Building Monitoring with Intelligent Monitoring Systems

Didactum Small AC Current Transformer

Compact Hall Effect Probe for Smaller AC Circuits The Didactum Small AC Current Transformer probe is a simple open-loop Hall effect AC current transducer (open-loop ammeter) in a particularly compact design that measures current on a conductor contactlessly without disconnecting it. The cable to be measured is passed through the opening of the ring-shaped transducer; the probe converts the measured AC current into a proportional 0–5 V DC output signal. This article refers to the AC-50 model with a rated current of 50 A and a measuring range of 0–50 A — ideal for individual circuits, outgoing feeders, and smaller to medium-sized loads. ⚠️ Important note: The Didactum Small AC Current Transformer probe measures the current on the conductor, but it cannot transmit the measurement signal to a monitoring system on its own. You also need the Didactum AC Current Transformer, part no. DI14030-AC, which acts as a transceiver, receives the probe’s 0–5 V signal, and forwards it via an analog port (A1…A8) to the Didactum monitoring system. Without the DI14030-AC, no display, analysis, or alarm notification of the measured values is possible. Design Current Probe Design The current probe consists of a compact ring-shaped transducer head with a pass-through opening and a 3-pin connection terminal. 1 Pass-through opening The cable to be measured is routed through the opening in the ring-shaped compact transducer core. The probe measures the current contactlessly via the magnetic field that is generated. 2 Mounting tabs Two mounting tabs on the housing used to secure the probe with screws and nuts. 3 3-pin connection terminal (pitch 3.81 mm) Three-pin terminal for wiring to the Didactum AC Current Transformer DI14030-AC. Pin assignment: + (+12 V DC supply), G (Ground), M (0–5 V measurement signal). ℹ️ Note on confusion: The AC-50 probe has a 3-pin terminal (+, G, M). The larger K6A model for higher currents uses a 4-pin terminal (G, M, G, +). When connecting, make sure the wires are assigned correctly according to the terminal labeling. Installation Mounting and Connection The current probe and the Didactum AC Current Transformer (DI14030-AC) are installed together. 1 Mount the probe Secure the current probe in a suitable location with screws and nuts. Route the cable to be measured through the probe’s pass-through opening. 2 Wiring to current transformer DI14030-AC Connect the 3 wires of the terminal (+, G, M) to the 3-pin input terminal of the Didactum AC Current Transformer (DI14030-AC) according to the wiring assignment. 3 Connect to the monitoring system Connect the Didactum AC Current Transformer (DI14030-AC) to a free analog port (A1…A8) of the Didactum monitoring system or an 8-port sensor expansion unit using an RJ11 cable. ⚠️ Safety instructions: The regulations applicable to installation in the respective country and the relevant accident prevention regulations must be observed, as well as internal company work, operating, and safety regulations. The specified technical limits, especially insulation voltage and ambient temperature range, must under no circumstances be exceeded. Before installation, check the maximum permissible conductor diameter and the maximum insulation voltage of the probe. Web interface Full Control over Thresholds, Trends, and Automation Via the Didactum AC Current Transformer (DI14030-AC), the probe integrates seamlessly into the Didactum web interface. Individual thresholds (Lower Critical, Lower Warning, Normal, Upper Warning, Upper Critical) for each measurement point Logic schemes for automated actions when limit values are exceeded, e.g. in case of overload Clear, individually configurable dashboard Graphical trend display and continuous logging of measured values Notifications via email, SMS, SNMP trap, and other channels Application examples Use Cases for the Current Probe Monitoring circuits and feeders in electrical distribution panels to detect overloads Monitoring motors, pumps, compressors, and production machines for load changes Automatic alarm notifications when defined current limits are exceeded to prevent equipment damage and power outages Monitoring the power consumption of smaller IT and facility devices in the data center Early detection of wear or defects based on changes in current consumption Complementing existing monitoring environments (Zabbix, PRTG, Nagios) Scope of delivery What Is Included Please check the delivery for completeness upon receipt and report any missing or damaged parts to your supplier immediately. The Didactum AC Current Transformer DI14030-AC is not part of this scope of delivery and must be ordered separately. Didactum Small AC Current Transformer probe AC-50 (50 A)1 piece Self-adhesive label1 piece Screw L18.5 M42 pieces Bolt L14 M42 pieces Nut M3.52 pieces Key benefits Why This Current Probe Is the Right Choice 50 A rated currentMeasuring range 0–50 A for circuits and smaller to medium-sized loads. Compact designEspecially space-saving, ideal for tight control cabinets and distribution panels. Contactless measurementCurrent detection without disconnecting the conductor. High accuracy0.5% accuracy and linearity error. Easy installationMounting via two tabs with screws and nuts. Robust insulationInsulation voltage AC 2.5 kV 50 Hz 1 min for safe operation. Wide operating rangeDesigned for ambient temperatures from -10 °C to +70 °C. Made in EUDeveloped and manufactured in the European Union. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions For which current range is this model suitable? This model (AC-50) has a rated current of 50 A and covers a measuring range of 0–60 Aac. Make sure the maximum expected operating current of the conductor being monitored stays safely within this range. How does this probe differ from the larger K6A probe? The AC-50 probe is more compact and uses a 3-pin terminal (+, G, M), while the K6A probe for higher currents uses a 4-pin terminal (G, M, G, +). Both probes require the Didactum current transformer (AC version) as the transceiver to the monitoring system. Can the current probe be connected directly to the monitoring system? No. The probe outputs a 0–5 V analog signal and absolutely requires the Didactum AC Current Transformer (DI14030-AC) as a transceiver, which transfers this signal to an analog port of the monitoring system. Is the DI14030-AC included in the scope of delivery? No. The Didactum AC Current Transformer DI14030-AC is a separate product and must be ordered additionally if not already available. Does the conductor have to be cut open for installation? No. The current probe measures contactlessly via the magnetic field of the conductor routed through the pass-through opening. Cutting the conductor is not necessary for the measurement itself. Can multiple current probes be used at the same time? Yes. Each circuit to be monitored requires its own AC-50 current probe with its own Didactum AC Current Transformer (DI14030-AC) connected to a free analog port. If the available ports are not sufficient, the number can be expanded using a VT408 expansion unit. Questions about the Didactum Small AC Current Transformer probe? Our support team in Germany will advise you free of charge on selection, installation, and configuration. Contact form (+49) 2501 92 90 160

