Apparatus and method for sensing electric current based on electric signal from magneto-electric conversion element

An electric current sensor for sensing an electric current flowing through a conductor, the electric current inducing magnetic flux about the conductor, the sensor comprising:

• a magneto-electric conversion element having a magnetic-flux sensitive surface and being configured to output an electric signal relative to a magnetic flux density at the magnetic-flux sensitive surface;
• a junction box for accommodating a portion of the conductor and having a hole on one face;
• and
• an angle adjusting mechanism for changing an angle between the magnetic-flux sensitive surface and the direction of the magnetic flux, the angle adjusting mechanism including a cock for supporting the magneto-electric conversion element and configured to fit into the hole of the junction box, the cock being rotatable with respect tot he hole of the junction box, wherein the electric current sensor detects the electric current flowing through the conductor based on the electric signal output from the magneto-electric conversion element whose magnetic-flux sensitive surface is oriented with respect to the magnetic flux at a selected angle.