Climate Technology 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

Climate Technology Monitoring

Climate technology monitoring is of great importance in our modern world. The use of an air conditioning system creates an optimal indoor climate. For people, the ideal temperature is around 20° Celsius and the optimal humidity of the indoor air is 50% relative humidity (RH).

A modern air conditioning system ensures optimal temperature, optimal humidity, and provides proper air quality in rooms and facilities.

In addition to offices, sales areas, apartments, hotel rooms, etc., many production rooms and storage areas also need to be adequately air-conditioned. Technical rooms and facilities such as IT and server rooms, data centers, or laboratories are also included. Here, reliable temperature monitoring and humidity sensor technology are essential.

Causes of Malfunction or Failure of Air Conditioning Systems

Every air conditioning system should be regularly serviced by a certified specialist company. In addition to replacing coolant and filters, important technical components such as compressors are also checked during maintenance.

However, even a well-maintained air conditioning system can fail at any time of day or night. Common causes of malfunction or total failure include failed evaporator fans, non-functioning defrost heaters, defective pumps, or valves. Continuous remote monitoring with a monitoring system and automated fault notification are therefore essential.

Consequences of Air Conditioning System Failure

The consequences of a malfunction or total failure of the air conditioning system can vary greatly.

While the effects of failed air conditioning in residential buildings, apartments, and hotel rooms may be limited, the impact on production and logistics infrastructures is much more severe.

An air conditioning failure is particularly threatening for server room and data center environments. Server, network, and storage hardware can overheat and fail in a very short time. The financial and legal consequences of an air conditioning failure can therefore be considerable. Modern alarm systems and monitoring systems help to prevent damage.

IP-Based Monitoring Solution for Air Conditioning Systems

Maintenance and fault notifications of existing cooling and air conditioning systems should be recorded around the clock and reported to the responsible facility managers and climate technicians without delay. With the monitoring devices offered by Didactum, cooling and air conditioning units can be monitored cost-effectively and reliably. Each monitoring device is Ethernet-based and operates stand-alone without the need for additional hardware or software installation.

The monitoring devices report faults in the cooling and air conditioning technology via email, SMS (*via GSM/LTE modem or email to SMS gateway). The content of the notification or alarm can even be customized if desired. Access via the Internet is possible using a web browser from a tablet, smartphone, PC, or notebook. The monitoring system is set up and configured via the German-language web interface. A built-in assistant guides the user through all important settings of the IP-based monitoring system for building technology.

Internet Connection of the Air Conditioning System

Existing potential-free alarm contacts of the cooling and air conditioning system(s) are simply connected to the IP-based monitoring system via two-wire cable.

In the web interface, each fault signal contact is individually named. Then you simply define how you and your colleagues should be informed in the event of a fault or failure of your cooling or air conditioning system. Monitoring of the fault indicators takes place in real time.

In addition to advanced SNMP traps for building or network management software, the monitoring system also sends email and SMS* alarm notifications. If desired, the system can also switch built-in relays.

Measuring and Monitoring Temperature and Humidity

The monitoring system also monitors important physical environmental parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, and air circulation. Temperature monitoring and the use of humidity sensors ensure maximum energy efficiency and operational safety.

Create important checklists and reports regarding air conditioning.

The measurement data recorded in real time can be visually displayed directly in the web interface. This allows you to see whether the air conditioning system is generating optimal temperature and humidity.

As part of building technology monitoring, a wide range of intelligent sensors is offered. Water sensors for detecting and reporting water leakage from the air conditioning system are also available. IP-enabled sensors for measuring and monitoring current and voltage are also available.

Expansion of Building Technology Monitoring

Many of the monitoring systems offered by Didactum are equipped with a CAN bus connection for expansion purposes.

If the sensor connections or potential-free dry contact inputs on the main unit are occupied, you can simply connect expansion units. These units can be placed up to 200 meters away using an RJ11 patch cable.

This allows you to integrate additional systems and equipment of building technology into the 24x7 monitoring systems from Didactum or measure important environmental factors such as temperature and humidity in additional rooms.

Didactum Monitoring

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