AEMC 5212 User manual

Digital Multimeter
Models 5212,
5215 & 5217
ENGLISH User Manual

Copyright © Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments. All rights reserved.
No part of this documentation may be reproduced in any form or by any means (including electronic
storage and retrieval or translation into any other language) without prior agreement and written consent
from Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc., as governed by United States and International copyright laws.
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC®Instruments
15 Faraday Drive, Dover, NH 03820 USA
Tel: [phone] or [phone]
Fax: [phone]
This documentation is provided “as is,” without warranty of any kind, expressed, implied, or otherwise.
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. has made every reasonable e󰀨ort to ensure that this documentation is accurate;
but does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the text, graphics, or other information contained
in this documentation. Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. shall not be liable for any damages, special, indirect,
incidental, or inconsequential; including (but not limited to) physical, emotional, or monetary damages
due to lost revenues or lost prots that may result from the use of this documentation, whether or not the
user of the documentation has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc., AEMC®, are registered trademarks of Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc.

Statement of Compliance
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC®Instruments
certifies that this instrument has been calibrated
using standards and instruments traceable to
international standards.
We guarantee that at the time of shipping your
instrument has met its published specifications.
An N.I.S.T. traceable certificate may be
requested at the time of purchase, or obtained
by returning the instrument to our repair and
calibration facility, for a nominal charge.
The recommended calibration interval for this
instrument is 12 months and begins on the date of
receipt by the customer. For recalibration, please
use our calibration services. Refer to our repair
and calibration section at www.aemc.com.
Serial #: ________________________________
Catalog #: 2154.07/2154.08/2154.09
Model #: 5212/5215/5217
Please fill in the appropriate date as indicated:
Date Received: _________________________________
Date Calibration Due: _______________________
Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc.
d.b.a AEMC®Instruments
www.aemc.com

Multimeter Models 5212/5215/5217 1
Thank you for purchasing the AEMC Multimeter.
For best results from your instrument and for your safety, read the enclosed
operating instructions carefully and comply with the precautions for use. These
products must be only used by qualied and trained users.
Signifies that the instrument is protected by double or reinforced insulation.
This symbol on the instrument indicates a WARNING that the operator must
refer to the user manual for instructions before operating the instrument. In
this manual, the symbol preceding instructions indicates that if the instructions
are not followed, bodily injury, installation/sample and/or product damage may
result.
Compliance with the Low Voltage & Electromagnetic Compatibility European
directives (73/23/CEE & 89/336/CEE)
AC – Alternating current
AC or DC – Alternating or direct current
Risk of electric shock. The voltage at the parts marked with this symbol may be
dangerous.
Important instructions to read and understand completely.
Important information to acknowledge.
Ground/Earth symbol
In conformity with WEEE 2002/96/EC
Denition of Measurement Categories (CAT)
CAT IV Measurement category IV corresponds to measurements taken at the
source of low-voltage installations.
Example: power feeders, counters and protection devices.
CAT III Measurement category III corresponds to measurements on building
installations.
Example: distribution panel, circuit-breakers, machines or xed
industrial devices.
CAT II Measurement category II corresponds to measurements taken on
circuits directly connected to low-voltage installations.
Example: power supply to domestic electrical appliances and portable
tools.

2Multimeter Models 5212/5215/5217
PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
The protection obtained by the instrument can be compromised if it is used
in a way that is not recommended by the manufacturer. Carefully read and
understand all required precautions when using this instrument.
Failure to comply with these safety instructions can create a risk of electric shock,
re, and explosion; resulting in destruction of the instrument, injury to the user,
and damage to the facility. If the instrument is used other than as specied in this
manual, the protection provided by the instrument may be impaired.
■Before using the instrument, make sure it functions properly by measuring a
known voltage, and check continuity by short-circuiting both test leads.
■Do not use the instrument in an explosive atmosphere or in the presence of
ammable gas or smoke.
■Do not use the instrument on electrical networks with a rated voltage or
category higher than those listed for the instrument.
■Respect the maximum rated voltages and currents between terminals and in
relation to ground/earth.
■Do not use the instrument if it appears damaged, incomplete, or incorrectly
closed.
■Before each use, check the condition of the insulation of the leads, the
instrument, and all accessories. Any insulation that appears damaged (even
partially) must be taken out of service for repair or disposal.
■Use leads and accessories for voltage according to IEC 61010-031 and
measurement categories at least equal to those of the instrument. An
accessory with a lower category reduces the category of the combined
multimeter/accessory combination to that of the accessory.
■Respect the environmental conditions of use listed in this manual.
■ Strictly comply with the fuse specications. Disconnect all cables before
opening the fuse access cover.
■Do not modify the instrument or replace components using substitute parts.
Repairs and adjustments must be performed by AEMC®Instruments.
■Replace the battery immediately if the symbol appears on the display.
Disconnect all leads before opening the battery access cover.
■Use personal protection equipment when conditions require it.
■ Keep hands and ngers away from unused terminals.

