Amprobe HD160C User manual

HD160C
Heavy-Duty True-rms Digital Multimeter
User Manual
English
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com

HD160C
OFF
2A
mA
A
V
V
Hz
F
C
REL
MIN MAX
AVG
RANGEHOLD A
HD160C
V
A
Temp
COM
2A MAX
FUSED
MAX
1500V
1000V
IV
CAT
1000 V
Hz
1
2
3
4
5
6
78
9
10
11
12
13
# Description
1 COM Input - common or low input for all measurements
2 Current and Capacitance Input
3 Function/Range Selector Switch
4 MIN MAX AVG Button
5 RELative Button
6 Low Battery Indicator
7 Hold Indicator
8 4-Digit LCD with measurement indicators
9 Data HOLD Button
10 RANGE Lock Button
11 AC DC Selection Button for Current Ranges
12 Backlight Button
13 Temperature, Volts, Ohms, and Frequency Input

HD160C
Heavy-Duty True-rms Digital Multimeter
Contents
Symbols.........................................................................................................................................2
Introduction..................................................................................................................................2
Warnings and Precautions...........................................................................................................2
Unpacking and Contents .............................................................................................................3
Display Symbols and Audible Symbols........................................................................................4
Overload Condition......................................................................................................................4
Incorrect Input Warning ..............................................................................................................4
Dangerous Voltage Warning.......................................................................................................4
Audible Feedback.........................................................................................................................4
Analog Bargraph..........................................................................................................................5
Disable Beeper and Auto-Power Off ..........................................................................................5
Measuring Procedures .................................................................................................................5
Measuring DC Voltage (See Figure 1) .........................................................................................5
Measuring AC Voltage - True rms (See Figure 2)........................................................................6
True rms AC Measurements.........................................................................................................6
Measuring DC Current (See Figure 3) .........................................................................................7
Measuring AC Current - True rms (See Figure 4)........................................................................7
Continuity Test (See Figure 5)......................................................................................................8
Resistance Measurement (See Figure 6) .....................................................................................8
Measuring Capacitance (See Figure 7)........................................................................................9
Measuring Frequency (See Figure 8)...........................................................................................9
Measuring Temperature (See Figure 9) ......................................................................................9
Button Functions........................................................................................................................10
RANGE.......................................................................................................................................10
HOLD.........................................................................................................................................10
REL (Relative Measurements) .................................................................................................10
MIN MAX AVG..........................................................................................................................11
Auto-Power Off..........................................................................................................................11
Safety Test Leads ........................................................................................................................11
Specifications..............................................................................................................................12
General Specifications..............................................................................................................12
Electrical Specifications............................................................................................................12
DC Volts............................................................................................................................12
AC Volts True rms ............................................................................................................13
DC Current .......................................................................................................................13
AC Current True rms........................................................................................................13
Resistance.........................................................................................................................13
Continuity Test.................................................................................................................13
Capacitance......................................................................................................................13
Temperature ....................................................................................................................13
Frequency.........................................................................................................................13
Optional Accessories ................................................................................................................13
Maintenance and Repair ...........................................................................................................14
Battery/Fuse Replacement (Figure 10) ......................................................................................14
Repair Information.....................................................................................................................15
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX [phone] - TestEquipmentDepot.com

2
Symbols
BBattery Refer to the manual
Double insulated Dangerous Voltage
Direct Current Earth Ground
Alternating Current Audible tone
Fuse Complies with EU directives
Conforms to relevant Australian
standards. ®Canadian Standards Association. [Note: Canadian and US.]
Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal waste. Contact
Amprobeor a qualified recycler for disposal.
Introduction
The Amprobedigital multimeter HD160C is a heavy-duty 4-digit, autoranging, AC-coupled
True rms measuring instrument that measures voltage, current, resistance, continuity, as
well as capacitance, frequency and temperature. It also offers Range Lock, Data Hold,
Relative Measurement, Auto Min Max Measurement, a bright backlight, and Auto Power
Off to save battery life. The instrument is completely o-ring sealed to pass strict IP-67
ratings for moisture and dust proof. The HD160C also has internal components shock -
mounted for drop proof capability. The HD160C meets the highest safety rating of CAT IV
1000 V (1500V DC max).
Warnings and Precautions
This instrument is EN61010-1 certified for Cat IV, 1000 V ac/1500 V dc and lower
installations. Based on EN61010-1 transient requirements, this product should
only be used in installations where transients do not exceed 12,000 volts (a 1.2
µS/50 µS pulse).
• All inputs are protected against overload conditions up to the limits of each
function's stated input protection (see specifications). Never exceed these
limits or the ratings marked on the instrument itself.
• Exercise extreme caution when: measuring voltage >20 V, current >10 mA, ac
power line with inductive loads, ac power line during electrical storms. High
voltages can be lethal and high voltage transients may occur at any time.
• Operator injury or damage to the multimeter may occur during current
measurements if the fuse blows in a circuit with open circuit voltage 1000 V
ac/1500 V dc.

