Amprobe ACD-400 User manual

ACDC-400
User manual
Manual de instrucciones
Release 1.02 - 28/10/03

General index
Índice general
ENGLISH .........................EN - 1
ESPAÑOL ........................ES - 1

Miramar, FL
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ENGLISH
User’s manual
Realise EN 1.06 03/11/2003

ACDC-400
CONTENTS:
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES .............................................................2
1.1. Preliminary ............................................................................................................3
1.2. During Use ............................................................................................................3
1.3. After Use ...............................................................................................................3
1.4. Definition of measuring (overvoltage) category .....................................................4
2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION..............................................................................................5
3. PREPARATION FOR USE ..............................................................................................6
3.1. Initial ......................................................................................................................6
3.2. Supply Voltage ......................................................................................................6
3.3. Calibration .............................................................................................................6
3.4. Storage..................................................................................................................6
4. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS........................................................................................7
4.1. Instrument Description...........................................................................................7
4.1.1. Commands description.................................................................................................. 7
4.1.2. Alignment marks............................................................................................................ 7
4.1.3. Use of rubber test leads holster .................................................................................... 8
4.1.4. AUTO POWER OFF function ........................................................................................ 8
4.2. Function key description........................................................................................9
4.2.1. R-H / key: range selection / backlight function ......................................................... 9
4.2.2. D-H key: HOLD function................................................................................................ 9
4.2.3. ZERO key: zeroing display function .............................................................................. 9
4.2.4. MAX/MIN key: store Maximum and Minimum values.................................................... 9
4.2.5. Analog bargraph............................................................................................................ 9
4.3. Description of Rotary Switch Function.................................................................10
4.3.1. AC Voltage measurement ........................................................................................... 10
4.3.2. DC Voltage measurement ........................................................................................... 11
4.3.3. AC Current measurement ........................................................................................... 12
4.3.4. DC Current measurement ........................................................................................... 13
4.3.5. Resistance measurement............................................................................................ 14
4.3.6. Continuity Test ............................................................................................................ 15
5. MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................................16
5.1. General information .............................................................................................16
5.2. Battery replacement ............................................................................................16
5.3. Cleaning ..............................................................................................................16
6. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................17
6.1. Characteristics.....................................................................................................17
6.1.1. Safety ..........................................................................................................................18
6.1.2. General data................................................................................................................ 18
6.2. Environmental conditions ....................................................................................18
6.2.1. Climatic conditions ...................................................................................................... 18
6.2.2. EMC ............................................................................................................................ 18
6.3. Accessories .........................................................................................................18
6.3.1. Standard accessories.................................................................................................. 18
7. WARRANTY ..................................................................................................................19
EN - 1

ACDC-400
1. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES
This apparatus conforms to safety standard EN 61010, relating to electronic measuring
instruments. For your own safety and that of the apparatus, you must follow the
procedures described in this instruction manual and especially read all the notes
proceeded by the symbol carefully.
WARNING
If instrument is used in way don’t conform to prescriptions of this user’s
manual, all considered safety protection maybe damaged.
Take extreme care for the following conditions when measuring:
•Do not measure voltage, current under humid or wet environment.
•Do not operate the meter under the environment with explosive gas (material),
combustible gas (material), steam or filled with dust.
•Do not touch the circuit under test if no measurement is being taken;
•Do not touch exposed metal parts, unused terminals, circuits and so on;
•Do not use the instrument if it seems to be malfunctioning (i.e. if you notice
deformations, breaks, leakage of substances, absence of segments on the display and
so on);
•Be careful when you measure voltages exceeding 20V as you may risk electrical
shocks.
•Take care not to allow your hand to pass over the Safety Guard (see Fig.1, pos.2) on
current measurements and voltage measurements using the holster.
The followings symbols are used:
Caution: Refer to the instruction manual. Incorrect use may damage the
apparatus or its components.
Danger high voltage: risk of electric shock.
Double insulated meter
AC Voltage or Current.
DC Voltage or Current.
Application around and removal from hazardous live conductors is permitted
EN - 2

