Chauvin Arnoux F205 User manual

F205
CLAMP MULTIMETER
User’s manual
ENGLISH

Clamp Multimeter F205 English
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CONTENTS
1PRESENTATION........................................................................................................ 8
1.1 THE SWITCH .....................................................................................................................9
1.2 THE KEYS OF THE KEYPAD.......................................................................................10
1.3 THE DISPLAY UNIT.......................................................................................................11
1.3.1 The symbols of the display unit.................................................................... 11
1.3.2 Measurement capacity exceeded (O.L)........................................................ 13
1.4 THE TERMINALS...........................................................................................................13
2THE KEYS................................................................................................................. 13
2.1 KEY....................................................................................................................................13
2.2 KEY(SECOND FUNCTION)..................................................................................................14
2.3 KEY....................................................................................................................................15
2.4 KEY....................................................................................................................................15
2.4.1 In the normal mode...................................................................................... 15
2.4.2 The MAX/MIN/PEAK mode + activation of the HOLD mode......................16
2.4.3 Access to the True-INRUSH mode ( set to )................................. 17
2.5 KEY....................................................................................................................................17
2.5.1 The Hz function in the normal model........................................................... 17
2.5.2 The Hz function + activation of the HOLD mode ........................................ 18
2.6 KEY....................................................................................................................................18
3USE............................................................................................................................. 19
3.1 COMMISSIONING..........................................................................................................19
3.2STARTINGUP THECLAMP MULTIMETER............................................................20
3.3 SWITCHINGTHE CLAMP MULTIMETER................................................................20
3.4 CONFIGURATION..........................................................................................................20
3.4.1 Programming of the maximum resistance allowed for a continuity.............21
3.4.2 De-activation of automatic switching off (Auto Power OFF)...................... 21
3.4.3 Programming of the current threshold for the True INRUSH measurement 21
3.4.4 Default configuration................................................................................... 22
3.5 VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT(V).................................................................................22
3.6 CONTINUITY TEST .................................................................................................23
3.6.1 Automatic compensation of the resistance of the leads................................ 24
3.7 RESISTANCEMEASUREMENTΩ..............................................................................24
3.8 DIODE TEST .............................................................................................................25
3.9 CURRENTMEASUREMENT(A).................................................................................25
3.9.1 AC measurement.......................................................................................... 25
3.9.2 DC or AC+DC measurement....................................................................... 26
3.10 STARTINGCURRENTOROVERCURRENT(TRUE INRUSH) MEASUREMENT
27

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3.11 POWER MEASUREMENTS W, VA, VAR AND PF.....................................................27
3.11.1 Measurement of single-phase power............................................................ 28
3.11.2 Balanced three-phase power measurement.................................................. 28
3.12 “DIRECTIONOF ROTATION OF THE PHASES”OR “ORDER OF THE PHASES”
MODE ..................................................................................................................................29
3.13 FREQUENCYMEASUREMENT (HZ).........................................................................30
3.13.1 Frequency measurement in voltage.............................................................. 30
3.13.2 Frequency measurement in current.............................................................. 31
3.13.3 Measurement of frequency in power............................................................ 31
3.14 MEASUREMENT OF THE LEVEL OF HARMONICS (THD) AND OF THE
FREQUENCYOF THE FUNDAMENTAL(NETWORK).......................................................31
3.14.1 Measurement of the THD and of the frequency of the fundamental in voltage
32
3.14.2 Measurement of the THD and of the frequency of the fundamental in current
32
4CHARACTERISTICS............................................................................................... 34
4.1 REFERENCE CONDITIONS .........................................................................................34
4.2 CHARACTERISTICSUNDER THE REFERENCE CONDITIONS..........................34
4.2.1 DC voltage measurement............................................................................. 34
4.2.2 AC voltage measurement ............................................................................. 35
4.2.3 AC+DC voltage measurement..................................................................... 36
4.2.4 DC current measurement............................................................................. 36
4.2.5 AC current measurement ............................................................................. 37
4.2.6 AC+DC intensity measurement.................................................................... 37
4.2.7 True-Inrush measurement............................................................................ 38
4.2.8 Continuity measurement .............................................................................. 38
4.2.9 Resistance measurement.............................................................................. 38
4.2.10 Diode test..................................................................................................... 39
4.2.11 Active DC power measurements .................................................................. 39
4.2.12 Active AC power measurements................................................................... 40
4.2.13 Active AC+DC power measurements........................................................... 41
4.2.14 Measurement of apparent AC power ........................................................... 42
4.2.15 Measurement of apparent AC+DC power................................................... 42
4.2.16 Measurement of reactive AC power............................................................. 43
4.2.17 Measurement of reactive AC+DC power..................................................... 43
4.2.18 Calculation of the power factor................................................................... 44
4.2.19 Frequency measurements............................................................................. 45
4.2.20 Characteristics in THDr .............................................................................. 45
4.2.21 Characteristics in THDf............................................................................... 45
4.2.22 Indication of order of the phases ................................................................. 46
4.3 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.............................................................................46
4.4 CHARACTERISTICSOFCONSTRUCTION..............................................................47
4.5 POWER SUPPLY.............................................................................................................47
4.6 COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS .......................................47

