Brymen BM810 Series User manual

USER'S
MANUAL
Standard-version
BM810 &
BM510 Series
X-version
BM810X &
BM510X Series
CF-version
BM810CF &
BM510CF Series

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This manual is applicable to all meter protection versions or otherwise specified
1) SAFETY
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.
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 is intended only for indoor use.
The meter (all versions) is protected, against the users, by double insulation per
EN61010-1 and IEC61010-1 2nd Edition (2001) to CAT III 1000V & CAT IV 600V. The
meter (all versions) also meets UL3111-1(1994)* and CSA C22.2 No. 1010-1-92* to
CAT III 1000V.
Standard-version BM810 & BM510 series Terminals (to COM) ratings:
V : Category III 1000 Volts AC & DC, and Category IV* 600 Volts AC & DC.
A / mAµA : Category III and Category IV* 500 Volts AC and 300 Volts DC.
X-version BM810X & BM510X series (Protection-reinforced) Terminals (to COM) ratings:
V / A : Category III 1000 Volts AC & DC, and Category IV* 600 Volts AC & DC.
mAµA : Category III and Category IV* 600 Volts AC and 300 Volts DC.
CF-version BM810CF & BM510CF series (Highest-Protection) Terminals (to COM) ratings:
V / A / mAµA : Category III 1000 Volts AC & DC, and Category IV* 600 Volts AC & DC.
*Category IV safety standard (for DMMs) was first released in IEC61010-1 2nd Edition in
year 2001, and was yet an UL published standard at the time this manual was written.
Per IEC61010-1 2nd Ed. (2001) Measurement Category
Measurement Category IV (CAT IV) is for measurements performed at the source of
the low-voltage installation. Examples are electricity meters and measurements on
primary overcurrent protection devices and ripple control units.
Measurement Category III (CAT III) is for measurements performed in the building
installation. Examples are measurements on distribution boards, 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, for example,
stationary motors with permanent connection to the fixed installation.
Measurement Category II (CAT II) is for measurements performed on circuits directly

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connected to the low voltage installation. Examples are measurements on household
appliances, portable tools and similar equipment.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or
moisture. 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. Do not touch test lead tips or the circuit being
tested while power is applied to the circuit being measured. Keep your fingers behind
the finger guards of the test leads 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. Do not measure any current that
exceeds the current rating of the protection fuse. Do not attempt a current
measurement to any circuit where the open circuit voltage is above the protection fuse
voltage rating. Suspected open circuit voltage should be checked with voltage
functions. Never attempt a voltage measurement with the test lead inserted into the
µA/mA or A input jack. Only replace the blown fuse with the proper rating as specified
in this manual.
CAUTION
Disconnect the test leads from the test points before changing functions. Always set
the instrument to the highest range and work downward for an unknown value when
using manual ranging mode.
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
The instruments conform to CENELEC Low-voltage directive 73/23/EEC and
Electromagnetic compatibility directive 89/336/EEC

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3) PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Panel Illustration
1) 3-4/5 digits 5000 counts
LCD display
2) Push-buttons for special
functions & features
3) Selector to turn the
Power On or Off and Select
a function
4) Input Jack for 10A (20A
for 30sec) current function
5) Input Jack for all
functions EXCEPT current
(µA, mA, A) functions
6) Common (Ground
reference) Input Jack for all
functions
7) Input Jack for milli-amp
and micro-amp current
functions

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Analog bar-graph
The analog bar graph provides a visual indication of measurement like a traditional
analog meter needle. It is excellent in detecting faulty contacts, identifying
potentiometer clicks, and indicating signal spikes during adjustments.
Average sensing RMS calibrated
RMS (Root-Mean-Square) is the term used to describe the effective or equivalent DC
value of an AC signal. Most digital multimeters use average sensing RMS calibrated
technique to measure RMS values of AC signals. This technique is to obtain the
average value by rectifying and filtering the AC signal. The average value is then
scaled upward (calibrated) to read the RMS value of a sine wave. In measuring pure
sinusoidal waveform, this technique is fast, accurate and cost effective. In measuring
non-sinusoidal waveforms, however, significant errors can be introduced because of
different scaling factors relating average to RMS values.
True RMS
True RMS is a term which identifies a DMM that responds accurately to the effective
RMS value regardless of the waveforms such as: square, sawtooth, triangle, pulse
trains, spikes, as well as distorted waveforms with the presence of harmonics.
Harmonics may cause :
1)Overheated transformers, generators and motors to burn out faster than normal
2)Circuit breakers to trip prematurely
3)Fuses to blow
4)Neutrals to overheat due to the triplen harmonics present on the neutral
5)Bus bars and electrical panels to vibrate
Crest Factor
Crest Factor is the ratio of the Crest (instantaneous peak) value to the True RMS
value, and is commonly used to define the dynamic range of a True RMS DMM. A pure
sinusoidal waveform has a Crest Factor of 1.4. A badly distorted sinusoidal waveform
normally has a much higher Crest Factor.
NMRR (Normal Mode Rejection Ratio)
NMRR is the DMM's ability to reject unwanted AC noise effect that can cause
inaccurate DC measurements. NMRR is typically specified in terms of dB (decibel).
This series has a NMRR specification of >60dB at 50 and 60Hz, which means a good
ability to reject the effect of AC noise in DC measurements.

