B+K precision 2831E User manual

Model 2831E , 5491B
4 ½Digit and 50,000 Count Bench
Multimeters
USER MANUAL
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Notice
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
Safety Notice Supplement
As described in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard IEC 664, digital
multimeter measuring circuits (e.g., B&K Models 2831E and 5491B) and the USB terminal are
Installation Category II (CATII). The AC input terminal is rated CAT I.
This equipment is POLLUTION DEGREE 2, INDOOR USE product.
Safety Summary
The following safety precautions apply to both operating and maintenance personnel and
must be observed during all phases of operation, service, and repair of this instrument.
Before applying power, follow the installation instructions and become familiar with the
operating instructions for this instrument.
GROUND THE INSTRUMENT
To minimize shock hazard, the instrument chassis and cabinet must be connected to an
electrical ground. This instrument is grounded through the ground conductor of the
supplied, three-conductor ac power cable. The power cable must be plugged into an
approved three-conductor electrical outlet. Do not alter the ground connection. Without the
protective ground connection, all accessible conductive parts (including control knobs) can
render an electric shock. The power jack and mating plug of the power cable meet IEC
safety standards.
DO NOT OPERATE IN AN EXPLOSIVE ATMOSPHERE
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or fumes. Operation of
any electrical instrument in such an environment constitutes a definite safety hazard.
KEEP AWAY FROM LIVE CIRCUITS
Instrument covers must not be removed by operating personnel. Component replacement
and internal adjustments must be made by qualified maintenance personnel. Disconnect the
power cord before removing the instrument covers and replacing components. Under certain
conditions, even with the power cable removed, dangerous voltages may exist. To avoid
injuries, always disconnect power and discharge circuits before touching them.
DO NOT SERVICE OR ADJUST ALONE
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Do not attempt any internal service or adjustment unless another person, capable of
rendering first aid and resuscitation, is present.
DO NOT SUBSTITUTE PARTS OR MODIFY THE INSTRUMENT
Do not install substitute parts or perform any unauthorized modifications to this instrument.
Return the instrument to B&K Precision for service and repair to ensure that safety features
are maintained.
WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
WARNING and CAUTION statements, such as the following examples, denote a hazard
and appear throughout this manual. Follow all instructions contained in these statements.
A WARNING statement calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or condition,
which, if not followed correctly, could result in injury or death to personnel.
A CAUTION statement calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or condition,
which, if not followed correctly, could result in damage to or destruction of parts or the
entire product.
WARNING:
Do not alter the ground connection. Without the protective ground connection, all
accessible conductive parts (including control knobs) can render an electric shock.
The power jack and mating plug of the power cable meet IEC safety standards.
WARNING:
To avoid electrical shock hazard, disconnect power cord before removing covers.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
CAUTION:
Before connecting the line cord to the AC mains, check the rear panel AC line
voltage indicator. Applying a line voltage other than the indicated voltage can
destroy the AC line fuses. For continued fire protection, replace fuses only with
those of the specified voltage and current ratings.
CAUTION:
This product uses components which can be damaged by electro-static discharge
(ESD). To avoid damage, be sure to follow proper procedures for handling,
storing and transporting parts and subassemblies which contain ESD-sensitive
components.
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SAFETY SYMBOL
This symbol on an instrument indicates that the user should refer to the operating
instructions located in the manual.
Electrical Shock hazard.
Chassis ground symbol.
CAT I
(1000V)
IEC Measurement Category II.
Inputs may be connected to
mains (up to 300 VAC) under
Category II overvoltage conditions.
CAT II
(300V)
IEC Measurement Category II.
Inputs may be connected to
mains (up to 300 VAC) under
Category II overvoltage conditions.
Compliance Statements
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European
Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)
This product is subject to Directive 2002/96/EC of the European
Parliament and the Council of the European Union on waste
electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) , and in jurisdictions
adopting that Directive, is marked as being put on the market after
August 13, 2005, and should not be disposed of as unsorted
municipal waste. Please utilize your local WEEE collection facilities
in the disposition of this product and otherwise observe all applicable
requirements.
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Table of Contents
Notice ...................................................................................................................................................2!
Safety Notice Supplement....................................................................................................................2!
Safety Summary...................................................................................................................................2!
Chapter 1 General Information........................................................................................................8!
1.1 Feature Overview.......................................................................................................................................... 8!
1.2 Incoming Inspection ..................................................................................................................................... 8!
Chapter 2 Overview ..........................................................................................................................9!
