Amprobe AM-100 User manual

USER'S
MANUAL
AM-100
AM-105 TRMS
AM-110 TRMS
Digital
Multimeters

1
1) SAFETY
This manual contains information and warnings that must be followed for operating the
instrument safely and maintaining 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 is intended only for indoor use.
The meter (all versions) is protected, against the users, by double insulation per CSA
C22.2 No. 1010-1-92, EN61010-1(1995) and IEC61010-1(1995) to CAT II 1000V &
CAT III 600V.
Protection-reinforced CE version Terminals (to COM) ratings:
V : Category II 1000 Volts AC & DC, and Category III 600 Volts AC & DC.
A / mAµA : Category III 500 Volts AC and 300 Volts 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.
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.

2
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or
moisture. 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. Do not touch test lead tips or the circuit being
tested while power is applied to the circuit being measured. Keep your fingers behind
the finger guards of the test leads 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. Do not measure any current that
exceeds the current rating of the protection fuse. Do not attempt a current
measurement to any circuit where the open circuit voltage is above the protection fuse
voltage rating. Suspected open circuit voltage should be checked with voltage
functions. Never attempt a voltage measurement with the test lead inserted into the
µA/mA or A input jack. Only replace the blown fuse with the proper rating as specified
in this manual.
CAUTION
Disconnect the test leads from the test points before changing functions. Always set
the instrument to the highest range and work downward for an unknown value when
using manual ranging mode.
INTERNATIONAL ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS
!Caution ! Refer to the explanation in this Manual
Caution ! Risk of electric shock
Earth (Ground)
Double Insulation or Reinforced insulation
Fuse
AC--Alternating Current
DC--Direct Current
2) CENELEC DIRECTIVES
The instruments conform to CENELEC Low-voltage directive 73/23/EEC and
Electromagnetic compatibility directive 89/336/EEC

3
3) PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
This user's manual uses only representative model for illustrations. Please refer
specification details for function availability to each model.
1) 3-3/4 digits 4000
counts LCD display
2) Push-buttons for
special functions &
features
3) Selector to turn the
Power On or Off and
select a function
4) Input Jack (+) for 10A
(20A for 30sec) current
function
5) Input Jack (+) for all
functions EXCEPT current
(
µ
A, mA, A) function
6) Common (Ground
reference) Input Jack (-)
for all functions
7) Input Jack (+) for
milli-amp and micro-amp
functions

4
4) OPERATION
DC Voltage, AC Voltage, & Hz Frequency functions
Note:
1) AC 400.0mV range selection is by RANGE button manually, and is specified from
AC 10mV (AC 40mV for True RMS models AM-105 & AM-110) and up.
2) DC 400.0mV range is designed with 1000MΩhigh input impedance for least current
drain in measuring small signals, and can cope better with most commercially available
voltage output transducers and adapters. The non-zero display reading is normal when
the meter inputs are open circuit, which will not affect actual measurement accuracy.
Open input is actually a floating condition, which is not a zero-volt-input condition. The
meter will show zero or close to zero reading when the inputs are shorted.

5
ΩResistance, and Continuity functions
Defaults at Ω. Press SELECT button momentarily to select Continuity function
which is convenient for checking wiring connections and operation of switches. A
continuous beep tone indicates a complete wire.
CAUTION
Using Resistance, Continuity, Diode or Capacitance function in 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.

6
Diode test, Capacitance functions
Defaults at Ω. Press SELECT button momentarily 2 times to select Diode test
function. Normal forward voltage drop (forward biased) 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). An OL indicates an
open diode (defective). Reverse the test leads connections (reverse biased) across the
diode. The digital display shows OL if the diode is good. Any other readings indicate
the diode is resistive or shorted (defective).
Defaults at Ω. Press SELECT button momentarily 3 times to select Capacitance
function. Relative zero mode can be used to zero out the parasitic capacitance of
the leads and the internal protection circuitry of the meter when measuring low
capacitance in the order of Pico Farad (pF).
CAUTION
Discharge capacitors before making any measurement. Large value capacitors should
be discharged through an appropriate resistance load

7
µA, mA, and A Current functions
Default at DC. Press SELECT button momentarily to select AC.
CAUTION
When measuring a 3-phase system, special attention should be taken to the
phase-to-phase voltage which is significantly higher than the phase-to-earth voltage.
To avoid exceeding the voltage rating of the protection fuse(s) accidentally, always
consider the phase-to-phase voltage as the working voltage for the protection fuse(s).
Beep-Jack™ Input Warning
The meter beeps to warn the user against possible damage to the meter due to
improper connections to the µA, mA, or A input jacks when other function (like voltage
function) is selected.
Temperature function (AM-110 only)
Be sure to insert the banana plug type-K temperature bead probe Bkp60 (Optional
purchase) with correct polarities. Defaults at degree C (Celsius). Press
SELECT button momentarily to select degree F (Fahrenheit). You can also use a plug
adapter (Optional purchase) with banana pins to type-K socket to adapt other type-K
standard mini plug temperature probes (refer to www.amprobe.com).

8
Relative zero mode
Relative zero mode allows the user to offset the meter consecutive measurements
with the displaying reading as the reference value. The display will now show readings
relative to the stored reference value. That is, display = reading - stored value. Press
the button momentarily to activate or to exit relative zero mode.
Backlighted display
Press the SELECT button for 1 second or more to turn on or off the display backlight
function.
Manual or Auto-ranging
Press the RANGE button momentarily to select manual-ranging mode, and the meter
will remain in the range it was in, the LCD symbol turns off. Press the button
momentarily again to step through the ranges. Press and hold the button for 1 second
or more to resume auto-ranging mode.
Note: Manual ranging mode feature is not available in Hz & Cx functions.

9
HOLD
The hold feature freezes the display for later view. Press the HOLD button
momentarily to activate or to exit the hold feature.
MAX
The max feature compares and displays the measured maximum value as fast as
25ms in a single range, and with automatic up range capability. Press the MAX
button for 1 second or more to activate or to exit the max feature in the voltage or
current functions.
Sleep Mode
The meter will enter a low power consumption sleep mode automatically to extend
battery life after approximately 30 minutes of no rotary-switch or push button
operations. To wake up the meter from sleep mode, press any buttons momentarily or
turn the rotary-switch to an adjacent position. Always set the rotary-switch to the OFF
position manually when the meter is not in use.
5) 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
with open case.
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
Trouble Shooting
If the instrument fails to operate, check batteries and test leads etc., and replace as
necessary. Double check operating procedure as described in this user’s manual.
If the instrument voltage-resistance input terminal has 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 off (become
high impedance) 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.