Multimeter Models 5212/5215/5217 3
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................5
1.1 Receiving Your Shipment......................................................................5
1.2 Ordering Information.............................................................................5
1.2.1 Replacement Parts...................................................................5
1.3 Introducing the Models 5212, 5215 & 5217..........................................6
1.4 Front Panel ...........................................................................................8
1.5 LCD Screen ..........................................................................................9
1.6 Buttons ...............................................................................................10
1.7 Selection Dial......................................................................................10
1.8 Terminals ............................................................................................11
2. SET UP & OPERATION .................................................................................12
2.1 Setup ..................................................................................................12
2.1.1 Installing Batteries ..................................................................12
2.1.2 Mounting.................................................................................13
2.1.3 Instrument Check ...................................................................14
2.2 Measurement Options ........................................................................14
2.2.1 Manual Range and Auto Range .............................................15
2.2.2 Display Hold ...........................................................................15
2.2.3 Max-Min Spread (Models 5215 and 5217) .............................15
2.2.4 Relative Measurement (Models 5215 and 5217) ...................16
2.3 Operation............................................................................................16
2.3.1 Non-Contact Voltage Detection (NCV) ...................................17
2.3.2 Voltage Measurement.............................................................18
2.3.3 DC and AC Current Measurement..........................................19
2.3.4 Continuity Check ....................................................................20
2.3.5 Resistance Measurement.......................................................21
2.3.6 Diode Test...............................................................................22
2.3.7 Capacitance Measurement.....................................................23
2.3.8 Frequency & Duty Cycle Measurement (Model 5217)............24
2.3.9 Temperature Measurement (Model 5217) ..............................24
3. SPECIFICATIONS .........................................................................................25
3.1 Reference Conditions .........................................................................25
3.2 General Specications........................................................................25
3.3 Measurement Resolution and Accuracy .............................................26

4Multimeter Models 5212/5215/5217
4. MAINTENANCE............................................................................................28
4.1 Battery Check .....................................................................................28
4.2 Cleaning..............................................................................................28
4.3 Testing and Replacing Fuses..............................................................28
4.3.1 Testing the 10A Fuse ..............................................................28
4.3.2 Testing the 630mA Fuse .........................................................29
4.3.3 Replacing a Fuse....................................................................29
4.4 Metrological Check and Calibration....................................................30
4.5 Technical and Sales Assistance..........................................................30
4.6 Limited Warranty.................................................................................31
4.7 Warranty Repairs................................................................................31

Multimeter Models 5212/5215/5217 5
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Receiving Your Shipment
Upon receiving your shipment, make sure that the contents are consistent with the
packing list. Notify your distributor of any missing items. If the equipment appears
to be damaged, le a claim immediately with the carrier and notify your distributor
at once, giving a detailed description of any damage. Save the damaged packing
container to substantiate your claim.
1.2 Ordering Information
Multimeter Model 5212...................................................................Cat. #2154.07
Multimeter Model 5215...................................................................Cat. #2154.08
Multimeter Model 5217...................................................................Cat. #2154.09
Includes meter, soft carrying pouch, set of 2 color-coded leads (red/black), K-Thermocouple
adapter (Model 5217), two 1.5V AA batteries and a user manual.
1.2.1 Accessories
Lead - Set of 2, 5 ft (1.5m) Color-coded (Red/Black) Silicone Leads,
Test Probes & Alligator Clips {Rated 1000V CAT IV}........................ Cat. #2152.05
MultiFix (universal mounting system) ...............................................Cat. #5000.44
1.2.2 Replacement Parts
Soft Carrying Pouch .........................................................................Cat. #2154.71
Lead - Set of 2, 5 ft (1.5m) Needle Tip Color-coded (Red/Black) w/4mm Right-angle
Plug {600V CAT IV w/shield on Needle Tip, 1000V CAT II w/o sheild} ..Cat. #2154.74
K-Thermocouple w/4mm integrated adapter ....................................Cat. #2139.71
Fuse - Set of 5, 10A, 1000V (Fast Blow), 30kA,
0.4 x 1.2" (10 x 30mm) .....................................................................Cat. #2154.75
Fuse - Set of 5, 0.63A, 1000V (Fast Blow), 10kA,
0.25 x 1.26" (6.3 x 32mm) ................................................................Cat. #2154.76
Order Accessories and Replacement Parts Directly Online
Check our Storefront at www.aemc.com for availability

