DC High Voltage Probe P2010

Nagano, Japan, 8^th January 2025 - Hioki E.E. Corporation proudly announces the launch of the DC High Voltage Probe P2010, a solution engineered to address the growing demands of high-voltage solar photovoltaic inspections. Compact and lightweight, the P2010 builds upon the success of its predecessor, the P2000, offering enhanced usability, safety, and compatibility for professionals working in renewable energy and electrical maintenance.

As the renewable energy sector evolves, solar power systems are operating at higher voltages to improve efficiency and output. These advancements, while beneficial, present increased risks to engineers during installation and maintenance. The P2010 bridges the gap between safety and efficiency, complying with CAT III 2000 V safety standards under IEC61010, ensuring the highest level of protection for operators and equipment alike.

Seamlessly compatible with Hioki’s DT4261 Digital Multimeter and Clamp Meter Series, the P2010 transforms high-voltage measurements into a manageable process, providing precise, reliable data for critical solar installations and other electrical systems.
 

DC High Voltage Probe P2010 is compatible with Hioki Clamp Meter Series, such as AC/DC Clamp Meter CM4373-50, 
AC/DC Clamp Meter CM4375-50 and Digital Multimeter DT4261 (Left to Right) 
 

Development Background

The global shift toward renewable energy has led to significant advancements in solar power technology. In 2023, solar power installations surged by a record 147 GW, increasing from 199 GW in 2022 to 346 GW—a 74% rise, marking the fastest percentage growth since 2011. Nearly three-quarters of all renewable capacity added in 2023 was solar, underscoring its role as the cornerstone of global renewable energy expansion¹.

As solar systems adopt higher operating voltages to improve efficiency and scalability, they introduce increased risks during maintenance and inspection. Safety standards categorize measurement locations by Measurement Category ratings (CAT II, CAT III, and CAT IV) based on line-to-ground rated voltage, current capacity, and transient overvoltage. According to the IEC 61730-1 standard for Photovoltaic (PV) module safety qualification, PV modules are classified as overvoltage category III, requiring instruments categorized under Measurement Category III for safe and reliable operation.

Using properly categorized instruments, such as those compliant with CAT III, is essential for protecting both personnel and equipment from serious accidents, including electric shock and damage. This safety requirement has become even more critical as modern solar systems evolve to handle higher voltages. Hioki developed the DC High Voltage Probe P2010 in response to these evolving industry demands. Building on the legacy of the P2000, the P2010 is a compact and lightweight tool designed to provide robust safety and efficiency in high-voltage solar inspections. Its compliance with CAT III 2000 V safety standards ensures the highest level of protection while enabling accurate and efficient voltage measurements.

By combining innovative safety features with improved usability, the P2010 reaffirms Hioki’s commitment to delivering solutions that safeguard professionals and support the global transition to renewable energy.

• 1.2023's record solar surge explained in six charts

Product features

Safety Rated for CAT III 2000 V

The DC High Voltage Probe P2010 is specifically engineered to meet the challenges posed by the rising prevalence of high-voltage solar systems in solar power generation. With solar facilities increasingly moving toward higher operating voltages to boost efficiency and scale, instruments capable of handling voltages well beyond 1500 V are becoming indispensable.

Anticipating these industry trends, the P2010 is designed to be CAT III 2000 V compliant, providing the capability to safely measure even the highest voltages encountered in modern solar installations. Its robust safety design ensures that the probe can withstand 2000 V DC, effectively protecting both operators from electric shocks and critical equipment from damage or burnout during inspections and maintenance.

In addition to its safety features, the P2010’s advanced design minimizes the complexity and risk associated with high-voltage measurements, offering a reliable tool for engineers working in high-risk environments. This makes it a future-ready solution for professionals in the rapidly advancing solar power industry.

Streamlined Design for Better Usability

The new DC High Voltage Probe P2010 introduces a streamlined design that eliminates the intermediate box present in its predecessor, the P2000. This improvement results in a slimmer, lighter measurement probe, significantly enhancing its usability in the field.

Predecessor P2000 with Bulky Box Design (left)
New DC High Voltage Probe P2010 Slimmer and Lighter for Greater Maneuverability (right)
 

Engineers working on solar power systems often operate in confined spaces or challenging environments. The compact and lightweight nature of the P2010 allows for greater maneuverability, reducing fatigue and improving overall efficiency during inspections. Despite these design optimizations, the probe maintains the high safety standards required for high-voltage applications, ensuring reliable protection for both operators and equipment.

This thoughtful redesign not only simplifies the handling of the P2010 but also makes it a practical and effective solution for professionals performing high-voltage measurements in demanding conditions. By prioritizing operability without compromising safety, the P2010 sets a new standard for ease of use in high-voltage inspection tools.

Trusted and Easy High-Voltage Testing with Hioki Instruments

The P2010 integrates seamlessly with Hioki’s Clamp Meters and Digital Multimeters², converting high voltages into safe measurement levels for secure and efficient testing. This eliminates the need for manual calculations, reducing errors and streamlining fieldwork.

Designed for compatibility with Hioki’s trusted instruments, the P2010 allows professionals to perform high-voltage measurements using Hioki’s Clamp Meters and Digital Multimeters, ensuring ease of use and reliable results. The probe also protects connected devices by limiting surge voltage, safeguarding internal circuits, and enhancing durability during demanding applications. This integration provides a dependable, efficient, and safe solution for high-voltage measurements in solar power and other electrical systems.

• 2.Compatible with instruments featuring "DC HIGH V PROBE mode" (high-voltage conversion function)

DC High Voltage Probe P2010 Compatible Measuring Instruments

• AC/DC Clamp Meter CM4371-50
• AC/DC Clamp Meter CM4373-50
• AC/DC Clamp Meter CM4375-50
• AC Clamp Meter CM4141-50
• Digital Multimeter DT4261

Main applications

• Installation and inspection of solar power generation systems
• High-voltage measurement in electrical and maintenance work

Link

For more information, please refer to P2010 product page.

Contact us

For inquiries such as quotes, demonstrations, and trial usage, please use Hioki’s contact form for a personalized reply from your closest or most appropriate Hioki representative.

• The information provided is current as of the date of publishing.
• Please note that prices, specifications, and other information contained in this texts are subject to change without notice.
• The company names and product names used in this text are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.

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