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CMRR (Common Mode Rejection Ratio)
Common mode voltage is voltage present on both the COM and VOLTAGE input
terminals of a DMM, with respect to ground. CMRR is the DMM's ability to reject
common mode voltage effect that can cause digit rattle or offset in voltage
measurements. This series has a CMRR specifications of >60dB at DC to 60Hz in ACV
function; and >120dB at DC, 50 and 60Hz in DCV function. If neither NMRR nor CMRR
specification is specified, a DMM's performance will be uncertain.
4) OPERATION
DC Voltage, AC Voltage, & Hz Frequency functions
mV function defaults at DC. Press SELECT button momentarily to select AC. Press the
Hz push-button momentarily to activate or to exit Hz.
Note: Input sensitivity varies automatically with function range selected before
activating the Hz function. mV function has the highest (300mV) and the 1000V range
has the lowest (300V). It is recommended to first measure the signal voltage (or
current) level then activate the Hz function in that voltage (or current) range to
automatically set the most appropriate trigger level. You can also press the RANGE
button momentarily to select another trigger level manually. If the Hz reading becomes
unstable, select lower sensitivity to avoid electrical noise. If the reading shows zero,
select higher sensitivity.

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Capacitance, Diode test function
Default at . Press SELECT button momentarily to select Diode test function.
CAUTION
Discharge capacitors before making any measurement. Large value capacitors should
be discharged through an appropriate resistance load.
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).

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Temperature function (BM815, BM817, BM511 & BM515 only)
Press SELECT button momentarily to toggle between °C and °F readings, and the new
setting will be saved automatically in the non-volatile memory as power up default.
Note: Be sure to insert the banana plug K-type temperature bead probe Bkp60 with
correct polarities. You can also use a plug adapter Bkb32 (Optional purchase)
with banana pins to K-type socket to adapt other standard K type mini plug temperature
probes.

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ΩResistance, Continuity functions
Default at Ω. Press SELECT button momentarily to select Continuity function that is
convenient for checking wiring connections and operation of switches. A continuous
beep tone indicates a complete wire.
CAUTION
Using resistance and continuity 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 reading

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Auto leads resistance calibration
When entering the 50Ωrange manually by RANGE button for high precision low
resistance measurement, this feature will prompt you to short the inputs for calibration.
The display shows “Shrt”. Simply short the leads for about 3 seconds until the display
shows zero, then the resistance in the leads and in the internal protection circuitry of
the meter is compensated automatically. The compensation value can be as much as
5Ω. If you need a compensation value that is higher than that, Relative mode is
recommended.
The shortcut is to short the test leads in auto-ranging resistance mode until the meter
enters the lowest 50
Ω
range automatically, press the RANGE button momentarily to
get the “Shrt” prompt, then wait about 3 more seconds until the display shows zero.
Note: The calibration stays until you change ranges, functions, or go back to auto-
ranging mode.

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µA, mA, and A Current functions
Default at DC. Press SELECT button momentarily to select AC.
*Note: When measuring a 3-phase system, special attention should be taken to the
phase to phase voltage which is significantly higher than the phase to earth voltage. To
avoid exceeding the voltage rating of the protection fuse(s) accidentally, always
consider the phase to phase voltage as the working voltage for the protection fuse(s).
RS232C PC computer interface capabilities
The instrument equips with an optical isolated interface port at the meter back for data
communication. Optional purchase PC interface kit BR81X or BR51X (BC81X RS232C
optical adapter cable + BS8151X RS232C software floppies) is required to connect the
meter to the PC computer. The BS8151X RS232C Data Recording System software
equips with a digital meter, an analog meter, a comparator meter, and a Data Graphical
recorder. Refer to the README file in the interface kit for further details.

