Amprobe ACD-15 Pro User manual

User Manual
ACD-15 Pro &
ACD-15 TRMS Pro
Clamp-on Multimeter Series
For detailed specifications and ordering info go to www.TestEquipmentDepot.com

ACD-15 Pro &
ACD-15 TRMS Pro
Clamp-on Multimeter Series
Users Manual
©2007 Amprobe Test Tools.
Users Manual

Limited Warranty and Limitation of Liability
Your Amprobe product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for 1
year from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover fuses, disposable batteries
or damage from accident, neglect, misuse, alteration, contamination, or abnormal
conditions of operation or handling. Resellers are not authorized to extend any other
warranty on Amprobe’s behalf. To obtain service during the warranty period, return the
product with proof of purchase to an authorized Amprobe Test Tools Service Center or
to an Amprobe dealer or distributor. See Repair Section for details. THIS WARRANTY
IS YOUR ONLY REMEDY. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES - WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED
OR STAUTORY - INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY, ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED. MANUFACTURER
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES OR LOSSES, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY. Since some states or
countries do not allow the exclusion or limitation of an implied warranty or of incidental
or consequential damages, this limitation of liability may not apply to you.
Repair
All test tools returned for warranty or non-warranty repair or for calibration should
be accompanied by the following: your name, company’s name, address, telephone
number, and proof of purchase. Additionally, please include a brief description of
the problem or the service requested and include the test leads with the meter. Non-
warranty repair or replacement charges should be remitted in the form of a check, a
money order, credit card with expiration date, or a purchase order made payable to
Amprobe® Test Tools.
In-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – All Countries
Please read the warranty statement and check your battery before requesting
repair. During the warranty period any defective test tool can be returned to your
Amprobe® Test Tools distributor for an exchange for the same or like product.

Non-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – US and Canada
Non-warranty repairs in the United States and Canada should be sent to a
Amprobe® Test Tools Service Center. Call Amprobe® Test Tools or inquire at your
point of purchase for current repair and replacement rates.
Non-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – Europe
European non-warranty units can be replaced by your Amprobe® Test
Tools distributor for a nominal charge.

1
ACD-15 Pro & ACD-15 TRMS Pro
Clamp-on Multimeter Series
Contents
SAFETY..................................................................................................................2
TERMS IN THIS MANUAL .................................................................................2
INTERNATIONAL ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS...............................................................3
CE Directives .......................................................................................................3
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................4
OPERATION..........................................................................................................5
Hi-Z DCV, ACV & Line-Level Hz functions ...................................................6
AutoTectTM mode ...............................................................................................7
Electric Field EF-Detection ..............................................................................9
600Ω/ •/ functions ..........................................................................10
MAINTENANCE ...................................................................................................11
SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................................13
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS..........................................................................14

2
SAFETY
This manual contains information and warnings that must be followed
to operate the instrument safely and maintain the instrument in a safe
operating condition. If the instrument is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the instrument may be impaired.
The meter meets the requirements for double insulation to EN61010-1:2001;
EN61010-2-032:2002), UL3111-2-032(1999):
Category III 600 Volts ac and dc.
PER IEC61010 OVERVOLTAGE INSTALLATION CATEGORY
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II is energy-consuming equipment to
be supplied from the fixed installation.
Note – Examples include household, office, and laboratory appliances.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III is equipment in fixed installations.
Note – Examples include switches in the fixed installation and some equipment
for industrial use with permanent connection to the fixed installation.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY IV
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY IV is for use at the origin of the
installation. Note – Examples include electricity meters and primary over-
current protection equipment.
TERMS IN THIS MANUAL
WARNING identifies conditions and actions that could result in serious injury or
even death to the user.
CAUTION identifies conditions and actions that could cause damage or
malfunction in the instrument.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or
moisture. The meter is intended only for indoor use.

