Amprobe 34XR-A User manual

34XR-A
Professional Digital Multimeter
Users Manual
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Melrose, MA 02176
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34XR-A
34XR-A

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34XR-A Digital Multimeter
Contents
Safety Information ...........................................................................................2
Introduction.....................................................................................................3
Making Measurements.....................................................................................3
Verify Instrument Operation..........................................................................3
Range Selection............................................................................................3
Correcting an Overload (o) Indication .........................................................3
Measuring DC Voltage ........................................... See Figure -1- ...............3
Measuring AC Voltage (True rms)............... See Figures -2- & -3- ...............4
Preparing for Current Measurements............................................................4
Measuring DC Current ........................................... See Figure -4- ...............4
Measuring AC Current (True rms)............... See Figures -3- & -5- ...............4
Measuring Resistance ........................................... See Figure -6- ...............5
Measuring Continuity............................................. See Figure -7- ...............5
Checking Diodes .................................................... See Figure -8- ...............5
Measuring Capacitance ......................................... See Figure -9- ...............5
Measuring Temperature ...................................... See Figure -10- ...............5
Measuring Frequency .......................................... See Figure -11- ...............6
Measuring Dutycycle .......................................... See Figure -12- ...............6
Additional Features ..........................................................................................6
Input Test Lead Warning...............................................................................6
True-rms Measurements ..............................................................................6
MIN MAX Measurements..............................................................................6
Auto Power Off .............................................................................................7
HOLD Measurements....................................................................................7
Backlight.......................................................................................................7
Product Maintenance.......................................................................................7
Battery and Fuse Replacement............................. See Figure -13- ...............7
Repair ..............................................................................................................8
WARRANTY..................................................................................................9
Specifications ..................................................................................................9
Users Manual

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Safety Information
•The 34XR-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 1000V
dc/750 V ac rms between the test lead and earth ground.
•Inspect the 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 test probe tips.
•Do not operate the instrument in an explosive atmosphere.
•Exercise extreme caution when: measuring voltage >20V // current >10mA // 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.
•Remove test leads before opening the Battery Cover or case.
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

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Introduction
The 34XR-A is a True rms autoranging handheld digital multimeter for measuring
or testing the following:
•DC and AC voltage •Temperature
•DC and AC current •Capacitance
•Resistance •Diodes
•Frequency •Continuity
•Dutycycle
Additional features include: MIN MAX, HOLD, Backlight, and Range Lock
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.
Range Selection
In addition to autoranging the 34XR-A allows you to manually select and lock a
range by pressing the RANGE button. RANGE appears on the display to indicate
that manual ranging is active. Each subsequent press of the range button steps the
meter to the next higher range. When the highest range is reached the next press
returns the meter to the lowest range. To return to autoranging press and hold the
RANGE button for 2 seconds. RANGE no longer shows on the display.
Use autorange for all initial measurements. Then, when appropriate, use the RANGE
button to select and lock a range. Warning
To avoid electrical shock while manual ranging use the display
annunciators to identify the actual range selected.
Correcting an Overload (oor -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 Function Switch to v.
2. If RANGE is displayed, press the RANGE button to enable autoranging.
3. Connect the Test Leads: Red to E, Black to COM
4. Connect the Test Probes to the circuit test points.
5. Read the display, and, if necessary, correct any overload (o) conditions.

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Measuring AC Voltage (True rms) See Figures -2- & -3-
See Additional Features to find out the advantages of true rms.
1. Set the Function Switch to V.
2. If RANGE is displayed, press the RANGE button to enable autoranging.
3. Connect the Test Leads: Red to E, Black to COM
4. Connect the Test Probes to the circuit test points
5. Read the display, and, if necessary, correct 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.
Measuring DC Current See Figure -4-
1. Set the Function Switch to a Afunction and range.
2. If RANGE is displayed, press the RANGE button to enable autoranging.
3. Connect the Test Leads: Red to µA mA or 10A, Black to COM
4. Turn off power to the circuit being measured.
5. Open the test circuit (X) to establish measurement points.
6. Connect the Test Probes in series with the load.
7. Turn on power to the circuit being measured.
8. Read the display, and, if necessary, correct any overload (o) conditions.
Measuring AC Current (True rms) See Figures -3- & -5-
See Additional Features to find out the advantages of true rms.
1. Set the Function Switch to a afunction and range.
2. If RANGE is displayed, press the RANGE button to enable autoranging.
3. Connect the Test Leads: Red to µA mA or 10A, Black to COM
4. Turn off power to the circuit being measured.
5. Open the test circuit (X) to establish measurement points.
6. Connect the Test Probes in series with the load.
7. Turn on power to the circuit being measured.
8. Read the display, and, if necessary, correct any overload (o) conditions.

