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Useful information about test leads and probes
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Test leads and probes - construction and function
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What was to be considered when purchasing the components?
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Conclusion: Large selection
Test leads and probes - construction and function
Before you start with the large measuring setup, you can prick the cables with test probes and test their voltage. This will help you determine if the cables are connected and which conductor is connected. This is completely safe and can prevent unnecessary stripping, since the needle of the measuring tip easily penetrates the insulation.
Tapping Clamps
With the pads, they tweak already existing measuring lines firmly. These are cable clamps that are connected to a pre-insulated power line. Depending on the cable thickness, there are different terminals which are designed for the different cable cross-sections. Alligator clips, for example, are very variable and can also pick up thicker cables up to about 9 mm. For this purpose, they are equipped with a flat tip, with which fine cables can be cut.
Special fine alligator clips are provided for thin cables, which grip very finely and prevent damage to the cable. Safety clips ensure that the fingers do not come close to the cable at high current. At high voltages, this measuring technique prevents a possible electric shock.
Test leads are used to connect the connected power line to the measuring instrument. They are connected to the end of the alligator clip and the plug of the measuring device. There are different types. Standard test leads are cables connected to different plugs for easy connection to the meter. These include the lamellar and banana plugs.
Safety alligator clip with gripping jaws for easy measurement
Test lead with BNC to two 4 mm banana plugs
BNC Test Leads
If the plug does not fit into the socket, a test lead adapter can help. The so-called BNC test leads are special coaxial cables . With these, the neutral conductor is not parallel to the main conductor as usual, but rather encloses it. This way, the conductor is routed in the middle of the cable.
The aim is to shield the main conductor and to avoid falsification of the measurement results . This higher accuracy is particularly recommended for measurements of weak direct currents, pulses and low-frequency alternating currents as well as on fine measuring instruments such as oscilloscopes.
In addition to safety test leads, you can find adapter plugs in the Conrad online shop in the area of test lead adapters that you can connect to sockets, for example. This allows you to measure on the power line without touching it directly. In the field of test lead accessories, additional cable holders and terminals are used to organize the cables as well as other useful accessories such as targeted lighting
Probes
For measuring with the oscilloscope, Conrad offers a large selection of probes. This is used to connect the oscilloscope to the power line . They offer the great advantage that they have defined properties as opposed to regular cables. They can be used to measure under known conditions and significantly reduce the susceptibility to errors.
Here, too, different models are designed for specific requirements. Simple passive probes do not have their own power supply and are suitable for measuring voltages in the three-digit range on the oscilloscope. Some have a fixed voltage distributor that reduces the voltage that arrives at the oscilloscope by a certain factor. Here, a ratio of 1/10 or 1/100 is used, so that only one tenth of the original voltage is measured.
Higher-quality active probes are designed for high voltages up to about 20 kV and significantly higher frequency ranges than passive probes, enabling precise measurements across the entire measurement range. They are actively supplied with current via battery or power supply and can also variably demote the voltage variably via built-in resistance according to the principle of the voltage divider, so that on the oscilloscope only 1/10 or 1/100 of the original voltage arrives. This ensures that the incoming voltage in all voltage ranges is within the oscilloscope's specifications.
In order to connect the probe to the current cable to be measured, the connection can be made by means of a test tip, also called spring contact. In contrast to a plug connection, the probe tip is used to touch the cable, which means that no suitable socket is required.
Set of two probes, with clamping hooks and ground leads
What was to be considered when purchasing the components?
If you are purchasing accessories for your measurement setup, you should pay attention to some key data to avoid the risk of overheating and to ensure compatibility. You can find these directly on the respective article page at Conrad.
BNC test leads, for example, require BNC connectors on the measuring device itself The rated current or rated voltage is important for all test leads as well as for the probes and test probes. These values indicate the normal, permanently possible working range of the connections. If this is constantly exceeded, there is a risk of fire. Because the cable is heated up due to the insufficient cable cross-section.
4 mm plug test lead set made of silicone with angled outlet
The measurement category is also relevant. This indicates the maximum nominal voltage. an. In addition, there are four categories of classification relevant. These refer to the measuring environment in which the component may be used. Category I only allows measurement in battery-operated circuits. Category II allows the measurement at the normal power supply, category III allows the measurement within the building installation. With the highest category IV measurements are possible directly at the house connection.
When purchasing a probe, make sure that it is compatible with the oscilloscope you are measuring with. The divider ratio and the rated voltage are generally important. The voltage in your measurement must not exceed the rated voltage. The divider ratio can be used to calculate the voltage measured on the oscilloscope. This must be less than the maximum permissible value of the oscilloscope.
Some probes are only compatible with certain oscilloscopes. Passive probes are almost universally applicable and inexpensive, but can only be used up to three-digit voltages and a smaller frequency range. If you work with high voltages or high frequencies , an active probe is worthwhile. However, these are often different from manufacturer to manufacturer and therefore not compatible with each other. For which oscilloscope the probe is suitable, refer to the product description.
If you are unsure about your purchase or if you have any further questions, our customer service will be happy to provide you with personal advice.
Conclusion: Large selection
For voltage measurement with an oscilloscope or measuring device, Conrad has numerous accessories . They connect the power lines with clips. Before doing this, you can simply test the cables with a test tip without damaging the insulation. For precise measurement with the oscilloscope, you will find probes for every application up to the industry standard.