Amprobe 33XR-A User manual

33XR-A
Professional Digital Multimeter
Users Manual
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
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33XR-A
33XR-A

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33XR-A Digital Multimeter
Contents
XWSafety Information..................................................................................2
Introduction.....................................................................................................3
Making Measurements.....................................................................................3
Verify Instrument Operation.......................................................................3
Correcting an Overload (o) Indication......................................................3
Measuring DC Voltage .......................................See Figure -1- .................3
Measuring AC Voltage........................................See Figure -2- .................3
Preparing for Current Measurements.........................................................3
Measuring DC Current .......................................See Figure -3- .................4
Measuring AC Current........................................See Figure -4- .................4
Measuring Resistance .......................................See Figure -5- .................4
Measuring Continuity ........................................See Figure -6- .................4
Checking Diodes................................................See Figure -7- .................4
Measuring Capacitance .....................................See Figure -8- .................5
Measuring Temperature ....................................See Figure -9- .................5
Measuring Frequency ........................................See Figure -10- ...............5
Additional Features ..........................................................................................5
Input Test Lead Warning............................................................................5
MIN MAX Measurements...........................................................................5
Peak Hold Measurements ..........................................................................6
Auto Power Off ..........................................................................................6
Relative Measurements..............................................................................6
HOLD Measurements.................................................................................6
Product Maintenance.......................................................................................7
Cleaning ....................................................................................................7
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................7
Battery and Fuse Replacement...........................See Figure -11- ...............7
Repair ..............................................................................................................7
WARRANTY...............................................................................................8
Specifications ..................................................................................................9
Users Manual

2
XWSafety Information
To avoid electric shock, personal injury, damage to the meter or the equipment
under test, adhere to the following practices:
•The 33XR-A Digital Multimeter is UL, cUL, and EN61010-1 certified for
Installation Category III – 600V and Category II – 1000V. It is recommended for
use with local level power distribution, appliances, portable equipment, etc,
where only smaller transient overvoltages may occur, 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
1000 V dc/750 V ac between the test lead and earth ground.
•Inspect DMM, 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 probe tips.
•Do not operate the instrument in an explosive atmosphere.
•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.
•Always measure current in series with the load – NEVER ACROSS a voltage
source. Check fuse first. Never replace a fuse with one of a different rating.
•Do not change the position of the Function/Range Switch while the MIN MAX,
HOLD, or REL feature is enabled. Erroneous readings will result.
•Remove test leads before opening battery or case to change battery or fuses.
Symbols Used in this Manual
B Battery WRefer to the manual
TDouble insulated XDangerous Voltage
FDirect Current JEarth Ground
BAlternating Current RAudible tone
P Complies with EU directives
I Fuse >
Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc

3
Introduction
The 33XR-A is a manual ranging handheld digital multimeter for measuring or
testing the following:
•DC and AC voltage •Temperature
•DC and AC current •Capacitance
•Resistance •Diodes
•Frequency •Continuity
Additional features include the following modes:
MIN MAX, HOLD, REL (relative), and Peak±
Making Measurements
Verify Instrument Operation
Before attempting to make a measurement, verify that the instrument is operational
and the battery is good. If the instrument is not operational, have it repaired before
attempting to make a measurement.
Correcting an Overload (o) Indication W
An oindication may appear on the display to indicate that an overload condition
exists. For voltage and current measurements, an overload should be immediately
corrected by selecting a higher range. If the highest range setting does not
eliminate the overload, interrupt the measurement until the problem is identified
and eliminated. The oindication is normal for some functions; for example,
resistance, continuity, and diode test.
Measuring DC Voltage See Figure -1-
1. Set the Range Switch to an appropriate v range.
Select the highest range and work down if the voltage level is unknown.
2. Connect the Test Leads: Red to E, Black to COM
3. Connect the Test Probes to the circuit test points.
4. Read the display, and, if necessary, fix any overload (o) conditions.
Measuring AC Voltage See Figure -2-
1. Set the Range Switch to an appropriate V range.
Select the highest range and work down if the voltage level is unknown.
2. Connect the Test Leads: Red to E, Black to COM
3. Connect the Test Probes to the circuit test points
4. Read the display, and, if necessary, fix any overload (o) conditions.
Preparing for Current Measurements
•Turn off circuit power before connecting the test probes.
•Allow the meter to cool between measurements if current measurements
approach or exceeds 10 amps.
•A warning tone sounds if you connect a test lead to a current input before you
select a current range.
•Open circuit voltage at the measurement point must not exceed 1000 V.
•Always measure current in series with the load. Never measure current across a
voltage source.

