Brymen BM161 User manual

USER'S
MANUAL
BM161/BM162
Versatile AC/DC
Clamp-on Multimeter
Series

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 meets the requirements for double insulation to IEC61 1 -2- 32(2 2),
EN61 1 -2- 32(2 2), UL61 1 B-2- 32(2 3):
Category III 6 Volts ac and dc.
PE IEC61010 OVE VOLTAGE INSTALLATION CATEGO Y
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.
TE MS 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. The meter is intended only for indoor use.
To avoid electrical shock hazard, observe the proper safety precautions when working
with voltages above 6 VDC or 3 VAC rms. These voltage levels pose a potential
shock hazard to the user.
Keep your hands/fingers behind the hand/finger barriers (of the meter and the test
leads) that indicate the limits of safe access of the hand-held part 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.
This Clamp-on meter is designed to 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.
CAUTION
Disconnect the test leads from the test points before changing meter functions.
INTE NATIONAL ELECT ICAL 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
Application around and removal from hazardous live conductors is permitted
2) CENELEC Directives
The instruments conform to CENELEC Low-voltage directive 73/23/EEC and
Electromagnetic compatibility directive 89/336/EEC

3
3) P ODUCT DESC IPTION
This user's manual uses only representative model(s) for illustrations. Please refer
specification details for function availability to each model.
1) Hall-effect Clamp Jaw for AC
& DC current electric field pick
up
2) Hand/Finger Barrier to
indicate the limits of safe access
of the meter during
measurement
3) Push-buttons for special
functions & features
4) Input Jack for all functions
EXCEPT non-invasive ACA &
DCA current functions
5) Common (Ground reference)
Input Jack for all functions
EXCEPT non-invasive ACA &
DCA current functions
6) Slide-switch Selector to turn
the power ON/OFF and Select a
function
7) 3-3/4 digits 4 counts LCD
display
8) Jaw trigger for opening the
clamp jaw
9) Jaw center Indicators, at
where best ACA & DCA
accuracy is specified

4
4) OPE ATION
DC Voltage and AC Voltage functions
Inputs are made through the test lead terminals.
Note: DC 4 . mV range is designed with 1 MΩ high 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 meter will show a 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: AC 4 . mV range selection is by RANGE button manually, and is specified from
AC 4 mV & up for Model 161 and from AC 6 mV & up for True RMS Model 162.

5
ACA & DCA Current clamp-on function
Inputs are made through the clamp jaws for non-invasive ACA & DCA current
measurements.
CAUTION (Application and removal of the Clamp-on meter)
Press the jaw trigger and clamp the jaws around only one single conductor of a circuit
for load current measurement. Make sure the jaws are completely closed, or else it will
introduce measurement errors. Enclosing more than one conductor of a circuit will
result in differential current (like identifying leakage current) measurement. Locate the
conductor(s) at the Jaws center as much as possible to get the best measuring
accuracy. The jaw arrow-mark indicates current flow direction on DCA positive
readings. For removal, press the jaw trigger and remove the jaws from the
conductor(s).
Note: In DCA measurements, hysteresis of the jaws (after measuring high DC currents)
may introduce non-zero residual readings. Relative Zero mode should be used to
offset the residual readings, if any, so as to get more accurate measurements.
Adjacent current-carrying devices such as transformers, motors and conductor wires
will affect measurement accuracy. Keep the jaws away from them as much as possible
to minimize influence.

6
CAUTION
Using Resistance, Continuity or Diode 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
Ω
ΩΩ
Ω esistance, and Continuity functions
Inputs are made through the test leads terminals. Slide-switch on 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 leads terminals. Slide-switch on 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 .4 V to .9 V. 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).

7
Capacitance function
Inputs are made through the test leads terminals. Slide-switch on 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
HOLD
The Hold feature freezes the display for later viewing. Press the HOLD button
momentarily to toggle to the Hold feature. The annunciator “ ” turns on.
MAX
The max feature compares and displays the measured maximum value as fast as
3 ms with auto-ranging capability. It allows the meter to capture in-rush currents in
current functions. Press and hold the MAX button for 1 second or more to toggle to
the max feature. The annunciators “MAX” and “ ” turn on.
elative 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 toggle to the relative zero mode. The annunciator “ ”
turns on. The meter also enters manual ranging mode where available. The
annunciator “ ” turns off.
Manual or Auto-ranging
Press the ANGE button momentarily to select manual-ranging mode, and the meter
will remain in the range it was in, the LCD annunciator “ ” 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.
Display Backlight (Model 162 only)
Press the SELECT button for 1 second or more to toggle the display backlight on and
off.

8
Auto Power Off (APO)
When the meter is on, the Auto Power Off (APO) feature will switch the meter to sleep
mode automatically after approximately 3 minutes of no slide-switch nor push button
operations to extend battery life. To wake up the meter from APO, press any
push-buttons momentarily or set the slide-switch to the OFF position and then slide
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, 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.
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 6 days, remove
the batteries and store them separately

9
Battery replacement
The meter uses standard 1.5V AAA Size (NEDA 24G or IEC R 3) battery X 2; or 1.5V
AAA Size (NEDA 24A or IEC LR 3) alkaline battery X 2.
Loosen the 2 captive screws from the battery cover case. Lift the battery cover case.
Replace the batteries. Replace battery cover case. Re-fasten the screws.