Why Struggle With Circuit Breaks During Current Measurement?
Breaking a live circuit to insert a shunt wastes time and risks damage. The 1146B AC/DC current probe from Honeywell (Keysight) clamps around conductors and captures DC to 100 kHz signals without interrupting operation. It replaces the discontinued 1146A with the same form, fit, and function, so existing setups upgrade without rework.
What Makes the 1146B Practical on the Bench
This probe uses Hall-effect sensor technology to measure both AC and DC current. You get two sensitivity ranges: 100 mV/A for signals up to 10 A DC or peak AC, and 10 mV/A for up to 100 A DC or peak AC. AC accuracy is 3% of reading at 100 mV/A (50 mV to 10 A peak), 4% of reading at 10 mV/A (500 mA to 40 A peak), and 15% maximum at 100 A. Working voltage reaches 600 V maximum. A single 9 V alkaline battery powers the unit, keeping it portable for field troubleshooting.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency range | DC to 100 kHz (-3dB with current de-rating) |
| Maximum peak current | 100 A DC or peak AC (10 mV/A); 10 A DC or peak AC (100 mV/A) |
| AC accuracy | 3% of reading ≥ 50 mA (100 mV/A, 50 mV to 10 A peak); 4% of reading ≥ 50 mA (10 mV/A, 500 mA to 40 A peak); 15% max at 100 A |
| Working voltage | 600 V maximum |
| Battery | 9 V alkaline |
Where the 1146B Earns Its Place
Capturing transient current signals in motor controllers, switching power supplies, inverters, and current amplifiers driving inductive loads demands a probe that reacts fast and stays accurate. The 1146B handles these scenarios because its Hall-effect element responds to DC and AC without a break in the conductor. For replacement and upgrade work, the 1146B drops into the same BNC input and form factor as the 1146A, so you avoid rewiring or recalibration downtime.
Compatibility and Integration
The 1146B works with any Keysight oscilloscope that has 0.2 to 0.5 V/div sensitivity and a 1 MΩ BNC input. That covers a wide installed base of lab and field scopes. If you route measurements into a larger automation or data-acquisition system, confirm cable and adapter needs with your supplier before commissioning.
Maintenance and Reliability
Hall-effect probes have no moving parts, so wear points are minimal. Inspect the jaw faces and cable strain relief periodically. Keep the 9 V alkaline battery fresh; a weak battery affects zeroing and accuracy. Store the probe away from strong magnetic fields to protect the sensor. For safety-related work, follow your site’s electrical safety procedures and the manufacturer’s manual.
Selection Checklist
Before you order, verify your oscilloscope’s input sensitivity (0.2 to 0.5 V/div) and BNC compatibility. Confirm the current range you need: 10 A or 100 A peak. Check that 600 V maximum working voltage suits your application. Oil AutoTech provides hands-on technical selection help and fast-dispatch spares for oil, gas, and industrial automation. Contact Oil AutoTech today for pricing and availability.
Please verify current lifecycle status and availability with Oil AutoTech before ordering.