2.1 Front Panel Overview ................................................................................................................................... 9!
2.2 Annunciators on Screen.............................................................................................................................. 10!
2.3 Front Panel Menu Reference ...................................................................................................................... 11!
2.4 Front Panel Menu Overview....................................................................................................................... 12!
2.5 Rear Panel Summary .................................................................................................................................. 13!
2.6 Power up ..................................................................................................................................................... 14!
2.6.1 Power Line Connection............................................................................................................... 14!
2.6.2 Input Terminals............................................................................................................................. 14!
2.6.3 Power-up Sequence .................................................................................................................... 15!
2.6.4 High Energy Circuit Safety Precautions ................................................................................... 15!
2.6.5 Power-on Defaults ....................................................................................................................... 16!
2.6.6 Warm-up time ............................................................................................................................... 17!
2.7 Display ........................................................................................................................................................ 17!
Chapter 3 Basic Measurements....................................................................................................18!
3.1 Preparation .................................................................................................................................................. 18!
3.2 Measuring Voltage...................................................................................................................................... 18!
3.2.1 Connections .................................................................................................................................. 18!
3.3 Measuring Current ...................................................................................................................................... 20!
3.3.1 Connections .................................................................................................................................. 20!
3.3.2 Front Panel Fuse Replacement ................................................................................................. 22!
3.4 Measuring Resistance ................................................................................................................................. 23!
3.4.1 Connections .................................................................................................................................. 23!
3.5 Measuring Frequency and Period ............................................................................................................... 24!
3.5.1 Trigger Level and Measurement Errors.................................................................................... 24!
3.5.2 Gate Time...................................................................................................................................... 24!
3.5.3 Connections .................................................................................................................................. 24!
3.6 Measuring Continuity ................................................................................................................................. 25!
3.6.1 Connections .................................................................................................................................. 26!
3.7 Testing Diode.............................................................................................................................................. 26!
3.7.1 Connections .................................................................................................................................. 26!
3.8 Measuring True RMS AC+DC ................................................................................................................... 27!
3.8.1 Connections .................................................................................................................................. 27!
3.8.2 Using the 2nd parameter display ................................................................................................ 28!
3.9 Math Functions ........................................................................................................................................... 29!
3.9.1 Percent........................................................................................................................................... 29!
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3.9.2 dB Calculation............................................................................................................................... 30!
3.9.3 dBm Calculation ........................................................................................................................... 31!
Chapter 4 Measurement Options..................................................................................................33!
4.1 Measurement configuration ........................................................................................................................ 33!
4.1.1 Range............................................................................................................................................. 33!
4.1.2 Relative.......................................................................................................................................... 34!
4.1.3 Rate................................................................................................................................................ 34!
4.2 Trigger Operations...................................................................................................................................... 35!
4.2.1 Trigger procedure......................................................................................................................... 35!
4.2.2 Reading Hold ................................................................................................................................ 36!
4.3 MAX / MIN ................................................................................................................................................ 36!
4.4 Limit Operations ......................................................................................................................................... 36!
4.4.1 Enabling limits............................................................................................................................... 37!
4.4.2 Setting Limit Values ..................................................................................................................... 37!
4.5 System Operations ...................................................................................................................................... 37!
4.5.1 Beeper Control ............................................................................................................................. 38!
4.5.2 Baud rate ....................................................................................................................................... 38!
4.5.3 Selecting the Terminal Character.............................................................................................. 39!
4.5.4 Key Sound..................................................................................................................................... 40!
Chapter 5 Remote Operation ........................................................................................................41!
5.1 USB & RS232............................................................................................................................................. 41!
5.2 Serial Interface Operation........................................................................................................................... 41!
5.2.1 USB interface configured as virtual COM RS232 interface................................................... 41!
5.2.2 Sending and receiving data........................................................................................................ 41!
5.2.3 Selecting Baud Rate.................................................................................................................... 41!
5.2.4 Software Protocol......................................................................................................................... 42!
5.3 Data Format ................................................................................................................................................ 42!
Chapter 6 SCPI Command Reference.........................................................................................43!
6.1 Command structure..................................................................................................................................... 43!
6.2 Command Syntax........................................................................................................................................ 43!
6.2.1 Commands and command parameters .................................................................................... 43!
6.2.2 Short-form Rules .......................................................................................................................... 45!
6.2.3 Basic Rules of Command Structure.......................................................................................... 45!
6.2.4 Multiple Command Rules............................................................................................................ 46!
6.2.5 Command Path Rules ................................................................................................................. 46!
