SCT-013-000 100A Non-invasive AC current sensor

SCT-013-000 100A Non-invasive AC current sensor is a highly accurate, split-core current transformer designed to measure alternating current up to 100 Amperes without breaking or interrupting the existing electrical circuit. This practical sensor features a clip-on mechanism that easily snaps directly around a single current-carrying live wire. Consequently, it ensures complete electrical isolation and maximizes installer safety during deployment. The SCT-013-000 outputs a corresponding low-level current signal, which allows energy monitoring systems and microcontrollers to calculate real-time power consumption safely. Furthermore, its robust build quality makes it an excellent choice for sub-metering installations. Therefore, you should select this premium non-invasive sensor to build your next smart energy monitor, home automation hub, or overcurrent protection project.

Key Features:

• Non-Invasive Measurement: The snap-on, split-core construction lets you safely clamp the sensor over a single insulated conductor without splicing or routing power lines.
• High Measurement Range: Accurately reads alternating current from 0 A up to a maximum peak of 100 A, accommodating heavy household and light industrial loads.
• Built-in Transient Protection: Includes an internal bidirectional TVS diode across the output leads to prevent dangerous high-voltage spikes when you open the core.
• Standard Audio Jack Interface: Features a durable, industry-standard 3.5 mm three-conductor stereo plug for quick plug-and-play connections to data logging hardware.
• High Flame Retardancy: Utilizes premium nylon housing material meeting strict UL94-V0 safety standards for superior fire resistance in breaker panels.

Technical Specifications:

• Rated Input Current: 0 A to 100 A AC
• Rated Output Current: 0 mA to 50 mA AC (Ratio of 100A:±50mA)
• Turns Ratio: 1:2000
• Non-linearity: ±3% (From 10% to 120% of rated input current)
• Phase Error: ≤ ±2° (At nominal input current)
• Dielectric Strength: 6000 V AC / 1 min (Between core and output wiring)
• Operating Frequency Range: 50 Hz to 150 kHz
• Operating Temperature Range: −25°C to +70°C

Mechanical Specifications:

• Core Material: High-permeability Ferrite
• Enclosure Material: Glass-filled Nylon (UL94-V0 Flammability Rating)
• Output Interface: 3.5 mm Three-Pole Stereo Plug
• Cable Type: Two-core twisted shield wire, approximately 1 meter in length.
• Mechanical Strength: Resists more than 1000 opening and closing cycles without latch degradation.

Dimensions:

• Window Size (Inner Diameter): 13 mm x 13 mm (Accommodates standard thick power conductors)
• External Body Height: ≈ 57 mm
• External Body Width: ≈ 32 mm
• External Body Depth: ≈ 22 mm
• Cable Length: ≈ 1.0 m

Pinout and Wiring:

• Tip (Signal Out – K): Outputs the alternating current signal corresponding to the transformer secondary winding.
• Sleeve (Signal Return – L): Connects to the ground or reference voltage level of the measurement circuit.
• Ring (No Connection): Left floating inside the standard molded 3.5mm jack plug.
• Wiring Note: However, microcontrollers like Arduino require an external burden resistor and a DC bias circuit because the sensor outputs a pure AC waveform that swings below 0V.

Datasheet Reference:

• Download SCT-013 Series Current Transformer Datasheet

Commonly Used in:

• OpenEnergyMonitor Nodes: Serves as the primary analog sensor input for standard open-source energy tracking stations.
• Smart Breaker Panels: Integrates cleanly inside household distribution boxes to audit sub-circuits independently.
• IoT Power Strips: Provides load-side diagnostic information to connected microcontroller units.

Applications:

• AC Motor Monitoring: Detects sudden changes in load to flag mechanical failures or motor stalls.
• Carbon Footprint Analytics: Collects baseline energy usage metrics to compile facility efficiency reports.
• Grid Balancing Monitors: Tracks load distribution over time to balance phases across commercial buildings.

Equivalent Models:

• SCT-013-030: A similar 30A variant within the same physical series, however, it provides an internal burden resistor for a direct 1V output.
• Magnelab SCT-0400: A premium, small split-core alternative offering comparable non-invasive measurement capabilities.
• YHDC SCT-019: A larger capacity split-core transformer designed for higher industrial wire diameters up to 200A.

Package Includes:

• 1 x SCT-013-000 100A Non-invasive AC current sensor with 1-meter cable.