Dawson DCM201A User manual

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Dawson DCM201A
Digital Clamp Meter
User’s Manual
Table of Contents
LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION
OF LIABILITY.............................................................3
Out of the Box ........................................................ 3
Safety Information ................................................. 3
Accessories ............................................................. 3
INTRODUCTION........................................................4
Preparation ............................................................ 4
Operations ............................................................. 4
Components and Buttons....................................... 5
Symbols.............................................................. 5
Names of the Components................................. 5
Switches and Buttons......................................... 6
LCD Display Features.......................................... 6
SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................... 7

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1.3.1 General Specifications ................................... 7
Technical Specifications.......................................... 7
USING THE METER ................................................. 10
Display Hold ......................................................... 10
Manual Measurement ......................................... 10
Frequency and Duty Ratio.................................... 10
Setting MAX/MIN Recording................................ 10
REL/INRUSH Measurement .................................. 11
Backlight and clamp light..................................... 11
Auto Power Off..................................................... 11
Measuring Preparations ...................................... 11
Current (AC/DC) Measurements........................... 12
Voltage (AC/DC) Measurements .......................... 12
Frequency and Duty ............................................. 13
Resistance Measurement ..................................... 14
Diodes Measurement ........................................... 14
Continuity............................................................. 15
Capacitance Measurement .................................. 15
MAINTENANCE ......................................................15
General Maintenance .......................................... 15
Battery Replacement............................................ 15
Test Leads Replacement ....................................... 16
CONTACT DAWSON ................................................16
FEATURES...................................................Back Page

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LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF
LIABILITY
This instrument from Dawson Tools Inc. will be free from defects in
workmanship and material for three years from the date of original purchase.
This warranty does not cover defects resulting from damage caused by the
user such as drops, neglect, misuse, unauthorized alteration, usage outside
of specified conditions, contamination, or improper repair/maintenance.
To receive service on the instrument if it becomes necessary during the
warranty period, contact your nearest Dawson authorized service center at
[phone] or visit www.DawsonTools.com to obtain a return
authorization (within the US only). A return authorization is necessary
before returning any instrument to Dawson; no service will be provided
without a return authorization. The user is responsible for properly packing
the unit and charges such as shipping, freight and insurance charges. The
extent of Dawson's liability is limited solely to the repair/replacement of the
instrument. The above warranty in its entirety is inclusive and no other
warranties, written or oral, are expressed or implied.
Out of the Box
Check the Meter and accessories thoroughly before using the
Meter. Contact your local distributor if the Meter or any
components are damaged or malfunction.
Accessories
1000V 10A Test Leads 1pc
User’s Manual 1pc
6F22 9Volt Battery 1pc
Case 1pc
Safety Information
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRICAL SHOCK, PRODUCT
DAMAGE OR PERSONAL INJURY, PLEASE FOLLOW THE SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS DESCRIBED IN THE USER MANUAL. READ THE USER
MANUALS BEFORE USING THE METER.
WARNING
TO ENSURE SAFE OPERATION AND LIFE OF THE METER, DO NOT
PLACE THE METER IN ANY ENVIRONMENT WITH HIGH PRESSURE,
HIGH TEMPERATURE, DUST, EXPLOSIVE GAS OR VAPOR.

