Brymen BM839 User manual

USER'S
MANUAL
BM839
BM836
Digital
Multimeter

1
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.
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.
The meter meets UL/IEC/EN61010-1 Ed. 3.0, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1 Ed. 3.0,
UL/IEC/EN61010-2-033 Ed. 1.0 to Measurement CAT-III 1kV and CAT-IV 600V, AC &
DC.
The accompanied test probe assembly meets UL/IEC/EN61010-031 Ed. 1.1 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.
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.

2
CAUTION
Disconnect the test leads from the test points before changing functions.
International Electrical 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
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 2014/35/EC,
Electromagnetic compatibility directive 2014/30/EU and RoHS directive 2011/65/EU.

3
3) PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Note: Top of the line model is used as representative for illustration purposes. Please
refer to your particular model for function availability.
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.
1) 4-1/2 digits 20000
counts & 3-5/6 digits 6000
counts selectable dual
displays
2) Push-buttons for special
functions & features
3) Selector to turn the
Power On or Off and Select
a function
4) Input Jack for mA/µA
function positive input
5) Common (Ground
reference) Input Jack for all
functions
6) Input Jack for all
functions EXCEPT A, mA
and µA functions
7) Input Jack for A function
positive input

4
4) OPERATION
CAUTION
Before and after hazardous voltage measurements, test the voltage function on a
known source such as line voltage to determine proper meter functioning.
ACV +Hz & VFD ACV +Hz functions
Press the SELECT button momentarily to toggle the subject functions. Last selection
will be saved as power up default for repeat measurement convenience. For ACV +Hz
function, press the RANGE button momentarily to select other ranges manually when
needed. For VFD ACV +Hz function, default is set to 600V range to best cope with the
measurements of most Variable Frequency Drives (VFD). Press the RANGE button
momentarily to select 1000V range when needed.
DCV function
Turn Rotary Knob to DCV function position for measurements.

5
Resistance, BeepLitTM Continuity, nS Conductance functions
Press the SELECT button momentarily to select the subject functions. Last selection
will be saved as power up default for repeat measurement convenience.
BeepLitTM Continuity function is having improved convenience for checking wiring
connections and operation of switches. A continuous beep tone together with flashing
display backlight indicate a complete wire. Such audible and visible indications improve
continuity readabilities in noisy working environments.
Conductance is the inverse of Resistance, that is S=1/or nS=1/G. It virtually
extends the Resistance measurements to the order of Giga-Ohms for leakage
measurements.
CAUTION
Using resistance, continuity or nS 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

6
Auto leads resistance calibration
When entering the 200range manually by RANGE button for high precision low
resistance measurement, this feature will prompt you to short the inputs for temporary
test lead resistance calibration on this range.
The fastest way is to short the leads to auto-range to the 200range, then press the
RANGE button momentarily. The display shows ”Shrt”. Keep shorting the leads for
further 3 seconds until the display shows zero. The lead resistance is then temporarily
compensated.
The compensation value stays until the next meter power reset, and can be as high as
5. If you need a compensation value that is higher than that, Relative Zero mode is
recommended.
Diode Test, Capacitance functions
Press the SELECT button momentarily to toggle the functions. Last selection will be
saved as power up default for repeat measurement convenience.

7
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).

8
DCmV, ACmV +Hz functions
Press the SELECT button momentarily to toggle the subject functions. Last selection
will be saved as power up default for repeat measurement convenience.

9
Temperature functions (Model 839 only)
Press SELECT button momentarily to toggle C and F readings. Last selection will be
saved as power up default for repeat measurement convenience.
Note: Be sure to insert the banana plug type-K temperature bead probe Bkp60 with
correct polarities. You can also use a plug adapter Bkb32 (Optional purchase)
with banana pins to type-K socket to adapt other standard type-K mini plug
temperature probes.

10
A, mA, µA Current functions
Press the SELECT button momentarily to toggle the DC or AC+Hz of the subject
functions. Last selection will be saved as power up default for repeat measurement
convenience.
Backlighted display
Press the button for 1 second or more to toggle the LCD backlight. The backlight
will also be turned off automatically after approximate 10 minutes to extend battery life.
Auto- or Manual-ranging (ACV, DCV, Current & Ω functions only)
Press the RANGE button momentarily to select manual-ranging, and the meter will
remain in the range it was in, the LCD turns off. Press the button momentarily
again to select an adjacent range. Press and hold the button for 1 second or more to
resume auto-ranging.
Relative Zero mode
Relative-Zero allows the user to offset the meter consecutive measurements with the
main display displaying reading as the reference value. LCD “ ” turns on. Press the
REL button momentarily to toggle Relative-Zero mode.

