Extech Instruments AM600 User manual

User's Guide
Extech AM600
600A AC Analog Clamp Meter
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com
Back to the Extech AM600 Product Info Page

AM600 V2.0 6/072
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech AM600 Analog Clamp Meter. This device
measures AC Current, AC Voltage, DC Voltage, Resistance and Temperature. This meter
is shipped fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of reliable
service.
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 (Protection Class II)
SAFETY NOTES
•Do not exceed the maximum allowable input range of any function.
•Do not apply voltage to meter when resistance function is selected.
•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 always disconnect the test leads from the circuit under test.
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 25 VAC
rms or 35 VDC. These voltages are considered a shock hazard.
•Always discharge capacitors and remove power from the device under test before
performing Resistance 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.
Function Maximum Input
A AC 600 A
V AC 750 V
V DC 75 V
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX [phone] - TestEquipmentDepot.com

AM600 V2.0 6/073
PER IEC1010 OVERVOLTAGE INSTALLATION CATEGORY
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY I
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY I is equipment for connection to circuits in
which measures are taken to limit the transient overvoltages to an appropriate low level.
Note – Examples include protected electronic circuits.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II is energy-consuming equipment to be
supplied from the fixed installation.
Note – Examples include household, office, and laboratory appliances.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III is equipment in fixed installations.
Note – Examples include switches in the fixed installation and some equipment for industrial
use with permanent connection to the fixed installation.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY IV
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY IV is for use at the origin of the installation.
Note – Examples include electricity meters and primary over-current protection equipment
Description
Meter Description
1. Current clamp
2. Clamp opening trigger
3. 0 Ohms adjustment
4. Meter zero adjustment
5. Scale
6. “COM” Terminal
7. Range switch
8. Pointer Lock switch
9. V, Ωand Temp Terminal
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX [phone] - TestEquipmentDepot.com

AM600 V2.0 6/074
Operation
NOTE:Read and understand all Warning and Caution statements in this operation manual prior to using
this meter.
AC Current Measurements
WARNING: Remove the test leads from the meter before making current clamp
measurements.
1. Set the Range switch to the 600A range..
2. Set the Pointer Lock
switch is set to the right-
most position so that the
pointer may freely move.
3. If necessary, turn the
Zero Adjust screw to
zero the meter display.
4. Press the trigger to open
jaw. Fully enclose only
one conductor. For
optimum results, center
the conductor in the jaw.
5. The analog display
pointer will indicate the current reading.
6. When possible, set the Range switch to a lower range to obtain a reading in the
upper half of the scale.
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 Range switch to the highest AC or DC Voltage range.
3. Set the Pointer Lock switch is set to the right-most position so
that the pointer may freely move.
4. If necessary, turn the Zero Adjust screw to zero the meter
display.
5. Connect the test leads in parallel to the circuit under test.
6. The analog display pointer will indicate the voltage reading.
7. When possible, set the Range switch to a lower range to
obtain a reading in the upper half of the scale.

AM600 V2.0 6/075
Resistance Measurements
1. Insert the black test lead into the negative COM terminal and
the red test lead into the OHMS positive terminal.
2. Set the Range switch to the X1Ωor X100Ωposition as
needed.
3. Set the Pointer Lock switch is set to the right-most position so
that the pointer may freely move.
4. With the test leads open, adjust the meter zero so that the
pointer is over the ∞symbol.
5. Touch the test lead tips together and adjust the 0 Ohms adjust
until the pointer is over the 0 ohms position.
6. Touch the test probe tips across the circuit or component under
test.
7. The analog display pointer will indicate the resistance reading.
Temperature Measurements
Zero procedure (fig. 1)
1. Insert the temperature probe black plug into the COM terminal and the Probe tip
into the VΩterminal.
2. Adjust the pointer for a 0 Ωscale reading
Measurements (fig. 2)
1. Insert the temperature probe black plug into the COM terminal and the red plug
into the VΩterminal.
2. Place the temperature probe into the area to be tested.
3. Read the temperature on the °C or °F temperature scale
fig. 1 fig. 2

AM600 V2.0 6/076
C
C
Pointer Lock Function
The Pointer Lock switch freezes the pointer’s position and is used as a ‘data hold’ feature.
This feature is useful in dimly lit or hard to reach locations.
Specifications
Function Ranges Accuracy
6, 15, 60, 150 A ± 3% of Full ScaleAC Current
(50/60Hz)
600 A ± 5% of Full Scale
AC Voltage
(50/60Hz) 150, 300 and 750V ± 3% of Full Scale
DC Voltage 75 V DC ± 3% of Full Scale
2000 Ω (50 Ωmid-scale) (Rx1)
Resistance
200 kΩ (5 kΩmid-scale) (Rx100)
± 3% of Full Scale Length
Temperature -4 to 302°F (-20°C to 150°C) ± 3% of arc
Clamp jaw opening 1.3" (34 mm) max.
Display Analog with Zero Adjustment
Input Impedance ACV: 2 kΩ/V, DCV: 4.5 kΩV
AC bandwidth 50 / 60 Hz
Temperature Probe Thermistor
Operating conditions Temperature 32 - 104°F (0 - 40°C); Relative Humidity <80%
Operating Altitude 7000 ft. (2000 m) maximum.
Battery One (1) 1.5V ‘AA’ Battery
Fuse 500 mA, 250V fast
Dimensions & Weight 8.4 x 3.4 x 1.7" (214 x 85 x 43 mm); 12.4 oz. (350 g)
Safety For indoor use and in accordance with the requirements for
double insulation to IEC1010-1 (2001): EN61010-1 (2001)
Overvoltage Category II 600V, Pollution Degree 2.
Standards

Maintenance
WARNING: To avoid electrical shock, disconnect the meter from any circuit and remove the test leads from
the input terminals before opening the case. Do not operate the meter with an 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 60 days or more, remove the battery and store it
separately.
Battery Replacement
1. Remove the Phillips head screws from the rear battery compartment cover.
2. Replace the 1.5V ‘AA’ battery and replace the cover.
Fuse Replacement
1. Remove the two (2) Phillips head screws from the rear cover.
2. Carefully lift off the rear cover.
3. Replace the 0.5A/250V fuse. Make sure the fuse is centered in the fuse holder.
4. Replace the rear cover.
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com
Back to the Extech AM600 Product Info Page
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX [phone] - TestEquipmentDepot.com