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4.7 VARIATIONS IN THE DOMAIN OF USE...................................................................48
5MAINTENANCE....................................................................................................... 49
5.1 CLEANING.......................................................................................................................49
5.2 REPLACEMENT OF THE BATTERY...........................................................................49
5.3 METROLOGICAL CHECK............................................................................................49
5.4 REPAIR .............................................................................................................................49
6WARRANTY............................................................................................................. 50
7DELIVERY CONDITION........................................................................................ 50

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You have just acquired an F205 clamp multimeter and we thank you.
For best results from your device :
•read this user manual attentively,
•observe the precautions for its use.
Meanings of the symbols used on the device
Danger. The operator agrees to refer to this data sheet whenever this danger
symbol is encountered.
Application or withdrawal authorized on uninsulated or bare conductors at
dangerous voltages.
9 V battery.
The CE marking indicates compliance with European directives.
Double insulation or reinforced insulation.
Sele
ctive sorting of wastes for the recycling of electrical and electronic
equipment within the European Union.
In conformity with directive DEEE 2002/96/EC: this equipment must not be
treated as household waste.
AC – Alternating current.
AC and DC – Alternating and direct current.
Earth.
Risk of electric shock.

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PRECAUTIONS FOR USE
This device complies with safety standards IEC-61010-1 and 61010-2-032 for
voltages of 1000V in category III or 600V in category IV at an altitude OF less than
2000m, indoors, with a degree of pollution not exceeding 2.
These safety instructions are intended to ensure the safety of persons and proper
operation of the device. If the tester is used other than as specified in this data
sheet, the protection provided by the device may be impaired.
The operator and/or the responsible authority must carefully read and clearly
understand the various precautions to be taken in use.
If you use this instrument other than as specified, the protection it provides
may be compromised, thereby endangering you.
Do not use the instrument in an explosive atmosphere or in the presence of
flammable gases or fumes.
Do not use the instrument on networks of which the voltage or category
exceeds those mentioned.
Do not exceed the rated maximum voltages and currents between terminals
or with respect to earth.
Do not use the instrument if it appears to be damaged, incomplete, or not
properly closed.
Before each use, check the condition of the insulation on the leads, housing,
and accessories. Any element of which the insulation is deteriorated (even
partially) must be set aside for repair or scrapped.
Use leads and accessories rated for voltages and categories at least equal to
those of the instrument. If not, an accessory of a lower category lowers the
category of the combined Clamp + accessory to that of the accessory.
Observe the environmental conditions of use.
Do not modify the instrument and do not replace components with
"equivalents". Repairs and adjustments must be done by approved qualified
personnel.
Replace the battery as soon as the symbol appears on the display unit.
Disconnect all cords before opening the battery compartment cover.
Use personal protective equipment when conditions require.
Keep your hands away from the unused terminals of the instrument.

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When handling the test probes, crocodile clips, and clamp ammeters, keep
your fingers behind the physical guard.
As a safety measure, and to avoid repeated overloads on the inputs of the
device, we recommend performing configuration operations only when the
device is disconnected from all dangerous voltages.
MEASUREMENT CATEGORIES
Definitions of the measurement categories :
CAT II: Circuits directly connected to the low-voltage installation.
Example: power supply to household electrical appliances and portable tools.
CAT III: Power supply circuits in the installation of the building.
Example: distribution panel, circuit-breakers, fixed industrial machines or devices.
CAT IV: Circuits supplying the low-voltage installation of the building.
Example: power lines, meters, and protection devices.

