Extech Instruments 38389 User manual

User’s Guide
600A True RMS AC/DC
Clamp Meter
Model 38389

38389-en-US_V2.8 4/15
2
Safety
International Safety Symbols
This symbol, adjacent to another symbol or terminal, indicates the user must refer to the
manual for further information.
This symbol, adjacent to a terminal, indicates that, under normal use, hazardous
voltages may be present
Double insulation
SAFETY NOTES
Do not exceed the maximum allowable input range of any function
Do not apply voltage to meter when resistance function is selected.
Set the function switch OFF when the meter is not in use.
Remove the battery if meter is to be stored for longer than 60 days.
WARNINGS
Set function switch to the appropriate position before measuring.
When measuring volts do not switch to current/resistance modes.
Do not measure current on a circuit whose voltage exceeds 600V.
When changing ranges using the selector switch always disconnect the test leads from the
circuit under test.
Do not exceed the maximum rated input limits.
UL
A UL mark does not indicate that this product has been evaluated for the accuracy of its readings.

38389-en-US_V2.8 4/15
3
CAUTIONS
Improper use of this meter can cause damage, shock, injury or death. Read and understand
this user manual before operating the meter.
Always remove the test leads before replacing the battery or fuses.
Inspect the condition of the test leads and the meter itself for any damage before operating the
meter. Repair or replace any damage before use.
Use great care when making measurements if the voltages are greater than 25VAC rms or
35VDC. These voltages are considered a shock hazard.
Remove the battery if the meter is to be stored for long periods.
Always discharge capacitors and remove power from the device under test before performing
Diode, Resistance or Continuity tests.
Voltage checks on electrical outlets can be difficult and misleading because of the uncertainty
of connection to the recessed electrical contacts. Other means should be used to ensure that
the terminals are not "live".
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided
by the equipment may be impaired.
Input Limits
Function Maximum Input
A AC, A DC 600A
V DC, V AC 600V DC/AC
Resistance, Capacitance, Diode Test 250V DC/AC
Temperature 60V DC, 24V AC

38389-en-US_V2.8 4/15
4
1
2
3
4
5
6
710
9
8
Meter Description
1. Current clamp
2. Data Hold button
3. Peak Hold button
4. Mode select button
5. ZERO button
6. LCD display
7. COM input jack
8. Clamp trigger
9. Rotary Function switch
10. V/Ω/CAP/TEMP jack
1. AC (alternating current) and DC (direct currrent)
2. Minus sign
3. 4000 count (0 to 3999) measurement reading
4. AutoRange mode
5. Peak Hold mode
6. Diode test mode
7. Audible Continuity
8. Data Hold mode
9. ZERO (Relative) mode
10. Low Battery icon
11. Units of measure list
45678910
1
2
3
11

38389-en-US_V2.8 4/15
5
Specifications
Function Range & Resolution Accuracy (% of reading)
DC Current 400.0 ADC 0 to 70A: ± (2.5% + 0.6A)
70 to 300A: ± (3.0% + 0.3A)
300 to 400A ± (3.5% + 0.3A)
600 ADC 0 to 150A: ± (2.5% + 4A)
151 to 350A: ± (3.0% + 4A)
351 to 600A: ± (4.0% + 6A)
AC Current 400.0 AAC 0 to 70A: ± (3.0% + 0.6A)
70 to 300A: ± (3.5% + 0.3A)
300 to 400A ± (3.5% + 0.6A)
600 AAC 0 to 150A: ± (3.0% + 4A)
151 to 350A: ± (3.5% + 5A)
351 to 600A: ± (4.0% + 8A)
DC Voltage 400.0 mVDC ± (0.5% + 5 digits)
4.000 VDC
± (1.2% + 3 digits)
40.00 VDC
400.0 VDC
600 VDC ± (1.5% + 3 digits)
AC Voltage 4.000 VAC ± (1.0% + 5 digits)
40.00 VAC ± (1.5% + 3 digits)
400.0 VAC
600 VAC ± (2.0% + 4 digits)
Resistance 400.0

