Amprobe ACDC-100 TRMS User manual

ACDC-100 TRMS
ACDC-100
Versatile AC/DC Clamp-on
Multimeter Series
Users Manual

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ACDC-100 TRMS
ACDC-100
Versatile AC/DC Clamp-on Multimeter Series
Users Manual

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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.

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➊Hall-effect Clamp Jaw
for AC & DC current
electric field pick up
➋Hand/Finger Barrier
to indicate the limits
of safe access of
the meter during
measurement
➌Push-buttons for
special functions &
features
➍Input Jack for all
functions EXCEPT non-
invasive ACA & DCA
current functions
➎Common (Ground
reference) Input
Jack for all functions
EXCEPT non-invasive
ACA & DCA current
functions
➏Slide-switch Selector
to turn the power
ON/OFF and Select a
function
➐3-3/4 digits 4000
counts LCD display
➑Jaw trigger for
opening the clamp jaw
➒Jaw center Indicators,
at where best ACA
& DCA accuracy is
specified

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ACDC-100 TRMS / ACDC-100
Versatile AC/DC Clamp-on Multimeter Series
CONTENTS
Symbols.............................................................................................................................................5
Safety Information...........................................................................................................................5
Unpacking and Contents .................................................................................................................6
Introduction......................................................................................................................................6
Features ...........................................................................................................................................6
Alignment marks .......................................................................................................................6
MAX / HOLD  .....................................................................................................................6
HOLD ..........................................................................................................................................7
MAX ............................................................................................................................................7
rRelative Zero mode ...............................................................................................................7
SELECT / Backlight ( �) ..............................................................................................................7
Manual or Auto-ranging ...........................................................................................................7
Auto Power Off function ..........................................................................................................7
Operation ........................................................................................................................................7
DC Voltage .................................................................................................................................7
AC Voltage .................................................................................................................................7
AC Current ..................................................................................................................................8
DC Current ..................................................................................................................................8
Resistance ...................................................................................................................................8
Continuity ...................................................................................................................................8
Diodes .........................................................................................................................................8
Capacitance ................................................................................................................................9
Maintenance and Repair ................................................................................................................9
Battery Replacement .................................................................................................................9
Specifications..................................................................................................................................10
General Specifications ..............................................................................................................10
Electrical ..................................................................................................................................11

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SYMBOLS
Battery Refer to the manual
Double insulated Dangerous Voltage
Direct Current Earth Ground
Alternating Current Audible tone
Conforms to relevant Australian
standards. Complies with EU directives
Do not dispose of this product as
unsorted municipal waste. Underwriters Laboratories. [Note: Canadian and US.]
Application around and removal
from hazardous live conductors
is permitted
SAFETY INFORMATION
The ACDC-100 Series Digital Clampmeters conform to EN61010-1:2001; EN61010- 2-•
032:2002; CAT III 600 V, class 2 and pollution deg.2
This instrument is EN61010-1 certified for Installation Category III (600V). It is•
recommended for use in distribution level and fixed installations, as well as lesser
installations, and not for primary supply lines, overhead lines and cable systems.
Do not exceed the maximum overload limits per function (see specifications) nor the limits•
marked on the instrument itself. Never apply more than 600 Vdc/600 V ac rms between
the test lead and earth ground.
Warnings and Precautions
Before and after hazardous voltage measurements, test the voltage function on a known•
source such as line voltage to determine proper meter functioning.
Disconnect the test leads from the test points before changing meter functions.•
Inspect the Clampmeter, test leads and accessories before every use. Do not use any•
damaged part.
Never ground yourself when taking measurements. Do not touch exposed circuit elements•
or test probe tips.
Do not operate the instrument in an explosive atmosphere.•
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. 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.