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1 PRESENTATION
The F205 is a professional electrical measuring instrument that combines the
following functions:
Current measurement;
Measurement of inrush current / overcurrent (True-Inrush);
Voltage measurement;
Frequency measurement;
Measurement of level of harmonics (THD)
Continuity test with buzzer;
Resistance measurement;
Diode test;
Power measurements (W, VA, var and PF);
Indication of the order of the phases.
Item Designation See §
1
Jaws with centring marks
(see connection principles) 3.5 to
3.14
2 Physical guard -
3 Switch 1.1
4 Function keys 2
5 Display unit 1.3
6 Terminals 1.4
7 Trigger -
Figure 1 : the F205 clamp multimeter

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1.1 THE SWITCH
The switch has six positions. To access the , , , , , functions,
set the switch to the desired function. Each setting is confirmed by an audible
signal. The functions are described in the table below.
Figure 2 : the switch
Item Function See §
1 OFF mode – Switches the clamp multimeter off 3.3
2 AC, DC, AC+DC voltage measurement (V) 3.5
3 Continuity test
Resistance measurement Ω
Diode test
3.6
3.7
3.8
4 AC, DC, AC+DC current measurement (A) 3.9
5 Power measurements (W, var, VA) and calculation of the
power factor (PF) AC, DC, AC+DC 3.11
6 Indicator of the order of the phases 3.12
1
2
3
4
5
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1.2 THE KEYS OF THE KEYPAD
Here are the six keys of the keypad :
1 2 3
4 5 6
Figure 3 : the keys of the keypad
Item Function See §
1 Storage of values, disabling of display
Zero correction ADC/AAC+DC/WDC/WAC+DC
Compensation of the resistance of the leads in the
continuity and ohmmeter function
2.1
3.9.2
3.6.1
2 Selection of the type of measurement (AC, DC, AC+DC)
Selection of single-phase or three-phase measurement 2.2
3 Activation or de-activation of the backlighting
of the display unit 2.3
4 Activation or de-activation of the MAX/MIN/PEAK mode
Activation or de-activation of the INRUSH mode in A 2.4
5 Measurements of frequency (Hz), of the level of harmonics
(THD)
Display of the powers W, VA, var and PF 2.5
6 Activation of the ΔREL mode – Display of relative and
differential values 2.6

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1.3 THE DISPLAY UNIT
Here is the display unit of the clamp multimeter:
5
Figure 4 : the display unit
Item Function See §
1 Display of the modes selected (keys) 2
2 Display of the measurement value and unit 3.5 to 3.12
3 Display of the MAX/MIN/PEAK modes 2.4
4 Type of measurement (AC or DC) 2.2
5 Total three-phase power measurements 3.11.2
6 Display of the selected modes (switch) 3.5
7 Spent battery indication 5.2
1.3.1 The symbols of the display unit
Symbol Designation
AC Alternating current or voltage
DC Direct current or voltage
AC+DC Alternating and direct current or voltage
∆
REL Relative value, with respect to a reference
∆Ref
Reference value
1
2
3
4
7
6

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Storage of the values and hold of the display
Max Maximum RMS value
Min Minimum RMS value
Peak+ Maximum peak value
Peak-
Minimum peak value
Balanced total three-phase power measurement
V Volt
Hz Hertz
W Watt
A
Ampere
% Percentage
ΩOhm
m Milli- prefix
k Kilo- prefix
var
Reactive power
VA Apparent power
PF Power factor
THDfTotal harmonic distortion with respect to the fundamental
THDrTotal harmonic distortion with respect to the true RMS
value of the signal.
Indicator of order to the phases
Compensation of the resistance of the leads
Continuity test
Diode test
Permanent display (automatic switching off de-activated)
Spent battery indicator
The display of “rdy”, for “ready”, indicates that the device is ready (“Indicator of
order of the phases” function).

