User Manual
GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH 31
8.7.1 Protective Conductor Current – IPE
1
Adapter 
AT3-IIIE, 
AT3-II S or AT3-II S32: 
Voltage measuring inputs for leakage current measurement with differ-
ential method with SECUTEST PRO only (or instrument with feature I01)
2
Voltage measuring inputs for leakage current measurement with differ-
ential method using the WZ12C or SECUTEST CLIP current clamp sensor, 
with SECUTEST PRO only (or instrument with feature I01)
Applications
Protective conductor current must be measured for protection 
class I devices.
Definition of Protective Conductor Current 
(direct measurement)
Current which flows through the protective conductor in the case 
of housings which are isolated from ground.
Definition of Differential Current
Sum of instantaneous current values which flow via the L and N 
conductors at the device mains connection. Differential current is 
practically identical to fault current in the event of an error. Fault 
current: Current which is caused by an insulation defect, and 
which flows via the defective point.
Definition of Alternative Measuring Method 
(equivalent leakage current)
Equivalent leakage current is current which flows through the 
active conductors of the device which are connected to each 
other (L/N) to the protective conductor (SC1), or to the exposed, 
conductive parts (SC2).
Differential Current Measuring Method
The device under test is operated with mains power. The sum of 
the momentary values of all currents which flow through all active 
conductors (L/N) at the mains side of the device connection is 
measured. The measurements must be performed with mains 
plug polarity in both directions.
Alternative Measuring Method (equivalent leakage current)
A high-impedance power supply is connected between the short-
circuited mains terminals and all exposed metal parts of the hous-
ing (which are connected to one another). 
Current which flows over the insulation at the device under test is 
measured.
Protective Conductor Current Measuring Method 
(direct measurement)
The device under test is operated with mains power. Current 
which flows through the PE conductor to earth at the mains side 
of the device connection is measured.
Note
Regardless of the currently selected connection type, all 
help images and schematic diagrams can be queried for 
the selected measuring function.
Direct Measuring Method 
– Direct measurement type 
– DUT mains plug to test socket
Schematic Diagram 
The device under test is operated with mains power. 
Protective conductor current is measured between the protective 
conductor at the mains and the protective conductor terminal at 
the DUT via the DUT’s mains cable.
Wiring Diagram 
Differential current measurement 
– Differential measurement type 
– DUT mains plug to test socket
Schematic Diagram 
The device under test is operated with mains power. 
Differential current is measured between mains conductors L and 
N (current clip concept).
Single measurements, rotary switch level: green
Switch
Position
Measure-
ment Type,
With Mains 
to Test 
Socket
Measure-
ment Type,
Without 
Mains to 
Test Socket
Measuring Functions
I
PE
Direct
I
PE
Protective conductor current, RMS
I
PE~ 
AC component
I
PE= 
DC component
U
LN 
Test voltage
Differential
I
PE
Protective conductor current, RMS
U
LN 
Test voltage
Alternative
I
PE
Protective conductor current, RMS
UTest voltage
AT3 adapter 
1
I
PE
Protective conductor current, RMS
U
LN 
Test voltage
Clamp 
2
I
PE
Protective conductor current, RMS
U
LN 
Test voltage
I
PE