6.3 Command Reference................................................................................................................................... 46!
6.3.1 DISPlay subsystem...................................................................................................................... 46!
6.3.2 FUNCtion subsystem................................................................................................................... 48!
6.3.3 VOLTage subsystem ................................................................................................................... 49!
6.3.4 CURRent subsystem ................................................................................................................... 53!
6.3.5 RESistance subsystem ............................................................................................................... 57!
6.3.6 FREQuency and PERiod subsystem........................................................................................ 60!
6.3.7 TRIGger subsystem..................................................................................................................... 62!
6.3.8 FETCH Subsystem ...................................................................................................................... 63!
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6.3.9 SYSTem Subsystem ................................................................................................................... 64!
6.3.10 Common Commands ................................................................................................................ 64!
Chapter 7 Specifications ................................................................................................................65!
SERVICE INFORMATION ..............................................................................................................73!
LIMITED WARRANTY ...................................................................................................................74!
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Chapter 1 General Information
1.1 Feature Overview
The 2831E 4½digit and 5491B 50,000 count multimeters provide measurements with high accuracy,
great stability and fast measurement rates. The meters provide a maximum measurement rate of 25
readings/sec and a 0.02% and 0.03% DC voltage basic accuracy for model 5491B and 2831E
respectively. Both meters have broad ranges that can measure:
!DC voltage up to 1000 V
!AC (RMS) voltage up to 750 V
!DC current up to 20 A
!AC (RMS) current up to 20 A
!Two -wire resistance up to 20 MΩ(50 MΩfor model 5491B)
!Frequency from 10 Hz to 1 MHz
Some additional capabilities:
!Full range of functions: In addition to those listed above, the meter functions include period, dB,
dBm, continuity, diode testing, max, min and percent.
Programming languages and remote control interfaces: The meters are programmable via USB
(Virtual COM) interface using SCPI commands
1.2 Incoming Inspection
Please inspect the instrument mechanically and electrically upon receiving it. Unpack all items from the
shipping carton, and check for any obvious signs of physical damage that may have occurred during
transportation. Report any damage to the shipping agent immediately. Save the original packing carton
for possible future reshipment. The following items are included with every order:
!Multimeter
!Test leads
!Power cord
!Spare fuse
!Operation Manual
!Calibration certificate and test report
Verify that all items above are included in the shipping container. If anything is missing, please contact
B&K Precision.
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Chapter 2 Overview
2.1 Front Panel Overview
The front panel of the multimeter is shown in Figure 2-1. This figure includes some important
abbreviated information that should be reviewed before operating the instrument.
Figure 2-1 Front Panel
1. Measurement Function keys (shifted and unshifted)
Select measurement function: DC voltage and current, AC voltage and current, resistance,
continuity, frequency, period, dB, dBm, True RMS AC+DC and diode test.
2. Math function keys
Select the math function: Rel, %, Max/Min, Comp and Hold.
3. 2nd Display and speed key
Changes reading rate: Fast, Medium and Slow.
→ turns on/ off the 2nd parameter display.
4. Menu operation keys
→Open/Close menu
Move through selections within menu level, command level or parameter level
Move through selections within menu level, command level or parameter level.
Move up a level.
Move down a level.
(ENTER) Save the change made on “parameter” level, and return to the “command” level.
Cancel the change made on “parameter” level, and return to the “command” level.
Primary
Display
Secondary
Display
On /off
Switch
Current
Input fuse
Input terminals
5. Range
Selection
1. Function keys
2. Math function key
4. Menu
Operation
3. 2nd Display
And speed key
7. Shift/local
Key
6. Hold/Trig
Key
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5. Range and Combination function selecting keys
Select a 2nd display parameter
Select a 2nd display parameter
Select a higher range and disable auto ranging.
Select a lower range and disable auto ranging.
Toggle between auto ranging and manual ranging.
6. Trig/Hold Key
Trigger a measurement from the front panel.
Hold a reading on the display.
7. Shift/Local keys
Used to access shifted keys.
(LOCAL) Cancel remote control mode and back to the LOCAL mode.
2.2 Annunciators on Screen
Figure 2-2 Display Annunciators
FAST Fast reading rate
MED Medium reading rate
SLOW Slow reading rate
TRIG Indicates trigger (front panel, bus) selected.
HOLD Reading HOLD function is enabled
REL Relative reading displayed
MATH A math operation is enabled (%, dB, dBm).