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Measuring DC Current See Figure -3-
1. Set the Range Switch to an appropriate Arange.
Select the highest range and work down if the current level is unknown.
2. Connect the Test Leads: Red to mA or 10 A, Black to COM
3. Turn off power to the circuit being measured.
4. Open the test circuit (X) to establish measurements points.
5. Connect the Test Probes in series with the load.
6. Turn on power to the circuit being measured.
7. Read the display, and, if necessary, fix any overload (o) conditions.
Measuring AC Current See Figure -4-
1. Set the Range Switch to an appropriate arange.
Select the highest range and work down if the current level is unknown.
2. Connect the Test Leads: Red to mA or 10 A, Black to COM
3. Turn off power to the circuit being measured.
4. Open the test circuit (X) to establish measurements points.
5. Connect the Test Probes in series with the load.
6. Turn on power to the circuit being measured.
7. Read the display, and, if necessary, fix any overload (o) conditions.
Measuring Resistance See Figure -5-
1. Set the Range Switch to an appropriate Ωrange.
Select the highest range and work down if the resistance level is unknown.
2. Connect the Test Leads: Red to E, Black to COM
3. Turn off power to the circuit being measured. Never measure resistance across
a voltage source or on a powered circuit.
4. Discharge any capacitors that may influence the reading.
5. Connect the Test Probes across the resistance.
6. Read the display. If oappears on the highest range, the resistance is too large
to be measured.
Measuring Continuity See Figure -6-
1. Set the Range Switch to R.
2. Connect the Test Leads: Red to E, Black to COM
3. Turn off power to the circuit being measured.
4. Discharge any capacitors that may influence the reading.
5. Connect the Test Probes across the resistance.
6. Listen for the tone that indicates continuity (< 35 Ω).
Checking Diodes See Figure -7-
1. Set the Range Switch to G.
2. Connect the Test Leads: Red to E, Black to COM
3. Turn off power to the circuit being measured.
4. Free at least one end of the diode from the circuit.
5. Connect the Test Probes across the diode.
6. Read the display. A good diode has a forward voltage drop of about 0.6 V. An
open or reverse biased diode will read o.

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Measuring Capacitance See Figure -8-
1. Set the Range Switch to P.
2. Connect the Test Leads: Red to COM, Black to mA
3. Turn off power to the circuit being measured.
4. Discharge the capacitor using a 100 kΩresistor.
5. Free at least one end of the capacitor from the circuit.
6. Connect the Test Probes across the capacitor. When measuring an electrolytic
capacitor match the test lead polarity to the polarity of the capacitor.
7. Read the display.
Measuring Temperature See Figure -9-
1. Set the Range Switch to °C or °F.
2. Connect a TEMP adapter plug (XR-TA) to the E and COM inputs.
3. Connect the K-type thermocouple to the TEMP adapter.
Match the polarity of the adapter to the polarity of the thermocouple.
Note: Thermocouple is not intended for contact with liquids or electrical circuits.
4. Expose the thermocouple probe to the temperature to be measured.
5. Read the display.
Measuring Frequency See Figure -10-
1. Set the Range Switch to 1 MHz.
2. Connect the Test Leads: Red to Hz, Black to COM
3. Connect the Test Probes to the signal source.
4. Read the display. The Meter will autorange for the best resolution.
Additional Features
Input Test Lead Warning
The meter emits a continuous tone when a test lead is placed in the mA or 10 A
input jack and the selector switch is not set to a correct current range. (If the DMM
is connected to a voltage source with its leads connected for current, very high
current could result). All current ranges are protected by fast acting fuses.
MIN MAX Measurements
XWWARNING
To avoid erroneous readings, do not change the position of the
Function/Range Switch while the MIN MAX function is enabled.
The MIN MAX function reads and updates the display to show the maximum or
minimum value measured after you press the MIN MAX button.
Pressing the MIN MAX button for less than 1 second will put the meter into a mode
of displaying the maximum, minimum, or actual readings. Each time the button is
pressed, the meter will cycle to the next display mode as shown in the table below.
Press the MIN MAX button for more than 2 seconds to disable this feature.
Button Display Value Displayed
< 1 second MAX Maximum value after feature activated
< 1 second MIN Minimum value after feature activated
< 1 second MIN MAX (blinks) Actual input after feature activated
> 2 seconds Exit function

