Chauvin Arnoux F401 User manual

F401
Clamp multimeter
GB - User’s manual

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CONTENTS
1PRESENTATION........................................................................................................ 7
1.1 THE ROTARYSWITCH...................................................................................................8
1.2 THE KEYS OF THE KEYPAD.........................................................................................9
1.3 THE DISPLAY UNIT.......................................................................................................10
1.3.1 The symbols of the display unit.................................................................... 11
1.3.2 Measurement capacity exceeded (O.L)........................................................ 11
1.4 THE TERMINALS...........................................................................................................12
2THE KEYS................................................................................................................. 13
2.1 KEY.........................................................................................................................13
2.2 KEY(SECOND FUNCTION).......................................................................................13
2.3 KEY ........................................................................................................................14
2.4 KEY......................................................................................................................15
2.4.1 In the normal mode...................................................................................... 15
2.4.2 The MAX/MIN mode + activation of the HOLD mode................................. 15
2.4.3 Access to the True-INRUSH mode ( set to ) ............................. 16
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 ........................................ 17
3USE............................................................................................................................. 18
3.1 COMMISSIONING..........................................................................................................18
3.2 STARTING UP THECLAMP MULTIMETER............................................................18
3.3 SWITCHINGTHE CLAMP MULTIMETER................................................................19
3.4 CONFIGURATION..........................................................................................................19
3.4.1 Programming of the maximum resistance allowed for a continuity.............19
3.4.2 De-activation of automatic switching off (Auto Power OFF)...................... 19
3.4.3 Programming of the current threshold for the True INRUSH measurement20
3.4.4 Change of temperature measurement unit................................................... 20
3.4.5 Default configuration................................................................................... 21
3.5 VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT(V).................................................................................21
3.6 CONTINUITY TEST .................................................................................................22
3.6.1 Automatic compensation of the resistance of the leads................................ 22
3.7 RESISTANCEMEASUREMENTΩ..............................................................................23
3.8 DIODE TEST ............................................................................................................23
3.9 CURRENTMEASUREMENT (A).................................................................................24
3.9.1 AC measurement.......................................................................................... 24

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3.10 STARTINGCURRENTOROVERCURRENT (TRUE INRUSH) MEASUREMENT
.............................................................................................................................................25
3.11 FREQUENCYMEASUREMENT (HZ).........................................................................25
3.11.1 Frequency measurement in voltage.............................................................. 25
3.11.2 Frequency measurement in current.............................................................. 26
3.12 TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT............................................................................27
3.12.1 Measurement without external sensor.......................................................... 27
3.12.2 Measurement with external sensor............................................................... 27
4CHARACTERISTICS............................................................................................... 28
4.1 REFERENCE CONDITIONS .........................................................................................28
4.2 CHARACTERISTICSUNDER THE REFERENCE CONDITIONS..........................28
4.2.1 DC voltage measurement............................................................................. 28
4.2.2 AC voltage measurement ............................................................................. 29
4.2.3 AC current measurement ............................................................................. 29
4.2.4 True-Inrush measurement............................................................................ 30
4.2.5 Continuity measurement .............................................................................. 30
4.2.6 Resistance measurement.............................................................................. 30
4.2.7 Diode test..................................................................................................... 31
4.2.8 Frequency measurements............................................................................. 31
4.2.9 Temperature measurement........................................................................... 32
4.3 ENVIRONMENTALCONDITIONS.............................................................................32
4.4 CHARACTERISTICSOFCONSTRUCTION..............................................................33
4.5 POWER SUPPLY.............................................................................................................33
4.6 COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS .......................................34
4.7 VARIATIONSIN THE DOMAIN OF USE...................................................................35
5MAINTENANCE....................................................................................................... 36
5.1 CLEANING.......................................................................................................................36
5.2 REPLACEMENT OF THE BATTERIES.......................................................................36
6WARRANTY............................................................................................................. 37
7DELIVERY CONDITION........................................................................................ 37

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You have just acquired an F401 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 conduct
ors at
dangerous voltages.
1.5 V battery.
The CE marking indicates compliance with European directives.
Double insulation or reinforced insulation.
Selective 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 1,000V 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 batteries 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.
When handling the test probes, crocodile clips, and clamp ammeters, keep
your fingers behind the physical guard.

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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
3
4
5
6
2
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1 PRESENTATION
The F401 is a professional electrical measuring instrument that combines the
following functions:
Current measurement;
Measurement of inrush current / overcurrent (True-Inrush);
Voltage measurement;
Frequency measurement;
Continuity test with buzzer;
Resistance measurement;
Diode test;
Temperature measurement.
Item Designation See §
1
Jaws with centring marks
(see connection principles) 3.5 to
3.12
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 F401 clamp multimeter

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1.1 THE ROTARY SWITCH
The rotary switch has five 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 rotary switch
Item Function See §
1 OFF mode – Switches the clamp multimeter off 3.3
2 AC, DC voltage measurement (V) 3.5
3 Continuity test
Resistance measurement Ω
Diode test
3.6
3.7
3.8
4 AC current measurement (A) 3.9
5 Temperature measurement (°C/°F) 3.12
1
2
3
4
5

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1.2 THE KEYS OF THE KEYPAD
Here are the five keys of the keypad :
1 2 3
4 5
Figure 3 : the keys of the keypad
Item Function See §
1 Storage of values, disabling of display
Compensation of the resistance of the leads in the
continuity and ohmmeter function
2.1
3.6.1
2 Selection of the type of measurement (AC, DC) 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 mode
Activation or de-activation of the INRUSH mode in A 2.4
5 Frequency measurements (Hz) 2.5

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1.3 THE DISPLAY UNIT
Here is the display unit of the clamp multimeter:
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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 modes 2.4
4 Type of measurement (AC or DC) 2.2
5 Display of the selected modes (switch) 3.5
6 Spent battery indication 5.2
1
2
3
4
6
5

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1.3.1 The symbols of the display unit
Symbol Designation
AC Alternating current or voltage
DC Direct voltage
Storage of the values and hold of the display
Max Maximum RMS value
Min Minimum RMS value
V Volt
Hz Hertz
A Ampere
ΩOhm
m Milli- prefix
k Kilo- prefix
Compensation of the resistance of the leads
Continuity test
Diode test
Permanent display (automatic switching off de-activated)
Spent battery indicator
1.3.2 Measurement capacity exceeded (O.L)
The O.L (Over Load) symbol is displayed when the display capacity is exceeded.

