Agilent Technologies U1211A User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent U1211A, U1212A,
and U1213A
Clamp Meters
User’s and Service Guide

II User’s and Service Guide
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc., 2009 – 2012
No part of this manual may be reproduced in
any form or by any means (including elec-
tronic storage and retrieval or translation
into a foreign language) without prior agree-
ment and written consent from Agilent
Technologies, Inc. as governed by United
States and international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
U1211-90001
Edition
Seventh Edition, June 6, 2012
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
5301 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95051 USA
Trademark Acknowledgements
Pentium is a U.S. registered trademark of
Intel Corporation.
Microsoft, Visual Studio, Windows, and MS
Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Cor-
poration in the United States and or other
countries.
Warranty
The material contained in this docu-
ment is provided “as is,” and is sub-
ject to change, without notice, in
future editions. Further, to the maxi-
mum extent permitted by the applica-
ble law, Agilent disclaims all
warranties, either express or implied,
with regard to this manual and any
information contained herein, includ-
ing but not limited to the implied war-
ranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose. Agilent shall
not be liable for errors or for inciden-
tal or consequential damages in con-
nection with the furnishing, use, or
performance of this document or of
any information contained herein.
Should Agilent and the user have a
separate written agreement with
warranty terms covering the material
in this document that conflict with
these terms, the warranty terms in the
separate agreement shall control.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and or software described in
this document are furnished under a license
and may be used or copied only in accor-
dance with the terms of such license.
Restricted Rights Legend
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ware and technical data rights granted to
the federal government include only those
rights customarily provided to end user cus-
tomers. Agilent provides this customary
commercial license in Software and techni-
cal data pursuant to FAR 12.211 (Technical
Data) and 12.212 (Computer Software) and,
for the Department of Defense, DFARS
252.227-7015 (Technical Data - Commercial
Items) and DFARS 227.7202-3 (Rights in
Commercial Computer Software or Com-
puter Software Documentation).
Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a haz-
ard. It calls attention to an operat-
ing procedure, practice, or the likes
of that, if not correctly performed
or adhered to, could result in dam-
age to the product or loss of impor-
tant data. Do not proceed beyond a
CAUTION notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and
met.
WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or
the likes of that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could
result in personal injury or death.
Do not proceed beyond a WARN-
ING notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood
and met.

User’s and Service Guide III
Safety Symbols
The following symbols on the instrument and in the documentation indicate precautions
which must be taken to maintain safe operation of the instrument.
Direct current (DC) Caution, risk of electric shock
Alternating current (AC) Caution, risk of danger (refer to this manual
for specific Warning or Caution information)
Earth (ground) terminal
Equipment protected throughout by
double insulation or reinforced
insulation
Category III 1000 V overvoltage protection Application around and removal from
HAZARDOUS LIVE conductors is permitted
Category IV 600 V overvoltage protection
CAT III
1000 V
CAT IV
600 V

IV User’s and Service Guide
General Safety Information
WARNING
• When working above 30 VAC RMS or 60 VDC, exercise caution – such range
poses a shock hazard.
• Do not measure more than the rated current and voltage (as marked on the
clamp meter).
• Ensure the test leads are disconnected from the input terminals when
measuring current with the clamp meter. Keep your fingers behind the hand
guard when performing measurements.
• When connecting probes, always connect the common test probe first. When
disconnecting probes, always disconnect the live test probe first.
• Detach test probes from the clamp meter before you open the battery cover.
• Do not use the clamp meter with the battery cover or part of the cover removed
or loose.
• Replace the battery as soon as the low battery indicator is shown on the
annunciator display. This is to avoid false readings, which may lead to possible
electric shock or personal injury.
• When measuring temperature, keep the thermocouple probe as close to the
meter as possible, and avoid contact with surface above 30 VAC RMS or 60 VDC
as this will pose shock hazard.
• Do not operate the product in an explosive atmosphere or in the presence of
flammable gases or fumes.
• Inspect the case for cracks or missing plastic. Pay extra attention to the
insulation surrounding the connectors. Do not use the clamp meter if it is
damaged.
• Inspect the test probes for damaged insulation or exposed metal, and check for
continuity. Do not use the test probe if it is damaged.
• Do not service or perform adjustments alone. Under certain condition,
hazardous voltages may exist, even with the equipment switched off. To avoid
dangerous electric shock, service personnel must not attempt internal service
or adjustment unless another person, capable of rendering resuscitation or first
aid, is present.