(Speaker) Beeper on for continuity testing function
(Diode) Instrument is in diode testing function
DC DC operation is enabled
AC AC operation is enabled
COMP Limit testing function is enabled
Trig
Trig
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HI/IN/LO Indicates the limit testing results
RMT Multimeter is in remote control mode
AUTO Auto ranging enabled
Max/Min MAX / MIN operation is enabled
ERR Hardware or remote control error detected
SHIFT Accessing shifted keys
2.3 Front Panel Menu Reference
A: MATH MENU
1: HI LIMIT →2: LO LIMIT →3: PERC REF →4: dB REF→5: dBm REF
1. HI LIMIT Set the high limit for limit testing.
2. LO LIMIT Set the low limit for limit testing.
3. PERC REF Set the reference value for PERCENT function
4. dB REF Set the dB reference voltage value.
5. dBm REF Set the dBm reference impedance value.
B: TRIGGER MENU
1: TRIG MOD
1. TRIG MOD Select IMMediate, Manual or Bus trigger source mode.
C: SYSTEM MENU
1: BEEP STA →2: BAUD RAT →3: TX TERM →4: RETURN →5: KEY SONG →6: REVISION
→7: ZERO CAL
1. BEEP STA Enable or disable the beeper function
2. BAUD RAT Select the baud rate for USB (virtual COM) or RS232 (Model 5491B only)
operation.
3. TX TERM Set the terminal character for USB (virtual COM) or RS232 (Model 5491B
only) operation, which identifies the end of a command string
4. RETURN Sets whether to enable Echo of the “sent” SCPI commands in return string.
(i.e. if ON, sending *IDN? will return with *IDN? and model information on
two separate lines).
5. KEY SONG Enable or disable the key sound when you press a key.
6. REVISION Shows the model number and firmware version of the instrument.
7. ZERO CAL Reserved for zeroing calibration of resistance measurement ranges.
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2.4 Front Panel Menu Overview
The menu is organized in a top-down tree structure with three levels (menus, commands and
parameters) as shown in Figure 2-3. You can use down ( ) or up () to move menu tree from
one level to another. Each of the three levels has several horizontal choices which you can view by using
left ( ) or right ( ).
Figure 2-3 Menu Tree
!To turn on the menu, press →(Menu).
!To turn off the menu, press → (Menu), or press any of the function or math keys on
the front panel.
!To confirm a change on the “parameter” level, press (ENTER).
!To cancel a change on the “parameter” level, press (Menu).
Note: If you press on the “menu” level, this is the top level of the menu and you
cannot go any higher; similarly if you press on the “parameter” level, this is the bottom
level of the menu and you cannot go any lower.
Menus
Commands
Parameters
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2.5 Rear Panel Summary
The rear panel of the multimeter is shown in Figure 2-4. This section includes important information that
should be reviewed before operating the instrument.
Figure 2-4 Rear Panel
1. USB Device Port
Connection port for USB remote control.
2. Grounding
Chassis Grounding terminal
3. Power-Line Fuse-Holder Assembly
The multimeter can be configured for line voltage of 110/220 V ± 10% AC at line frequency of 50/60
Hz ± 5%.
Power-line fuse is used for instrument protection. (220 V/500 mA or 110 V/1 A)
Note: Please use the same-type fuse. To verify and replace the fuse, remove the power
cable and pull out the fuse holder.To select between line voltage operations of 110
V or 220 V, turn the grey colored fuse holder until the correct line voltage label is
shown on the outer window of the fuse holder. It should say “110” or “220”
depending which way you turn it.
4. RS232 Communication Port (Model 5491B only)
Connection port for remote control via RS232.
1
2
3
4
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2.6 Power up
2.6.1 Power Line Connection
Follow the procedure below to connect the multimeter to line power and turn on the instrument.
1. Check to make sure that the line voltage is in the correct range of 110 V or 220 V ± 10% (198 V to
242 V) and line frequency is in the range of 60 Hz or 50 Hz ± 5% (or 47.5 to 52.5 Hz) and that the
line voltage switch is in the correct position before connecting the power cord. To check, first look
at the label on the fuse compartment to verify if it is shown as “110” or “220”. If it is not switched to
the correct one, open up the fuse compartment and turn the grey fuse holder until it shows the
correct voltage label (110 or 220) on the outer part of the fuse compartment. Then, check to make
sure correct fuse value is used for the selected voltage operation.
CAUTION: Operating the instrument on an incorrect voltage may cause damage to the
instrument, possibly voiding the warranty.