6Multimeter Models 5212/5215/5217
1.3 Introducing the Models 5212, 5215 & 5217
The Digital Multimeter Models 5212, 5215, and 5217 measure electrical and
physical quantities, including:
■AC and DC Voltage
■AC and DC Current
■Resistance and Continuity
■Capacitance
■Frequency and duty cycle (Model 5217)
■Temperature (Model 5217)
The instrument can also perform continuity checks, voltage detection, and diode
testing (including forward bias voltage). Measurement features include Auto
Range mode, which enables the instrument to select the best range for the input
detected, and a Data Hold function.
The following table lists the various features respectively:
Model 5212 Model 5215 Model 5217
TRMS ● ● ●
LCD 4000 cts 6000 cts 6000 cts
NCV ● ● ●
VLowZ ● ● ●
VAC ● ● ●
VDC ● ● ●
mVAC ● ●
mVDC ● ●
AAC ● ● ●
ADC ● ● ●
mAAC ● ●
mADC ● ●
µAAC ● ●
µADC ● ●
Temperature °C & °F ●
Resistance ● ● ●
Diode test ● ● ●
Continuity ● ● ●
Capacitance ● ● ●
HOLD ● ● ●
Backlight ● ● ●
Flashlight ● ● ●

Multimeter Models 5212/5215/5217 7
Model 5212 Model 5215 Model 5217
Auto Range ● ● ●
Max-Min ● ●
Frequency (Hz) and
Duty Cycle
●
Relative Measurement ● ●
Sleep Mode ● ● ●

8Multimeter Models 5212/5215/5217
1.4 Front Panel
HOLD
OFF
COM
10A
600V CAT III
FUSED
630mA
FUSED
10A 1000V
750V~
max
NCV
Max-Min
Range
REL
Hz/%
µ
m
A
2
1
9
10
11
12
13
3
4
5
6
7
8
Figure 2-1 (Model 5217 Shown) aaaaa
The instrument front panel consists primarily of an LCD display, a rotary mode
selection dial, function buttons, and input terminals. Di󰀨erent instrument models
provide di󰀨erent combinations of buttons, modes, and terminals.
1"Flashlight" LED 8Common input terminal
2LCD display 9Range button
3Function (yellow) button
Sleep mode enable/disable 10 Relative Measurement button (Models 5215/5217)
4
HOLD button
Short press: Holds measurement
Long (>2s) press: turns on back-
light/ashlight
11 Frequency/duty cycle button
(Model 5217)
5Maximum/Minimum button
(Models 5215 and 5217) 12 µ/mA current input terminal (Models 5215/5217)
6Measurement selection dial 13 Voltage input terminal
710A current input terminal

Multimeter Models 5212/5215/5217 9
1.5 LCD Screen
987
101112131415
1
2
3 4 5 6
Figure 2-2
In the center of the front panel is the LCD screen. In addition to displaying mea-
surement results, the LCD includes a number of indicator symbols.
1Relative mode 9Duty cycle percentage
2Auto ranging enabled 10 Measurement
(resistance or frequency)
3Low Battery indicator 11 Decimal prex (mega or kilo)
4Sleep mode (auto-shutdown)
enabled 12 Continuity test selected
5Max, Min, or Max minus Min indicator 13 Diode test selected
6Fahrenheit or Celsius indicator 14 AC or DC indicator
7Decimal prex
(nano, micro, or milli) 15 Display Hold enabled
8Amps or volts indicator;
Capacitance (Farads) indicator

