Magnaflux Y-2 AC Yokes & Kits

The Y-2 delivers professional-grade magnetic particle inspection with ergonomic, lightweight, sealed and serviceable design. The Y-2 is the next generation of hand-held yokes that is more robust to survive harsh environments better than its predecessors. Key advantages include strong AC magnetic field generation for reliable surface crack detection, field swappable cord and isolated trigger switch for durability, and proven reliability for critical inspections where safety is non-negotiable and downtime costs thousands. Its rugged construction combined with user-friendly features makes it ideal for demanding field inspection environments.

Product Overview

The Magnaflux Y-2 is an AC electromagnetic yoke specifically designed for surface defect detection during magnetic particle testing. Built with ergonomics as a priority, this lightweight yoke reduces operator fatigue while delivering powerful AC magnetic field generation for reliable surface indication detection in demanding field conditions.

Key Features & Benefits

Ergonomic Design for Productivity

  • Lightweight construction: 4.8 lb (2.2 kg) yoke only, 6.2 lb (2.8 kg) with cord
  • Ergonomic grip and trigger: Reduces arm strain and wrist fatigue
  • Easy positioning: Lightweight yet powerful for extended use
  • 50% duty cycle: Higher duty cycle than Y-7/Y-8 for more continuous operation

Durability & Serviceability

  • IP54 sealed housing: Resists dust and water ingress
  • Field-swappable power cord: Detachable 12-foot cord can be replaced in the field
  • Isolated, replaceable trigger switch: Easy maintenance/replacement
  • Steel shields: Leg protection for demanding applications
  • Built to last: Designed for rugged field inspection demands

Technical Specifications

  • Weight: 4.8 lb (2.2 kg) yoke only; 6.2 lb (2.8 kg) with cord
  • Leg span: 2.5–10.5 inches (6.4–27 cm)
  • Contact/pole size: 1.00 x 1.75 inches (25 x 19 mm)
  • Cord length: 12 feet (3.6 m), detachable
  • Duty cycle: 50%, maximum on time of 90 seconds
  • Waveform: AC only for surface detection
  • Lifting force: >10 lb (4.5 kg) - exceeds ASTM specifications

Applications & Use Cases

Ideal Applications

  • Field testing: Lightweight design for extended field use
  • Spot inspections: Quick surface defect detection
  • Weld inspections: Surface crack detection in welded joints
  • In-service inspections: Ongoing maintenance assessments
  • Difficult-to-reach areas: Ergonomic design for confined spaces

Defect Detection Capabilities

  • Focus: Surface defects only (AC waveform)
  • Defect types detected:
    • Surface seams and tears
    • Shrink cracks
    • Quenching cracks
    • Fatigue cracks
    • Surface grinding cracks

Specification Compliance

The Y-2 meets comprehensive industry standards:

  • ASME BPVC (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code)
  • ASTM E709 (Standard Guide for Magnetic Particle Testing)
  • ASTM E1444 (Standard Practice for Magnetic Particle Testing)
  • ASTM E3024 (Standard Practice for Magnetic Particle Testing Using Alternating Current)
  • ISO 9934-3 (Magnetic particle testing requirements)
  • MIL-STD-271 (Military standard compliance)
  • EN/EC Compliance: CE, WEEE, RoHS, UKCA certified

Available Models & Kit Options

Y-2 Yoke Only Options

Regional voltage and plug configurations:

  • Part #628554 (115V, Type B): North America standard
  • Part #628555 (230V, Type F + Type G adapter): Europe
  • Part #628560 (230V, Type I): Asia, China, Oceania
  • Part #630445 (115V, cord only/no plug): Europe & Middle East

All yoke-only packages include carrying case

Y-2 Magnavis Kit (Complete Inspection Kit)

Full inspection solutions include:

  • Part #628556 (115V, North America): Y-2 yoke, #1 Gray powder, #8A Red powder, yellow paint marker, shop cloth, carrying case
  • Part #628557 (230V, International): Same contents as above