User’s and Service Guide V
Use the clamp meter only as specified in this guide. Otherwise, the protection provided by
the clamp meter may be impaired.
WARNING
• Do not substitute parts or modify equipment to avoid the danger of introducing
additional hazards. Return the product to the nearest Agilent Technologies
Sales and Service office for service and repair to ensure the safety features are
maintained.
• Do not operate damaged equipment as the safety protection features built into
this product may have been impaired, either through physical damage,
excessive moisture, or any other reason. Remove power and do not use the
product until safe operation can be verified by service-trained personnel. If
necessary, return the product to the nearest Agilent Technologies Sales and
Service office for service and repair to ensure the safety features are
maintained.
CAUTION
•Turn off circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors in the circuit
before you perform resistance and capacitance measurements or continuity and
diode tests.
•Use the correct terminals, function, and range for your measurements.
•Never measure voltage when current measurement is selected.
•Use only the recommended battery type. Ensure proper insertion of battery in the
clamp meter, and follow the correct polarity.

VI User’s and Service Guide
Environmental Conditions
This instrument is designed for indoor use and in an area with low condensation. The table
below shows the general environmental requirements for this instrument.
Environmental conditions Requirements
Operating temperature –10 °C to 50 °C
Relative humidity Maximum 80% RH for temperature up to 31 °C
decreasing linearly to 50% RH at 50 °C
Altitude (operating) 2000 meters
Storage temperature –20 °C to 60 °C
Storage humidity 0% to 80% RH non-condensing

User’s and Service Guide VII
Regulatory Markings
The CE mark is a registered trademark
of the European Community. This CE
mark shows that the product complies
with all the relevant European Legal
Directives.
The C-tick mark is a registered
trademark of the Spectrum
Management Agency of Australia. This
signifies compliance with
the Australia EMC Framework
regulations under the terms of the
Radio Communication Act of 1992.
The CSA mark is a registered
trademark of the Canadian Standards
Association.
This symbol indicates the time period
during which no hazardous or toxic
substance elements are expected to
leak or deteriorate during normal use.
Forty years is the expected useful life
of the product.
ICES/NMB-001 indicates that this ISM
device complies with the Canadian
ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est confomre a la
norme NMB-001 du Canada.
This instrument complies with the
WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking
requirement. This affixed product label
indicates that you must not discard
this electrical or electronic product in
domestic household waste.

VIII User’s and Service Guide
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC
This instrument complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking requirement.
This affixed product label indicates that you must not discard this electrical or electronic
product in domestic household waste.
Product Category:
With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE directive Annex 1, this instrument is
classified as a “Monitoring and Control Instrument” product.
The affixed product label is as shown below.
Do not dispose in domestic household waste
To return this unwanted instrument, contact your nearest Agilent Service Centre, or visit:
www.agilent.com/environment/product
for more information.

User’s and Service Guide IX
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this instrument is available on the Web site. You
can search the DoC by its product model or description.
http://regulations.corporate.agilent.com/DoC/search.htm
NOTE
If you are unable to search for the respective DoC, please contact your
local Agilent representative.

XUser’s and Service Guide
THIS PAGE HAS BEEN INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

Table of Contents
User’s and Service Guide XI
Table of Contents
1 Getting Started
Introduction 20
Features 21
Initial Inspection 22
Standard purchase items 22
Product at a glance 23
The front panel at a glance 23
The annunciator display at a glance 24
The buttons at a glance 27
The rotary switch at a glance 30
The terminals at a glance 31
The clamp jaw at a glance 32
The rear panel at a glance 33
2 Making Measurements
Performing Current Measurement 36
Performing Voltage Measurement 38
Performing Resistance Measurement and Continuity Test 40
Performing Diode Measurement 43
Performing Capacitance Measurement 46
Performing Temperature Measurement 48
3 Functions and Features
Data Hold (Trigger Hold) 52
Enabling the data hold function 52
Refresh Hold 54
Enabling the refresh hold function 54