3
To avoid electrical shock hazard, observe the proper safety precautions when
working with voltages above 60 VDC or 30 VAC rms. These voltage levels pose a
potential shock hazard to the user.
Inspect test leads, connectors, and probes for damaged insulation or exposed metal
before using the instrument. If any defects are found, replace them immediately.
Do not touch test lead tips or the circuit being tested while power is applied to
the circuit being measured. To avoid accidentally short circuit of bare (uninsulated)
hazardous live conductors or busbars, switch them off before insertion and removal
of the current clamp jaws. Contact with the conductor could result in electric shock.
Keep your hands/fingers behind the hand/finger barriers that indicate the limits of
safe access of the meter and the test leads during measurement.
Do not use the instrument in presence of explosive gas (material),
combustible gas (material), steam or dust.
CAUTION
Disconnect the test leads from the test points before changing meter functions.
INTERNATIONAL ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS
Caution ! Refer to the explanation in this Manual
Caution ! Risk of electric shock
Earth (Ground)
Double Insulation or Reinforced insulation
AC--Alternating Current
DC--Direct Current
Fuse

Conformity symbol, the instrument complies with the valid directives.
It complies with the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and the Low Voltage
Directive (73/23/EEC) with their valid standards.
Symbol for the marking of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE
Directive 2002/96/EC).
Application around and removal from hazardous live conductors is
permitted

4
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
This user’s manual uses only representative model(s) for illustrations. Please
refer specification details for function availability to each model.
1) Non-Contact Voltage Detector,
AutoTect Feature: antenna position
2) Jaw marking lines for ACA position
error indication
3) Hand/Finger Barrier to indicate
the limits of safe access to the jaws
during current measurements
4) Push-buttons for special functions
& features
5) Input Jack for all functions EXCEPT
non-invasive ACA current function
6) Common (Ground reference) Input
Jack for all functions EXCEPT non-
invasive ACA current function
7) Slide-switch Selector to turn the
power ON/OFF and Select a function
8) 3-5/6 digits 6000 counts LCD display
9) Jaw trigger for opening the
transformer clamp jaws
10) Jaw center Indicators, at where
best ACA accuracy is specified
11) Transformer Clamp Jaws for AC
current magnetic field pick up
-30.21

5
OPERATION
23.80
V
ACA Current clamp-on function
Set the slide-switch function selector to the position. Inputs are made
through the clamp jaws for non-invasive ACA current measurements.
CAUTION
• Press the jaw trigger and clamp the jaws around the hot conductor of a circuit
for load current measurement. Make sure the jaws are completely closed, or
else it will introduce measurement errors. Enclosing more than one conductor
of a circuit will result in differential current (like identifying leakage current)
measurement.
• Adjacent current-carrying devices such as transformers, motors and conductor
wires will affect measurement accuracy. Keep the jaws away from them as
much as possible to minimize influence.

6
Hi-Z DCV, ACV & Line-Level Hz functions
Set the slide-switch function selector to the position that selects common
impedance (Hi-Z) voltage measurements. Input impedance is set at
approximately 5MΩto minimize loading on circuits under tests. DCV is
the default function. The DC symbol “” appears. Press SELECT button
momentarily to select ACV. The AC symbol “” a ppears. Press momentarily
again to activate the Line-Level Hz function.
Note:
• Line-Level Hz input sensitivity varies automatically with ACV range selected
when Line-Level Hz is selected. AC 6V range has the highest and AC 600V
range has the lowest sensitivity. Measuring the signal in ACV function WHILE
selecting Line-Level Hz function in that ACV range automatically sets the
most appropriate sensitivity for higher voltage applications. This can avoid
electrical noises as in 110/220V line voltage applications for example. If the
reading shows zero due to insufficient signal levels, select Line-Level Hz
function BEFORE making measurements (at AC 6V range) will set the highest
sensitivity.

7
AutoTectTM mode
Set the slide-switch function selector to the position. This innovative
AutoTectTM feature automatically selects measurement function of DCV, ACV or
Resistance (Ω) based on the input via the test leads.
• With no input, the meter displays “Auto” when it is ready.
• With no voltage signal but a resistance below 6MΩis present, the meter
displays the resistance value. When below 25Ω(0.025kΩ) is present, the meter
also gives a continuity beep tone.
• When a signal above the threshold of +1.5 VDC, -1 VDC or 2 VAC up to the
rated 600V is present, the meter displays the voltage value in appropriate DC
or AC, whichever larger in peak magnitude.
• Overload-Alert Feature: When above rated 600V is present, the meter displays
“OL” with a warning beep tone for over-range indication. Disconnect the test
leads from the signal immediately to avoid hazards.

