How to install a clip-on current transducer

WHEN TO USE THIS

Use this guide if:

• You are installing a new Factbird Clip-on Current Transducer.
• You want to monitor machine energy consumption.
• You want to analyse energy usage alongside production data.

PREREQUISITES

Before starting:

• Installation is performed by qualified personnel.
• You have a Factbird DUO.
• You have a compatible clip-on current transducer.
• You have the converter supplied with the energy monitoring kit.
• You have both sensor cables.
• You have the Factbird DUO power supply.
• The machine's electrical installation is accessible.

Important

Installation of current transducers should only be carried out by qualified personnel. Follow all safety instructions supplied with the current transducer.

STEPS

1. Identify the hardware

   Confirm you have the following components:

   • Factbird DUO
   • Clip-on current transducer
   • Current converter
   • Sensor cables
   • Factbird DUO power supply

2. Connect the current transducer

   Connect the first sensor cable between the clip-on current transducer and the converter.

   Wire the sensor as follows:

   • Positive (+) output → Pin 1 (Brown wire)
   • Negative (-) output → Pin 2 (White wire)

   Connect the second sensor cable between the converter and either sensor port on the Factbird DUO.

3. Power the system

   • Connect the Factbird DUO power supply.
   • Power on the system.
   • Verify that the converter display turns on.

   This confirms the converter is receiving power.

4. Install the current transducer

   Open the split-core current transducer and clamp it around the power conductor supplying the machine.

   Single-phase installation

   • Install the transducer around the live phase conductor only.
   • Do not clamp around both the live and neutral conductors, as their magnetic fields cancel each other and no current will be measured.

   Three-phase installation

   • Install the transducer around the phase conductor being monitored.
   • Follow the installation design appropriate for your machine's electrical configuration.

5. Position the Factbird DUO

   Install the Factbird DUO where it has reliable network connectivity.

   Do

   • Mount the DUO where cellular or Wi-Fi reception is good.

   Do not

   • Install inside a metal control cabinet.
   • Install underneath large machines.
   • Install between large metal structures that may reduce signal strength.

6. Configure the sensor

   Configure the connected sensor as a measurement sensor using the Clip-on Current Transducer setup.

EXPECTED RESULT

After completing these steps:

• The clip-on current transducer is installed.
• The converter is powered.
• The Factbird DUO is connected.
• The hardware is ready to be configured in Factbird.
• Energy consumption data can begin to be collected once the sensor configuration is complete.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Issue: The converter display does not turn on.

• Try: Verify the DUO power supply is connected.

• Try: Check all cable connections between the converter and DUO.
• Try: Confirm mains power is available.

Issue: No current is measured.

• Try: Verify the transducer is clamped around a single live conductor.

• Try: Confirm the wiring between the transducer and converter matches the specified pinout.
• Try: Ensure the machine is drawing current.

Issue: The Factbird DUO is offline.

• Try: Move the DUO to an area with better network reception.

• Try: Do not mount the DUO inside metal cabinets or behind large machinery.
• Try: Confirm the device has power.

STILL NEED HELP?

Contact Support and include:

• The DUO serial number.
• The current transducer model.
• Photos of the wiring.
• Photos showing where the transducer is mounted.
• A description of the issue.

RELATED ARTICLES

• DATASHEET- Clip-on Current Transducer