Fluke 5500A/5520A Compliance with 5500A/COIL 50-Turn Coil

[Hawaii596]

Seems like we are having compliance problems using our 5500A/COILs.  We own a few, and I'd like to do a simple compliance voltage test.  I can figure it out, but things are really busy.  So hoping someone can tell me a quick check up.  I want to figure out whether the coil maybe damaged in some way that is inducing some extra reactance, or if my 5500A's and 5520A's are having a compliance problem.

[sdmetrol]

Make sure you turn the LCOMP on in the menu when outputting current to the coil.

[USMC kalibrater]

To create this additional reactance, I am assuming you are thinking that the calibrator output has some additional AC component?
Could you setup a calibrator with a coil and a adjustable load in series, attach a scope via a diff amp and look at the voltage components of the output? Adjust the small load to vary the compliance voltage? 
You presented a unique problem I have not thought of before.
I would assume that unless there is a significant issue with the calibrator that any affects on reactance would be well below negligable.
I do know, that if your coils have been significantly altered (i.e. bent, repaired etc) that the reactance will be affected. 
Interesting topic, let me know what you come up with

[NC-Cals]

Are you seeing this problem in DC or AC or both. If in AC at what frequencies? The reactance of that coil goes way up as frequencies rise.

[sdmetrol]

You should be able to achieve the following:

Using 5500A
DC 550 amps, 50/60 hz 550 amps, 400 hz 260 amps

Using 5520(2)A
DC 1000 amps, 50/60 hz 1000 amps, 400 hz 450 amps

*Turn LCOMP on as required

* Maximum compliance voltage is 3V RMS

If you can't achieve those numbers, look for signs of damage, ie shifting, shorts, etc.  Hope that is helpful.

[Hawaii596]

I'll just say, no comment.  Absolutely correct.  Get a little tired sometimes.

[sdmetrol]

Based on your reply,  I can only assume that you were already aware of the specifications of the coils?

This link gives several ways of testing the toroid coil if you suspect a problem with them. http://www.iemmag.com/Coil_Testing_in_Mfg.pdf

[jimmyc]

doesn't this cal procedure say if you cant make it work at higher freqs, you can say it was good anyway? 

[jimmyc]

NOTE
During CPT AC Current measurements, as frequency and amplitude values are increased for different measurements, the Calibration Standard(s) may go into Overload before the CPT is completed. The TI will be considered fully certified if TI passes other Applied values listed in the CPT up to the point where the Calibration Standard(s) go into Overload T.O. 33K1-4-785-1

[Hawaii596]

The confusion came in when using the coil with a 5500A, which doesn't have LCOMP setting and worked all the way to 10 Amps.  The 5520A only works up to about 250 mA before going into overload - unless LCOMP is turned on.  I knew this but had some moments of brain fatigue. 

Interesting an good point about the language in the T.O. for the point at which the calibrator goes into overload.