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Measuring Resistance See Figure -6-
1. Set the Function Switch to Ω.
2. If RANGE is displayed, press the RANGE button to enable autoranging.
3. Connect the Test Leads: Red to E, Black to COM
4. Turn off power to the circuit being measured. Never measure resistance across
a voltage source or on a powered circuit.
5. Discharge any capacitors that may influence the reading.
6. Connect the Test Probes across the resistance.
7. Read the display. If oappears on the highest range, the resistance is too large
to be measured.
Measuring Continuity See Figure -7-
1. Set the Function 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 -8-
1. Set the Function 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.
Measuring Capacitance See Figure -9-
1. Set the Function Switch to an appropriate µF function and range.
2. Connect the Test Leads: Red to COM, Black to µA mA P(-)
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 -10-
1. Set the Function Switch to °C or °F.
2. Connect the K-type thermocouple to a TEMP adapter (XR-TA).
Match the polarity of the adapter to the polarity of the thermocouple.
3. Connect the TEMP adapter to the E and COM inputs.
Note: The 34XR-A is compatible with all K-type thermocouples. The K-type bead
thermocouple supplied with the meter is not intended for contact with liquids or electrical
circuits.
4. Expose the thermocouple to the temperature to be measured.
5. Read the display.

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Measuring Frequency See Figure -11-
1. Set the Function Switch to Hz.
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.
Measuring Dutycycle See Figure -12-
1. Set the Function Switch to %.
2. Connect the Test Leads: Red to %, 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 µA mA or 10A
input jack and the Function/Range Switch is not set to a correct current position. (If
the meter is connected to a voltage source with leads connected for current, very
high current could result). All current ranges are protected by fast acting fuses.
True-rms Measurements
For ac measurements most DMMs average the ac input signal and display the
result as an estimated rms value. This average-responding method is accurate for
sinusoidal waveforms, but can be very inaccurate for distorted waveforms. To
ensure the most accurate measurements, always use a true-rms DMM when
measuring ac voltage or ac current on circuits for the following kinds of
applications:
•Power Supplies - diodes
•Controllers
•Power Limiting - SCR or Triac
•Starting - motors
•Florescent Lighting - ballasts
•Speed Control - motors
•Pulsed Signals
•Any non-sinusoidal ac waveform
MIN MAX Measurements
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 exit MIN MAX.
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) Normal measurement, actual reading
> 2 seconds Exit MIN MAX Normal measurement, actual reading

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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.
HOLD Measurements
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.
Backlight
Pressing the Lbutton illuminates the display with a blue backlight. The backlight
will automatically turn off in about 60 seconds. Frequent use of the backlight will
decrease battery life.
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.
Battery and Fuse Replacement See Figure -13-
XWWARNING
To avoid electrical shock remove the test leads from both the
meter and the test circuit before accessing the battery or the
fuses.

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: (0o)
or (-0o) is displayed.
Zero: Automatic.
Low battery indication: The Bis
displayed when the battery voltage drops
below the operating level.
Auto power off: Approx. 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).
Altitude: 2000 m (6562 feet)
Power: Single standard 9-volt battery,
NEDA 1604, JIS 006P, IEC 6F22.
Battery life: 100 hours typical with
carbon-zinc. 200 hours typical with alkaline.
Frequent use of the backlight will decrease
battery life.
Dimensions: 196 mm (H) × 92 mm (W) ×
60 mm (D).
Weight: Approximately 400 g including
battery.
Box contents:
The 34XR-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