Optional Accessories

  • LED Yoke Light (Part #628840): Super bright LED attachment for improved illumination
  • Yoke Test Weight (Part #624115): For ASTM compliance verification

Comparison with Other Magnaflux Yokes

Y-2 vs. Y-1

  • Y-2: Newer generation, ergonomic design, field-serviceable, IP54 rated
  • Y-1: Previous generation, proven design, similar weight and performance

Y-2 vs. Y-7 (AC/DC Yoke)

  • Y-2: AC-only, lighter (4.8 vs 8.0 lb), higher duty cycle (50% vs 25%)
  • Y-7: AC/DC switchable, heavier, wider leg span, subsurface capability

Y-2 vs. Y-8 (Battery Yoke)

  • Y-2: AC-powered, requires electrical supply, surface detection focus
  • Y-8: Battery-powered, portable, DC-only for subsurface detection

Y-2 Unique Advantages

  • Lightest corded yoke: 4.8 lb for reduced operator fatigue
  • Highest duty cycle: 50% for more continuous operation
  • Field serviceable: Replaceable cord and trigger in the field
  • IP54 protection: Superior environmental resistance

Key Buying Considerations

Choose the Y-2 if you need:

  1. Lightweight operation: Reduced operator fatigue for extended use
  2. Surface defect focus: AC waveform optimized for surface cracks
  3. Field serviceability: Replaceable components for minimal downtime
  4. Environmental protection: IP54 rating for harsh conditions
  5. Higher duty cycle: 50% for more continuous inspection work
  6. Global compatibility: Multiple voltage and plug configurations

Consider alternatives if you need:

  1. Subsurface detection: Y-7 or Y-8 for DC capability
  2. True portability: Y-8 battery yoke for remote locations
  3. AC/DC versatility: Y-7 for comprehensive inspection needs
  4. Maximum leg span: Y-7 offers 2-12" vs Y-2's 2.5-10.5"

Maintenance & Operating Costs

Power Requirements

  • Electrical supply: 110-115V (60Hz) or 220-230V (50/60Hz)
  • Current draw:
    • 115V: 4.3A max (60Hz) or 6.3A max (50Hz)
    • 230V: 2.6A max
  • Cord management: Detachable 12-foot cord with strain relief

Serviceability Features

  • Field-replaceable cord: Multiple plug types available
  • Replaceable trigger switch: Kit available (Part #629261)
  • Leg assemblies: Replaceable leg and foot assembly set (Part #625994)

Consumables

  • Magnetic powders: #1 Gray (visible) and #8A Red (fluorescent) in kits
  • Paint markers: Yellow markers for indication marking
  • Shop cloths: For cleaning and maintenance

Regional Availability & Shipping

Global Reach

  • North America: Full product line availability
  • Europe: CE-certified versions with appropriate plugs
  • Asia/Pacific: Type I plug configurations available

Compliance Certifications

  • European compliance: CE, WEEE, RoHS, UKCA certified
  • Military compliance: MIL-STD-271 approved
  • International standards: ISO 9934-3 compliant

Making Your Decision

The Magnaflux Y-2 represents the latest evolution in handheld AC electromagnetic yokes, prioritizing operator comfort and field serviceability while maintaining the power and reliability demanded by professional NDT applications. Its ergonomic design makes it ideal for inspectors who perform extended magnetic particle testing sessions.

Best suited for: Surface defect detection specialists, field inspectors focused on operator comfort, maintenance teams requiring reliable AC magnetic particle testing, and applications where environmental protection (IP54) is important.

Key differentiators:

  • Lightest weight in the corded yoke category (4.8 lb)
  • Highest duty cycle (50%) for extended operation
  • Superior field serviceability with replaceable components
  • IP54 environmental protection rating

Consider carefully: AC-only limitation for surface defects versus dual-mode yokes if subsurface detection is needed, and regional availability of complete inspection kits.