11
Hold
The hold feature freezes the display for later view. LCD “ ” turns on. Press the HOLD
button momentarily to toggle the hold feature.
20000 counts High Resolution mode
Press the 6000/19999 button for one second or more to toggle between the Standard
6000 counts and 20000 counts High Resolution modes. The analog bar-graph full-
scale shows “6”and “20”accordingly. Last selection is saved as power up default.
20000 counts High Resolution mode is available to AC/DC Voltage (except VFD-
ACV+Hz), AC/DC Current and Resistance functions.
MAX/MIN Recording mode
Press REC button momentarily to activate MAX/MIN recording mode. The LCD “R” &
“MAX MIN”turn on. The meter beeps when a new MAX (maximum) or MIN (minimum)
reading is updated. Press the button momentarily to read the Real-time, MAX and MIN
readings in sequence. Press the button for 1 second or more to exit MAX/MIN
recording mode. When activated, Auto-Power-Off is disabled automatically.
5ms CREST capture mode
Press CREST button momentarily to activate CREST (Instantaneous Peak-Hold) mode
to capture voltage or current signal duration as short as 5ms. The LCD “C” & “MAX”
turn on. Press the button momentarily to read the MAX and MIN readings in sequence.
Press the button for 1 second or more to exit CREST mode. Auto-Power-Off is
disabled automatically in this mode.
Beep-Jack™ Input Warning
The meter beeps as well as displays “InEr” to warn the user against possible damage
to the meter due to improper connections to the “µA/mA”or “A”input jack when other

12
functions, especially voltage function, is selected.
Set Beeper Off
Press the RANGE button while turning the meter on to temporarily disable the Beeper
feature. Turn the rotary switch OFF and then back on to resume.
Auto-Power-off (APO)
The Auto-Power-off (APO) mode turns the meter off automatically to extend battery life
after approximately 20 minutes of no rotary switch or push button operations. To wake
up the meter from APO, press the SELECT or CREST button momentarily or turn the
rotary switch OFF and then back on. Always turn the rotary switch to the OFF position
when the meter is not in use.
Disabling Auto-Power-off
Press the SELECT button while turning the meter on to temporarily disable the Auto-
Power-Off feature. Turn the rotary switch OFF and then back on to resume.
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
Calibration
Accuracy is specified for a period of one year after calibration. Periodic calibration at
intervals of one year is recommended to maintain meter accuracy.
Cleaning and Storage
Periodically wipe the meter and the test probe assembly with a damp cloth and mild
detergent. Do not use abrasives or solvents. Allow to dry completely before operating.
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.
Refer to the LIMITED WARRANTY section for obtaining warranty or repairing service.

13
Battery and Fuse replacement
Battery use: Four 1.5V AA alkaline batteries (IEC LR6)
Fuses use:
Fuse (F2) for µA/mA input:
0.4A/1000Vac & Vdc, IR 30kA, F fuse; or better. Dimension: 6 x 32 mm
Fuse (F3) for A input:
11A/1000Vac & Vdc, IR 20kA, F fuse; or better. Dimension: 10 x 38 mm
Battery and Fuse replacement:
Loosen the screws from the access cover of the case bottom. Lift the access cover.
Replace the batteries or fuse. Re-fasten the screws.

14
GENERAL SPECIFICATION
Display: 3-5/6 digits 6,000 counts & 4-1/2 digits 20,000 counts max
Polarity: Automatic
3-5/6 digits Update Rate: 5 per second nominal
4-1/2 digits Update Rate: 5 per second nominal
61 Segments Bar graph Update Rate: 40 per second max
Operating Temperature: -10C to 50C
Relative Humidity: Maximum relative humidity 90% for temperature up to 28C
decreasing linearly to 50% relative humidity at 50C
Pollution Degree: 2
IP Rating: IP40
Storage Temperature: -20C to 60C, < 80% R.H. (with battery removed)
Altitude: Operating below 2000m
Temperature Coefficient: nominal 0.1 x (specified accuracy)/ C @(-10C ~ 18C or
28C ~ 50C), or otherwise specified
Sensing: AC True RMS
Safety: ETL certified per IEC/UL/EN61010-1 Ed. 3.0, IEC/UL/EN61010-2-030 Ed. 1.0,
IEC/UL/EN61010-2-033 Ed. 1.0, IEC/UL/EN61010-031 Ed. 1.1 and the corresponding
CAN/CSA-C22.2 regulations to Measurement Categories:
CAT III 1000 V AC & DC and Category IV 600V AC & DC
Overload Protections:
µA & mA: 0.4A/1kV DC/AC rms, IR 30kA, F Fuse; or better
A: 11A/1kV DC/AC rms, IR 20kA, F Fuse; or better
V: 1100V DC/AC rms
mV, & Others: 1000 V DC/AC rms
Transient Protection: 8kV (1.2/50s surge)
E.M.C.: Meets EN61326-1:2013
ACV of Model 836, in an RF field of 1V/m:
Total Accuracy = Specified Accuracy + 30 digits
Performance above 1V/m is not specified
All Other Functions, in an RF field of 3V/m:
Total Accuracy = Specified Accuracy + 150 digits
Performance above 3V/m is not specified
Power Supply: Four Alkaline AA batteries (IEC LR6)
Power Consumption: 8mA typical for VFD ACV +Hz; 6.5mA typical for other functions
Low Battery: approx. 4.6V
APO Timing: Idle for 20 minutes