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50ms MAX/MIN at fast 20/s measurement mode (BM815 & BM817 only)
Press MAX/MIN button momentarily to activate MAX/MIN recording mode. The LCD
annunciators “MAX MIN” turn on, and the reading update rate will be increased to
20/second. The meter beeps when new maximum or minimum reading is updated.
Press the button momentarily to read throughout the Maximum (MAX), Minimum (MIN),
and Maximum minus Minimum (MAX-MIN) readings. Press the button for 1 second or
more to exit MAX/MIN mode. Auto Power Off feature will be disabled automatically in
this mode.
5ms CREST capture mode (BM815 & BM817 only)
Press CREST button momentarily to activate CREST (Instantaneous Peak-Hold) mode
to capture voltage or current signal duration as short as 5ms. This mode is available in
DCV, ACV, DCA, & ACA functions. The LCD annunciators “C” & “MAX” turn on. The
meter beeps when new maximum or minimum reading is updated. Press the button
momentarily to read throughout the Maximum (MAX), Minimum (MIN), and Maximum
minus Minimum (MAX-MIN) readings. Press the button for 1 second or more to exit
CREST capture mode. Auto Power Off feature will be disabled automatically in this
mode.

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Backlighted display
Press the SELECT button for 1 second or more to turn on or off the display backlight
function. The backlight will also be turned off automatically after 30 seconds to extend
battery life.
Hold
The hold function freezes the display for later view. Press the HOLD button
momentarily to activate or to exit the hold function
Zoom 5x analog pointer (BM815 & BM817 only)
The Zoom mode analog pointer magnifies up to 5 times the regular analog bar graph
resolution to show minute signal changes with a single analog pointer. It is virtually
equivalent to the bar graph resolution of 5 X 50 = 250 segments.

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Relative mode (BM815 & BM817 only)
Relative zero allows the user to offset the meter consecutive measurements with the
displaying reading as the reference value. Practically all displaying readings can be set
as relative reference value including MAX/MIN feature readings. Press the button
momentarily to activate and to exit relative zero mode.
Manual or Auto-ranging
Press the RANGE button momentarily to select manual-ranging, 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.
Note: Manual ranging feature is not available in Hz function.
Set Beeper Off
Press the Hz button while turning the meter on to disable the Beeper feature.

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Data Logging mode (BM511 & BM515 only)
Press the Start button for 1 second or more to start “Strt” or to stop “StoP” the data
logging mode. Press the SELECT button momentarily to toggle the LCD display to the
measuring data or the logged data item number.
Press the Start button momentarily to pause or to continue. The LCD annunciator “H”
will be flashing when paused.
Note:
1. When the logged data item number exceeded 9999 (where available), the bar-
graph will also be used to indicate the most significant digit of the item number in the
order of 10000. That is 1 = 10000, 2 = 20000, ... etc.
2. When the memory is full, the data logging mode will be stopped automatically, and
the meter will then enter the APO mode.
3. To guarantee the accuracy of every logged data, the meter will stop the data
logging mode when the battery is low, and goes back to the normal measuring mode.
4. The data will be stored to the non-volatile memory shortly after every measurement
to maximize data safety. However, the end-of-data sign can only be stored after the
data logging is finished. Therefore, always “StoP” the data logging function before
switching off the meter. After the data logging is finished, you can switch off the meter
for transportation, storage, or even changing battery.

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To recall, switch on the meter, then press the start, up, or down arrow button
momentarily to “CALL” the logged data. The LCD annunciator “C” will be flashing to
indicate on screen logged data review. The logged data can also be downloaded to a
PC computer through the meter RS232C capability with the additional BR51X PC
interface kit.
When in pause mode “H” or call mode “C”, the following on screen data item review
features can quickly help you outline the key points of your logged data without the
help of a computer:
1) Press the up (or down) arrow button momentarily to step throughout the logged
data.
2) Press-and-hold the up (or down) arrow button can quickly scan the logged data,
and the beeper will beep continuously when the first or the last data is reached.
3) Press at the same time the up and down arrow buttons momentarily can
alternatively display the extreme maximum and minimum readings of the logged data.