10 Multimeter Models 5212/5215/5217
1.6 Buttons
Below the LCD is a set of up to six buttons (model dependent).
Figure 2-3 (Model 5217) xxxx
■HOLD freezes the measurement display (see § 2.2.2). A long press (>2 seconds)
turns ON the "ashlight" on the top of the instrument, and the LCD backlight.
■(Yellow button) performs several tasks, depending on the instrument
mode. These include:
-Enable and disable Sleep mode (§ 2.1.1.1)
-Toggle between AC and DC in current and voltage measurements (§ 2.3.2
and 2.3.3)
-Toggle between continuity/ resistance/ diode/capacitance measurement
(§ 2.3.4 through 2.3.6)
-Toggle between °C and °F for temperature measurements on Model 5217
(§ 2.3.9)
■Range enables/disables auto ranging (§ 2.2.1).
■Max-Min (Models 5215 and 5217) enables Max-Min mode (§ 2.2.3).
■ΔREL (Models 5215 and 5217) enables relative measurement mode (§ 2.2.4).
■Hz% (Model 5217) enables frequency and duty cycle measurement (§ 2.3.8).
1.7 Selection Dial
The rotary selection dial determines the type of measurement to be made.
OFF
10A
NCV
µ
mA
Figure 2-4 (Model 5217) xxxx

Multimeter Models 5212/5215/5217 11
OFF Turns the instrument OFF Temperature (Model 5217)
NCV Non-Contact Voltage
detection
Continuity/Resistance/Diode
test/Capacitance/Fuse check
Voltage with instrument
set to low impedance
voltage mode
Amps
Voltage with instrument set to
normal voltage mode
milliamps
(Models 5215 and 5217)
millivolts
(Models 5212 and 5215)
microamps
(Models 5215 and 5217)
1.8 Terminals
The instrument includes three (Model 5212) or four (Models 5215 and 5217)
input terminals.
COM
10A
600V CAT III
FUSED
630mA
FUSED
10A 1000V
750V~
max
µ
mA
Figure 2-5 (Models 5215 and 5217)
■10A is used for measuring AC and DC current up to 10A, and (Model 5217)
current frequency/duty cycle. For the Model 5212 this terminal is used for all
current measurements. For the Models 5215 and 5217 this is used for
(amp) measurements.
■(Models 5215 and 5217) is used for AC and DC milliamp and microamp
current measurements up to 600mA.
■COM (Common) is the “return” terminal used for all measurements.
■+ is used for measuring voltage, capacitance, and resistance; for checking
circuit continuity; and for checking diodes. For the Model 5217, this terminal is
also used for measuring temperature and voltage frequency/duty cycle.

12 Multimeter Models 5212/5215/5217
2. SET UP & OPERATION
2.1 Setup
The instrument requires a few simple setup steps before use. This includes:
■Install the batteries and perform a battery check.
■Perform a quick instrument check.
■ Select a mounting format (at or hand-held, magnetic mount, stand).
2.1.1 Installing Batteries
The instrument uses two AA batteries. To install the batteries:
1. Ensure all leads are disconnected from the instrument and the circuit.
2. Remove the protective rubber shock-proof housing from the instrument.
3. Using a screwdriver, remove the two battery cover screws on the back.
4. Lift the instrument stand, and then gently pull on the stand to separate
the battery cover from the instrument.
5. Place the batteries in the casing. Be sure to position each with the
correct polarity.
6. Replace the battery cover, screws, and protective housing.
7. Turn ON the instrument by selecting any dial setting and check that it
powers up correctly. Then check the LCD to see whether or not the Low
Battery indicator is displayed. If so, replace the batteries.
Figure 3-1

Multimeter Models 5212/5215/5217 13
2.1.1.1 Sleep Mode
To extend battery life, the instrument includes a Sleep mode feature.
In Sleep mode, the LCD turns OFF after 30 minutes of inactivity. Pressing the
(yellow button) restores the LCD. When Sleep mode is enabled, the
P
symbol appears.
To disable the Sleep mode feature, press and hold down while turning the
instrument ON. (Sleep mode will be re-enabled the next time you turn the instru-
ment ON.)
2.1.2 Mounting
The instrument can be mounted three di󰀨erent ways:
■Stand: The instrument includes a pull-out stand. When this stand is extended,
the instrument can be placed on a horizontal surface for viewing in an upright
position.
Figure 3-2
■Mounting Slot: On the back of the instrument is a slot that can be slid over a
screw head or other mounting point. This lets you mount the instrument to a wall
or other permanent location.
■Magnet Mount: The removable protective housing includes a set of molded-
in magnets located near the top. These allow the instrument to be a󰀩xed onto
a magnetic surface.

