Brymen BM173D User manual

USER'S MANUAL
BM173D
BM175D
BM176D
AC Clamp-on
Multimeter Series

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1) SAFETY
This manual contains information and warnings that must be followed for operating the
meter safely and maintaining the meter in a safe operating condition. If the meter is
used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the
meter may be impaired.
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.
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.
Keep your hands/fingers behind the hand/finger barriers (of the meter and the test
probe assembly, where applicable) that indicate the limits of safe access of the hand-
held parts during measurements. Inspect lead wires, connectors, and probes for
damaged insulation or exposed metal before using the meter. If any defects are found,
replace them immediately. Only use the probe assembly provided with the meter or a
UL Listed Probe Assembly to the same meter ratings or better.
IEC 61010-031 requires exposed conductive test probe tips to be ≤ 4mm for CAT III &
CAT IV ratings. Refer to the category markings on your probe assemblies as well as on
the add-on accessories (like detachable Caps or Alligator Clips), if any, for applicable
rating changes.
Observe proper safety precautions when working with voltages above 33 Vrms, 46.7
Vpeak or 70 VDC. These voltage levels pose a potential shock hazard to the user.
Before and after hazardous voltage measurements, check the voltage function on a
known source such as line voltage to determine proper meter functioning.
This Clamp-on meter is designed to directly apply around or remove from uninsulated
hazardous live conductors. But still, individual protective equipment must be used if
hazardous live parts in the installation where measurement is to be carried out could
be accessible.

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CAUTION
Disconnect the meter from the test points before changing meter functions.
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
Marking of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE). Do not dispose of this
product as unsorted municipal waste. Contact a qualified recycler
Caution! Refer to the explanation in this Manual
Caution! Possibility of electric shock
Earth (Ground)
Meter protected throughout by Double Insulation or Reinforced insulation
Fuse
Direct Current (DC)
Alternating Current (AC)
3Three-phase Alternating Current
Application around and removal from hazardous live conductors is permitted
Brief Information about Measurement Categories
Measurement Category IV is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected at
the source of the building’s low-voltage MAINS installation. Examples are
measurements on devices installed before the main fuse or circuit breaker in the
building installation.
Measurement Category III is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected to
the distribution part of the building’s low-voltage MAINS installation. Examples are
measurements on distribution boards (including secondary meters), circuit-breakers,
wiring, including cables, bus-bars, junction boxes, switches, socket-outlets in the fixed
installation, and equipment for industrial use and some other equipment such as
stationary motors with permanent connection to the fixed installation.
Measurement Category II is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected
directly to utilization points (socket outlets and similar points) of the low-voltage MAINS
installation. Examples are measurements on MAINS CIRCUITS of household
appliances, portable tools and similar equipment.
2) CENELEC Directives
The instruments conform to CENELEC Low-voltage directive 2006/95/EC,
Electromagnetic compatibility directive 2004/108/EC and RoHS directive 2011/65/EU.

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3) PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
This user's manual uses only representative model(s) for illustrations. Please refer
specification details for function availability to each model.
1) Antenna area for Non-Contact EF-
Detection
2) Jaw center indicator, at where best
current accuracy is specified
3) Rotary Selector to turn the power
ON/OFF and Select a function
4) 3-5/6 digits 6000 counts Dual numeric
LCD display
5) Additional (third) input Jack for Phase
Rotation function
6) Input Jack for all functions EXCEPT
non-invasive ACA current functions
7) Common (Ground reference) Input Jack
for all functions EXCEPT non-invasive
ACA current functions
8) Push-buttons for special functions &
features.
9) Jaw trigger for opening the clamp jaw
10) Hand/Finger Barrier to indicate the limits of safe access of the meter
11) Clamp Jaw for AC current magnetic field pick up
12) Additional center indicator for AmpTipTM Low-current function, at where best
AmpTipTM current accuracy is specified