± (1.0% + 4 digits)
4.000K

± (1.5% + 2 digits)
40.00K

400.0K

4.000M

± (2.0% + 3 digits)
40.00M

± (3.0% + 5 digits)
Temperature -4 to 1400oF ± (3.0% + 5 oF)
-20 to 760 oC ± (3.0% + 3 oC)
Capacitance 40.00 nF ± (5.0% + 7 digits)
400.0 nF ± (3.5% + 5 digits)
4.000 uF
40.00 uF
100.0 uF ± (5.0% + 5 digits)

38389-en-US_V2.8 4/15
6
Clamp size Opening 1.3" (33mm) approx.
Diode Test Test current of 0.3mA typical;
Open circuit voltage 1.5V DC typical.
Continuity Check Threshold <50; Test current < 1mA
Low Battery Indication “BAT” is displayed
Overrange Indication “1 “ is displayed
Measurements Rate 2 per second, nominal
Peak detection Response time < 10ms
Temperature sensor Type K thermocouple
Input Impedance 7.8M(VDC and VAC)
Display 3-3/4 digits (4000 counts) LCD
AC bandwidth 50/60Hz (AAC and VAC)
AC response True rms (AAC and VAC)
Operating Temperature 14 to 122oF (-10 to 50oC)
Storage Temperature -14 to 140oF (-30 to 60oC)
Relative Humidity 90% (0oC to 30oC); 75% (30oC to 40oC); 45% (40oC to 50oC)
Altitude Operating: 3000m; Storage 10,000m
Over voltage Category II 600V
Battery 9V Battery
Auto OFF After 15 minutes of inactivity
Dimensions/Weight 8x3.2x1.7" (204x80x43mm)/0.62 lbs. (281g)
Safety For indoor use and in accordance with Overvoltage Category II, Pollution
Degree 2. Category II includes local level, appliance, portable equipment,
etc., with transient overvoltage less than Overvoltage Cat. III

38389-en-US_V2.8 4/15
7
Operation
NOTICES: Read and understand all warning and precaution statements listed in the safety
section of this operation manual prior to using this meter. Set the function select switch to the OFF
position when the meter is not in use.
AC/DC Current Measurements
WARNING: Ensure that the test leads are disconnected from the meter before
making current clamp measurements.
1. Set the Function switch to the 600 or 400A range. If the range of the
measured is not known, select the higher range first then move to the lower
range if necessary.
2. Select AC or DC with the AC/DC button. Press the zero button to zero the
meter in the DCA mode only.
3. Press the trigger to open jaw. Fully enclose one conductor to be measured.
4. The clamp meter LCD will display the reading.
AC/DC Voltage Measurements
1. Insert the black test lead into the negative COM terminal and the red test
lead into the positive Vterminal.
2. Set the function switch to the V position.
3. Select AC or DC with the AC/DC button.
4. Connect the test leads in parallel to the circuit under test.
5. Read the voltage measurement on the LCD display.
Resistance and Continuity Measurements
1. Insert the black test lead into the negative COM terminal and the red test
lead into the positive terminal.
2. Set the function switch to the •))) CAP position.
3. Use the multifunction button to select resistance.
4. Touch the test probe tips across the circuit or component under test. It is best to disconnect
one side of the device under test so the rest of the circuit will not interfere with the resistance
reading.
5. For Resistance tests, read the resistance on the LCD display.
6. For Continuity tests, if the resistance is < 30, a tone will sound.
Yes
No
V