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1.3.2 Measurement capacity exceeded (O.L)
The O.L (Over Load) symbol is displayed when the display capacity is exceeded.
1.4 THE TERMINALS
The terminals are used as follows:
1 2
Figure 5 : the terminals
2 THE KEYS
The keys of the keypad respond differently to short, long, and sustained presses.
The , and keys provide new functions and allow the detection and
acquisition of parameters complementary to the usual elementary measurements.
- Each of these keys can be used independently of the others or in perfect
complementarity with them: this makes navigation simple and intuitive for
looking up all measurement results.
- It is possible, for example, to look up in turn the MAX, MIN, etc. values of the
RMS voltage alone, or else look up in turn all of the MAX (or MIN, or PEAK)
values of all power results (W, VA, var, etc.).
In this section, the icon represents the possible positions of the switch for which
the key concerned has some action.
2.1 KEY
This key is used to:
store and look up the last values acquired specific to each function (V, A, Ω,
T°) according to the specific modes previously activated (MAX/MIN); the
present display is then maintained while the detection and acquisition of new
values continues;
Item Function
1 Cold terminal (COM)
2 Hot terminal (+)

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perform automatic compensation of the resistance of the leads (see also §
3.6.1) ;
perform an automatic zero correction in ADC/AC+DC et WDC/AC+DC (see also §
3.9.2)
Remark : the key is invalid for the “Indication of order of phases” function.
Successive
presses on
… serve
short
1. to store the results of the present
measurements
2. to hold the display of the last value displayed
3. to return to normal display mode (the value of
each new measurement is displayed)
Long (>2 sec) ADC
AAC+DC
WDC
WAC+DC
to perform automatic compensation of the zero
(see § 3.9.2)
Remark : this mode operates if the MAX/MIN/PEAK or
HOLD modes (short press) are first desactivated
Sustained
to perform automatic compensation of the
resistance of the leads (see 3.6.1)
See also § 2.4.2 and § 2.5.1 for the action key with the action of the key
and with the action of the key.
2.2 KEY (SECOND FUNCTION)
This key is used to select the type of measurement (AC, DC, AC+DC) and the
second functions marked in yellow next to the relevant positions of the switch.
It can also be used, in the configuration mode, to modify the default value (see §3.4)
Remark: the key is invalid in the MAX/MIN/PEAK, HOLD and ΔREL modes.
Successive
presses on … serve
short
-to select AC, DC or AC+DC. Depending on your choice, the
screen displays AC, DC or AC+DC

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-to cycle through the
Ω
and diode test modes and to return
to the continuity test
- to reset the measurement process for the “indicator of order
of rotation of the phases” function.
Long (>2 sec) - to display the total three-phase power of a balanced system
(is displayed).
- by pressing again, to return to display of the single-phase
power (is off)
2.3 KEY
This key is used to backlight the display unit.
Successive
presses on … serve
-to activate or de-activate the backlighting of the
screen
Remark: the backlighting is switched off automatically at the end of 2 minutes.
2.4 KEY
2.4.1 In the normal mode
This key activates detection of the MAX, MIN, PEAK+ and PEAK- values of the
measurements made.
Max and Min are the extreme mean values in DC and the extreme RMS values in AC.
Peak+ is the maximum instantaneous peak and Peak- the minimum instantaneous
peak.
R emark : in this mode, the "automatic switching off" function of the device is
automatically de-activated. The symbol is displayed on the screen.

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Successive presses
on … serve
short
-to activate detection of the MAX/MIN/PEAK values
-to display the MAX, MIN, PEAK+ or PEAK- value successively
-to return to display of the present measurement without exiting
from the mode (the values already detected are not erased)
Remark: the MAX, MIN, PEAK+, PEAK- symbols are both displayed, but
only the symbol of the quantity selected blinks.
Example: If MIN has been selected, MIN blinks and MAX, PEAK+, PEAK-
are lit steadily.
-to activate detection of the MAX/MIN values
-to display the MAX or MIN value successively
-to return to display of the present measurement without exiting
from the mode (the values already detected are not erased)
long (> 2 sec)
to exit from the MAX/MIN/PEAK mode. The values previously
recorded are then erased.
Remark: if the HOLD function is activated, it is not possible to exit from
the MAX/MIN/PEAK mode. The HOLD function must first be de-activated.
Remark : ΔREL function can be used with the functions of the MAX/MIN/PEAK
mode.
2.4.2 The MAX/MIN/PEAK mode + activation of the HOLD mode
Successive presses
on … serve
short
to display successively the MAX/MIN/PEAK values
detected before the key was pressed.
Note : the HOLD function does not interrupt the acquisition of new MAX, MIN,
PEAK values.

