ELBRO BM315 User manual

USER'S
MANUAL
BM315
BM319
Automotive
Multimeter

1
1) SAFETY
Terms in this manual
WARNING identifies conditions and actions that could result in serious injury or even death to
the user.
CAUTION identifies conditions and actions that could cause damage or malfunction in the
instrument.
This manual contains information and warnings that must be followed for operating the instrument
safely and maintaining the instrument in a safe operating condition. If the instrument is used in a
manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the instrument may be
impaired. The meter is intended only for indoor use.
The meter protection rating, against the users, is double insulation per IEC61010-1 2nd Ed.,
EN61010-1 2nd Ed., UL61010-1 2nd Ed. and CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010.1-0.92 to Category II
1000V AC & DC.
Terminals (to COM) measurement category:
V : Category II 1000V AC & DC
A & mAA : Category II 450V AC & DC
Per IEC61010-1 2nd Ed. (2001) Measurement Category
Measurement Category II (CAT II) is for measurements performed on circuits directly connected
to the low voltage installation. Examples are measurements on household appliances, portable
tools and similar equipment.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or moisture. To avoid
electrical shock hazard, observe the proper safety precautions when working with voltages above
60 VDC or 30 VAC rms. These voltage levels pose a potential shock hazard to the user. Do not
touch test lead tips or the circuit being tested while power is applied to the circuit being measured.
Keep your fingers behind the finger guards of the test leads during measurement. Inspect test
leads, connectors, and probes for damaged insulation or exposed metal before using the
instrument. If any defects are found, replace them immediately. Do not measure any current that
exceeds the current rating of the protection fuse. Do not attempt a current measurement to any
circuit where the open circuit voltage is above the protection fuse voltage rating. Suspected open
circuit voltage should be checked with voltage functions. Never attempt a voltage measurement
with the test lead inserted into the A/mA or A input jack. Only replace the blown fuse with the
proper rating as specified in this manual.
CAUTION
Disconnect the test leads from the test points before changing functions. Always set the
instrument to the highest range and work downward for an unknown value when using manual
ranging mode.

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INTERNATIONAL ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS
!
Caution ! Refer to the explanation in this Manual
Caution ! Risk of electric shock
Earth (Ground)
Double Insulation or Reinforced insulation
Fuse
AC--Alternating Current
DC--Direct Current
2) CENELEC DIRECTIVES
The instruments conform to CENELEC Low-voltage directive 2006/95/EC and Electromagnetic
compatibility directive 2004/108/EC
3) PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Note: Top of the line model is used as representative for illustration purposes. Please refer to your
respective model for function availability.
1) 3-5/6 digits 6000 counts LCD display
2) Push-buttons for special functions &
features
3) Selector to turn the Power On or Off and
Select a function
4) Input Jack for milli-amp and micro-amp
current functions
5) Input Jack for all functions EXCEPT current
(A, mA, A) functions
6) Common (Ground reference) Input Jack for
all functions
7) Input Jack for 6A (15A for 30sec) current
function

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Analog bar-graph
The analog bar graph provides a visual indication of measurement like a traditional analog meter
needle. It is excellent in detecting faulty contacts, identifying potentiometer clicks, and indicating
signal spikes during adjustments.
Average sensing RMS calibrated
RMS (Root-Mean-Square) is the term used to describe the effective or equivalent DC value of an
AC signal. Most digital multimeters use average sensing RMS calibrated technique to measure
RMS values of AC signals. This technique is to obtain the average value by rectifying and filtering
the AC signal. The average value is then scaled upward (calibrated) to read the RMS value of a
sine wave. In measuring pure sinusoidal waveform, this technique is fast, accurate and cost
effective. In measuring non-sinusoidal waveforms, however, significant errors can be introduced
because of different scaling factors relating average to RMS values.
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.
DCV, ACV, & Line Frequency functions
Press the SELECT button momentarily to select the subject functions in sequence. Last selection
will be saved as power up default for repeat measurement convenience.
Note:
*Input sensitivity varies automatically with function range selected before activating the Hz