15
APO Consumption: 20A typical
Dimension: L208mm X W103mm X H64.5mm with holster
Weight: 635 gm with holster
Accessories: Test probe pair, Holster, User's manual, Bkp60 banana plug type-K
thermocouple (Model 839 only)
Optional Accessories: BKB32 banana plug to type-K socket plug adaptor (Model 839
only), BMH-01 magnetic hanger; BMP-86x soft carrying pouch
Special Features: VFD; Dual display +Hz Readings; Selectable 6,000 & 20,000
Counts Resolution; High-Update Record MAX/MIN readings; Crest MAX/MIN readings;
Relative Zero; Display Hold; LCD Backlight; BeepLitTM Continuity Tester, BeepJackTM
audible & visible input warning
Electrical Specifications
Accuracy is (% reading digits + number of digits) or otherwise specified, at 23C 
5C & less than 80% relative humidity.
True RMS voltage & current accuracies are specified from 1% to 100% of range or
otherwise specified. Maximum Crest Factor < 1.8:1 at full scale & < 3.6:1 at half scale,
and with frequency components fall within the specified frequency bandwidth for non-
sinusoidal waveforms.
AC Voltage (6000-count mode)
RANGE
Accuracy
Model 839
Model 836
50Hz ~ 60Hz
600.0mV 4), 6.000V, 60.00V, 600.0V, 1000V
0.7% + 3d
0.5% + 3d
40Hz ~ 1kHz
600.0mV 4), 6.000V, 60.00V, 600.0V
1 % + 3d
1000V 5)
2 % + 3d
1kHz ~ 5kHz
600.0mV 4), 6.000V, 60.00V, 600.0V
1.8% + 4d 2)
2% + 40d1)
1000V
Unspecified
5kHz ~ 20kHz 3)
600.0mV 4)
2.5% + 20d2)
Unspecified
6.000V, 60.00V
2% + 20d 2)
Unspecified
600.0V, 1000V
Unspecified
Input impedance: 10M, 110pF nominal
1)Add 1% @ bandwidth >4kHz ~ 5kHz

16
2)Add 20d @ reading >80% of range
3)Unspecified for readings < 5% of range
4)Signal peak absolute values, including DC bias, less than 1100mVpeak
5)40Hz ~ 500Hz only for model 836
AC Voltage (20000-count mode)
RANGE
Accuracy
Model 839
Model 836
50Hz ~ 60Hz
199.99mV 3), 1.9999V, 19.999V, 199.99V, 1000.0V
0.7% + 30d
0.5% + 30d
40Hz ~ 1kHz
199.99mV 3), 1.9999V, 19.999V, 199.99V
1 % + 30d
1000.0V4)
2 % + 30d
1kHz ~ 5kHz
199.99mV 3), 1.9999V, 19.999V, 199.99V
1.8% + 40d
2% + 40d1)
1000.0V
Unspecified
5kHz ~ 20kHz 2)
199.99mV 3), 1.9999V, 19.999V, 199.99V
2% + 40d
Unspecified
1000.0V
Unspecified
Input impedance: 10M, 110pF nominal
1)Add 1% @ bandwidth >4kHz ~ 5kHz
2)Unspecified for readings < 5% of range
3)Signal peak absolute values, including DC bias, less than 1100mVpeak
4)40Hz ~ 500Hz only for model 836
VFD AC Voltage
RANGE
Accuracy 1)
10Hz ~ 45Hz
600.0V, 1000V
4% + 5d
45Hz ~ 200Hz
600.0V, 1000V
2.5% + 5d
200Hz ~ 440Hz
600.0V, 1000V
9% + 5d 2)
Input impedance: 10M, 110pF nominal
1)Unspecified for fundamental frequency > 440Hz
2)Accuracy linearly decreases from 2.5% + 5d @200Hz to 9.0% + 5d @440Hz