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4) OPERATION
Introduction
To realize swift simultaneous dual measurements, the meter uses two Analog-to-
Digital Converters (Duo) for its Clamp-on ACA functions (Upper-display readings) as
well as its Rotary-switch functions (Lower-display readings) separately. Clamp-on
ACA functions turn ON whenever the Rotary-switch function is turned ON.
Regular & AmpTipTM Clamp-on ACA functions
Defaults at Regular ACA function where best accuracy is specified at the jaw center
area. Press button momentarily to toggle to AmpTipTM ACA function where best
accuracy is specified near the jaw tip area for low-current small conductors below
10mm in diameter.
WARNING: Do not use the meter to measure currents above the rated frequency
(400Hz). Circulating currents may cause the magnetic circuits of the Jaws reach a
hazardous temperature.
CAUTION: (Application and Removal of the Clamp-on Jaws) Press the jaw trigger and
clamp the jaws around conductor(s) of only one single pole of a circuit for load current
measurements. Make sure the jaws are completely closed, or else it will introduce
measurement errors. Enclosing conductor(s) of more than one pole of a circuit may
result in differential current (like identifying leakage current) measurements. Align the
conductor(s) to the Jaws center indicators (Regular or AmpTip™indicators where
applicable) as much as possible to get the best measuring accuracy. For removal,
press the jaw trigger and remove the jaws from the conductor(s).
CAUTION: Adjacent current-carrying devices such as transformers, motors and
conductor wires may affect measurement accuracy. Keep the jaws away from them as
much as possible to minimize influence.
ACV, Line-Level Hz & EF-Detection (NCV) functions
Inputs, other than that of EF-Detection as described later on, are made via the test
lead terminals COM/+. Defaults at ACV Function. Press SELECT button momentarily
to select ACV, Hz, EF-H & EF-L functions in sequence.
WARNING: Before and after hazardous voltage measurements, test the voltage
function on a known source such as line voltage to determine proper meter functioning.

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Note:
ACV and Hz functions are equipped with digital low-pass filter, and are capable of
dealing with VFD (Variable Frequency Drives) signals for fundamental readings. It also
improves ACV and Hz reading stability being in most noisy electrical environments.
EF-Detection function with EF-H & EF-L Sensitivities
The detected Electric Field strength is indicated as a series of bar-graph segments on
the display together with variable beep tones. Two user selectable sensitivities are
available. In High Sensitivity range, the meter displays “EF-H” when it is ready. It is set
to better detect lower voltage signals. If it is too sensitive for your applications, press
SELECT button momentarily to use the Lower Sensitivity “EF-L”range.

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●Non-Contact EF-Detection (NCV): An antenna is located along the top-right end of
the stationary clamp jaw, which detects electric field surrounding energized
conductors. It is ideal for tracing live wiring connections, locating wiring breakages and
to distinguish between live and earth connections.
●Probe-Contact EF-Detection: For more precise indication of live wires, such as
distinguishing between Live and Ground connections, use direct contact testing with
one single test-probe via an input terminal. The COM terminal (Black) has the best
sensitivity.

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DCV function
Inputs are made via the test lead terminals COM/+.
WARNING: Before and after hazardous voltage measurements, test the voltage
function on a known source such as line voltage to determine proper meter functioning.

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Resistance & Continuity functions
Inputs are made via the test lead terminals COM/+. Defaults at Resistance. Press
SELECT button momentarily to toggle between the subject functions.
Continuity function is convenient for checking wiring connections and operation of
switches. The meter provides Audible as well as Visible results. A continuous beep
tone, together with two flashing LCD icons and , indicates a complete wire. This
further improves ease of use especially in noisy working environments.
CAUTION
Using Resistance or Continuity function in a live circuit will produce false results and
may damage the meter. In many cases, the suspected component(s) must be
disconnected from the circuit to obtain an accurate measurement result.

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Capacitance & Diode functions
Inputs are made via the test lead terminals COM/+. Defaults at Capacitance. Press
SELECT button momentarily to toggle between the subject functions. (For Model
173D, Capacitance and Diode functions are located in different rotary switch positions.)
Note
When using 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).
CAUTION
1. Using Capacitance or Diode function in a live circuit will produce false results and
may damage the meter. In many cases, the suspected component(s) must be