2. Before plugging in the power cord, make sure that the front panel power switch is in the off position.
3. Connect the female end of the supplied power cord to the AC receptacle on the rear panel. Connect
the other end of the power cord to a grounded AC outlet.
WARNING: The power cord supplied with the multimeter contains a separate ground wire for
use with grounded outlets. When proper connections are made, instrument chassis
is connected to power line ground through the ground wire in the power cord.
Failure to use a grounded outlet may result in personal injury or death due to
electric shock.
4. Turn on the instrument by pressing the front panel power switch and instrument is ready for
measuring.
2.6.2 Input Terminals
The input terminals are shown in Figure 2-5. The multimeter is protected against overloads up to the
limits as shown in table 2-1. Exceeding these limits may result in a hazard to both the multimeter and
operator.
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Figure 2-5 Input terminals
Table 2-1 Input protection Limits
Function
Input Terminals
Maximum Allowable Input
DCV
to COM
1010V DC
ACV,HZ
to COM
757.5V AC RMS,1000V Peak
mA, HZ
500mA to COM
200mA (Model 5491B: 500 mA) DC
or AC RMS
20A,HZ
20A to COM
20A DC or AC RMS
Ω
to COM
500V DC or AC RMS
,
to COM
500V DC or AC RMS
All functions
Any terminals to earth
1000V DC or 1000V peak AC
2.6.3 Power-up Sequence
On power-up, the multimeter performs self-tests on its EPROM and RAM and lights all segments and
annunciators for about 1 second. If a failure is detected, the instrument momentarily displays an error
message and the ERR annunciator turns on.
If the instrument passes self-tests, the firmware revision will be displayed momentarily.
2.6.4 High Energy Circuit Safety Precautions
To optimize safety when measuring voltage in high energy distribution circuits, read and use the
directions in the following.
When making measurements in high energy circuits, use test leads and accessories that meet the
following requirements:
"Test leads and accessories must be fully insulated.
"Only use test leads that can be connected to the circuit (e.g., alligator clips, spade lugs, etc.) for
Input-High terminal for Volts, ohms, Hz, period, diode and
continuity measurements
2 mA-200 mA for 2831E, 5 mA-500 mA for model 5491B
range DC/AC current input terminal for DC/AC current
measurements
Common terminal
2 A (5 A for model 5491B) and 20 A range current input
terminal for DC/AC current measurement
T1AL/250 V type fuse for the mA measurement range
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hands-off measurements.
"Do not use test leads or accessories that decrease voltage spacing. This diminishes arc
protection and creates a hazardous condition.
Use the following sequence when measuring high energy circuits:
1. De-energize the circuit using a regular installed connect-disconnect device, such as a circuit
breaker, main switch, etc.
2. Attach the test leads to the circuit under test. Use appropriate safety rated test leads.
3. Set the multimeter to the proper measurement function and range.
4. Energize the circuit using the installed connect-disconnect device and make measurements
without disconnecting the multimeter.
5. De-energize the circuit using the installed connect-disconnect device.
6. Disconnect the test leads from the circuit under test.
WARNING: The maximum common-mode voltage (voltage between COM and the chassis
ground) is 500V peak. Exceeding this value may cause a breakdown in insulation,
creating a shock hazard.
2.6.5 Power-on Defaults
2831E and 5491B have a factory default setting for the power-on setting.
Since the basic measurement procedures in this manual assume the factory defaults, reset the
instrument to the factory settings when following step-by-step procedures. Table 2-2 lists the factory
default settings.
Table 2-2 Factory Default Settings
Setting
Factory Default
Function
Range
Rate
Remote/Local
Trigger Mode
Relative Mode
Compare Mode
HI Limit
Lo Limit
Percent Mode
Reference
Max/Min Mode
Reading Hold
Secondary Display Mode
Cal Mode
DCV
AUTO
Medium
Local
Immediate
OFF
OFF
+1
-1
OFF
+1
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
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2.6.6 Warm-up time
The multimeter is ready for use as soon as the power-up sequence has completed. However, to achieve
rated accuracy and stability, allow the instrument to warm up for half an hour. If the instrument has been
subjected to extreme temperatures, allow additional time for internal temperatures to stabilize.
2.7 Display
The display of the multimeter is primarily used to display readings, along with the units and type of
measurement. Annunciators located on the left, right and bottom indicate various states of operation.
See section 2.2 for a complete listing of annunciators.
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Chapter 3 Basic Measurements
3.1 Preparation
One of the first things you would like to do with your multimeter is to become acquainted with its front
panel. We have provided some exercises in foregoing chapters about preparations for use and
operations of front panel.