8
Note:
• Range-Lock Feature: When a measurement reading is being displayed in
AutoTectTM mode, press the RANGE button momentarily 1 time this locks the
function-range it is in. The symbol “ Auto”disappears. Range-lock can speed
up repetitive measurements. Press the button momentarily repeatedly to
step through the ranges. Press and hold the button for 1 second or more to
resume AutoTectTM mode.
• As Hazardous-Alert: When making resistance measurements in AutoTectTM
mode, an unexpected display of voltage readings alerts you that the object
under test is being energized.
• Ghost-voltage buster: Ghost-voltages are unwanted stray signals coupled
from adjacent hard signals, which confuse common multimeter voltage
measurements. Our AutoTectTM mode provides low (ramp-up) input
impedance (approx. 1.6kΩat low voltage) to drain ghost voltages leaving
mainly hard signal values on meter readings. It is an invaluable feature for
precise indication of hard signals, such as distinguishing between hot and
open wires (to ground) in electrical installation applications.
WARNING:
• AutoTectTM mode input impedance increases abruptly from initial 1.6kΩto
a few hundred kΩ’s on high voltage hard signals. “LoZ” displays on the LCD
to remind the users of being in such low impedance mode. Peak initial load
current, while probing directly to 600VAC for example, can be up to 530mA
(600V x 1.414 / 1.6kΩ), decreasing abruptly to approx. 4mA (600V x 1.414 /
210kΩ) within a fraction of a second. Do not use AutoTectTM mode on circuits
that could be damaged by such low input impedance. Instead, use slide-switch
function selector common input impedance voltage modes (Hi-Z of approx.
5MΩ) to minimize loading for such circuits.
Manual or Auto-ranging
When the function selected has more than one range, press the RANGE button
momentarily selects manual-ranging. The meter remains in the range it was in.
The LCD symbol Auto disappears. Press the button momentarily again to step
through the ranges. Press and hold the button for 1 second or more to resume
auto-ranging.
Note:
*Manual-ranging feature is not available to 600Ω/ •/functions.
*To use Manual-ranging feature in AutoCheckTM mode, please see “Range-Lock
Feature” as explained in footnotes of AutoCheckTM mode section.

9
AC Voltage Detection - VolTectTM
At any function, press the EF (NCV) button momentarily to toggle to AC
Voltage Detection, VolTectTM. The meter displays “ ” when it is ready. Signal
strength is indicated as a series of bar-graph segments on the display plus
variable beep tones.
• Non-Contact EF-Detection (NCV): An antenna is located along the top of
the stationary jaw (See symbol on the jaw), which detects electric field
surrounds current-carrying conductors. It is ideal for tracing live wiring
connections, locating wiring breakage and to distinguish between live or
earth connections.
• Probe-Contact EF-Detection: For more precise indication of live wires, such
as distinguishing between live and ground connections, use the Red (+) test
probe for direct contact measurements.

10
600Ω/ •/ functions
Set the slide-switch function selector to the 600Ω/ •/ position.
• 600ΩResistance range with Audible-Continuity is the default function.
It is an extended low resistance range to complement the Resistance (Ω)
function in AutoCheckTM mode. Audible-Continuity response time is also
improved drastically (from that of AutoCheckTM mode) under such stand-alone
range architecture. Audible-Continuity is convenient for checking wiring
connections and operation of switches. A continuous beep tone indicates a
complete circuit.
• Press SELECT button momentarily selects Diode test function. The display
shows the approximate voltage drop across the test leads. When forward
biased, normal forward voltage drop for a good silicon diode is between
0.400V to 0.900V. A reading higher than that indicates a leaky diode
(defective). A zero reading indicates a shorted diode (defective), and the
meter gives a continuous beep warning. An OL indicates an 10 open diode
(defective). Reverse the test leads connections (reverse biased) across the
diode. The display shows OL if the diode is good. Any other readings indicate
the diode is resistive or shorted (defective).