ACDC-400
1.1. PRELIMINARY
•This apparatus has been designed for use in an environment of pollution degree 2.
•It can be used for CURRENT, VOLTAGE and FREQUENCY measurements on
installations of surge voltage category III up to 600 V, voltage between Phase and
Earth (fixed installations) and for current measures up to 400A.
•This meter is not available for non-sine wave AC signals.
•You must comply with the usual safety regulations aimed at:
♦
♦
Protecting you against the dangerous electric current.
Protecting the instrument against an incorrect operation.
•Only the leads supplied with the instrument guarantee compliance with the safety
standard. They must be in a good condition and they must be replaced, if necessary
with an identical model.
•Do not test or connect to any circuit with voltage or current exceeding the specified
overload protection.
•Do not perform any test with environmental condition exceeding the limits indicated in
paragraphs 6.2.1.
•Check if the batteries are installed correctly.
•Prior to connecting the test probes to the installation, check that the function selector is
positioned on the required measurement.
•Check if the LCD and the range indicator show the same as the function desired.
1.2. DURING USE
Read the recommendations that follow and the instructions in this manual:
WARNING
Non compliance with the warnings and/or the instructions for use may
damage the apparatus and/or its components or injure the operator.
•Remove the clamp jaw from the conductor or circuit under test before changing the
range.
•When the tester is connected to the measuring circuits, do not touch any unused
terminals.
•Do not measure resistance in the presence of external voltages. Even if the circuit is
protected, excessive voltage could cause the instrument to malfunction.
•When measuring current with the clamp jaws, first remove the test leads from the
instrument’s input jacks.
•When measuring current, any other source near the clamp jaw could affect its
accuracy.
•When measuring current, always put the conductor to be tested in the middle of the
clamp jaw to obtain the most accurate reading as referred into paragraph 4.1.2.
•While measuring, if the value remains unchanged check if the HOLD function is
enabled.
1.3. AFTER USE
•Once the measurements are completed, turn the rotary switch to OFF.
•If you expect not to use the instrument for a long period of time remove the batteries.
EN - 3

ACDC-400
1.4. DEFINITION OF MEASURING (OVERVOLTAGE) CATEGORY
The norm EN 61010: Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement,
control and laboratory use, Part 1: General requirements, defines what a measuring
category, usually called overvoltage category, is.
Circuits are divided into the following measurement categories:
•Measurement category IV is for measurements performed at the source of the
low-voltage installation.
Examples are electric meters and measurements on primary overcurrent protection
devices and ripple control units.
•Measurement category III is for measurements performed in a building installation.
Examples are measurements on distribution boards, circuit breakers, wiring,
including cables, bus-bars, junction boxes, switches, socket-outlets in the fixed
installation, and equipment for industrial use and some other equipment, for
example, stationary motors with permanent connection to fixed installation.
•Measurement category II is for measurements performed on circuits directly
connected to the low voltage installation.
Examples are measurements on household appliances, portable tools and similar
equipment.
•Measurement category I is for measurements performed on circuits not directly
connected to MAINS.
Examples are measurements on circuits not derived from MAINS, and specially
protected (internal) MAINS-derived circuits. In the latter case, transient stresses are
variable; for that reason, the norm requires that the transient withstand capability of
the equipment is made known to the user.
EN - 4

ACDC-400
2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Thanks to a new development concept assuring double insulation as well as compliance
with category III up to 600V you can rely on utmost safety conditions.
This instrument can perform the following measurements:
•AC current (IAC).
•AC voltage (VAC).
•DC voltage (VDC).
•DC current (IDC).
•Resistance.
•Continuity Test.
Each of these functions can be selected by means of a 7-position rotary switch, including
an OFF position. There are also the following buttons: “D-H”, ”R-H / ”, “MAX/MIN” and
“ZERO”. For their use please see paragraph 4.2. The selected quantity appears on a high-
contrast display with unit and function indication.
This Instrument’s display also contains an analogical bar graph.
EN - 5