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Before and after hazardous voltage measurements, test the voltage function on a known•
source such as line voltage to determine proper meter functioning.
Keep your hands/fingers behind the hand/finger barriers (of the meter and the test leads)•
that indicate the limits of safe access of the hand-held part during measurement.
Inspect test leads, connectors, and probes for damaged insulation or exposed metal before•
using the instrument. If any defects are found, replace them immediately.
This Clamp-on meter is designed to apply around or remove from uninsulated hazardous•
live conductors. Individual protective equipment must be used if hazardous live parts of
the installation could be accessible.
Exercise extreme caution when: measuring voltage >20 V // current >10 mA // AC power•
line with inductive loads // AC power line during electrical storms // current, when the fuse
blows in a circuit with open circuit voltage >1000 V // servicing CRT equipment.
Remove test leads before opening the case to change the battery.•
Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing•
resistance,continuity, diodes, or capacitance.
To avoid false readings, which could lead to possible electric shock or personal injury,•
replace the batteries as soon as the low battery indicator () appears.
UNPACKING AND CONTENTS
Your shipping carton should include
1 ACDC-100 or ACDC-100 TRMS
1 Test lead set
2 1.5V AAA Battery (Installed)
1 Users Manual
1 Carrying Case
If any of the items are damaged or missing, immediately return the complete package to the
place of purchase for an exchange.
INTRODUCTION
The ACDC-100 and ACDC-100 TRMS Clamp-On meters are 1000 Amp / 600 V clamp meters
with 50 mm jaw opening for industrial applications. The features include large conductor
size and in-rush current measurement along with AC / DC voltage, AC / DC current, Resistance,
Continuity and Diode Tests.
FEATURES
Alignment marks (see Fig. 1)
Place conductor within the jaws at the intersection of the indicated marks as close as possible
to maximize the accuracy of the reading.
MAX / HOLD 
The HOLD feature freezes the display when the button is pressed. The MAX feature
compares and displays the measured maximum value as fast as 30ms with auto-ranging
capability.

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HOLD
Press the HOLD button momentarily toggles to hold mode for all of the functions. To release
the HOLD feature momentarily press the HOLD button.
MAX
Press the HOLD button for 1 second or more activates the MAX HOLD feature for the VDC,
VAC and ACA functions. To release the MAX HOLD feature press the HOLD button for 1
second or more.
rRelative Zero mode
Relative Zero mode allows the user to offset the subsequent meter measurements with
the displayed reading as the reference value. The display will now show readings relative
to the stored reference value. That is, display = reading - stored value. Pressing the button
momentarily toggles to relative mode.
SELECT / Backlight ( �)
Press Backlight button more than 1 second, enable/disable Backlight.
Press the SELECT / Backlight button to step through the manually selected Aand Ω
functions.
A→Aand Ω→→→
Manual or Auto-ranging
Press the RANGE button momentarily to select manual-ranging mode. The LCD symbol
turns off. Press the button momentarily again to step through the Ranges. Press and hold the
RANGE button for more than 1 second to resume auto-ranging.
Auto Power Off function
The clamp meter powers down automatically after approximately 30 minutes of inactivity.
To turn it back on, move the function selector switch to OFF and back to a measuring
function.
To disable Auto Power Off, press and hold the HOLD button while moving the slide switch to
the desired function from OFF.
OPERATION
DC Voltage (see Fig. 1)
Set the Function Switch to1. V.
Connect the test leads: Red to2. +, Black to COM.
Connect the test probes to the circuit test points.3.
Read the display, and if necessary, correct any overload (4. 0L) conditions.
AC Voltage (see Fig. 1)
Set the Function Switch to1. V.
Connect the test leads: Red to2. +, Black to COM.
Connect the test probes to the circuit test points.3.
Read the display, and if necessary, correct any overload (4. 0L) conditions.

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AC Current (see Fig. 2)
Set the Function Switch to A1. position.
Select AC current using the SELECT button.2.
Open spring-loaded clamp by pressing the lever on left side of meter.3.
Position clamp around one wire or conductor and release the clamp lever. Make sure that4.
the clamp is entirely closed. The clamp must be positioned around only one conductor. If it
is placed around two or more current carrying conductors, the reading is FALSE.
Read the displayed value, and if necessary, correct any overload (5. 0L) conditions.
DC Current (see Fig. 2)
Set the Function Switch to A1. position.
Select DC current using the SELECT button.2.
Open spring-loaded clamp by pressing the lever on left side of meter.3.
Position clamp around one wire or conductor and release the clamp lever. Make sure that4.
the clamp is entirely closed. The clamp must be positioned around only one conductor. If it
is placed around two or more current carrying conductors, the reading is FALSE.
Read the displayed value, and if necessary, correct any overload (5. 0L) conditions.
CAUTION
Using the Resistance, Continuity, Diode or Capacitance functions on a live circuit will produce
false results and may damage the instrument. In many cases the suspected component must
be disconnected from the circuit to obtain an accurate measurement reading.
Resistance (see Fig. 3)
Set the Function Switch to1. Ω.
Connect the test leads: Red to2. +, Black to COM.
Turn off power to the circuit being measured.3.
Discharge any capacitors that may influence the reading.4.
Connect the test probes across the resistance.5.
Read the display. If6. 0L appears on the highest range, the resistance is too large to be
measured or the circuit is an open circuit.
Continuity (see Fig. 3)
Set the Function Switch to1. Ωand press the SELECT button until is displayed.
Connect the test leads: Red to2. +, Black to COM.
Turn off power to the circuit being measured.3.
Discharge any capacitors that may influence the reading.4.
Connect the test probes across the resistance or the two points of test.5.
Listen for the tone that indicates continuity (>106. Ωand < 120 Ω).
Diodes (see Fig. 3)
Set the Function Switch to1. Ωand press the SELECT button until is displayed.
Connect the test leads: Red to2. +, Black to COM.