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function. 6V function range has the highest and the 1000V range has the lowest. It is
recommended to first measure the signal voltage (or current) level then activate the Hz function in
that voltage (or current) range to automatically set the most appropriate trigger level. You can also
press the Level (RANGE) button momentarily to select another trigger level manually. If the Hz
reading becomes unstable, select lower sensitivity to avoid electrical noise. If the reading shows
zero, select higher sensitivity.
*Number of Bar-graph pointer is used to indicate input range (sensitivity) selected. 1/2/3/4 pointers
indicate that 6/60/600/1000V is selected respectively
 Resistance, Continuity, Capacitance (Model 319 only), & Diode test functions
Press the SELECT button momentarily to select the subject functions in sequence. Last selection
will be saved as power up default for repeat measurement convenience.
CAUTION
Discharge capacitors before making any measurement. Large value capacitors should be
discharged through an appropriate resistance load.
CAUTION
Using resistance and continuity function in a live circuit will produce false results and may damage
the instrument. In many cases the suspected component must be disconnected from the circuit to
obtain an accurate reading
Continuity function is convenient for checking wiring connections and operation of switches. A
continuous beep tone indicates a complete wire.
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

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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).
DCmV, ACmV & Temperature oC & oF functions (Model 319 only)
Press the SELECT button momentarily to select the subject functions in sequence. Last selection
will be saved as power up default for repeat measurement convenience.
Note: Be sure to insert the banana plug K-type temperature bead probe Bkp60 with correct
polarities. You can also use a plug adapter Bkb32 (Optional purchase) with banana pins to K-type
socket to adapt other standard K type mini plug temperature probes.
A (Model 319 only), mA (Model 319 only) and A Current functions
Press SELECT button momentarily to toggle between DC and AC. Last selection will be saved as
power up default for repeat measurement convenience.
*Note: When measuring a 3-phase system, special attention should be taken to the phase-to-
phase voltage which is significantly higher than the phase-to-earth voltage. To avoid exceeding
the voltage rating of the protection fuse(s) accidentally, always consider the phase-to-phase
voltage as the working voltage for the protection fuse(s).

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IG-RPM, DWELL , DUTY % & -ms functions
Press the SELECT button momentarily to select the subject functions in sequence. Last selection
will be saved as power up default for repeat measurement convenience.
IG-RPM , or M function
Press button momentarily to select through RPM for 4-stroke, RPM for 2-stroke and
DIS, and RPM M for special 2-stroke waste ignition engine
Number of cylinders defaults at 4 cylinders. Press CYLINDER button for one second or more to

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display the cylinder setting and press momentarily again within one second to select the number
of cylinders from 1 through 12 to match the engine under test
Trigger level defaults at 3. Press the Level (RANGE) button momentarily to select another trigger
level. If the RPM reading becomes unstable, select lower sensitivity to avoid electrical noise. If the
reading shows zero, select higher sensitivity. Number of Bar-graph pointer is used to indicate
sensitivity selected.
DWELL & %Duty functions
Number of cylinders defaults at 4 cylinders. Press Cylinder button for one second or more to
display the cylinder setting, and press momentarily again within one second to select the number
of cylinders from 1 through 12 to match the engine under test. Adjust the dwell angle according to
the procedures outlined in your vehicle service manual. Re-check the timing whenever the dwell
angle has been adjusted.
Press SELECT button momentarily to display DWELL reading in terms of percentage (%) if
required. Positive & negative trigger slopes are selectable through pressing TRIGGER button
for one second or more in %Duty function for advanced applications.
Trigger level defaults at 3. Press the Level (RANGE) button momentarily to select another trigger
level. If the DWELL or %Duty reading becomes unstable, select lower sensitivity to avoid
electrical noise. If the reading shows zero, select higher sensitivity. Number of Bar-graph pointer is
used to indicate sensitivity selected.