ACDC-400
3. PREPARATION FOR USE
3.1. INITIAL
This instrument has been checked mechanically and electrically before shipment. All
precautions have been taken to assure that the instrument reaches you in perfect
condition.
However, it is advisable to carry out a rapid check in order to detect any possible damage,
which might have occurred in transit.
Check the accessories contained in the packaging to make sure they are the same as
reported in paragraph 6.3.1.
In the event of re-shipment of the equipment please follow the instructions reported in
paragraph 7.
3.2. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
The instrument is battery supplied; it use two batteries model 1.5V LR03 included in
packaging. The batteries autonomy is about 25 hours.
The symbol " " appears when the batteries are nearly discharged. In this case, replace
them following the instructions in paragraph 5.2.
3.3. CALIBRATION
The tester complies with the accuracy specifications listed in this manual and such
compliance is guaranteed for one year, afterwards the tester may need recalibration.
3.4. STORAGE
In order to guarantee the accuracy of the measurements, after a period of storage in an
extreme environmental condition, wait for the apparatus returns to normal measuring
conditions (see environments specifications paragraph 6.2.1).
EN - 6

ACDC-400
4. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
4.1. INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION
4.1.1. Commands description
LEGEND:
1. Inductive clamp jaw.
2. Safety guard.
3. Data HOLD key.
4. Jaw trigger.
5. Rotary selector functions.
6. ZERO key.
7. RANGE R-H and key.
8. MAX/MIN key.
9. LCD display.
10.COM jack.
11.V/Ωjack.
Fig. 1: Instrument description
4.1.2. Alignment marks
Put the conductor within the jaws at the intersection of the indicated marks as close as
possible (see Fig. 2 ) in order to meet the meter accuracy specifications.
LEGEND:
1. Alignment marks.
2. Conductor.
Fig. 2: Alignment marks
EN - 7

ACDC-400
4.1.3. Use of rubber test leads holster
One of the accessories is a rubber holster that, inserted on the clamp, can hold one of the
two test leads, like showed in Fig. 3
Fig. 3: Use of rubber test lead holster
This rubber holster has a very practical use. It allows the user to perform the
measurements with both test leads while, more easily, observing the value on the display
at the same time.
4.1.4. AUTO POWER OFF function
In order to extend the battery life, the clamp switches off 30 minutes after the last rotary
switch or button actuation.
When this function is enabled the symbol is displayed.
To disable this function select the OFF position then rotate the selector to any position
while the R-H key or ZERO key is pressed.
Turning OFF and ON the clamp the AUTO POWER OFF will be re-enabled.
EN - 8

ACDC-400
4.2. FUNCTION KEY DESCRIPTION
4.2.1. R-H / key: range selection / backlight function
For R-H function:
1. Press R-H key less than 1 second, manual range selection is enabled;
2. Press R-H key more than 1 second, auto range is re-enabled;
For function:
1. Press Backlight key more than 1 second, Backlight is ON;
2. Press Backlight key more than 1 second, Backlight is OFF.
In order to use the instrument in Auto mode with the backlight on it will be necessary to
cycle through the manual mode. By pressing the R-H key you can switch between the
Automatic or Manual Range modes.
In particular the "MANU" symbol points out the Manual range selection while the "AUTO"
symbol points out the Automatic Range selection.
The Manual Range selection will be disabled if:
•The R-H key is pressed more than 2 second.
•The position of the rotary switch is changed.
4.2.2. D-H key: HOLD function
This key enables the HOLD function locking the measured value. The symbol "H" is
displayed when this function is enabled. To disable this function:
•The D-H key is pressed again.
•The position of the rotary switch is changed.
4.2.3. ZERO key: zeroing display function
The displayed value will be zeroed (0) when you press the ZERO button and the range is
changed to manual mode. The symbol “ZERO” is displayed when this function is enabled.
Press the key a second time the zero value is displayed and the “ZERO” symbol begins
blinking.
Press the ZERO key more than 1 second to disable the function.
4.2.4. MAX/MIN key: store Maximum and Minimum values
With this function it’s possible to record the MAX and MIN values of the parameters
selected by the rotary switch. Operate in the following way:
•Press the key to activate the function. The “MAX” symbol appears on the display and
instrument measures and show the Maximum value of parameter which automatically
updates itself when a larger value is measured.
•Press the key again and the “MIN” symbol appears on the display and the instrument
measures and displays the Minimum value of the parameter which automatically
updates itself when a lower value occurs.
•Press the key again and “MAX MIN” appears, blinking on the display. In this mode the
instrument measures and stores the minimum and the maximum values of the selected
parameter. Repeatedly press MAX/MIN and the recorded values are displayed.
4.2.5. Analogical bargraph
The analogical bargraph provides a visual indication of measurement like a traditional
analogical meter’s needle.
EN - 9

