SCT-013-005 Non-Invasive AC Current Clamp Sensor 5A Split Core Transformer 0-1V Output

Quick Introduction: Monitoring energy consumption usually involves dangerous high-voltage wiring, but not with the  SCT-013-005. This "Non-Invasive" Current Transformer (CT) clamps safely around the insulated exterior of a wire, using magnetic induction to measure the current flowing through it. Unlike the standard 100A models that require complex external circuitry, this 5A version features a built-in burden resistor, outputting a clean 0-1V AC signal that is directly readable by the Analogue pins of any microcontroller.

Detailed Specifications

• Model: SCT-013-005.

• Input Current: 0A – 5A AC (RMS).

• Output Signal: 0V – 1V AC (Linearity ±3%).

• Output Type: Voltage (Built-in Burden Resistor).

• Core Material: Ferrite.

• Dielectric Strength: 6000V AC / 1min.

• Opening Size: 13mm x 13mm (Fits standard household wiring).

• Connector: 3.5mm Stereo Audio Jack.

• Cable Length: Approx. 1 Meter.

Quality Advantage & Differentiation: Why choose the SCT-013-005?

1. Safety First: The non-invasive split-core design means you never have to touch live copper or disconnect any wires to install it.

2. Plug-and-Play Logic: Most CT sensors output a tiny current (mA) and require you to calculate and install a precise external "burden resistor" to get a voltage reading. This unit has that resistor built in, saving you calculation time and component space.

3. Low-Current Precision: Designed specifically for 5A loads, it offers far higher resolution for low-power devices (like lights, fans, or laptops) compared to the noisy readings you would get from a massive 100A sensor.

Key Applications & Usage

• Home Energy Monitor: Track the power usage of specific appliances like fridges or gaming PCs.

• Motor Protection: Detect over-current or stall conditions in AC motors.

• Smart IoT Plugs: Build your own Wi-Fi-enabled power meter using an ESP32.

• Solar Inverter Monitoring: Measure AC output from micro-inverters.

What's Included & Required

• Included: 1x SCT-013-005 Split Core Current Sensor (5A).

• Required: Microcontroller (Arduino/ESP), 3.5mm Female Audio Jack (for easy connection), DC Offset Circuit (2 resistors + 1 capacitor) for reading AC signals on DC microcontrollers.

The "Virtual Technician" Support Panel

• ⚠️ CRITICAL USAGE WARNING:

  1. Single Wire Only: You MUST clamp the sensor around ONLY the Live (Phase) wire OR ONLY the Neutral wire. If you clamp it around an entire power cable (containing both Live and Neutral), the magnetic fields will cancel each other out, and you will read 0 Amps.

  2. No External Burden: This model (-005) has a built-in burden resistor. DO NOT add an external burden resistor to your circuit, or your readings will be incorrect.

  3. AC Only: This sensor works via magnetic induction; it CANNOT measure DC current (like car batteries).

• Pinout Reference (3.5mm Jack):

  • Tip: Signal Output (0-1V AC).

  • Sleeve: Ground / Reference.

  • Ring: Not Connected (Empty).

• Troubleshooting: Getting zero readings? 99% of the time, this is because the user has clamped the sensor around the entire thick power cord. You must split the cable and clamp only ONE internal wire.

Call to Action (CTA): Stop guessing your power usage and start measuring it accurately. Add the  SCT-013-005 5A Sensor to your cart and build your own smart energy monitor today!