38389-en-US_V2.8 4/15
8
Capacitance Measurements
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, discharge the capacitor under test before measuring.
1. Set the function switch to the •))) CAP Position.
2. Press the multifunction button to select the capacitance function.
3. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative (COM) jack and
the red test lead banana plug into the positive jack.
4. Touch the test probe tips across the part under test.
5. Read the capacitance in the display.
6. The display will indicate the proper decimal point and value.
Temperature Measurements
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect both test probes from any
source of voltage before making a temperature measurement.
1. Set the function switch to TEMP.
2. Insert the Temperature Probe into the negative (COM) and the positive
jacks, making sure to observe the correct polarity.
3. Touch the Temperature Probe head to the part whose temperature you
wish to measure. Keep the probe touching the part under test until the
reading stabilizes (about 30 seconds).
4. Read the temperature in the display. The digital reading will indicate the
proper decimal point and value.
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, be sure the thermocouple has been
removed before changing to another measurement function
Data Hold
To freeze the LCD meter reading, press the data hold button. The data hold
button is located on the left side of the meter (top button). While data hold is
active, the DH display icon appears on the LCD. Press the data hold button again to return to
normal operation.
Peak Hold
To hold the highest reading on the LCD, press the peak hold button. The peak hold button is located
on the left side of the meter (bottom button). The meter reading will not change as readings change,
rather it will only display the highest reading encountered since the peak hold button was pressed.
Press the peak hold button again to return to normal operation.
CAP

38389-en-US_V2.8 4/15
9
Maintenance
WARNING: To avoid electrical shock, disconnect the meter from any circuit, remove the test leads
from the input terminals and turn OFF the meter before opening the case. Do not operate with open
case.
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
Battery Replacement
1. Remove the Phillips head screw that secures the battery door.
2. Open the battery compartment
3. Replace the 9V battery
4. Replace and secure the door.
Temperature Probe Replacement
The replacement bead wire probe with banana plug connectors is p/n TP873.
To use type k probes with a mini plug connector requires a mini-plug to banana plug converter.

38389-en-US_V2.8 4/15
10
Warranty
FLIRSystems,Inc.warrantsthisExtechInstrumentsbranddevicetobefreeofdefectsinpartsandworkmanshipforoneyear
fromdateofshipment(asixmonthlimitedwarrantyappliestosensorsandcables).Ifitshouldbecomenecessarytoreturnthe
instrumentforserviceduringorbeyondthewarrantyperiod,contacttheCustomerServiceDepartmentforauthorization.Visit
thewebsitewww.extech.comforcontactinformation.AReturnAuthorization(RA)numbermustbeissuedbeforeanyproductis
returned.Thesenderisresponsibleforshippingcharges,freight,insuranceandproperpackagingtopreventdamageintransit.
Thiswarrantydoesnotapplytodefectsresultingfromactionoftheusersuchasmisuse,improperwiring,operationoutsideof
specification,impropermaintenanceorrepair,orunauthorizedmodification.FLIRSystems,Inc.specificallydisclaimsanyimplied
warrantiesormerchantabilityorfitnessforaspecificpurposeandwillnotbeliableforanydirect,indirect,incidentalor
consequentialdamages.FLIR’stotalliabilityislimitedtorepairorreplacementoftheproduct.Thewarrantysetforthaboveis
inclusiveandnootherwarranty,whetherwrittenororal,isexpressedorimplied.
Calibration,Repair,andCustomerCareServices
FLIRSystems,Inc.offersrepairandcalibrationservicesfortheExtechInstrumentsproductswe
sell.NISTcertificationformostproductsisalsoprovided.CalltheCustomerServiceDepartmentfor
informationoncalibrationservicesavailableforthisproduct.Annualcalibrationsshouldbe
performedtoverifymeterperformanceandaccuracy.Technicalsupportandgeneralcustomer
serviceisalsoprovided,refertothecontactinformationprovidedbelow.

Copyright©2015FLIRSystems,Inc.
Allrightsreservedincludingtherightofreproductioninwholeorinpartinanyform
www.extech.com
SupportLines:U.S.(877)439‐8324;International:+1(603)324‐7800
TechnicalSupport:Option3;E‐mail:[email protected]
Repair&Returns:Option4;E‐mail:[email protected]
Productspecificationsaresubjecttochangewithoutnotice
Pleasevisitourwebsiteforthemostup‐to‐dateinformation
www.extech.com
FLIRCommercialSystems,Inc.,9TownsendWest,Nashua,NH03063USA
ISO9001Certified