ACDC-400
4.3. DESCRIPTION OF ROTARY SWITCH FUNCTION
4.3.1. AC Voltage measurement
WARNING
Maximum input for AC Voltage measurements is 600V. Do not attempt to
take any voltage measurement that exceeds the limits. Exceeding the limits
could cause electrical shock and damage the clamp meter.
Fig. 4: Use of clamp for AC voltage measures.
1. Select the “V~” position with the rotary selector switch.
2. Insert the test leads into the jack, the red lead into V/Ωjack, and the black lead into the
COM jack. Refer to Fig. 4.
3. Connect the test leads to the circuit, the voltage measured will be displayed with
automatic detection of the appropriate range.
4. Press R-H key you can select manually the measurement ranges in cyclic order. Press
R-H key 2 seconds to return to the AUTOMATIC range selection.
5. The "O.L" symbol means that the measured quantity is higher than the selected
range. Press R-H key to select a higher range.
6. If reading the display is difficult, press D-H key to hold the obtained value. To exit from
this function press D-H key again.
EN - 10

ACDC-400
4.3.2. DC Voltage measurement
WARNING
Maximum input for DC Voltage measurements is 600V.
Do not attempt to take any voltage measurement that exceeds the limits.
Exceeding the limits could cause electrical shock and damage the clamp
meter.
Fig. 5: Use of clamp for DC voltage measures
1. Select the ““ V”position of selector functions.
2. Insert the test leads into the jack, the red lead into V/Ωjack, and the black lead into the
COM jack. Refer to Fig. 5.
3. Connect the test leads to the circuit, the voltage measured will be displayed with
automatic detection of the appropriate range.
4. If the reading is preceded by the "-" sign check this indicate that Voltage polarity is
reversed. Invert terminal leads for correct indication.
5. Press R-H key you can select manually the measurement ranges in cyclic order. Press
R-H key 2 seconds to return to the AUTOMATIC range selection.
6. The "O.L" symbol means that the measured quantity is higher than the selected
range. Press R-H key to select a higher range.
7. If reading the display is difficult, press D-H key to hold the obtained value. To exit from
this function press D-H key again.
EN - 11

ACDC-400
4.3.3. AC Current measurement
WARNING
•Make sure that all the test leads are disconnected from the meter's
terminals for current measurement.
•When measuring current, any strong current near the clamp jaws will
affect the accuracy.
•The instrument is not available for non-sine wave AC signal.
Correct Incorrect
Fig. 6: Use of clamp during AC current measurement
1. Select “~A” position.
2. Open the clamp and put the tested conductor in the center of the clamp jaw
(see paragraph 4.1.2), refer to Fig. 6.
3. The current measured will be displayed with automatic detection of the
appropriate range.
4. Press R-H key you can select manually the measurement ranges in cyclic order.
Press R-H key 2 seconds to return to the AUTOMATIC range selection.
5. The "O.L" symbol means that the measured quantity is higher than the selected
range. Press RANGE key to select a higher range.
6. If reading the display is difficult, press D-H key to hold the obtained
value. To exit from this function press D-H key again.
WARNING
Because of the clamps internal filter the meter takes a few seconds to reach
the 0 value on the display. This is not a defect, indeed the user can proceed
with a test as the temporary displayed value will not be added to the
measured value.
EN - 12

