Amprobe ACD-14 TRMS-PLUS User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
ACD-14 TECH CLAMP
AMPROBE
®

1
Congratulations! Your new instrument has been crafted according to quality standards
and contains quality components and workmanship. It has been inspected for proper
operation of all of its functions and tested by qualified factory technicians according to
the long-established standards of AMPROBE.
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.
This meter meets the requirements for double insulation to IEC61010-2-032(1994),
EN61010-2-032(1995), UL3111-2-032(1999): Category III 600 Volts ac and dc.
OVERVOLTAGE INSTALLATION CATEGORIES, PER IEC61010:
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.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY IV: Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY IV is
for use at the origin of the installation. Note – Examples include electricity meters and
primary over-current protection equipment.
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.

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WARNING:
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.
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 touch test lead tips or the circuit being tested while power is applied to the
circuit being measured. To avoid accidental short circuit of bare (un-insulated)
hazardous live conductors or bus bars, switch them off before insertion and removal of
the current clamp jaws. Contact with the conductor could result in electric shock.
Keep your hands/fingers behind the hand/finger barriers that indicate the limits of safe
access of the meter and the test leads during measurement.
CAUTION:
Disconnect the test leads from the test points before changing meter functions.
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
This instrument conforms to CENELEC Low-voltage directive 73/23/EEC and
Electromagnetic compatibility directive 89/336/EEC

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3) PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Note: Please refer to Specification Section for function details.
1) Clamp Jaw for AC current magnetic field
pick up
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2) Hand/Finger Barrier to indicate the limits
of safe access of the meter during
measurement
3) Power ON/OFF buttons for ACA current
function and MAX/Hold features
4) Push-button for frequency selection
5) Input Jack for all functions EXCEPT
clamp-on ACA current function
6) Common (Ground reference) Input Jack
for all functions EXCEPT clamp-on ACA
current function
7) Slide-switch Selector to turn the lower
display ON/OFF and to Select functions
8) Lower Display: for Input Jack functions
3-3/4 digits 4000 counts LCD
9) Upper Display: for ACA current
Clamp-on
3-3/4 digits 4000 counts LCD
10) Jaw trigger for opening the ACA current
clamp jaw

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4) OPERATION
DC Voltage, AC Voltage, Hz Frequency functions
Inputs are made through the test lead terminals. Move the slide-switch to the “V”
position. The unit defaults at DC voltage. Press SELECT button momentarily to select
AC voltage.
To activate the Hz Frequency function, press the Hz button momentarily.
Note: 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/adapters. The non-zero display reading is normal when the
meter inputs are open circuit, which will not affect actual measurement accuracy. The

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meter will show close to zero reading when the inputs are shorted. Open input is
actually a floating condition, which is not a zero-volt-input condition.
Note: Hz input sensitivity varies automatically with function range selected while
activating the Hz function. Lowest range has the highest sensitivity, and the highest
range has the lowest sensitivity. Activating the Hz function WHILE measuring the
specific function signal (auto ranging) can automatically select the best sensitivity
range to avoid electrical noise that may cause unstable Hz reading. However, if the Hz
reading shows zero due to insufficient sensitivity, activate the Hz function BEFORE
measuring the specific function signal. The meter is then in the lowest range and can
select the highest sensitivity range.
Caution
Measuring Resistance, Continuity, Diode or Capacitance function 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.

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ΩResistance, and Continuity functions
Inputs are made through the test leads terminals. Move the slide-switch to the “Ω”
position. The unit 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.
Diode test function
Inputs are made through the test lead terminals. Move the slide-switch to the “Ω”
position. The unit 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).
Capacitance function
Inputs are made through the test leads terminals. Move the slide-switch to the “Ω”
position. The unit defaults at Ω. Press SELECT button momentarily 3 times to select
Capacitance function.
CAUTION
Discharge capacitors before making any measurement. Large value capacitors should
be discharged through an appropriate resistance load.

7
ACA Current clamp-on function
Inputs are made through the clamp on jaws for non-invasive ACA current
measurements.
Press the OFF push button momentarily to power on and off the separate ACA
function (upper) display. The MAX HOLD push button can also be used to power on
this function. This twin ACA function display can be used simultaneously with voltage
measurements or any of the other slide-switch functions (lower display) or it can be
used alone.
CAUTION
Clamp the jaws around only one single conductor of a circuit for load current
measurement. Enclosing more than one conductor of a circuit will result in differential
current (like identifying leakage current) measurement.

8
Make sure the jaws are completely closed, or else it will introduce measurement
errors.
Strong Electro-magnetic field environments such as high-current transformers, motors
and conductors may affect measurement accuracy.
Temperature function
Insert the banana plug type-K temperature bead probe (TPK-59), observing the proper
polarities. Move the slide-switch to the “°F/°C” position. The unit defaults at
degree C (Celsius). Press SELECT button momentarily to select degree F
(Fahrenheit).
µA Current function
Inputs are made through the test leads terminals. Move the slide-switch to the “µA”
position. The unit defaults at DC. Press SELECT button momentarily to select AC.
You can select the Hz function by momentarily pressing the Hz button.