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2.4.3 Access to the True-INRUSH mode ( set to )
This key allows measurement of the True-Inrush current (starting current, or
overcurrent in steady-state operation) for AC or DC current only (not operational in
AC+DC).
Successive
presses on …serves
long (>2 sec)
to enter the True-INRUSH mode
-"Inrh" is displayed for 3s (the backlighting blinks)
-the triggering threshold is displayed for 5s (the
backlighting is steady);
-"------" is displayed and the "A" symbol flashes
-after detection and acquisition, the inrush
current measurement is displayed, after the
calculations stage "------" (backlighting off)
Remark: the A symbol flashes to indicate "surveillance"
of the signal.
to exit from the True-INRUSH mode (return to
simple current measurement).
short (<2 sec)
Note: a short press is
functional only if an
True-Inrush value has
been detected.
-to display the PEAK+ value of the current
-to display the PEAK- value of the current
-to display the RMS true-Inrush current
Remark: the A symbol is displayed steadily during this
sequence.
2.5 KEY
This key is used to display the frequency measurements of a signal, of the power,
and of the level of harmonics.
Remark : this button is not functional in DC.
2.5.1 The Hz function in the normal model
Successive
presses on …serves

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short
to display:
-the frequency of the signal measured
-the present voltage (V) or current (A)
measurement
to display:
-the apparent power (VA)
- the reactive power (var)
- the power factor (PF)
- the frequency of the signal
- the active power (W)
long
- to enter or exit from the level of harmonics
(THD) calculation and display mode
then short - to select THDf, THDror the frequency of the
fundamental
2.5.2 The Hz function + activation of the HOLD mode
Successive
presses on
…serves
short -to store the frequency
-to display successively the stored frequency,
then the voltage or the current
- to display in turn the stored values of THDf,
then of THDr, then of the frequency of the
fundamental
2.6 KEY
This key is used to display and store the reference value or to display the diferential
and relative value, in the unit of magnitude measured or in %.
Remark : in phasis rotation mode, the key is not operating.

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Successive
presses on
…serve
short
- to enter the ΔREL mode, to store then display the reference
value. The ΔRef symbol is displayed.
- to display the diferential value:
- (current value – reference (∆))
The ΔREL symbol is displayed.
- to display the relative value in %
long (>2 sec)
current value – reference (∆)
reference (∆)
The ΔREL and % symbols are displayed.
- to display the reference. The ΔRef symbol is displayed
- to display the current value. The ΔRef symbol blinks.
to exit from the ΔREL mode
Remark : the “Relative mode ΔREL” function can be used with the functions of the
MAX/MIN/PEAK mode.
3 USE
3.1 COMMISSIONING
Insert the battery supplied with the device as follows:
1. Using a screwdriver, unscrew the screw of the battery compartment cover
(item 1) on the back of the housing and open it.
2. Place the battery in the compartment (item 2), taking care to get the
polarities right.
3. Close the battery compartment cover and screw it to the housing.

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Figure 6 : the battery compartment cover
3.2 STARTING UP THE CLAMP MULTIMETER
The switch is set to OFF. Turn the switch to the function of your choice. The whole
display lights (all symbols) for a few seconds (see §1.3), then the screen of the
function chosen is displayed. The clamp multimeter is then ready to make
measurements.
3.3 SWITCHING THE CLAMP MULTIMETER
The clamp multimeter can be switched off either manually, by setting the switch to
OFF, or automatically, after ten minutes with no action on the switch and/or the
keys. Thirty (30) seconds before the device is switched off, an audible signal
sounds intermittently. To re-activate the device, press any key or turn the switch.
3.4 CONFIGURATION
As a safety measure, and to avoid repeated overloads on the inputs of the device,
we recommend performing configuration operations only when the device is
disconnected from all dangerous voltages.
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