Table of Contents
XII User’s and Service Guide
Dynamic Recording 56
Enabling the dynamic recording mode 56
1 ms Peak Hold 59
Enabling the 1 ms peak hold function 59
Null (Relative) 61
Enabling the null operation 61
4 Changing the Default Settings
Selecting Setup Menu 64
Default Factory Settings and Available Setting Options 66
Setting minimum frequency measurement 68
Setting beep frequency 69
Setting Data Hold/Refresh Hold mode 70
Setting auto power-off mode 71
Setting backlight power-on duration 72
Setting temperature unit 72
Returning to default factory settings 75
5 Maintenance
General Maintenance 78
Battery replacement 79
Troubleshooting 81
6 Performance Tests and Calibration
Calibration Overview 84
Closed-case electronic calibration 84
Agilent Technologies calibration services 84
Calibration Interval 84
Adjustment recommendation 85
Recommended Test Equipment 86

Table of Contents
User’s and Service Guide XIII
Basic Operating Tests 87
Testing the display 87
Testing the backlight 87
Test Considerations 88
Input connections 89
Performance Verification Tests 90
Functional tests (only for U1212A and U1213A) 95
Calibration Security 98
Unsecuring the instrument for calibration 98
Adjustment Considerations 101
Valid adjustment reference input values 102
Front Panel Calibration 107
Calibration process 107
Adjustment procedures 107
Adjustment count 115
Error Codes 117
7 Characteristics and Specifications
Product Characteristics 120
U1211A Electrical Specifications 122
DC specifications 122
AC specifications 123
Voltage 1 ms peak hold specifications 124
Current 1 ms peak hold specifications 124
Frequency specifications 125
Operating specifications 126
U1212A Electrical Specifications 127
DC specifications 127
AC specifications 129
Voltage 1 ms peak hold specifications 130

Table of Contents
XIV User’s and Service Guide
Current 1 ms peak hold specifications 130
Temperature specifications 131
Frequency specifications 132
Operations specifications 133
U1213A Electrical Specifications 134
DC specifications 134
AC specifications 136
AC + DC specifications 137
Voltage 1 ms peak hold specifications 138
Current 1 ms peak hold specifications 138
Temperature specifications 139
Frequency specifications 140
Duty cycle 141
Operations specifications 141

List of Figures
User’s and Service Guide XV
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Agilent U1211A, U1212A, and U1213A Clamp Meters 20
Figure 1-2 Clamp meter front panel 23
Figure 1-3 LCD annunciator display with full segments displayed 24
Figure 1-4 Hold/Max Min button 27
Figure 1-5 Function and status buttons 28
Figure 1-6 Clamp meter rotary switch 30
Figure 1-7 Clamp meter terminal inputs 31
Figure 1-8 Clamp jaw close and open state 32
Figure 1-9 Clamp meter rear panel 33
Figure 2-1 Measuring current 37
Figure 2-2 Measuring voltage 39
Figure 2-3 Measuring resistance 41
Figure 2-4 Continuity test 42
Figure 2-5 Measuring diode (forward bias) 44
Figure 2-6 Measuring diode (reverse bias) 45
Figure 2-7 Measuring capacitance 47
Figure 2-8 Measuring temperature 49
Figure 3-1 Data hold operation 53
Figure 3-2 Refresh hold operation 55
Figure 3-3 Dynamic recording mode 58
Figure 3-4 1 ms peak hold mode operation 60
Figure 3-5 Null (relative) mode operation 62
Figure 4-1 Setting the minimum frequency 68
Figure 4-2 Setting the beep frequency 69
Figure 4-3 Setting the data hold or refresh hold mode 70
Figure 4-4 Setting the auto power-off duration 72
Figure 4-5 Setting the backlight power-on duration 72
Figure 4-6 Setting the temperature unit 74
Figure 4-7 Reverting to default factory settings 75
Figure 5-1 Replacing the battery in the clamp meter 80
Figure 6-1 Full segments of annunciator display 87
Figure 6-2 Current performance verification test setup 94
Figure 6-3 Typical adjustment process flow 109
Figure 6-4 Displaying adjustment counts 116