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Turn off power to the circuit being measured.3.
Free at least one end of the diode from the circuit.4.
Connect the test probes across the diode noting polarity.5.
Read the display. A good diode has a forward voltage drop of about 0.6 V. An open or6.
reverse biased diode will read .0L.
Capacitance (see Fig. 3)
Set the Function Switch to1. Ωand press the SELECT button until is displayed.
Connect the test leads: Red to +, Black to2. COM.
Turn off power to the circuit being measured.3.
Discharge the capacitor using a 100 k4. Ωresistor.
Free at least one end of the capacitor from the circuit.5.
Connect the test probes across the capacitor.6.
Read the display.7.
Relative zero mode can be used to zero out the parasitic capacitance of the leads and the8.
internal protection circuitry of the meter when measuring low capacitance in the order of
Pico Farad (pF).
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
If there appears to be a malfunction during the operation of the meter, the following steps
should be performed in order to isolate the cause of the problem:
Check the battery.1.
Review the operating instructions for possible mistakes in operating procedure.2.
Inspect and test the test leads for a broken or intermittent connection.3.
Except for the replacement of the battery or test probes, repair of the multimeter should
be performed only by a Factory Authorized Service Center or by other qualified instrument
service personnel. The front panel and case can be cleaned with a mild solution of detergent
and water. Apply sparingly with a soft cloth and allow to dry completely before using. Do not
use aromatic hydrocarbons or chlorinated solvents for cleaning.
Battery Replacement (see Fig. 4)
Warning
To prevent electrical shock or meter damage, disconnect the meter’s test leads from any
circuit and the meter, then turn the meter off before removing the battery cover. Battery
replacement should be performed in a clean environment and with appropriate care taken to
avoid contaminating the meter’s interior components.
Remove the screw and lift the battery cover.1.
Replace the batteries with the same type (1.5V AAA). Note polarity guide below the2.
battery.
Replace the battery cover and screw.3.

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SPECIFICATIONS
General Specifications
Display: 3-3/4 digits 4000 counts LCD display
Update Rate: 3 per second nominal
Polarity: Automatic
Power Supply: standard 1.5V AAA Size (NEDA 24G or IEC R03) battery x
Power Consumption: typical 11 mA for ACA/DCA and 2.9 mA for other
functions
APO Timing: idle for 30 minutes
APO Consumption: typical 10µA for ACDC- 100 and 90µA for ACDC- 100
TRMS
Low battery: below approx. 2.4V
Environment: Indoor operation, below 2000 m
Temperature / Humidity:
Operating: 0°C to 40°C (14°F to 122 °F)
Relative humidity : < 80% RH @ 31°C decreasing linearly to 50% RH at 40°C
Storage: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 122 °F) / < 80% RH
Temperature Coefficient : 0. 5 x (specified accuracy)/ °C @ (0°C to 18°C or 28°C to
40°C)
Sensing : Average sensing for ACDC- 100; True RMS for ACDC- 100
TRMS
Clamp-on jaw: DC 1000A or AC 800A rms continuous
+ & COM terminals (all functions) : 600VDC/VAC rms
Jaw opening: 50mm max
Dimension : 227 x 78 x 40mm (8.9 x 3.1 x 1.6 in.)
Weight : 290 gm ( 0.6 lb)
Safety LVD: Meets EN60101-1:2001; EN61010-2-032(2002), Category III- 600 Volts ac
& dc; pollution degree : 2; class 2
EMC: This product complies with requirements of the following European Community
Directives: 89/336/EEC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and 73/23/EEC (Low Voltage) as
amended by 93/68/EEC (CE Marking). However, electrical noise or intense electromagnetic
fields in the vicinity of the equipment may disturb the measurement circuit. Measuring
instruments will also respond to unwanted signals that may be present within the
measurement circuit. Users should exercise care and take appropriate precautions to avoid
misleading results when making measurements in the presence of electronic interference.

