Patented built-in self-test lets electricians verify the clamp meter is working correctly — before trusting it to confirm a circuit is safe to open.
Chauvin Arnoux has announced the launch of the F404T, a clamp meter engineered specifically for the safety demands of photovoltaic (PV) installations.
At its core is a patented Auto-Check function that lets electricians confirm their tester is operating properly and properly configured before relying on it to verify the absence of current through this simple check that determines whether a circuit is genuinely safe to open.
Solar Never Sleeps and Neither Can Safety Procedures
The rapid growth of solar energy has introduced safety challenges that traditional electrical installations simply don’t present. Unlike a conventional circuit, a PV system generates energy continuously and remains live at all times, even when isolated from the grid. For electricians and maintenance teams, this means that opening a circuit under load carries real and constant risk.
In PV installations, lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures are based on confirming the absence of current (VAC) and not merely on the presence of no voltage. This difference is important since a standard current clamp which is misconfigured, poorly calibrated or simply defective may show a zero reading even though current is still flowing, thus giving the operator a false sense of security at the most critical moment.
A Patented Self-Test Function Built to Remove the Guesswork
The F404T meets this gap directly. At the touch of a button, the clamp generates a known reference current and checks its reading against it — confirming in seconds that the device is working correctly and configured properly before any work begins.
The clamp also automatically detects AC or DC values, removing a common source of operator error and saving time on-site! A small feature with an outsized effect on daily workflow for electricians moving between AC and DC segments of a PV system.
Designed for the Newest Generation of Solar Installations
- Safety rating of 1500 V CAT III / 1000 V CAT IV, suited to high-voltage strings and utility-scale PV installations
- IP54 protection rating for reliable use in outdoor and rooftop field conditions
- Current measurement up to 1000 A AC / 1500 A DC
- Automatic AC/DC detection for faster, error-free measurement
The F404T is more than just a safety tool – it’s a complete diagnostic solution.
In addition to its use in LOTO verification, the F404T is a 2-in-1 clamp meter designed for daily electrical work. It measures current, voltage, resistance, continuity, and temperature, and offers a range of diagnostic functions:
- Min/Max recording to capture fluctuations over time
- Differential measurement (ΔREL) and relative measurement (ΔREL/R) functions
- Overcurrent detection to flag undersized conductors or catch premature tripping of thermal protection devices
These features make the F404T – a clamp that electricians can use every day, not only during shutdowns but also to make sure that the operator safety is never left to chance.
Availability and Pricing
The F404T is now available via Chauvin Arnoux UK’s authorised distributors in the United Kingdom, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
For pricing, specifications, or to arrange a demonstration, contact us:
Telephone: 01924 460494
Email: info@chauvin-arnoux.co.uk
OR visit the website: www.cauk.net
This article appeared in the October 2026 issue of Energy Manager magazine. Subscribe here.