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The DCM201A meter meets GB/T 13978-92 Digital Clamp
Multimeter General technical requirements standard,
GB4793.1-1995 (IEC-61010-1, IEC-61010-2-032) electronic
measuring instrument safety standard，pollution 2 standard，with
Over-Voltage categories of CAT IV 600 and CAT III 1000V.
Safety Symbols
Important safety message
Conforms to relevant European Union directives
Warning Symbols
WARNING
Risk of danger; Important information. See
User’s Manual
Caution
Statement identifies conditions and actions
that failure to follow the instructions could
result in false readings, damage the Tester or
the equipment under test
Introduction
Overview
DCM201A is a portable, hand-held yet professional meter that
features an LCD with backlight, overload protection and low
battery indicator. These Meters are easy to use with one hand,
suitable for professional users or amateurs, and ideal for school or
home use.
Preparations:
Users must follow the standard safety instructions while using
the meter:
1. Once the Meter is out of the package, check for any
damage to the Meter before using.
2. Double check the Meter to make sure the components
are in good condition.
3. Check the test leads before operation. Leads must be in
good condition, check if leads are well covered by
insulator; wires should not be exposed.
4. Use the original test leads included in the package for
best performance and safety, if necessary, use the
compatible leads with same specifications of the
originals.
Operations:
1. Make sure to set the meter to the correct functions and
measuring range.
2. Do not use the Meter on a circuit where the measuring range
is over the capable range specified in the User’s manual.
3. Do not touch the tips of test leads when performing
measurement.
4. If the measurement is above 60V DC or 30V AC, make sure
keeping hands below the tactile barrier and finger guards.
5. Do not use the Meter on a circuit if the voltage is above 750V
AC.
6. In Manual Mode, if the circuit value is unknown, start the

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Meter from maximum range and then adjust accordingly.
7. Remove the leads from the circuit first before switching
between functions.
8. Do not power the circuit when measuring resistance,
capacitance or diodes.
9. Do not measure the capacitance before the capacitor is
discharged.
10. Do not operate the Meter near explosive gas, vapor or under
dust.
11. Stop the operation if the Meter or test leads appeared
damaged or do not function properly.
12. Unless the battery cover and the Meter case are firmly closed,
do not use the Meter.
13. Do not expose the Meter to direct sunlight, heat, or moisture.
Components and Buttons
Symbols
Risk of danger. (Important information. See User’s Manual)
May be used on hazardous live conductors.
Double insulation（type II）
CAT III Conforms to IEC-61010-1Over-Voltage standard
categories III.
Conforms to relevant European Union directives
Earth ground
Names of the Components
1. Clamp Jaws：Measure Current
2. Clamp Light
3. Panel
4. Clamp trigger
5. Function Button (FUNC）
6. Relative Button (REL)
7. Frequency/Duty Ratio Button (Hz/%)
8. LCD Display
9. Common Input Terminals
10. Resistance, Capacitance, Voltage, Frequency, Diodes and
continuity Input Terminal
11. Min Max Button(MAX/MIN)
12. Display Hold / Back Light Button(B.L/ HOLD)
13. Rotary Switch
14. NCV Indicator

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Switches and Buttons
B.L/HOLD button: to hold the reading or to turn on backlight
FUNC button: to switch between functions
RANGE button: to switch range in manual mode
REL button: for relative reading measurement
Hz/% button: to switch between Frequency and Duty Ratio.
MAX/MIN button: to switch between Maximum and Minimum
measurement.
OFF: power off
INPUT: Resistance, Capacitance, Voltage, Current, Frequency,
Diodes and continuity Input Terminal
COM: Common Input Terminals
Rotary Switch: switch between measurements
LCD Display Features
AC、DC
Alternating Current, Direct Current
、
Diode, Continuity
AUTO
Auto Mode
MAX
Maximum Measurement Displayed
MIN
Minimum Measurement Displayed
REL
Relative Measurement Mode
Auto Power Off
Battery Low
H
Display Hold
%
Percentage (Duty Ratio)
mV, V
MilliVolt, Volt (Voltage)
A
Amp (Current)
N,μF,mF
Nanofarads, Microfarads, Millifarads
Ω,kΩ, MΩ
Ohms, Kilohms, Megaohms
Hz
kHz,MHZ
Hertz, Kilohertz, Megahertz
NCV
Non-Contact Voltage