Product number: DI14033

€89.00

Intelligent Early Warning System for Building Monitoring

Every company and public authority contains important rooms and facilities. Critical rooms and facilities include, among others:

Manufacturing / Production / Storage / Logistics
Cold rooms, refrigerated and deep-freeze storage
Research, laboratory, development
Switch room, telephone system, IT and server room
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems

These rooms and facilities must be effectively protected against a wide range of possible risks and threats. For this, modern building monitoring with monitoring systems is essential.

Around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If an operational failure or catastrophic event occurs in these important rooms, it will certainly have a direct impact on the entire company or authority.

Would you like an example?

Example 1:

Due to poor maintenance, the air conditioning fails. The storage room relies on a constant temperature.

The temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical and chemical products stored there overheat and can no longer be delivered to customers. Here, a temperature sensor as part of environmental monitoring is indispensable.

Example 2:

In the middle of winter, a burst water pipe destroys the entire heating system. The room temperature of the sales areas, restaurants, medical offices, fitness centers, and offices in the building drops to critical cold levels. On Monday morning, tenants cannot open their businesses, venues, or practices. Employees, customers, and patients must be sent home.

A humidity sensor and an alarm system can provide early warning in this case.

Example 3:

A defect in the sprinkler system releases large amounts of water in the building. The water damage floods offices, shops, and storage rooms. Escaping water also enters the elevator shafts and the machine room. Thanks to modern remote monitoring and monitoring systems, immediate action can be taken.

It can take months before the insurance settles the damages and the repair work is completed by contractors.

Innovative Building Early Warning System

It is good to have a suitable solution for early detection of risks and hazards in the monitored building. With the web-based solutions from Didactum, facility managers receive a building monitoring system that can be used across all industries. While a conventional alarm system can often only report break-ins and unauthorized access, these advanced solutions can also reliably detect and report physical risks such as overtemperature, condensation, water damage, or power failure.

Each of these hazard detection and alarm systems operates stand-alone and supports the TCP/IP network protocol. You can access the German-language user interface of the all-in-one building early warning system from virtually anywhere. Get an up-to-date overview of the monitored building via PC, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

Intelligent Building Monitoring with IP-Enabled Sensors

The modular architecture supports a customized configuration of the building early warning system with intelligent, IP-enabled sensors such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, smoke detectors, and environmental sensors.

The following options are available:

Environmental sensors for measuring and monitoring temperature, airflow, humidity, dew point formation
Physical security sensors for detecting and reporting fire (smoke detectors), humidity, and water damage (humidity sensors)
Current and voltage sensors for measuring and monitoring direct or alternating current

Web-Based Real-Time Measurement, Control, and Regulation

Each temperature sensor, humidity sensor, airflow, or current sensor can be equipped with individual threshold and alarm values.

As part of IP network-based monitoring of important rooms and facilities, you can define up to 5 freely selectable states with the mouse (high warning level / low warning level / normal state / high critical state / low critical state).

This innovative alarm system monitors all connected sensors in real time. If the included temperature sensor measures under- or overtemperature or even critical heat, notifications and alarm messages are immediately sent to the responsible staff.

Notifications are sent by email, SMS alarms (via GSM modem), and/or SNMP messages to the building monitoring software.

Network Integration of Building Technology

Each TCP/IP-based building early warning system from Didactum is equipped with input and output contacts.

The switching and signaling contacts of building-installed technology such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems can thus be monitored around the clock in real time. If the installed heating or air conditioning system reports a technical defect, the responsible staff are informed by email or SMS (via GSM modem).

Status and fault messages can also be transmitted via the TCP/IP network to remote locations for remote monitoring.

Checklists and Reports for Facility Management

The temperature and humidity values measured by the hazard detection and alarm system are stored in the built-in data memory.

Access the control interface via web browser and, for example, display the temperature trend graphically. For required documentation regarding temperature monitoring, the measurement data can be downloaded with a simple mouse click.

For example, use Microsoft Excel to create important checklists and reports. Didactum certainly also offers a suitable building monitoring system for your company or authority.

Didactum Monitoring

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