Strömprobers

Strömprobers are devices used to measure electrical current in a circuit without requiring a direct electrical connection to the conductor. They are designed to capture current waveforms for analysis with instruments such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, or power analyzers, enabling non-invasive monitoring, diagnostics, and power measurements.

Most strömprobers fall into two broad categories: clamp-on probes and fixed sensing elements. Clamp-on probes surround a single conductor with a sensing element that detects magnetic fields generated by the current. Fixed probes place a sensing coil or sensor around or in series with a conductor as part of a larger measurement system. The sensing principles commonly employed include Hall-effect sensors, current transformers, and Rogowski coils.

Rogowski coils use a flexible coil around the conductor and are well suited for high-bandwidth AC measurements; they do not measure DC and require careful calibration and integration with appropriate electronics. Hall-effect probes can measure both AC and DC currents and provide a voltage proportional to current, but they require an external power supply and can saturate at very high currents. Current transformers are widely used for high current or high isolation applications, offering robust AC measurements but generally not suitable for DC without specialized means.

Performance characteristics of strömprobers include bandwidth, isolation, dynamic range, and accuracy, as well as ease of integration with test equipment. They offer non-contact measurement, provide electrical isolation, and typically have minimal insertion disturbance to the circuit under test, though accuracy can be influenced by conductor geometry and environmental conditions.

Applications span power electronics testing, energy metering, electrical installation assessment, automotive and renewable energy systems, and laboratory research. They are valued for fast, safe current measurements across a range of frequencies and currents.