Sniffer probe

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A sniffer probe is a test probe that can be used to localize spatially limited alternating electrical or magnetic fields or escaping gases.

Electrical engineering

Sniffer probes for electric fields work on the principle of charge shift in a capacitance depending on the field strength and are designed as small, isolated spheres. The magnetic sniffer probes are designed as small coils (or current transformers) that convert the local alternating magnetic field into an alternating voltage . These probes are connected to measuring devices that amplify and display the measured value. With the help of sniffer probes, sources of electromagnetic interference can be detected.

See also: electromagnetic compatibility , antenna

Vacuum technology

In the leak test with overpressure, a sniffer probe is moved along the seals and possible leaks. Escaping gas is detected and reported acoustically by a detection device. This enables an exact location of the leak.