3
• Always inspect your DMM, test leads and accessories for signs of damage or
abnormality before use. If an abnormal condition exists (broken or damaged
test leads, cracked case, display not reading, etc.), do not use. All internal
battery and fuse covers are integral to the EN61010-1 Cat IV safety rating and
must be in place to avoid potential shock hazards.
• When testing for voltage or current, make sure these ranges function correctly.
Take a reading of a known voltage or current first.
• Never ground yourself when taking measurements. Do not touch exposed
metal pipes, outlets, fixtures, etc., which might be at ground potential. Keep
your body isolated from ground and never touch exposed wiring, connections,
test probe tips, or any live circuit conductors. Do not use the Flex-Strap to
attach the meter to your body.
• Always measure current in series with the load – NEVER connect the
multimeter ACROSS a voltage source. Check fuse first.
• Never replace a fuse with one of a different rating.
• Do not operate instrument in an explosive atmosphere (flammable gases,
fumes, vapor, dust.)
• Do not use this or any piece of test equipment without proper training
• CRT SERVICE SAFETY REMINDER: A potential danger exists when measuring
voltages in the horizontal output and damper stages of CRT equipment. (High
voltage transients greater than 8000 V). Refer to your CRT service manual for
proper servicing instructions.
Unpacking and Contents
Your shipping carton should include the HD160C multimeter, a holster with Magna-Grip,
one test lead set with alligator clips(one black, one red), one temperature adaptor, one
Type K thermocouple probe, one 9 V battery (installed), a hex wrench (held inside holster)
and this manual. If any of the items are damaged or missing, immediately return the
complete package to the place of purchase for an exchange. The holster/tilt stand provides
additional protection of the meter from accidental falls and provides greater ease of
use. Both test lead probes can be attached to the holster for storage. One probe can be
attached for measurement, holding the meter with probe in one hand and the second
probe in the other hand.

4
Display Symbols and Audible Symbols
Dangerous voltage warning (also double beep tone). Indicates input
voltages higher than 30 V ac or 60 V dc.
BLow-battery voltage
-Negative polarity indicator
Overload Condition
Input Overload (highest range in autoranging) is indicated by “OL or -OL” and a
continuous tone. Remove test leads from the measurement setup as the input is beyond
the range of the meter.
Display Overload (input exceeds the selected range while range is locked) is also indicated
by “OL or -OL”. Select the next higher range until a value is displayed, or return to
autoranging. If overload still exists in the highest range, remove test leads from the
measurement setup as input is beyond the range of the meter.
Note: In both instances, overload indication is normal in the ohms and continuity ranges
(no sound) when the leads are not connected to anything or when the measured value is
higher than the selected resistance range.
Incorrect Input Warning
The meter displays a function error code “Err” when a test lead is placed in the A input
jack and the Selector switch is not set to a current or capacitance range. (If the meter is
connected to a voltage source with leads connected for current, very high current could
result). All current ranges are protected with a fast acting fuse.
Dangerous Voltage Warning
Displayed voltage warning and double-beep warning when input voltages are greater than
30 V ac/60 V dc, .
Audible Feedback
The meter emits a single beep when a parameter is changed, a “valid” front panel button
is pushed, or Auto Min Max values are updated. A double beep indicates a dangerous input
voltage (>30 V ac or 60 V dc).
The meter emits a continuous tone in the case of input overload, for continuity
measurement when resistance is <40Ω, and for current measurements, when the A input is
used and the current
exceeds 2 A.

