Description
The Johnson & Allen JAY is a heavy-duty AC magnetic particle inspection yoke designed for reliable performance in demanding non-destructive testing (NDT) environments. A core product in the Johnson & Allen MPI equipment range for over two decades, the JAY has established a strong reputation for durability, usability and dependable magnetic performance.
Manufactured in-house in the UK, the JAY features a robust core encapsulated within a hardwearing, impact-resistant and abrasion-resistant polymer housing. Designed to withstand the demands of industrial inspection work, it also incorporates a self-resetting thermal cut-out to help prevent overheating and electrical burnout caused by misuse.
Available in both 110V and 230V configurations, the JAY provides powerful AC magnetisation with adjustable pole spacing to accommodate a wide range of component geometries. Each yoke is supplied lift tested, complete with a Certificate of Conformity and a heavy-duty canvas carrying bag.
For applications requiring additional illumination, the JAY is also available with the optional Permanently Attached Light (PAL). This integrated inspection light illuminates the area between the poles, providing greater visibility during inspections in poorly lit environments.
Features & Benefits
-
Heavy-Duty Construction: Robust impact-resistant and abrasion-resistant polymer housing designed for demanding industrial environments.
-
Proven Reliability: Established Johnson & Allen design with over 20 years of product history.
-
Powerful AC Magnetisation: Produces a magnetic field exceeding 2.5 kA/m at 152 mm pole spacing.
-
High Lift Strength: Exceeds the 4.5 kg lifting requirement.
-
Adjustable Pole Spacing: 50–210 mm adjustment range for inspecting components of different sizes and geometries.
-
Thermal Protection: Self-resetting thermal cut-out helps protect against overheating and damage from misuse.
-
Ergonomic Operation: Trigger-mounted switch for convenient operation during inspection.
-
IP56 Protection: Protection against dust ingress and powerful water jets.
-
Dual Voltage Options: Available in 110V and 230V versions.
-
Optional PAL Inspection Light: Permanently Attached Light provides over 500 Lux illumination between the poles using an ultra-bright white LED cluster.
-
Optional Armoured Cable: Available as an upgrade to improve cable durability.
-
Maintenance Support: Replacement leg sections, pole feet, micro switches, switch covers and rubber membranes available.
-
Supplied Ready for Use: Lift tested and supplied with a Certificate of Conformity and heavy-duty canvas carrying bag.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | JAY – 230V | JAY – 110V |
|---|---|---|
| Input Supply (Unloaded) | 230VAC @ 1.9A | 110VAC @ 3.7A |
| Voltage Regulation | ±10% | ±10% |
| Frequency | 50 / 60 Hz | 50 / 60 Hz |
| Waveform | AC | AC |
| Switch Position | Trigger Mounted | Trigger Mounted |
| Recommended Pole Spacing | 150 mm | 150 mm |
| Pole Spacing Range | 50–210 mm | 50–210 mm |
| Leg / Pole Contact Size | 25 × 25 mm | 25 × 25 mm |
| Duty Cycle | 25% | 25% |
| Maximum ON Time | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
| Lift Strength | >4.5 kg (44 N) | >4.5 kg (44 N) |
| Magnetic Field | >2.5 kA/m at 152 mm | >2.5 kA/m at 152 mm |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 230 × 60 × 180 mm | 230 × 60 × 180 mm |
| Weight | 3.25 kg | 3.25 kg |
| Ingress Protection | IP56 | IP56 |
| Mains Lead | 4 metres | 4 metres |
| Plug Type | C Form – 16A | C Form – 16A |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months |
| Conformity | UKCA, CE, RoHS | UKCA, CE, RoHS |
| Powerbelt Compatibility | No | Yes |
Optional PAL Light Specification
| Specification | JAY PAL |
|---|---|
| Light Type | Permanently Attached Light (PAL) |
| Light Source | Ultra-bright white LED cluster |
| Illumination | Over 500 Lux between the poles |
| Housing | Purpose-cast, resin-filled pod |
| Operation | Independent light switch |
| Cable Upgrade | Optional armoured cable |
Typical Applications
The Johnson & Allen JAY is suitable for a wide range of magnetic particle inspection applications across industrial, engineering and manufacturing sectors.
-
Weld Inspection: Detection of surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic welded joints and fabrications.
-
Aerospace Engineering: Inspection of suitable ferromagnetic aerospace components and assemblies.
-
Automotive Manufacturing: Detection of cracks and discontinuities in ferromagnetic manufactured components.
-
Heavy Engineering: Inspection of machinery, structural components and industrial fabrications.
-
Rail and Transport: Magnetic particle inspection of suitable ferromagnetic components.
-
Industrial Maintenance: Routine inspection and maintenance of machinery and critical components.
-
Low-Light Inspection: The optional PAL light provides integrated illumination for night shifts, enclosed spaces and poorly lit inspection areas.
-
On-Site NDT: Suitable for workshop and site-based inspection applications.
Approvals and Standards
The Johnson & Allen JAY is designed to meet the requirements of the following magnetic particle inspection standards:
-
ISO 9934:2016 – Non-destructive testing – Magnetic particle testing.
-
ASTM E1444/E1444M-22a – Standard Practice for Magnetic Particle Testing.
-
ASTM E709-21 – Standard Guide for Magnetic Particle Testing.
-
ASTM E3024/E3024M-22a – Standard Practice for Magnetic Particle Testing for General Industry.
Product Conformity:
-
UKCA Marking
-
CE Marking
-
RoHS Compliance
Note: The manufacturer’s stated specification compliance is not exhaustive. Inspection procedures and acceptance criteria should be established in accordance with the applicable standard and customer requirements.
Storage and Shelf Life
The JAY is an electrical inspection instrument and does not have a defined consumable shelf life.
-
Store in a clean, dry environment away from excessive moisture and corrosive substances.
-
Use the supplied heavy-duty canvas carrying bag to protect the yoke during transportation and storage.
-
Avoid unnecessary impact or mechanical stress that could damage the housing, core or pole feet.
-
Regularly inspect the mains cable, plug, trigger switch and pole contact surfaces for signs of wear or damage.
-
Check the optional PAL light and its electrical connections where fitted.
-
Ensure the yoke is disconnected from the electrical supply before cleaning or maintenance.
-
Replace worn or damaged components using suitable manufacturer replacement parts.