11
• Press SELECT button momentarily AGAIN selects Capacitance function.
Capacitance measurement time varies with capacitance value. Only a few
seconds is required for measuring values of below 100μF. However, one
minute or more is required for measuring extreme values of around 2000μF.
HOLD  feature
The Hold feature freezes the display for later viewing. Press the HOLD 
button momentarily to toggle to the Hold feature. The symbol “” appears.
Backlighted display (model ACD-15 TRMS Pro only)
Press the SELECT button for 1 second or more to turn on or off the display
backlight feature.
Auto Power Off (APO)
The meter turns off intelligently after approximately 3 minutes of neither
significant measurement nor button/switch activity. To wake up the meter from
APO, press any button or turn the rotary selector to OFF and back on again.
Always turn the rotary selector to OFF when the meter is not in use.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING
To avoid electrical shock, disconnect the meter from any circuit, remove the test
leads from the input jacks and turn OFF the meter before opening the case. Do
not operate w ith open case.
Trouble Shooting
If the instrument fails to operate, check batteries and test leads etc., and
replace as n ecessary. Double check operating procedure as described in this
user’s manual. If the instrument voltage-resistance input terminal was subjected
to high voltage transient (caused by lightning or switching surge to the system)
by accident or abnormal conditions of operation, the series fusible resistors will
be blown (become high impedance, open) like fuses to protect the user and the
instrument. Most measuring functions through this terminal will then be open
circuit. The series fusible resistors and the spark gaps should then be replaced
by qualified technician. Refer to the LIMITED WARRANTY section for obtaining
warranty or repairing service.

12
Cleaning and Storage
Periodically wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent; do not use
abrasives or solvents. If the meter is not to be used for periods of longer than
60 days, remove the batteries and store them separately
Battery replacement
The meter uses standard 1.5V AAA Size (NEDA 24A or IEC LR03) battery X 2
Loosen the 2 captive screws from the battery cover case. Lift the battery cover
case. Replace the batteries. Replace battery cover case. Re-fasten the screws.

13
SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Display : 3-5/6 digits 6000 counts LCD display(s)
Update Rate : 5 per second nominal
Polarity : Automatic
Low Battery : Below approx. 2.4V
Operating Temperature : 0°C to 40°C
Relative Humidity : Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperature up to
31°C decreasing linearly to 50% relative humidity at 40°C
Altitude : Operating below 2000m
Storage Temperature : -20oC to 60oC, < 80% R.H. (with battery removed)
Temperature Coefcient : nominal 0.15 x (specified accuracy) /OC @
(-20oC to 60oC), or otherwise specified
Sensing : Average sensing for ACD-15 PRO; True RMS sensing for ACD-15 TRMS PRO
Safety : Meets EN61010-1:2001; EN61010-2-032:2002), UL3111-2-032(1999):
Category III 600 Volts ac & dc
Transient protection : 6.5kV (1.2/50μs surge) for all models
Pollution degree : 2
E.M.C. : Meets EN61326(1997, 1998/A1), EN61000-4-2(1995), and EN61000-4-
3(1996) In an RF field of 3V/m:
Capacitance function is not specified.
Total Accuracy = Specified Accuracy + 45 digits
Performance above 3V/m is not specified
Overload Protections :
ACA Clamp-on jaws : AC 2000A rms continuous
+ & COM terminals (all functions) : 600VDC/VAC rms
Power Supply : standard 1.5V AAA Size (NEDA 24A or IEC LR03) battery X 2
Power Consumption : 2.2mA typical for ACD-15 PRO; 2.8mA typical for ACD-15
TRMS PRO
APO Timing : Idle for 3 minutes
APO Consumption : 40μA typical on all model functions except that 230μA
typical on ACD- 15 TRMS PRO voltage & current functions
Dimension : L224mm X W78mm X H40mm 224 x 78 x 40mm (8.8 x 3.1 x 1.6”)
Weight : 220 gm approx (7.7 oz)
Jaw opening & Conductor diameter : 45mm max
Accessories : Test leads (pair), batteries installed, user’s manual, & soft carrying
pouch