List of Figures
XVI User’s and Service Guide

List of Tables
User’s and Service Guide XVII
List of Tables
Ta b l e 1 - 1 U1211A, U1212A, and U1213A annunciator display 24
Ta b l e 1 - 2 Analog bar-graph ranges 26
Ta b l e 1 - 3 Hold/Max Min button description 27
Ta b l e 1 - 4 Terminal connections for different measurement functions 31
Ta b l e 4 - 1 Setup mode buttons operation 64
Ta b l e 4 - 2 Default factory settings and available setting options for each
feature 66
Ta b l e 5 - 1 Basic troubleshooting procedures 81
Ta b l e 6 - 1 Recommended test equipment 86
Ta b l e 6 - 2 Performance verification tests 91
Ta b l e 6 - 2 Performance verification tests (continued) 93
Ta b l e 6 - 3 DC current offset verification test 95
Ta b l e 6 - 4 AC current balancing verification test 97
Ta b l e 6 - 5 U1211A valid adjustment reference input values 102
Ta b l e 6 - 6 U1212A valid adjustment reference input values 103
Ta b l e 6 - 7 U1213A valid adjustment reference input values 104
Ta b l e 6 - 8 U1211A list of adjustment items 110
Ta b l e 6 - 9 U1212A list of adjustment items 111
Table 6-10 U1213A list of adjustment items 113
Table 6-11 Error codes and their respective meanings 117
Ta b l e 7 - 1 Product characteristics 120
Ta b l e 7 - 2 U1211A DC accuracy ± (% of reading + number of LSD) 122
Ta b l e 7 - 3 U1211A AC accuracy ± (% of reading + number of LSD) 123
Ta b l e 7 - 4 U1211A voltage 1 ms peak hold specifications 124
Ta b l e 7 - 5 U1211A current 1ms peak hold specifications 124
Ta b l e 7 - 6 U1211A frequency accuracy specifications ± (% of reading + number of
LSD) 125
Ta b l e 7 - 7 U1211A frequency sensitivity during voltage and current
measurement 125
Ta b l e 7 - 8 U1211A measuring rate 126
Ta b l e 7 - 9 U1212A DC accuracy ± (% of reading + number of LSD) 127
Table 7-10 U1212A AC accuracy ± (% of reading + number of LSD) 129
Table 7-11 U1212A voltage 1 ms peak hold specifications 130
Table 7-12 U1212A current 1 ms peak hold specifications 130
Table 7-13 U1212A temperature specifications 131

List of Tables
XVIII User’s and Service Guide
Table 7-14 U1212A frequency accuracy specifications ± (% of reading + number of
LSD) 132
Table 7-15 U1212A frequency sensitivity during voltage and current
measurement 132
Table 7-16 U1212A measuring rate 133
Table 7-17 U1213A DC accuracy ± (% of reading + number of LSD) 134
Table 7-18 U1213A AC accuracy ± (% of reading + number of LSD) 136
Table 7-19 U1213A AC + DC voltage accuracy ± (% of reading + number of
LSD) 137
Table 7-20 U1213A AC + DC current accuracy ± (% of reading + number of
LSD) 137
Table 7-21 U1213A voltage 1 ms peak hold specifications 138
Table 7-22 U1213A current 1 ms peak hold specifications 138
Table 7-23 U1213A temperature specifications 139
Table 7-24 U1213A frequency accuracy specifications ± (% of reading + number of
LSD) 140
Table 7-25 U1213A frequency sensitivity during voltage and current
measurement 140
Table 7-26 U1213A duty cycle accuracy specification 141
Table 7-27 U1213A measuring rate 141

19
Agilent Technologies
Agilent U1211A, U1212A, and U1213A Clamp Meters
User’s and Service Guide
1
Getting Started
Introduction 20
Features 21
Initial Inspection 22
Standard purchase items 22
Product at a glance 23
The front panel at a glance 23
The annunciator display at a glance 24
The buttons at a glance 27
The rotary switch at a glance 30
The terminals at a glance 31
The clamp jaw at a glance 32
The rear panel at a glance 33
This chapter contains a brief introduction and description of the front
panel, display, buttons, and terminals on the Agilent U1211A, U1212A, and
U1213A Clamp Meters.

20 User’s and Service Guide
1GettingStarted
Introduction
Introduction
The Agilent U1211A, U1212A, and U1213A Clamp Meters are true RMS
handheld clamp meters that enables you to measure harmonic currents
accurately. Besides measuring current, the clamp meters are combined
with built- in multimeter measurement features to enable other
measurements associated to a multimeter.
All the clamp meter models are able to measure AC current, AC and DC
voltage, resistance, audible continuity, diode, capacitance, and frequency.
The U1212A has additional DC current and temperature measurement
functions. The U1213A has additional AC + DC current, AC + DC voltage,
and duty cycle tests apart from the additional measurement features from
the U1212A.
Figure 1-1 Agilent U1211A, U1212A, and U1213A Clamp Meters
U1211A U1212A U1213A