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Peak Hold Measurements
Note: The PEAK function must be calibrated to meet the specifications.
Peak Hold records and stores the positive and negative peak values that occur while
measuring an ac signal. To calibrate the Peak Hold function press the PEAK button
for more than 2 seconds. The display will show CAL when the calibration cycle is
done. Press the PEAK button again for the maximum (P+) and minimum (P-) peak
values for the ac signal being measured. The display will toggle between the P+ and
P- readings each time the PEAK button is pressed. Press the PEAK button for more
than 1 second to exit the PEAK function.
Auto Power Off
Auto Power Off is a battery saving feature that puts the meter into a sleep mode if
the Function/Range Switch has not changed position in the last 30 minutes. To
wake the meter turn it off and then on.
The Auto Power Off feature can be disabled to keep the meter from going to sleep.
This feature is useful when using the MIN MAX mode for extended periods. To
disable the Auto Power Off feature use the following procedure:
1. Set the Function Switch to OFF.
2. Press and hold the MIN MAX button while turning the Function Switch to the
desired function.
3. Continue to press the MIN MAX button until the display finishes this
initialization period and the reading settles.
4. Release the MIN MAX button. The Auto Power Off feature will remain disabled
until the meter is turned off and then on.
Relative Measurements
XWWARNING
To avoid erroneous readings, do not change the position of the
Function/Range Switch while the REL function is enabled.
The Relative mode displays the difference between the actual reading and a
reference value. It may be used with any function or range. To make a relative
measurement establish a reference value by measuring a value and then pressing
the REL button after the reading has stabilized. This stores the measured value as
the reference and sets the display to zero. The meter subtracts the reference value
from subsequent measurements and displays this difference as the relative value.
Measurement values greater than the reference value will be positive and values
less than the reference value will be negative.
To exit the Relative Mode, Press and hold the REL button for 2 seconds.
HOLD Measurements
XWWARNING
To avoid erroneous readings, do not change the position of the
Function/Range Switch while the HOLD function is enabled.
The HOLD button causes the meter to capture and continuously display a
measurement reading. To use the HOLD feature make a measurement, and then,
after the reading has stabilized, momentarily press the HOLD button. You can
remove the test leads and the reading will remain on the display. Pressing the
HOLD button again releases the display.

7
Product Maintenance
Cleaning
To clean the meter, use a soft cloth moistened with water. To avoid damage to the
plastic components do not use benzene, alcohol, acetone, ether, paint thinner,
lacquer thinner, ketone or other solvents to clean the meter.
Troubleshooting
If the meter appears to operate improperly, check the following items first.
1. Review the operating instructions to ensure the meter is being used properly.
2. Inspect and test the continuity of the test leads.
3. Make sure the battery is in good condition. The low battery symbol Bappears
when the battery falls below the level where accuracy is guaranteed. Replace a
low-battery immediately.
4. Check the condition of the fuses if the current ranges operate incorrectly.
XWWARNING
To avoid electrical shock remove the test leads from both the
meter and the test circuit before accessing the battery or the
fuses.
Battery and Fuse Replacement See Figure -11-
To access the battery and the mA fuse remove the two screws holding the
Battery/Fuse Cover in place, and lift the cover from the meter.
To replace the mA fuse, pry it from its clips using a small screwdriver. A spare mA
fuse is located between the battery and the mA fuse.
mA Fuse: Fast Blow .315 A/1000 V minimum interrupt rating 30 kA
(6.3 x 32 mm) (Amprobe® FP300)
To replace the 10 A fuse: 1) Remove the battery. 2) Remove the four rear-case
screws. 3) Separate the case. 4) Remove the 10 A fuse cover. 5) Remove and
replace the 10 A fuse. 6) Re-install the fuse cover. 7) Reassemble the meter.
10A Fuse: Fast Blow 10 A/1000 V, minimum interrupt rating 30 kA
(10 x 38 mm) (Amprobe® FP100).

9
Specifications
General Specifications
Display: 3 ¾ digit liquid crystal display
(LCD)(3999 count) with a 41-segment
analog bar-graph.
Polarity: Automatic, positive implied,
negative polarity indication.
Overrange: (o) or (-o) is displayed.
Zero: Automatic.
Low battery indication: The Bis displayed
when the battery voltage drops below the
operating level.
Auto power off: Approximately 30 minutes.
Measurement rate:
2 times per second, nominal.
Operating environment:
0 °C to 50 °C at <70 % R.H.
Storage temperature:
-20 °C to 60 °C, 0 to 80 % R.H. with battery
removed from meter.
Temperature Coefficient:
0.1 × (specified accuracy) per °C.
(0 °C to 18 °C, 28 °C to 50 °C).
Environment:
Indoor use, altitude up to 2000 m
Power: Single standard 9-volt battery,
NEDA 1604, JIS 006P, IEC 6F22.
Battery life:
150 hours typical with carbon-zinc.
300 hours typical with alkaline.
Dimensions:
196 mm (H) ×92 mm (W) × 60 mm (D).
Weight:
Approximately 400 g including battery.
Box Contents:
The 33XR-A includes the following items:
Test leads w/ alligator clips 1 set
Holster 1
Magnet Strap 1
Temperature Adapter 1
K-type thermocouple 1
Users Manual 1
9 V battery (installed) 1
mA fuse, 0.315 A/ 1000 V 1 spare
Approvals:
>
LISTED
950Z P
Safety: Conforms to UL1244; EN61010- 1:
Cat II – 1000V / Cat III - 600V; Class 2,
Pollution degree II.
EMC: Conforms to EN61326-1.
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.
Electrical Specifications
(Accuracy at 23 °C ±5 °C, <75 % R.H.)
DC VOLTS
Ranges: 400 mV, 4 V, 40 V, 400 V, 1000 V
Resolution: 100 µV
Accuracy: ±(0.7 % of reading + 1 digit)
Input impedance: 10 MΩ
Overload protection:
400 mV Range:1000 V dc / 750 V ac rms
(15 seconds) Other Ranges: 1000 V dc /
750 V ac rms