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-ms FUEL INJECTION DETECTOR function
Trigger level defaults at 3. Press the Level (RANGE) button momentarily to select another trigger
level. If the reading becomes unstable, select lower sensitivity to avoid electrical noise. If the
reading shows zero, select higher sensitivity. Number of Bar-graph pointer is used to indicate
sensitivity selected.
Positive & negative trigger slopes are selectable through pressing TRIGGER button for one
second or more.
Press SELECT button momentarily 3 times to display ms reading in terms of percentage (%) if
required
Note: This -ms function applies to both Port Fuel Injectors (PFI) which operate with a single on
time pulse and Throttle Body Injectors (TBI) which operate with twin pulses

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IP-RPM , or M function
Press button momentarily to select through RPM for 4-stroke, RPM for 2-stroke and
DIS, and RPM M for special 2-stroke waste ignition engine
Trigger level defaults at 3. Press the Level (RANGE) button momentarily to select another trigger
level. If the RPM reading becomes unstable, select lower sensitivity to avoid electrical noise. If the
reading shows zero, select higher sensitivity. Number of Bar-graph pointer is used to indicate
sensitivity selected.
Backlighted LCD display (Model 319 only)
Press the SELECT button for 1 second or more to toggle the LCD backlight. The backlight will
also be turned off automatically after 32 seconds to extend battery life.
Hold
The hold feature freezes the display for later view. Press the HOLD button momentarily to toggle
the hold feature.
Manual or Auto-ranging
Press the RANGE button momentarily to select manual-ranging, and the meter will remain in the
range it was in, the LCD turns off. Press the button momentarily again to step through the
ranges. Press and hold the button for 1 second or more to resume auto-ranging.

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Note: Manual ranging feature is not available in Hz, , RPM, ms, DWELL & Duty functions.
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.
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 A, mA, or A input jacks when other function (like voltage
function) is selected.
Auto-Power-Off (APO)
The Auto-Power-Off (APO) mode turns the meter off automatically to extend battery life after
approximately 34 minutes of no rotary switch or push button operations. To wake up the meter
from APO, press the SELECT 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
(APO) 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
Periodic calibration at intervals of one year is recommended to maintain meter accuracy. Accuracy
is specified for a period of one year after calibration. If self-diagnostic message “C_Er” is being
displayed while powering on, some meter ranges might be largely out of specifications. To avoid
mis-leading measurements, stop using the meter and send it for re-calibration. Refer to the
LIMITED WARRANTY section for obtaining warranty or repairing service.
Cleaning and Storage
Periodically wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent; do not use abrasives or solvents.
If the meter is not to be used for periods of longer than 60 days, remove the battery and store it
separately
Trouble Shooting
If the instrument fails to operate, check battery, fuses, leads, etc., and replace as necessary.
Double check operating procedure as described in this user’s manual

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If the instrument voltage-resistance input terminal has subjected to high voltage transient (caused
by lightning or switching surge to the system) by accident or abnormal conditions of operation, the
series fusible resistors will be blown off (become high impedance) like fuses to protect the user
and the instrument. Most measuring functions through this terminal will then be open circuit. The
series fusible resistors and the spark gaps should then be replaced by qualified technician. Refer
to the LIMITED WARRANTY section for obtaining warranty or repairing service.
Battery and Fuse replacement
Battery use: 1.5V AAA Size battery x 2
Fuses use:
Fuse (F2) for AmA current input: 0.63A, IR
50kA@500Vac & 1.5kA@450Vdc, F fuse; or
better; Dimension: 6 x 32 mm
Fuse (F1) for A current input:
6.3A, IR 50kA@500Vac & 1.5kA@450Vdc, F
fuse; or better; Dimension: 6 x 32 mm
Battery and Fuse replacement:
Loosen the screw from the access cover of the
case bottom. Lift the access cover. Replace the
batteries or fuse. Re-fasten the screw.
GENERAL SPECIFICATION
Display: 3-5/6 digits 6,000 counts
Update Rate: 5 per second nominal
24 Segments Bar graph: 40 per second max
Operating Temperature: 0oC to 40oC
Relative Humidity: Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperature up to 31oC decreasing
linearly to 50% relative humidity at 40oC
Altitude: Operating below 2000m
Storage Temperature: -20oC ~ 60oC, < 80% R.H. (with battery removed)
Temperature Coefficient: Nominal 0.15 x (specified accuracy)/ oC @ (0oC ~ 18oC or 28oC ~
40oC), or otherwise specified
Sensing: Average sensing
Pollution Degree: 2