The front panel has six rows of keys to select various functions and operations. Most keys have a shifted
function printed in blue above the key. To perform a shifted function, press (the Shift annunciator
will turn on). Then, press the key that has the desired label above it. For example, to select the AC
current function, press then press (ACI).
If you accidentally press , just press it again to turn off the Shift annunciator.
3.2 Measuring Voltage
Voltage ranges: 200 mV, 2 V, 20 V, 200 V, 1000 V (750 VAC) (model 5491B: 500 mV, 5 V, 50 V, 500 V,
1000 V (750 VAC))
Maximum resolution: 50 µV for DC and 1 mV for AC (on 200 mV range (model 2831E) and on 500 mV
range (model 5491B))
AC technique: true RMS, AC-coupled, 1000 V Peak AC
3.2.1 Connections
Assuming the multimeter is under factory default conditions, the basic procedure is as follows:
1. Connect test leads to and COM terminals.
2. Select DC or AC voltage measurement by pressing or .
3. Press to toggle between auto and manual ranging. Notice that the AUTO annunciator is
displayed when in auto ranging mode. If you want manual ranging, use the RANGE and
keys to select a measurement range consistent with expected voltage.
4. Connect test leads to the sources as shown in Figure 3-1.
CAUTION: Do not apply more than 1000V peak to the input or instrument damages may occur.
5. In manual range, if the “OVL.D” message is displayed, press the up key to select a higher
range until a desired reading is displayed (or press key for auto ranging). Use the lowest
possible range for the best resolution.
ACV
DCV
ACV
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6. Press + to turn on the secondary display, Use or key to choose the
function for secondary display.
7. Take readings from the display.
Input Resistance = 10 MΩ
CAUTION: Maximum Input = 1010 V peak
Input Impedance = 1.1 MΩand 100 pF
CAUTION: Maximum Input = 750 V RMS or 1000 V peak, 3x107 V-Hz
Figure 3-1 DC and AC Voltage Measurement Connections
DC VOLTAGE SOURCE
AC VOLTAGE SOURCE
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3.3 Measuring Current
Model 2831E current measurement range: 2 mA, 20 mA, 200 mA, *2 A, *20 A
Model 5491B current measurement range: 5 mA, 50 mA, 500 mA, *5 A, *20 A
*Indicates range is available for manual range only. Auto range will not work when reading requires
setting to this range.
Maximum resolution: 100nA (on 2 mA range (on 5 mA range for model 5491B))
Current measurement is available in Auto range for the lower current measurements only.
Note:
For 2831E, readings that are below 200 mA using the low current measurement input can be set in auto
range. This means it will auto range between 2 mA, 20 mA, and 200 mA range. For readings above
200 mA, auto range is not available. Manual range must be used to read any readings higher than 200
mA. This means, for ranges 2 A and 20 A, only manual range is available. Additionally, the high
current measurement input must be used to obtain measurements in these two higher ranges.
For 5491B, readings that are below 500 mA using the low current measurement input (fuse protected up
to 500 mA max.) can be set in auto range. This means it will auto range between 5 mA, 50 mA, and
500 mA range. For readings above 500 mA, auto range is not available. Manual range must be used
to read any readings higher than 500 mA. This means, for ranges 5 A and 20 A, only manual range is
available. Additionally, the high current measurement input must be used to obtain measurements in
these two higher ranges.
3.3.1 Connections
Assuming the multimeter is under factory default conditions, the basic procedure to measure current is
as follows (users must use manual range for measurement, following step 3):
1. Connect test leads between 500 mA terminal (for lower current measurements) and COM terminal or
between 20 A terminal (for higher current measurements) and COM terminal.
2. Select DCI or ACI measurement function by pressing →or →.
3. Press toggles auto ranging. Note that auto range is only available for readings that are
below 200 mA (for 2831E) and 500 mA (for 5491B) and when using the 500 mA max. terminal and
COM terminal connections. For readings above these limits, only manual range is available and
the 20 A terminal and COM terminal must be used to obtain measurement results. If instrument
shows the AUTO annunciator on display, press again to turn off auto ranging mode and go into
manual range mode. Use the RANGE and keys to select a measurement range
consistent with expected current.
4. Connect test leads to the source as shown in Figure 3-2.
CAUTION: Do not apply more than 1 A, 250 V to the 500 mA input terminal or the fuse will be
blown.Use 20 A terminal to measure current higher than 500 mA(or 200 mA for model 2831E).
DCV
ACV
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