14 Multimeter Models 5212/5215/5217
2.1.3 Instrument Check
Before using the instrument for the rst time, perform a quick series of steps to
ensure it is working properly. We also recommend performing this procedure
whenever you operate the instrument after a prolonged period of inactivity (a
week or longer).
1. Ensure all leads are disconnected from the instrument and the circuit.
2. Turn the instrument ON. Check the startup screen to ensure all symbols
and indicators display. (Due to the short duration the startup screen
appears, you may need to turn the instrument ON and OFF more than
once to check every part of the screen.
3. Turn the rotary dial to the Continuity setting. The LCD should
display the symbol OL, indicating an overload condition.
4. With the dial still on , insert the red test lead into the + (voltage)
terminal and the black test lead into the COM terminal. Touch the leads
together; the beeper should sound, and after a few moments a reading
close to 000.0 should appear on the LCD.
5. Turn the dial to a voltage setting (for example ), select AC or DC
by pressing , and touch the leads to a known voltage (such as a
battery or AC electrical outlet) to ensure the reading is accurate.
2.2 Measurement Options
The instrument includes several features that enhance its measurement and
display capabilities, including:
■Manual and Auto Range let you set the measurement range yourself
or enable the instrument to do it.
■Display HOLD lets you “freeze” a measurement displayed on the
screen.
■Maximum/Minimum mode displays the maximum and minimum
measurements and the di󰀨erence between them (Models 5215 and
5217).
■Relative Measurement denes a measurement value against which
subsequent measurements will be compared (Models 5215 and 5217).

Multimeter Models 5212/5215/5217 15
2.2.1 Manual Range and Auto Range
The instrument features both manual range and Auto Range options. Auto Range
enables the instrument to automatically select the best measurement range for
the detected resistance, voltage, current, or capacitance input. This allows you to
have the best resolution without manually resetting the range.
By default, the instrument starts in Auto Range mode, as indicated by the AUTO
indicator on the LCD. To enable manual ranging, press the Range button. Each
subsequent press of this button increases the measurement range by one order
of magnitude (10x). When the highest range is reached, pressing this button
returns to the lowest range.
To exit manual ranging, press and hold down the Range button until AUTO is
displayed on the LCD.
2.2.2 Display Hold
To freeze a measurement displayed on the LCD, press the HOLD button once.
The measurement will remain on the screen until you press the HOLD button
a second time to resume normal measurement display. When display hold is
enabled, the symbol appears on the LCD.
2.2.3 Max-Min Spread (Models 5215 and 5217)
By default, the instrument displays measurements continuously in real-time. You
can instead have the instrument display only the minimum and maximum values
of a measurement session. To do this, turn the instrument dial to the desired
measurement type, and proceed as follows:
1. Press the Max-Min button. This initiates Max-Min mode, with the
maximum value displayed for the measurement session. (The MAX
symbol appears.) This value will remain on the screen until a higher
value is measured.
2. Press the Max-Min button a second time to view the minimum value
measured during this session. (The MIN symbol appears.) As with the
maximum, the minimum value remains on the LCD until a lower value is
measured.
3. Press the Max-Min button a third time to display the di󰀨erence (spread)
obtained by subtracting the maximum from the minimum. (The MAX-MIN
symbol appears.)
4. To exit this mode, press and hold down the Max-Min button for longer
than 2 seconds.
NOTE: Auto Range is disabled in Max-Min mode.

16 Multimeter Models 5212/5215/5217
2.2.4 Relative Measurement (Models 5215 and 5217)
The instrument lets you dene a measurement against which other measure-
ments can be compared. The LCD will then display the di󰀨erence between the
present measurement and the dened “reference” measurement. This feature is
available for all measurement types except frequency, duty cycle, NCV, diode,
and continuity.
To set the reference measurement, turn the instrument dial to the desired
measurement type, and proceed as follows:
1. Touch the test leads to the circuit.
2. When the desired measurement is displayed, press the ΔREL button.
This stores the measured value as the reference, and activates relative
measurement mode. (The ΔREL symbol appears on the LCD.)
3. As you take additional measurements, the LCD displays the di󰀨erence
between the real-time measurement and the reference measurement.
4. To exit relative measurement mode, press ΔREL until the ΔREL symbol
disappears.
NOTE: Auto Range is disabled in relative measurement mode.
2.3 Operation
All Model 5200 series instruments can perform the following:
■Voltage measurement (including low impedance voltage via the
setting)
■Current measurement
■Capacitance measurement
■Resistance measurement
■Diode test (including measuring forward bias voltage and polarity
detection)
■Continuity check
■Non-contact voltage detection
In addition, the Model 5217 provides the following measurements:
■Frequency and duty cycle
■Temperature
WARNING
Be sure to carefully observe all safety precautions when testing
components, especially when working with unknown currents or voltages.