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Safety: Double insulation per IEC61010-1 2nd Ed., EN61010-1 2nd Ed., UL61010-1 2nd Ed. &
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010.1-0.92 to Category II 1000V AC & DC
Transient Protection: 6kV (1.2/50s surge)
Terminals (to COM) Measurement Category:
V : Category II 1000V AC & DC
A & mAA : Category II 450V AC & DC
E.M.C. : Meets EN61326-1:2006 (EN55022, EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3, EN61000-4-2,
EN61000-4-3, EN61000-4-4, , EN61000-4-5, EN61000-4-6, EN61000-4-8, EN61000-4-11)
In an RF field of 3V/m:
Capacitance function is not specified
Other function ranges:
Total Accuracy = Specified Accuracy + 100 digits
Performance above 3V/m is not specified
Overload Protection:
A & mA: 0.63A, IR 50kA@500Vac & 1.5kA@450Vdc
A: 6.3A, IR 50kA@500Vac & 1.5kA@450Vdc
V: 1050 Vrms, 1450 Vpeak
mV, Ohm & others: 600 Vrms
Low Battery: Below approx. 2.3V
Power Supply: 1.5V AAA Size battery X 2
Power Consumption (typical): 4.3mA
APO Consumption (typical): 10A
APO Timing: Idle for 34 minutes
Dimension: 161*80*50mm L*W*H (With Holster)
Weight: Approx. 340 gm (With Holster)
Special Features:
Backlighted LCD (Model 319 only)
±Trigger: Selectable positive & negative trigger slopes
Cylinder: 9 Selectable number of cylinders (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 & 12) in Dwell and IG-RPM
functions
Hold: Freezes the display data for later view
Range: Manual & Auto-ranging selection
RPM (4): For RPM of traditional 4-stroke engines which have 1 ignition on every 4 engine strokes
RPM (2): For RPM of DIS & traditional 2-stroke engines which have 1 ignition on every 2 engine
strokes
RPM (2)M: For RPM of 2-stroke waste ignition (on-board) engines which have 1 ignition on
every single engine stroke
Accessories: Test lead pair; batteries installed; user’s manual; BKP60 banana plug type-K
thermocouple (Model 319 only); BP300 Inductive pickup clip (Model 319 only)
Optional purchase accessories: Magnetic hanger BMH-01; BKB32 banana plug to type-K
socket plug adaptor (Model 319 only); BP300 Inductive pickup clip (Model 315 only)

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Electrical Specification
Accuracy is given as +/- (% of reading digits + number of digits) or otherwise specified @ 23oC +/-
5oC and less than 75% R.H.
DC Voltage
RANGE Accuracy
60.00mV 0.4%+3d
600.0mV 0.3%+3d
6.000V, 60.00V, 600.0V 0.4%+3d
1000V 0.7%+3d
Input Impedance: 10M, 50 pF nominal
AC Voltage
RANGE Accuracy
50Hz ~ 500Hz
60.00mV, 600.0mV
6.000V, 60.00V, 600.0V, 2.0% + 5d
1000V 2.2% + 5d
Input Impedance: 10M, 50 pF nominal
Ohm
RANGE Accuracy
600.0, 0.5%+6d
6.000K, 60.00K 0.5%+3d
600.0K 0.8%+4d
6.000M 1.0%+5d
60.00M 1.5%+5d
Open Circuit Voltage: 0.45VDC typical
Audible Continuity Tester
Audible Threshold: Between 10 and 200
Response time: 32ms
Diode Tester
RANGE Accuracy
1.000V 1.0% + 3d
Test Current: 0.50mA typically
Open Circuit Voltage: < 1.6VDC typically
Capacitance (Model 319 only)
RANGE Accuracy
6.000F, 2.0%+5d
60.00F, 600.0F 3.5%+5d
2000F 4.0%+5d
Accuracies with film capacitor or better
DC Current
RANGE Accuracy Burden Voltage
600.0A 1) 0.7%+3d
6000A 1) 0.5%+3d 0.25 mV/uA
60.00mA 1) 0.7%+3d
600.0mA 1) 0.5%+3d 2.5 mV/mA
6.000A 0.7%+3d
10.00A 2) 0.5%+3d 0.03V/A
1) Ranges for Model 319 only
2) 6A continuous, >6A to 10A for 30 sec. max
with 5 minutes cool down interval
AC Current
RANGE Accuracy Burden Voltage
50HZ ~ 500HZ
600.0A 1) 2.2%+5d
6000A 1) 2.0%+5d 0.25 mV/uA
60.00mA 1) 2.2%+5d
600.0mA 1) 2.0%+5d 2.5 mV/mA
6.000A 2.2%+5d
10.00A 2) 1.2%+5d 0.03V/A
1) Ranges for Model 319 only
2) 6A continuous, >6A to 10A for 30 sec. max
with 5 minutes cool down interval