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Specifications
The Meter should be calibrated annually between 18℃~ 28℃and
a relative humidity less than 75%.
1.3.1 General Specifications
Manual and Auto Mode
Power Overload Protection
Maximum Voltage Between Circuit and Ground: 1000V DC or
750V AC
Maximum Working Height: 2000m
Display: LCD
Maximum Display Number: 5999
Auto Polarity Indication, ‘-’Indicates Negative
Overload Indication: ‘0L’ Or ‘-0L’
Sampling Frequency: 3 Times / Sec
Units Display: Display Functions and Units.
Auto Power Off: 15 Minutes
Input Power : 9V DC
Battery Type: 9V NEDA 1604, 6F22
Low Battery Indication: LCD Display” ”
Working Environment Temperature: 18℃~28℃
Storage Temperature:-10℃~50℃
Size：238×92×50mm
Weight: ~420g (Include Battery)
Technical Specifications
Temperature: 235℃Relative Humidity: <75%
AC Current
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
60A
0.01A
(2.5% + 8 Counts）
600A
0.1A
1000A
1A
Maximum Input Current: 1000A AC or 1000A DC
Frequency Range @ 0~600A : 40 ~ 400Hz ;
@ 600A~1000A : 40 ~60Hz
DC Voltage
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
60mV
0.01mV
(0.5% + 5 Counts)
600mV
0.1mV
6V
0.001V
60V
0.01V
600
0.1V
1000V
1V
(0.8% + 4 Counts）
Input Resistance: 10M
Maximum Input Voltage: 750V AC (RMS) or 1000V DC

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Attention:
During small voltage measurements, the Meter may display
fluctuating readings when the test leads are not connected to the
circuit. This is normal due to the high sensitivity of the Meter and
will not affect the measurement.
AC Voltage
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
60mV
0.01mV
(0.6% + 5 Counts)
600mV
0.1mV
6V
0.001V
60V
0.01V
600V
0.1V
750V
1V
(0.8% + 4 Counts)
Input Resistance: 10M
Maximum Input Voltage: 750V AC (RMS) or 1000V DC
Frequency Range: 40 ~ 400Hz
Attention:
During small voltage measurements, the Meter may display
fluctuating readings when the test leads are not connected to the
circuit. This is normal due to the high sensitivity of the Meter and
will not affect the measurement.
Frequency
Frequency Through Clamp Measuring (A Mode)
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
99.99Hz
0.01Hz
999.9Hz
0.1Hz
(1.5% + 5 Counts)
Measure Range: 10Hz ~ 1kHz
Input Range: ≥ 20A AC (RMS) Input current should increase as
circuit frequency increase
Maximum Input Current: AC 1000A(RMS)
Frequency Through “V” mode
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
99.99Hz
0.01Hz
999.9Hz
0.1Hz
(1.5% + 5 Counts）
9.999kHz
0.001kHz
Range: 10Hz~ 10kHz
Input Range: ≥ 20mV AC (RMS) Input voltage should increase
as circuit frequency increase
Input Resistance:10M
Maximum Input Voltage:750V AC (RMS)

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Frequency Through “HZ/DUTY”Mode
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
9.999Hz
0.001Hz
(0.3% + 5 Counts)
99.99Hz
0.01Hz
999.9Hz
0.1Hz
9.999kHz
0.001kHz
99.99KHZ
0.01kHZ
999.9KHZ
0.1KHZ
9.999MHZ
0.001MHZ
Overload Protection: 250V DC or AC (RMS)
Input Voltage Range: ≥ 2V Input voltage should increase as
circuit frequency increase
Duty Ratio
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
0.1 –99.9%
0.1%
0.3%
Duty Ratio through “A” Mode (Clamp)
Frequency Response: 10 ~ 1kHz
Input Current Range: ≥20A AC(RMS)
Maximum Input Current: AC 1000A
Duty Ratio through “V”Mode
Frequency Response: 10 ~10kHz
Input Volatage Range: ≥60mV AC
Input Resistance: 10M
Maximum Input Voltage: 750V AC (RMS)
Duty Ratio through “HZ/DUTY”Mode
Frequency Response:10 ~10MHz
Input Voltage Range: ≥2V AC (RMS) Input voltage should
increase as circuit frequency increase
Maximum Input Voltage: 250V AC (RMS)
Resistance
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
600
0.1
(0.8% + 3 Counts)
6k
0.001k
60k
0.01k
600k
0.1k
6M
0.001M
(1.2% + 3 Counts)
60M
0.1M
(2.0% + 5 Counts)
Open Circuit Voltage: ~0.4V
Over-voltage protection: 250V DC/AC (RMS)
Continuity
Function
Resolution
Description
0. 1
The Meter will beep if
measure less than 50.
Over-voltage protection: 250V DC or AC (RMS)

