Note
The Electric Field Attenuator can not be used to zero magnetic field probes.
Shielding the Probe
The probe must be shielded from significant RF fields whenever it is zeroed with the meter. This is to establish a zero reference for the field.
There are four ways to shield the probe during zeroing:
•Use the Model 8713B Electric Field Attenuator supplied with the meter. This conductive fabric is the same material that is used in RF protective clothing. The attenuator should be put over the head of the probe and closed off around the neck of the probe above the handle using the
•Use the shielded storage case. Place the probe in the case and close the lid carefully on the cable with the meter outside the case. Be careful not to move the probe while zeroing takes place (On probes with low frequency test points you can create static which will give inaccurate results, although this is less of a concern with the new 8700D series probes).
•Use aluminum foil to shield the head of the probe. Fully wrap the head of the probe and close it around the neck of the probe about half way down. If the probe has metallic low frequency test points, these must be insulated from the aluminum foil. One way to do this is to use electrical tape to cover the test points. The other solution is to use a wide elastic band around the head of the probe over the test points. The elastic band can easily be moved to use the 8718B’s
•Use your body to shield the probe from the source of energy.
84 | Operating the Meter |