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4) Press the up (or down) arrow button momentarily while press-and-hold the HOLD
button to search throughout the turning points (max, min, max, min, …etc) of the
logged data. The LCD annunciator “MAX” or “MIN” will be flashing to indicate a
downward or upward turning point.
Press the “timer” button momentarily to display the selected sampling speed in the
unit of second. Factory default t0.05 means sampling speed is 0.05 second. Press the
up (or down) arrow button momentarily to select a different sampling speed from 0.05s
(0.2s for OC/OF & Ω, 0.4s for Hz, and 1s for Cx), 1s, 20s, 40s, 60s, 120s, 240s, up to
the slowest 480s. Then press the “timer” button momentarily again to confirm the new
setting.
Note:
1) The timer can not be set when the data logging is running. Please set the timer
before starting the data logging, or pause the data if you want to alter the timer setting
during data logging.
2) When a sampling speed of 20s or longer is selected, approximately 4.5 minutes after
data logging is started, the meter will intelligently enter a Sleep-and-Log standby mode
between data logging measurements. Only a swinging bar-graph pointer will be
displayed on the LCD. The meter power consumption will be decreased to approx. 1/30
of the normal mode. Press the SELECT button momentarily can wake up the meter to
see real time measurements again.

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Auto Power Off (APO)
The Auto Power Off (APO) mode turns the meter off automatically to extend battery life
after approximately 17 minutes of no activities. Activities are specified as: 1) Rotary
switch or push button operations, and 2) Significant measuring readings of above 10%
of range or non-OL Ωreadings. That is, the meter will intelligently avoid entering the
APO mode when it is under normal measurements. To wake up the meter from APO,
press the SELECT button momentarily or turn the rotary switch to the OFF position and
then turn back on again. Always turn the rotary switch to the OFF position when the
meter is not in use
Disabling Auto Power Off
Press the RANGE button while turning the meter on to disable the Auto Power Off
(APO) feature.
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. Install only the same type of fuse or equivalent
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 battery and store it separately
Trouble Shooting
If the instrument fails to operate, check battery, fuses, 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.

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Battery and Fuse replacement
Battery use:
Single 9V battery NEDA1604, JIS006P or IEC6F22;
or 9V alkaline battery NEDA1604A, JIS6AM6 or IEC6LF22
Standard-version BM810 & BM510 series fuses:
Fuse (FS1) for µAmA current input: 0.63A/500V, IR 200kA, F fuse;
Fuse (FS2) for A current input: 12.5A/500V, IR 20kA, F fuse
X-version BM810X & BM510X series fuses:
Fuse (FS1) for µAmA current input: 1A/600V, IR 100kA, F fuse;
Fuse (FS2) for A current input: 15A/1kV, IR 10kA (or 11A/1kV, IR 20kA), F fuse
CF-version BM810CF & BM510CF series fuses:
Fuse (FS1) for µAmA current input: 1A/1kV (or 0.44A*/1kV), IR 10kA, F fuse
Fuse (FS2) for A current input: 15A/1kV, IR 10kA (or 11A/1kV, IR 20kA), F fuse
*The 0.44A fuse is also recommended since it has a Time-Current Characteristic
Curves projection of approaching infinity at 0.5A. It can also be loaded way beyond
1000 seconds at 1A, and has a fast acting characteristic of below 0.01 second at
beyond 2.5A. This protection characteristic also matches our meter nicely.
Battery replacement for models with battery access door:
Loosen the 2 screws from the battery access door of the case bottom. Lift the battery
access door and thus the battery compartment up. Replace the battery. Re-fasten the
screws.
Fuse replacement (and also Battery
replacement for splash proof version
without battery access door):
Loosen the 4 screws from the case
bottom. Lift the end of the case
bottom nearest the input jacks until it
unsnaps from the case top. Replace
the blown fuse(s) and/or the battery.
Replace the case bottom, and
ensure that all the gaskets are
properly seated and the two snaps
on the case top (near the LCD side)
are engaged. Re-fasten the screws.

LIMITED WARRANTY
BRYMEN warrants to the original product purchaser that each product it manufactures
will be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service
within a period of one year from the date of purchase. BRYMEN's warranty does not
apply to accessories, fuses, fusible resistors, spark gaps, batteries or any product
which, in BRYMEN's opinion, has been misused, altered, neglected, or damaged by
accident or abnormal conditions of operation or handling.
To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest BRYMEN authorized agent or send
the product, with proof of purchase and description of the difficulty, postage and
insurance prepaid, to BRYMEN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. BRYMEN assumes
no risk for damage in transit. BRYMEN will, at its option, repair or replace the defective
product free of charge. However, if BRYMEN determines that the failure was caused
by misused, altered, neglected, or damaged by accident or abnormal conditions of
operation or handling, you will be billed for the repair.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTY OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
OR USE. BRYMEN WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
BRYMEN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
TEL:[phone]
FAX:[phone]
http://www.brymen.com
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