Analog Bargraph
The 41 segment analog bargraph indicates the percentage of the range the displayed
measurement relates to. The zero segment is lit when the instrument is turned on. Each
segment after that equals 2.5 % of range. The 400 mA, 40 MΩ, and Capacitance ranges are
limited to 16 segments.
Example: a 500 mV input in the 1 V range (50 %) is represented by 21 segments (50).
400mA (of a theoretical 1000 mA range) = 16 segments (40 %).
Disable Beeper and Auto-Power Off
You can disable the beeper and Auto Power Off by pressing and holding the REL button
while turning the meter ON.
Measuring Procedures
• Turn instrument on by turning function/range switch away from OFF and
selecting the parameter you want to measure.
• This instrument is autoranging on all ranges. It automatically selects the range
that gives the best resolution for the measured value. A range can be locked
through menu selection (see Button Functions, later in this manual). You
can tell which range you are in by the position of the decimal point and the
measurement unit displayed.
• When connecting or disconnecting test leads to a circuit, always turn off power
to device or circuit being tested and discharge all capacitors.
• Strictly observe the max input limits.
• Do not change functions while test leads are connected to circuit.
Measuring DC Voltage (See Figure 1)
1. Set the Function Switch to .
2. If RANGE is displayed, press the RANGE button to enable auto ranging.
3. Connect the test leads: Red toTemp VΩHz, Black to COM
4. Connect the test leads to the circuit test points.
5. Read the display, and, if necessary, correct any overload (OL) conditions.
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX [phone] - TestEquipmentDepot.com

6
Measuring AC Voltage - True rms (See Figure 2)
1. Set the Function Switch to .
2. If RANGE is displayed, press the RANGE button to enable auto ranging.
3. Connect the test leads: Red to Temp VΩHz, Black to COM
4. Connect the test leads to the circuit test points.
5. Read the display, and, if necessary, correct any overload (OL) conditions.
True rms AC Measurements
Model HD160C is an ac-coupled True rms measuring meter. It measures the True rms value
of distorted AC voltage or current signals. The Crest Factor handling capability is shown in
Table 1. The Crest Factor is the Peak Voltage divided by the rms voltage.
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.5
1.0
2%
0%
5%
4%
3%
100%806040200
Wave form,Crest Factor Additional correction from 1.5 to 5.0
Input RMS, Percentage of Full-Scale
Table 1 - Crest Factor Handling Capability
Note: To accurately measure a DC voltage with an AC component, measure the AC
component first with selector switch set to . Note the measurement and range used.
Switch to , activate Range Lock (see Button Functions later in this manual) and select a
range equal to or higher then the range used previously. Note the measurement. The
result is the measured AC Voltage on top of the measured DC component. (Max input is
1500 V dc or 1000 V ac).

7
Measuring DC Current (See Figure 3)
1. Set the Function Switch to a current function, μA, mA, or 2A.
2. If AC is displayed, press the Abutton to turn on DC.
3. If the 2A function is not selected and RANGE is displayed, press the RANGE button
to enable auto ranging.
4. Connect the test leads: Red to A, Black to COM.
5. Turn off power to the circuit being measured.
6. Open the circuit (-X-) in which current is to be measured (voltage between this
point and ground must not exceed 1500 V dc).
7. Securely connect test leads in series with the load.
8. Turn on power to the circuit being measured.
9. Read the display, and, if necessary, correct any overload (OL or -OL) conditions.
Measuring AC Current - True rms (See Figure 4)
1. Set the Function Switch to a current function, μA, mA, or 2A.
2. If DC is displayed, press the Abutton to turn on AC.
3. If the 2A function is not selected and RANGE is displayed, press the RANGE button
to enable auto ranging.
4. Connect the test leads: Red to A, Black to COM.
5. Turn off power to the circuit being measured.
6. Open the circuit (-X-) in which current is to be measured (voltage between this
point and ground must not exceed 1000 V ac).
7. Securely connect test leads in series with the load.
8. Turn on power to the circuit being measured.
9. Read the display, and, if necessary, correct any overload (OL) conditions.

8
Continuity Test (See Figure 5)
1. Set the Function Switch to .
2. Connect the test leads: Red to Temp VΩHz, 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 leads across the resistance.
6. Listen for the tone that indicates continuity (< 40 Ω).
When measuring continuity the meter emits a continuous tone when the resistance value
falls below 40Ω.
Resistance Measurement (See Figure 6)
1. Set the Function Switch to Ω.
2. If RANGE is displayed, press the RANGE button to enable auto ranging.
3. Connect the test leads. Red to Temp VΩHz, 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 leads across the resistance.
7. Read the display. If OL appears on the highest range, the resistance is too large to
be measured.
Note: When measuring very low resistances, use Relative Measurement to eliminate the
test lead resistance (see Button Functions later in this manual).