17
DC Voltage (6000-count mode)
RANGE
Accuracy
Model 839
Model 836
600.0mV
0.09% + 1d
0.18% + 1d
6.000V, 60.00V
0.045% + 1d
0.09% + 1d
600.0V, 1000V
0.09% + 1d
0.18% + 1d
Input impedance: 10M, 110pF nominal
DC Voltage (20000-count mode)
RANGE
Accuracy
Model 839
Model 836
199.99mV
0.09% + 6d
0.18% + 6d
1.9999V, 19.999V, 199.99V
0.045% + 6d
0.09% + 6d
1000.0V
0.09% + 6d
0.18% + 6d
Input impedance: 10M, 110pF nominal
Ohms (6000-count mode)
RANGE 1)
Accuracy
Model 839
Model 836
600.0
0.15% + 3d
0.3% + 3d
6.000k, 60.00k
0.15% + 1d
0.3% + 1d
600.0k
0.3% + 1d
0.6% + 1d
6.000M2)
0.5% + 1d
0.7% + 1d
60.00M3)
1.5% + 3d 4) 6)
2% + 3d 4) 6)
60.00nS 3)
2.0% + 10d5) 6)
1)Open Circuit Voltage: 1.7VDC typical
2)Constant Test Current: 0.2A Typical
3)Constant Test Current: 0.02A Typical
4)Add 1% @ >20M
5)Add 30d @ < 20% of range
6)Add 2% @ operation temperature >35oC

18
Ohms (20000-count mode)
RANGE 1)
Accuracy
Model 839
Model 836
199.992)
0.15% + 20d
0.3% + 20d
1.9999k, 19.999k
0.15% + 6d
0.3% + 6d
199.99k
0.3% + 6d
0.6% + 6d
1.9999M3)
0.5% + 6d
0.7% + 6d
19.999M4)
1.5% + 30d5)
2% + 30d5)
1)Open Circuit Voltage: 1.7VDC typical
2)Specified with input lead resistance been offset by REL or Shrt (short) feature
3)Constant Test Current: 0.2A Typical
4)Constant Test Current: 0.02A Typical
5)Add 2% @ operation temperature >35oC
BeepLitTM Continuity Tester
Continuity Threshold: Between 20and 350
Response time: < 30ms
Audible Response: Beep sound
Visible Response: LCD Backlight
Diode Tester
Range
Accuracy
Test Current (Typical)
Open Circuit Voltage
2.700V
1.5% + 4d
0.4mA
< 2.8 VDC
Capacitance
RANGE
Accuracy 1)
20.00nF
1% + 8d
200.0nF, 2.000F, 20.00F, 200.0F, 2000F
1% + 2d
20.00mF
2% + 2d
1)Accuracies with film capacitor or better

19
Temperature (Model 839 only)
RANGE
Accuracy 1) 2)
-40.0C ~ 0.0C
1% + 2.0C
0.0C ~ 50.0C
1% + 1.0C
50.0C ~ 1090.0C
1% + 1.5C
-40.0F ~ 32.0F
1% + 3.6F
32.0F ~ 122.0F
1% + 1.8F
122.0F ~ 1994.0F
1% + 2.7F
1)Accuracies assume meter interior has the same temperature of the ambient
(isothermal stage) for a correct junction voltage compensation. Allow enough time to
reach the isothermal stage for a significant change of ambient temperature. It can take
up to an hour for changes > 5°C.
2)Type-K thermocouple range & accuracy not included
DC current (6000-count mode)
RANGE
Accuracy
Burden Voltage
Model 839
Model 836
600.0A1)
0.18% + 4d
0.36% + 4d
0.2mV/A
6000A1)
0.18% + 2d
0. 36% + 2d
0.2mV/A
60.00mA 1)
0.18% + 4d
0. 36% + 4d
3.0mV/mA
600.0mA 1) 2)
0.3% + 3d
0. 5% + 3d
3.0mV/mA
6.000A
0.5% + 4d
0.6% + 4d
30mV/A
10.00A 3)
0.7% + 2d
0.8% + 2d
30mV/A
1)A/mA DC accuracies will be affected by extreme interior temperatures of the meter.
For rated accuracies, allow 6 to 20 minutes cool down interval after measuring A-
currents of 3 to 10A continuously.
2) 400mA continuous; >400mA for <1.1 hours on per >20 minutes off
3)10A continuous up to ambient 35oC; <15 mins on per >5 mins off @ 35oC ~ 50oC.
>10A to 20A for <30 seconds on per >5 mins off