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Application notes:
1) The DC
µA function is designed especially for HVAC/R flame sensor applications.
The 0.1µA resolution is useful for identifying the minute current changes in flame
detector applications. Flame signal current check should indicate steady flame
signal of at least 2µA for a rectification type, 1.5µA for an ultraviolet type, or 8µA
for self-checking systems. If a flame signal current with inadequate strength or
fluctuation beyond 10%, check the following to avoid the risk of unwanted flame
relay dropout:
1.1) For gas or oil flames (Minipeeper):
zLow supply voltage
zDetector location
zDefective detector wiring
zDirty viewing windows
zFaulty Minipeeper
1.2) For oil flames (Photocell):
zDetector location & wiring
zSmoky flame or poorly adjusted air shutter
zFaulty Photocell
zTemperature over 165°F (74°C) at photocell
1.3) For gas flames (Flame Rod):
zIgnition interference (A flame signal current difference with the ignition both on
and off greater than 0.5µA indicates the presence of ignition interference)
zInsufficient ground (must be at least 4 times the detector area)
zFlame lifting off burner head (ground), or not continuously in contact with the
flame rod
zTemperature in excess of 600°F (316°C) at the flame electrode insulator,
causing short to ground.
HOLD
The hold feature freezes the upper ACA display for later viewing. Press the HOLD
button momentarily to activate or exit this feature.
MAX
The Max feature compares and displays the measured maximum value (on the upper
ACA display) as fast as 25ms with auto-ranging capability. Press the MAX button for 1
second or more to activate or exit this feature.

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Auto-ranging
When there is more than one measuring range under a selected meter function, the
LED annunciator “a” turns on in the upper left corner. The meter will automatically
switch to the best resolution range when making measurements. No manual ranging
selection is required.
Auto Power Off (APO)
When the meter is on, the Auto Power Off (APO) feature will switch the meter into a
sleep mode automatically to extend battery life after approximately 30 minutes of the
last front panel activity. To wake up the meter from APO, press the buttons
momentarily or move the slide-switch to the OFF position and then back on again.
Always set the slide-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.
Trouble Shooting
If the instrument fails to operate, first check the batteries and test leads etc., and
replace as necessary. Double check the operating procedures as described in this
User’s Manual.
If the instrument voltage-resistance input terminal is subjected to a high voltage
transient (e.g. lightning or switching surge) by accident or abnormal conditions of
operation, the series fusible resistors will be blown (become high impedance) like fuses
to protect the user and the instrument. Most measuring functions through this terminal
will then be an open circuit. A qualified technician should then replace the series fusible
resistors and the spark gaps. Refer to the LIMITED WARRANTY section for obtaining
warranty or repair service.
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.

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Battery replacement
The meter uses 2 standard 3V alkaline button batteries (ANSI/NEDA-5004LC,
IEC-CR2030).
The lower battery is used for the slide-switch functions, and the upper battery is used
for the upper display ACA function separately.
Low Battery Indication: When the battery voltage drops below approx. 2.4V, a battery
symbol will appear in the upper right corner of the LCD display, indicating that the
battery needs replacing.
To replace the batteries, loosen the two screws from the case bottom and remove the
bottom case. Slide the battery out the side of the holder (see example below) and
replace with a new battery (observe polarity). Replace the bottom case. Note: Take
care to insure that the two (2) springs (located near the lower battery) line up with the
speaker in the rear cover.
Re-fasten the screws.

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6) Specifications
General Specifications
Display: 3-3/4 digits 4000 counts, dual LCD displays
Update Rate: 3 per second nominal
Polarity: Automatic
Low Battery Indication: Below approx. 2.4V
Operating Temperature: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)
Relative Humidity: Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures up to 88°F (31°C)
decreasing linearly to 50% relative humidity at 104°F (40°C)
Altitude: Operating below 6,562 ft (2000m)
Storage Temperature: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C), < 80% R.H. (with battery
removed)
Temperature Coefficient: nominal 0.09 x (specified accuracy)/°F @ 32°F - 64°F or
82°F - 104°F (0°C - 18°C or 28°C - 40°C), or otherwise
specified
Sensing: Average sensing
Power Supply: Two 3V alkaline button batteries (ANSI/NEDA-5004LC, IEC-CR2032).
Battery Life: 95 hours approx. (in DCV mode)
Power Consumption: 2.5 mA typical
Low Battery Indication: Below approx. 2.4V (battery symbol appears in upper right)
Auto Power Off: After being idle for 30 minutes
APO Consumption: 0.8µA typical except 25µA typical for temperature function
Dimension: L 7.48” X W 2.48” X H 1.25” (L190mm X W 63mm X H 32mm)
Weight: 0.450 Lb approx. (204 g)
Jaw opening & Conductor diameter: 1.02” max (26mm)
Standard Accessories:
Test leads (pair), banana plug style, bead Type-K Thermocouple, batteries (installed),
user's manual, & soft carrying pouch
Replacement Part Numbers:
Test Leads (pair): MTL-90B, Bead Type-K Thermocouple: TPK-59, Carrying Case:
SV-U
Safety:
Meets IEC61010-2-032(1994), EN61010-2-032(1995), UL3111-2-032(1999).
Category III 600 Volts AC & DC
CE Approved
UL Listed
Transient protection: 6.5kV (1.2/50µs surge) for all models
Pollution degree: 2