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Temperature (Model 319 only)
RANGE Accuracy
-50 oC ~ 1000 oC 0.5% + 3d
-58 oF ~ 1832 oF 0.5% + 6d
K type thermocouple range & accuracy not
included
IP-RPM* (Inductive pickup type)
RANGE Accuracy
RPM 4 240 -20000 RPM 2 RPM
RPM 2 120 -10000 RPM 2 RPM
RPM 2M 60 -5000 RPM 2 RPM
*Measurements via inductive pickup clip
(optional purchase for Model 315)
Four selectable trigger levels,
Sensitivity:
Level 1: 3.0V typically
Level 2: 4.5V typically
Level 3: 6.1V typically
Level 4: 8.1V typically
IG-RPM* (Contact signal type)
RANGE Accuracy
RPM 4 60 -20000 RPM 2 RPM
RPM 2 30 -10000 RPM 2 RPM
RPM 2M 15 -5000 RPM 2 RPM
*Measurements via test leads on Dwell, Fuel
injection-ms and ignition primary signals
Nine selectable Cylinders: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10
& 12
Four selectable trigger levels,
Sensitivity:
Level 1: 0.8V typically
Level 2: 1.85V typically
Level 3: 3.75V typically
Level 4: 6V typically
DWELL
RANGE Accuracy
0.0o ~ 360.0o * 1.2o /krpm+1d
0.0%~100.0% 0.04%/krpm/cyl+2d
Specified ranges depend on engine rpm and
number of Cylinders (cyl)
*Nine selectable Cylinders: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8,
10 & 12
Four selectable trigger levels,
Sensitivity:
Level 1: 0.8V typically
Level 2: 1.85V typically
Level 3: 3.75V typically
Level 4: 6V typically
Fuel injection-ms detector
RANGE * Accuracy
PFI / Multi Point Injection
0.05ms ~ 250.0ms 0.05ms+1d
0.0%~100.0% 0.04%/krpm +2d
TBI / Single Point Injection
0.05ms ~ 250.0ms 0.05ms+1d
0.0%~100.0% 0.04%/krpm/cyl +2d
*Specified range depends on engine rpm
Selectable ± trigger slopes
Four selectable trigger levels,
Sensitivity:
Level 1: 0.8V typically
Level 2: 1.85V typically
Level 3: 3.75V typically
Level 4: 6V typically
Hz (Line-level) @ ACV & DCV
Function Sensitivity
(Sine RMS) Range
6V 0.5V 10Hz - 10kHz
60V 5V 10Hz - 50kHz
600V 50V 10Hz - 50kHz
1000V 500V 45Hz - 1kHz
Accuracy: 0.1%+3d

LIMITED WARRANTY
BRYMEN warrants to the original product purchaser that each product it manufactures will be free
from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service within a period of one
year from the date of purchase. BRYMEN's warranty does not apply to accessories, fuses, fusible
resistors, spark gaps, batteries or any product which, in BRYMEN's opinion, has been misused,
altered, neglected, or damaged by accident or abnormal conditions of operation or handling.
To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest BRYMEN authorized agent or send the product,
with proof of purchase and description of the difficulty, postage and insurance prepaid, to
BRYMEN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. BRYMEN assumes no risk for damage in transit.
BRYMEN will, at its option, repair or replace the defective product free of charge. However, if
BRYMEN determines that the failure was caused by misused, altered, neglected, or damaged by
accident or abnormal conditions of operation or handling, you will be billed for the repair.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE. BRYMEN WILL
NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES.
ELBRO AG
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
http://www.elbro.com
mail: [email protected]
© by ELBRO AG/G.Bovenzi 07.2016