a great replacement, especially at the price comparison. The resolution and stability is excellent. Another great value tool from Pico.

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