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E.M.C.: Meets EN61326(1997, 1998/A1), EN61000-4-2(1995), and EN61000-4-3
(1996)
In an RF field of 3V/m:
Capacitance function is not specified
µA function: Total Accuracy = Specified Accuracy + 65 digits
Other function ranges: Total Accuracy = Specified Accuracy + 45 digits
Performance above 3V/m is not specified
Overload Protections:
ACA Clamp-on jaws: AC 400A RMS continuous
“+” & “COM” terminals (all functions): 600VDC/VAC RMS
Electrical Specifications
Accuracy is ±(% reading digits + number of digits) or otherwise specified, at 73°F ±
9°F (23°C ± 5°C) & less than 75% R.H.
DC Voltage
RANGE Accuracy
400.0 mV 0.3% + 4d
4.000V, 40.00V,
400.0V
0.5% + 3d
600V 1.0% + 4d
NMRR: >50dB @ 50/60Hz
CMRR: >120dB @ DC, 50/60Hz,
Rs=1kΩ
Input Impedance: 10MΩ, 30pF nominal
(1000MΩfor 400.0mV range)
AC Voltage
RANGE Accuracy 1)
50Hz -- 500Hz
4.000V, 40.00V,
400.0V
1.5% + 5d
600V 2.0% + 5d
CMRR: >60dB @ DC to 60Hz, Rs=1kΩ
Input Impedance: 10MΩ, 30pF nominal
ACA Current (Clamp-on)
RANGE Accuracy
50Hz / 60Hz
40.00A 1.9% + 8d
400.0A 1.9% + 8d*
600A** unspecified
*Accuracy specified to 350A continuous,
and 400A for 60-second max with 5
minutes cool down interval
**Added range to indicate instantaneous
ver-range current values
o
Max Hold (where applicable)
Specified accuracy ± 50 digits for
hanges > 25ms in duration
c
Audible Continuity Tester
Audible threshold: between 10Ωand
20Ω.
1

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Ohms
RANGE Accuracy
400.0Ω0.8% + 6d
4.000kΩ, 40.00kΩ,
400.0kΩ
0.6% + 4d
4.000MΩ1.0% + 4d
40.00MΩ2.0% + 4d
Open Circuit Voltage: 0.4VDC typical
Capacitance
RANGE* Accuracy**
500.0nF, 5.000µF,
50.00µF, 500.0µF,
3000µF
3.5%*** + 6d
*Additional 50.00nF range accuracy is not
specified
**Accuracies with film capacitor or better
***Specified with battery voltage above
2.8V (approximately half full battery).
Accuracy decreases gradually to 12% at
low battery warning voltage of
pproximately 2.4V
a
DC µA
RANGE Accuracy Burden
Voltage
400.0µA 1.5% + 4d 2.8mV/µA
2000µA 1.2% + 3d 2.8mV/µA
AC µA
RANGE Accuracy Burden
Voltage
50Hz -- 500Hz
400.0µA 2.0% + 5d 2.8mV/µA
2000µA 1.5% + 5d 2.8mV/µA
Hz Frequency
Function
Sensitivity
(Sine RMS)
Range
400.0mV 150mV 10Hz -- 2kHz
4.000V 3.2V 5Hz -- 40kHz
40.00V 25V 5Hz -- 100kHz
400.0V 100V 5Hz -- 100kHz
600V 400V 5Hz -- 5kHz
400.0µA 500µA 10Hz -- 30kHz
2000µA 500µA 10Hz -- 30kHz
Display counts: 5000
Best resolution: 0.001Hz
Accuracy: 0.5%+4d
Diode Tester
Open Circuit
Voltage
Test Current
(Typical)
< 1.6 VDC 0.25mA
Type-K Temperature
RANGE Accuracy*
-20°C TO 300°C 2% + 3°C
-4°F TO 572°F 2% + 6°F
*Type-K thermocouple range & accuracy
ot included
n

LIMTED WARRANTY
Your AMPROBE instrument has a limited warranty against defective materials and/or
workmanship for one year from the date of purchase provided that, in the opinion of the
factory, the instrument has not been tampered with or taken apart.
Should your instrument fail due to defective materials, and/or workmanship during this
1-year period, a no charge repair or replacement will be made to the original purchaser.
Please have your dated bill of sale, which must identify the instrument model number
and serial number and call the number listed below:
Outside the U.S.A. the local representative will assist you.
Note: Please obtain an RMA number before returning product for repair.
Call: Customer Service - Repair
1-800-327-5060
Advanced Test Products - AMPROBE
Miramar, FL
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
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