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Capacitance
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
9.999nF
0.001nF
99.99nF
0.01nF
999.9nF
0.1nF
9.999F
0.001F
99.99F
0.01F
(3.0% + 5 Counts)
999.9F
0.1F
9.999mF
0.001mF
99.99mF
0.01mF
Over-voltage protection: 250V DC or AC (RMS)
Diodes
Symbol
Resolution
Description
0.001V
Display voltage reads
Forward biased AC current: 1mA
Backward AC Voltage: 3.3V
Over-Voltage Protection: 250V DC or AC (RMS)
Using the Meter
Display Hold
During the measuring, press the “B.L./HOLD”button once to hold
the reading, press again to release hold.
Manual Measurement
When switching between positions on the rotary switct, the
default range type is Auto. Press “RANGE” button to enter
Manual mode. Each press increases the measuring range and will
return to minimum range after maximum has been reached.
Hold “RANGE” for 2 seconds to switch back to Auto mode.
Attention:
Manual Measurement Mode is disabled when performing
capacitance or frequency measurement.
Frequency and Duty Ratio
When the Meter is on AC Voltage or AC Current Mode. Press
“Hz/%” button once to measure the frequency of the circuit.
Press “Hz/%” button again to measure the duty of the circuit. If
the Meter is on HZ/DUTY mode, “Hz/%” button will switch
between Hz and Duty.
Press“Hz/%” button again to measure voltage or current

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Attention：
“Hz/%” is off when the Meter is measuring Max/Minimum of the
circuit.
Setting MAX/MIN Recording
1. Press “MAX/MIN”button once to measure the maximum, press
“MAX/MIN” button again to measure the minimum, press
“MAX/MIN”button a third time to show the difference
between maximum and minimum. Press “MAX/MIN” button
again to go back to maximum measurement, and repeat.
2. In Max/Min mode, measurement is saved automatically.
3. Press “MAX/MIN”button for 2 seconds to set the Meter back to
normal measurement.
Attention:
The Meter is set to Manual mode when using Max/Min
measurement.
The Meter cannot perform Max/Min measurements when it is
in Frequency/Duty Mode.
Switching Between Functions
When rotary switch is on Resistance, Diode, and continuity
mode, press “FUNC” button to switch between those three.
When rotary switch is on Voltage and Current mode, press
“FUNC” button to switch between AC and DC.
REL/INRUSH Measurement
1. Press “REL” button to enter relative measurement mode. When
in this mode the current reading will be stored and the display
shows the difference of the current reading and the stored
reading; i.e. REL△(Output) = (current reading) –(reading when
button is pressed) .
2. “REL”only performs in manual mode.
Backlight and clamp light
1. Press “B.L/HOLD”button for 2 seconds to turn on display
backlight, the backlight will stay on for 30 seconds before it is
automatically turned off.
2. When backlight is on, hold “B.L/ HOLD”button for 2 seconds to
manually turn off backlight.
3. In Current Mode, turning on backlight will also trigger the clamp
light.
Attention:
The Meter uses an LED as a backlight; even though the light is
set to auto off after 30 seconds, use only when needed to
conserve the power.
When battery voltage is less than 7.2V, the Meter will display
“ ” to indicate low voltage. This “ ” may also appear when
backlight is on. This is normal as backlight consume extra power,
no battery change is necessary. (when “ ” is on, accuracy of
reading is not guaranteed) Change the battery when “ ” is on
without backlight is on.