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1.4 THE TERMINALS
The terminals are used as follows:
1 2
Figure 5 : the terminals
Item Function
1 Cold terminal (COM)
2 Hot terminal (+)

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2 THE KEYS
The keys of the keypad respond differently to short, long, and sustained presses.
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;
perform automatic compensation of the resistance of the leads (see also §
3.6.1);
Successive
presses on
… serve
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)
Sustained
to perform automatic compensation of the
resistance of the leads (see 3.6.1)
See also § 2.4.2 and § 2.5.2 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) 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 values (see
§3.4)
Remark: the key is invalid in the MAX/MIN and HOLD modes.

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Successive
presses on
… serve
-to select AC or DC. Depending on your choice,
the screen displays AC or DC
-to cycle through the
Ω
and diode test
modes and to return to the continuity test
-to select °C or °F as the unit
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.

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2.4 KEY
2.4.1 In the normal mode
This key activates detection of the MAX and MIN values of the measurements made.
Max and Min are the extreme mean values in DC and the extreme RMS values in AC.
R emark : in this mode, the "automatic switching off" function of the device is
automatically de-activated. The symbol is displayed on the screen.
Successive presses on
… serve
short
-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)
R emark: the MAX and MIN symbols are both displayed, but
only the symbol of the quantity selected blinks.
Example: If MIN has been selected, MIN blinks and MAX is
lit steadily.
long (> 2 sec)
to exit from the MAX/MIN mode. The values
previously recorded are then erased.
R emark: if the HOLD function is activated, it is not possible
to exit from the MAX/MIN mode. The HOLD function must
first be de-activated.
2.4.2 The MAX/MIN mode + activation of the HOLD mode
Successive presses on
… serve
short
to display successively the MAX/
MIN values detected before the key
was pressed
Note: the HOLD function does not interrupt the acquisition of new MAX, MIN 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).
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.

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2.5 KEY
This key is used to display the frequency measurements of a signal.
Remark : this key is not working in DC mode.
2.5.1 The Hz function in the normal model
Successive
presses on
…serves
to display:
-the frequency of the signal measured
-the present voltage (V) or current (A)
measurement
2.5.2 The Hz function + activation of the HOLD mode
Successive
presses on
…serves
-to store the frequency
-to display successively the stored frequency,
then the voltage or the current

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3 USE
3.1 COMMISSIONING
Insert the batteries 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 4 batteries in the compartment (item 2), taking care to get the
polarities right.
3. Close the battery compartment cover and screw it to the housing.
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.
1
2

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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.
3.4.1 Programming of the maximum resistance allowed for a
continuity
To program the maximum resistance allowed for a continuity
1. From the OFF position, hold the key down while turning the switch to
,until the "full screen" display ends and a beep is emitted, to enter the
configuration mode. The display unit indicates the value below which the
buzzer is activated and the symbol is displayed.
The value stored by default is 40Ω. The possible values lie between 1Ω
and 999Ω.
2. To change the threshold, press the key. The right-hand digit flashes:
each press on the key increments it. To shift to the next digit, apply a
long press (>2s) to the key.
To exit from the programming mode, turn the switch to another setting. The
detection threshold chosen is stored (emission of a double beep).
3.4.2 De-activation of automatic switching off (Auto Power OFF)
To de-activate automatic switching off:
In the OFF position, hold the key down while turning the switch to
, until the "full screen" display ends and a beep is emitted, to enter the
configuration mode. The symbol is displayed.
When the key is released, the device is in the voltmeter function in
the normal mode.
The return to Auto Power OFF takes place when the clamp is switched
back on.

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3.4.3 Programming of the current threshold for the True INRUSH
measurement
To program the triggering current threshold of the True INRUSH measurement:
1. in the OFF position, hold the key down while turning the switch to
, until the "full screen" display ends and a beep is emitted, to enter the
configuration mode. The display unit indicates the percentage overshoot to
apply to the measured current to determine the measurement triggering
threshold.
The value stored by default is 10%, representing 110% of the established
current measured. The possible values are 5%, 10%, 20%, 50%, 70%,
100%, 150%, and 200%.
2. To change the threshold, press the key. The value flashes: each
press on the key displays the next value. To record the chosen
threshold, apply a long press (>2s) on the key. A confirmation beep
is emitted.
To exit from the programming mode, turn the switch to another setting. The chosen
threshold is stored (emission of a double beep).
Note: The starting (Inrush) current measurement triggering threshold is fixed at 1%
of the least sensitive range. This threshold is not adjustable
3.4.4 Change of temperature measurement unit
To program the measurement unit, °C or °F:
1. In the OFF position, hold the key down while turning the switch to
, , until the "full screen" display ends and a beep is emitted, to enter
the configuration mode. The display unit indicates the existing unit (°C or
°F). The default unit is °C.
2. Pressing the key toggles between °C and °F.
When the desired unit is displayed, turn the switch to another setting. The unit
chosen is stored (emission of a double beep).