14
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Accuracy is ±(% reading digits + number of digits) or otherwise specified, at
23OC ±5OC & less than 75% R.H. True RMS Model ACD-15 TRMS PRO ACV &
ACA clamp-on accuracies are specified from 5% to 100% of range or otherwise
specified. Maximum Crest Factor are as specified below, and with frequency
spectrums, besides fundamentals, fall within the meter specified AC bandwidth
for non-sinusoidal waveforms.
DC Voltage
RANGE Accuracy
6.000V 0.5% + 3d
60.00V 1.0% + 5d
600.0V 2.0% + 5d
NMRR : >30dB @ 50/60Hz
CMRR : >100dB @ DC, 50/60Hz,
Rs=1kΩ
Hi-Z DCV Input Impedance:
5MΩ, 90pF nominal
AutoTectTM Lo-Z DCV input
impedance: Initially 1.6kΩ, 90pF
nominal; Impedance increases
significantly as display voltage
increases from 50V (typical). Typical
impedances vs display
voltages for reference are:
15kΩ@ 100V
100kΩ@ 300V
210kΩ@ 600V
AutoCheckTM DCV Threshold:
> +1.5VDC or < -1.0VDC nominal
Diode Tester
Open Circuit
Voltage
Test Current
< 1.6 VDC 0.4mA (typical)
Audible Threshold: between 0.015V
and 0.080V
Ohms
RANGE Accuracy 1)
6.000kΩ2) 1.2% + 6d 3)
60.00kΩ, 600.0kΩ1.0% + 4d
6.000MΩ2.0% + 4d
Open Circuit Voltage : 0.4VDC typical
1)Cool down interval 2 minutes after
over 50V measurements in Auto-VΩ
position
2)Beeper on while reading < 0.025kΩ
3)Add 40d to specified accuracy while
reading is below 20% of range
600Ωwith Continuity Beeper
RANGE Accuracy
600.0Ω2.0%+8d1)
Continuity Beeper Response: < 100μs
Open Circuit Voltage: 0.4VDC typical
Audible Threshold: between 10Ωand
300Ω
1)Add 40d to specified accuracy while
reading is below 20% of range

15
Frequency
Voltage Range Sensitivity
(Sine RMS)
Range
6.000V 4V 10Hz ~ 30kHz
60.00V 30V 10Hz ~ 1kHz
600.0V 60V 10Hz ~ 1kHz
Accuracy: 0.5%+4d
Max display: 9999 counts
AC Voltage
RANGE Accuracy
50Hz / 60Hz
6.000V, 60.00V 1.5% + 5d
600.0V 2.0% + 5d
50Hz ~ 500Hz
6.000V, 60.00V 2.0% + 5d
600.0V 2.5% + 5d
CMRR : >60dB @ DC to 60Hz, Rs=1kΩ
Hi-Z ACV Input Impedance:
5MΩ, 90pF nominal
AutoCheckTM Lo-Z ACV input impedance:
Initially 1.6kU, 90pF nominal;
Impedance increases significantly
as display voltage increases from
50V (typical). Typical impedances vs
display voltages for reference are:
15kΩ@ 100V
100kΩ@ 300V
210kΩ@ 600V
AutoCheckTM ACV Threshold:
> 2VAC (50/60Hz) nominal
True RMS model ACD-15 TRMS PRO Crest
Factor:
< 1.6 : 1 at full scale & < 3.3 : 1 at half
scale
Capacitance
RANGE Accuracy1)
100.0nF 2) 1000nF,
10.00μF, 100.0μF,
2000μF
3.5%+5d 3)
1)Accuracies with film capacitor or
better
2)Accuracy below 50nF is not
specified
3)Specified with battery voltage
above 2.8V
(approximately half full battery).
Accuracy decreases gradually to 12%
at low battery warning voltage of
approximately 2.4V
VolTectTM, AC Voltage Detection
Typical Voltage Bar Graph
Indication
15V TO 85V -
40V TO 130V - -
60V TO 210V - - -
90V TO 300V - - - -
ABOVE 120V - - - - -
Indication: Bar graph segments
& audible beep tones
proportional to the field
strength
Detection Frequency: 50/60Hz
Detection Antenna: Top side of the
stationary jaw
Probe-Contact EF-Detection: For more
precise indication of live wires, use
the Red (+) probe for direct contact
measurements

16
ACA Current (Clamp-on)
RANGE Accuracy 1) 2) 3)
50Hz / 60Hz
400.0A, 2000A 1.5% + 5d
True RMS model ACD-15 TRMS PRO Crest
Factor:
< 2.0 : 1 at full scale & < 4.0 : 1 at half scale
1)Add 8d to specified accuracy while reading is below 10% of range
2)Induced error from adjacent current-carrying conductor: < 0.06A/A
3)Specified accuracy is for measurements made at the jaw center. When the
conductor is not positioned at the jaw center, position errors introduced are:
Add 1% to specified accuracy for measurements made WITHIN jaw marking
lines (away from jaw opening)
Add 4% to specified accuracy for measurements made BEYOND jaw marking
lines (toward jaws opening)