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Auto Power Off
1. When not in use, the Meter will automatically turn off after 15
minutes. The Meter will beep 5 times 1 minute before it turns
off and a long beep right before it turns off.
2. After Auto Off, press any button to bring power back on.
3. To disable Auto Off, hold “FUNC”when turning on the Meter.
Measuring Preparation
Turn on the Meter by turning the rotary switch. If “ ” appears,
replace the battery.
“ ” indicates input voltage or current should not exceed the
indicated value; this is to protect the Meter from damage.
Turn the rotary switch to the proper position.
When connecting to the circuit, connect COM input first before
connecting to power. Remove the power lead first when
disconnecting from the circuit.
Current (AC/DC) Measurements
WARNING
TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND INJURY, PLEASE
REMOVE TEST LEADS BEFORE MAKING CURRENT
MEASUREMENTS.
1. Turn the rotary switch to AC current “A”
2. Choose “A 1000”range first if the target value is unknown.
Adjust the range if necessary.
3. When measuring AC current, the measured wire should be
properly seated within the clamp jaws and centered within the
clamp. Also note that currents moving in different directions
will cancel each other, so one wire must be measured at a time
for a correct measurement.
4. Read the measurement on the LCD Display.
Attention:
Measure two or more wires together will cause false reading.
The wire being measured should be centered within the
clamp.
“ ” indicates the maximum input AC Current is 1000 A。
For higher accuracy, when measuring DC current if Display
shows none zero, press “REL” button to reset the reading to
zero.
Voltage (AC/DC) Measurements
WARNING
USE CAUTION WHEN MEASUREING HIGH VOLTAGE CIRCUITS
TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND INJURY. DO NOT MEASURE
INPUT VOLTAGES HIGHER THEN 750V AC.
1. Insert the black test leads into “COM”Input and red test lead
into “INPUT” input, choose proper range.
2. Turn the rotary switch to or . This indicates DC voltage
measurement; to measure AC voltage, press “FUNC” button
once to enter AC Voltage measurement.
3. Connect the test leads to voltage source or load.
4. The Meter reading appears on the display.

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Attention：
When measuring low voltage sources, the reading will fluctuate
on the display when the test leads are not connected to the
circuit. This is normal due to the high sensitivity of the Meter.
The Meter will display correct reading once the leads are
connected to the circuit.
In relative mode, auto measuring cannot be used.
“ ”indicates the maximum input voltage is 750V AC or 1000V
DC. In “mV” range, the maximum input voltage is 600mV DC or
AC.
The Meter will beep if the reading is greater than 750V RMS AC.
Frequency and Duty
Clamp Jaws Measurement (Current Mode) :
WARNING
REMOVE THE TEST LEADS FROM THE METER WHEN
PERFORMING A CURRENT MEASUREMENT WITH THE CLAMP
JAWS TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND INJURY.
1. Turn the rotary switch to “A”(current) mode.
2. Open the jaws by holding the trigger, place the wire in the jaws.
3. Press “Hz/%” button to measure frequency.
4. Read the measurement from the display.
5. Press “Hz/%” again to measure duty.
Attention：
Measuring two or more wires together will cause false readings.
The accuracy of the reading is guaranteed between 10Hz ~ 1kHz.
Below or above this range is still measurable, but the reading is
not guaranteed.
Duty range is10 ~ 95%.
“ ”indicates the maximum input current is 1000A AC (RMS).
Measuring in Voltage Mode:
WARNING
DO NOT MEASURE INPUTS OF MORE THAN 750V AC TO
AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND INJURY.
1. Insert the black lead into “COM”input and the red lead into
“INPUT”input.
2. Turn the rotary switch to or ，press “FUNC” button to
enter AC Voltage mode.
3. Press “Hz/%”button to switch to frequency mode.
4. Connect the test leads to the voltage source or between loads.
5. Read the measurement from the display.
6. Press “Hz/%”button to switch to duty mode.
Attention ：
The accuracy of reading is guaranteed between 10Hz ~ 10kHz.
Below 10Hz a “00.0” will show, above 10kHz range is still
measurable, but the reading is not guaranteed.
Range of Duty is 10 ~ 95%.