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Electrical (23 °C ± 5 °C) < 75% RH
DC Voltage
RANGE Accuracy
400.0 mV ± (0.3% + 3dgts)
4.000V, 40.00V, 400.0V ± (0.5% + 3dgts)
600V ± (1.0% + 4dgts)
Resolution : 0.1 mV on 400 mV range
NMRR : >50dB @ 50/60Hz
CMRR : >20dB @ DC, 50/60Hz, Rs=1kΩ
Input Impedance : 10MΩ, 30pF nominal (1000MΩfor 400.0mV range)
Max input : 600VDC/VAC rms
AC Voltage
RANGE Frequency Accuracy
400.0mV 1) 50Hz to 500Hz ± (4.0% + 4dgts)
4.000V, 40.00V, 400.0V 50Hz to 60Hz ± (1.0% + 4dgts)
4.000V, 40.00V, 400.0V 60Hz to 500Hz ± (1.5% + 4dgts)
600V 50Hz to 500Hz ± (2.0% + 4dgts)
Resolution: 0.1 mV on 400 mV range
CMRR : >60db @ DC to 60Hz, Rs= 1kΩ
Input impedance: 10MΩ, 30pf nominal
Crest factor (ACDC-100 TRMS): < 1.6: at full scale; < 3.2: at half scale
Max input: 600VDC/VAC rms
1) Selection by Range button manually, and is specified from AC 40mV (AC 60mV for ACDC-
100 TRMS) and up
Resistance
RANGE Accuracy
400.0Ω± (0.8% + 6dgts)
4.000kΩ, 40.00kΩ, 400.0kΩ± (0.6% + 4dgts)
4.000MΩ± (1.0% + 4dgts)
40.00MΩ± (2.0% + 4dgts)
Resolution: 0.1 Ωon 400 Ωrange
Open Circuit Voltage : 0.4VDC typical
Continuity Tester
Open Circuit Voltage: 0.4Vdc typical
Range: 400.0Ω
Accuracy: ± (1.5% + 6dgts)
Audible threshold: between 10Ωand 120Ω.
Diode Tester
Open Circuit Voltage < 1.6 Vdc
Test Current (Typical) 0.4mA

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Capacitance
RANGE 1) Accuracy 2) 3)
500.0 nf, 5.000 µf, 50.00 µf, 500.0 µf, 3000 µf ± (3.5% + 6dgts)
Resolution: 0.1 nf on 500.0 nf range
1) Additional 50.00nf range accuracy is not specified
2) Accuracies with film capacitor or better
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
DC Current (Clamp-On)
RANGE Accuracy 1) 2)
0.0A to 400.0A ± (1.5% + 4dgts)
400A to 800A ± (1.5% + 4dgts)
800A to 900A ± (2.0% + 4dgts)
900A to 1000A ± (5.0% + 30dgts)
Max current: 1000A continuous
Resolution: 0.1 A on 400 A range
1) Induced error from adjacent current-carrying conductor: < 0.01A/A
2) Zero mode must be applied to zero the unit before measurement to ensure accuracy.
ACA Current (Clamp-on)
RANGE Frequency Accuracy 1) 2)
400.0A 5Hz to 40Hz ± (2.0% + 5dgts) 3)
400.0A 40Hz to 200Hz ± (1.5% + 5dgts)
< 50A 4) 200Hz to 400Hz ± (1.5% + 5dgts)
< 50A 4) 400Hz to 1kHz ± (2.0% + 5dgts)
400A to 600A 5Hz to 40Hz ± (2.0% + 5dgts) 3)
400A to 600A 40Hz to 100Hz ± (1.5% + 4dgts)
600A to 800A 5Hz to 60Hz ± (5.0% + 30dgts)
Max current: 800A rms continuous
Resolution: 0.1 A on 400 A range
1) Induced error from adjacent current-carrying conductor: < 0.01A/A
2) Crest Factor (ACDC-100 TRMS): < 1.6 : at full scale; < 3.2 : at half scale
3) ± (4.0% + 5dgts) for ACDC- 100 TRMS
4) Accuracy is specified at <50A in this frequency bandwidth due to limited calibrator output
capability for testing

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Figure 1. — DC Voltage and AC Voltage functions

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Figure 2. — ACA & DCA Current clamp-on function

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Figure 3. — Resistance, Continuity, Capacitance and Diode functions
Figure 4. — Battery replacement