ACDC-400
4.3.4. DC Current measurement
WARNING
•Make sure that all the test leads are disconnected from the meter's
terminals for current measurement.
•When measuring current, any strong current near the clamp jaws will
affect the accuracy.
Correct Incorrect
Current direction Current direction
Fig. 7: Use of clamp during DC current measurement.
1. Select “A” position.
2. If the display doesn’t read zero, press the ZERO key. If the current value is over 40A
press R-H key to select 400A range before zeroing operation.
3. Open the clamp and put the test conductor in the center of the clamp jaw (ref.
paragraph 4.1.2 ). Assure that the current flow indicated by the label inside the
inductive clamp jaw as shown in Fig. 7.
4. In “AUTO” range mode the instrument will automatically detect the appropriate range.
5. Press R-H key you can select manually the measurement ranges in cyclic order.
Press R-H key 2 seconds to return to the AUTOMATIC range selection.
6. The "O.L" symbol means that the measured quantity is higher than the selected
range. Press the R-H key to select a higher range.
7. If the reading is difficult, press D-H key to hold the obtained value. To exit this mode
press the D-H key again.
EN - 13

ACDC-400
4.3.5. Resistance measurement
WARNING
Before taking any in circuit resistance measurement, remove power from
the circuit being tested and discharge all the capacitors.
Fig. 8: Use of clamp for resistance measures.
1. Select the “Ω” function .
2. Insert the test leads into the jacks. The red lead into V/Ωjack, and black lead into COM
jack, as shown in Fig. 8.
3. Connect the test leads to the circuit, the voltage measured will be displayed with
automatic detection of the appropriate range.
4. Press R-H key you can select manually the measurement ranges in cyclic order. Press
R-H key 2 seconds to return to the AUTOMATIC range selection.
5. The "O.L" symbol means that the measured quantity is higher than the selected
range. Press the R-H key to select a higher range.
6. If the reading is difficult, press the D-H key to hold the obtained value. To exit from this
function press the D-H key again.
EN - 14

ACDC-400
4.3.6. Continuity Test
WARNING
Before taking any in circuit resistance measurement, remove power from
the circuit being tested and discharge all the capacitors.
Fig. 9: use of clamp for continuity measure
1. Select the “ ”function.
2. Insert the test leads into the jacks, the red lead into V/Ωjack, and black lead into COM
jack, as shown in Fig. 9.
3. Connect the test leads to the circuit, the resistance will be displayed while the buzzer
sounds when the resistance value is lower then 40Ωapproximately.
EN - 15

ACDC-400
5. MAINTENANCE
5.1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. This digital clamp meter is a precision instrument. Whether in use or in storage, please
do not exceed the specifications to avoid any possible damage or danger during use.
2. Do not place this meter in high temperature and/or humidity or expose to direct
sunlight.
3. Be sure to turn the meter off after use. For long term storage, remove the batteries to
avoid leakage of battery fluid that can damage the internal components.
5.2. BATTERY REPLACEMENT
When LCD displays the symbol " ", replace the batteries.
WARNING
Only experts and trained technicians should perform this operation. Remove
the test leads or the conductor under test before replacing the batteries.
1. Set range switch to the OFF position.
2. Remove the test leads.
3. Remove the screw from the battery cover.
4. Remove the battery cover.
5. Remove the low batteries.
6. Replace them with new of then same type (1.5V AAA).
7. Replace the battery cover and screw.
8. Use the appropriate battery disposal methods for your area.
5.3. CLEANING
For cleaning the instrument use a soft dry cloth. Never use a wet cloth, solvents or water,
etc.
EN - 16