A new safety standard in DC voltage measurement – Sonel AHV-3 adapter

The developing world and industry are posing new challenges to electricians, for which not only a different approach than before is needed, but also completely new measuring equipment. This leap is best seen in electromobility and renewable energy sources, where the voltage of 1,000 V DC has long been exceeded.

Sonel comes to the rescue with its AHV-3 high-voltage adapter, which allows safe measurement of DC voltages up to 3,000 V. The word ‘safe’ is not used here by accident – the ability to measure is not enough in itself, it is also important to protect the user from electric shock. For Sonel, this is at the heart of meter development. That is why the Sonel AHV-3 adapter has a record-breaking CAT III 3000 V DC measurement category in accordance with IEC 61010-1. This makes the Sonel AHV-3 the world’s first such safe voltage adapter for use when measuring with, for example, multimeters or clamp meters.

Adapter for photovoltaics and electric vehicle charging stations

High voltages are encountered in photovoltaic installations, where they can reach up to 1500 V DC. We must remember that, according to IEC 61010-1 or IEC 61730-1, our meter should have a measurement category of at least CAT III. We have an analogous situation with EVSE vehicle charging stations – these stations are treated as permanent electrical equipment, so they should also be CAT III category.

The achieved safety level of the Sonel AHV-3 allows us to use the adapter in accordance with CAT IV up to 2000 V DC, i.e. without any problem in catenary networks with this voltage, and wherever in the facility there are special installations with voltage below the measuring category of the adapter.

Full compatibility with the Sonel CMP-1015-PV clamp meter

The Sonel AHV-3 is designed for the Sonel CMP-1015-PV clamp meter – all thanks to a special holder allowing the adapter to be mounted on the measuring clamps. Such a set makes measurements much more convenient and operation much simpler. In addition, the Sonel CMP-1015-PV has a special HVDC function, after which the results from the adapter are automatically converted into the actual voltage on the object under test. Combined with the meter’s built-in recorder and mobile application, we get an unprecedentedly versatile measuring device, meeting the expectations of even the most demanding users.

Photo 1. Sonel AHV-3 adapter mounted on Sonel CMP-1015-PC measuring clamps

Cooperation of Sonel AHV-3 with other devices

The adapter also works with other clamp meters – the Sonel CMP-200F AC fork meter and the Sonel CMP-3000. The AHV-3 can also be connected to ordinary multimeters that are compatible with its technology, such as the Sonel CMM-40 industrial multimeter. Admittedly, the measurement result has to be corrected independently by a correction factor in this case, but this allows you to use the devices you already have for measurements above 1000 V DC.

Author:
Bartosz Fijałkowski
Sonel S.A.