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“ ”indicates the maximum input voltage is 750V AC (RMS).
Measuring in “HZ/DUTY”Mode:
WARNING
DO NOT MEASURE INPUTS OF MORE THAN 250V AC TO
AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND INJURY.
1. Insert the black lead into “COM”input and the red lead into
“INPUT” input.
2. Turn the rotary switch to “HZ”.
3. Connect the test leads to the voltage source or between loads.
4. Read the measurement from the display.
5. Press “Hz/%”button again to switch to duty mode.
Attention:
The accuracy of reading is guaranteed between 10Hz ~ 10kHz.
Below 10Hz a “00.0” will show. Above 10kHz range is still
measurable, but the reading is not guaranteed.
Resistance Measurement
WARNING
AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND INJURY. POWER OFF THE
CIRCUIT AND DISCHARGE THE CAPACITANCE BEFORE
MEASURING THE RESISTANCE.
1. Insert the black lead into “COM”input and the red lead into
“INPUT”input.
2. Turn the rotary switch to , this mode measures the
resistance.
3. Connect the test leads across the circuit or resistors.
4. Read the measurement from the display.
Attention:
When the circuit is open, the Meter displays “OL”.
The Meter will take several seconds to give a reading if the
circuit has a resistance of more than 1MΩ.
Diode Measurement
1. Insert the black lead into “COM”input and the red lead into
“INPUT”input.
2. Turn the rotary switch to .
3. Press “FUNC”button twice to switch to Diode ( ) mode.
4. Connect the black lead to the cathode (-) and the red lead to the
anode (+).
5. Read the measurement from the display.
Attention:
The Meter displays the forward biased value.
If the diode is connected backwards or is an open circuit, the
Meter will display “OL”.

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Continuity
WARNING
AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND INJURY. POWER OFF THE
CIRCUIT AND DISCHARGE THE CAPACITANCE BEFORE
MEASURING THE CONTINUITY.
1. Insert the black lead into “COM”input and the red lead into
“INPUT”input.
2. Turn the rotary switch to .
3. Press “FUNC”button to switch to continuity ( ) mode.
4. Connect leads to the circuit terminals.
5. The Meter will beep if the reading is below 50.
6. Read the measurement from the display.
Attention:
The Meter displays “OL” if the circuit is open or resistance is larger
than 600.
Capacitance Measurement
WARNING
AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND INJURY. DISCHARGE THE
CAPACITOR BEFORE PERFORMING THE MEASURING.
1. Insert the black lead into “COM”input and the red lead into
“INPUT”input.
2. Turn the rotary switch to .
3. Place leads at the terminals of the capacitor after it is
discharged.
4. Read off the measurement from the display.
Attention：
To improve the accuracy of measurements below 10nF, subtract
the distributed capacitance of the meter and cable.
Maintenance
General Maintenance
To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, repairs or
servicing not covered in this manual should be performed only
by qualified personnel.
To avoid electrical shock, remove any input signals before
cleaning.
To avoid false readings that could lead to possible electric shock,
replace the batteries as soon as the low battery indicator “ ”
appears.
Clean the instrument case with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Do not use aromatic hydrocarbons or chlorinated solvents for
cleaning.

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Turn the rotary switch to “OFF” and remove the test leads from
the terminals when not used.
Remove the battery if meter is not going to be used for long
periods.
Battery Replacement
WARNING
REMOVE THE TEST LEADS FROM THE METER BEFORE
REMOVING THE BATTERY CASE TO AVOID ELECTRICAL
SHOCK AND INJURY.
1. Replace new batteries if the Meter displays “”.
2. Loosen the battery compartment door screw and remove the
door from the case bottom.
3. Remove and replace the battery.
4. Reattach the battery compartment door to the case bottom and
tighten the screw.
Attention：
Double check the polarities of the battery.
Test Leads Replacement
WARNING
REPLACE THE TEST LEADS WITH IDENTICAL OR COMPATIBLE
LEADS. LEAD SPEC：1000V 10A.
Replace new leads if the current leads are worn.
Contact Dawson
Dawson Tools, Inc.
1142 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., #858
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Phone: [phone]
www.DawsonTools,com
Do not recycle

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(Back Page)
Features
LCD Display
Jaw Opening
Auto Ranging
Auto Power Off
Relative Measurement
Diode Test
Continuity Buzzer
MAX/MIN
Data Hold
Work Light
Back Light
Low Battery Indicator
True RMS
Non-Contact Voltage Detector