Extech Instruments EX820 User manual

User Manual
Extech EX820 True RMS 1000 Amp
Clamp Meter with IR Thermometer
Additional User Manual Translations available at www.extech.com
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Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech EX820 True RMS 1000A Clamp Meter. This meter
measures AC/DC Voltage, AC Current, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency, Diode Test,
Continuity, Type K thermocouple thermometer plus Non-Contact IR Temperature. This device is
shipped fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of reliable service.
Please visit our website (www.extech.com) to check for the latest version and translations of this
User Manual, Product Updates, Product Registration, and Customer Support.
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 always disconnect the test leads from the circuit under test.
Function
Maximum Input
A AC 1000A DC/AC
V DC, V AC 600V DC/AC
Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency, Diode Test 250V DC/AC
Type K Temperature 60V DC, 24V AC
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CAUTIONS
•Improper use of this meter can cause damage, shock, injury or death. Read and understand
this user manual before operating the meter.
•For all measurements, always use approved measurement category (CAT) voltage and current
rated test leads, test probes, and adapters. Do not exceed the CAT rating of the lowest rated
test lead, probe, adaptor, or other product accessory.
•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.
•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.
•This device is not a toy and must not reach children’s hands. It contains hazardous objects as
well as small parts that the children could swallow. In case a child swallows any of them,
please contact a physician immediately.
•Do not leave batteries and packing material lying around unattended; they can be dangerous
for children if they use them as toys.
•In case the device is going to be unused for an extended period of time, remove the batteries
to prevent them from draining.
•Expired or damaged batteries can cause cauterization on contact with the skin. Always use
suitable hand gloves in such cases.
•See that the batteries are not short-circuited. Do not throw batteries into the fire.
•Do not directly view or direct the laser pointer at an eye. Low power visible lasers do not
normally present a hazard, but may present some potential for hazard if viewed directly for
extended periods of time
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Description
Meter Description
1. Current clamp
2. Clamp opening trigger
3. HOLD
4. PEAK
5. RANGE
6. LCD Display
7. Test lead input jacks
8. IR thermometer and laser pointer (rear)
9. Backlight
10. Laser pointer button
11. Function switch
12. MIN/MAX
13. Mode
Display icons Description
HOLD Data Hold
Minus sign Negative reading display
0 to 3999 Measurement display digits
ZERO Zero
P Peak value
AUTO Auto Range mode
DC/AC Direct Current / Alternating
Current
MAX Max reading
MIN Min reading
Low battery
mV or V Milli-volts or Volts (Voltage)
ΩOhms (Resistance)
A Amperes (Current)
F Farad (Capacitance)
Hz Hertz (Frequency)
oF and oC Fahrenheit and Celsius units (Temperature)
n, m, µ, M, k Unit of measure prefixes: nano, milli, micro, mega, and kilo
•))) Continuity test
Diode test
Laser pointer
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Operation
NOTES: Read and understand all Warning and Caution statements in 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 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 AAC.
2. Press the trigger to open the jaw. Fully
enclose only one conductor. For optimum
results, center the conductor in the jaw.
3. 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 VAC or VDC position.
3. Connect the test leads in parallel to the circuit under test.
4. Read the voltage measurement on the LCD display.
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Resistance Measurements
Note: Remove power before making resistance measurements
1. Insert the black test lead into the negative COM terminal and the red test
lead into the Ωpositive terminal.
2. Set the function switch to the Ω position.
3. Touch the test probe tips across the circuit or component under test.
4. Read the resistance on the LCD display.
Capacitance Measurements
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, discharge the capacitor under test before
measuring. If “dISC” appears in the display, remove and discharge
the capacitor.
1. Set the function switch to the capacitance position.
2. Insert the black test lead into the negative COM jack
and the red test lead into the CAP positive jack.
3. Press MODE to zero any stray capacitance.
4. Touch the test probe tips across the part under test.
5. Read the capacitance value in the display.
6. The display will indicate the proper decimal point and value.
Note: For very large values of capacitance measurement time can be several
minutes before the final reading stabilizes.
Frequency Measurements
1. Set the function switch to the VAC Hz Position.
2. Short press the MODE button to select the Frequency (Hz)
function. “k Hz” will appear in the display.
3. Insert the black test lead into the negative COM jack
and the red test lead into the Hz positive jack.
4. Touch the test probe tips across the part under test.
5. Read the Frequency value on the display.
6. The display will indicate the proper decimal point and value.
7. Short press the MODE button again to return to the voltage mode.
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Type K Temperature Measurements
1. Set the function switch to the KTemp position.
2. Insert the Temperature Probe into the negative COM and the
positive TEMP jacks, observing polarity.
3. Touch the Temperature Probe tip to the device under test.
Continue to touch the part under test with the probe until the
reading stabilizes.
4. Read the temperature on the display. The digital reading will
indicate the proper decimal point and value.
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, be sure the thermocouple probe
has been removed before changing to another measurement function.
Note: The meter will display “OL” and beep when there is an open
input or temperature overrange.
Note: See the “Temperature Units” paragraph to select °F or °C
Note: The temperature range of the supplied thermocouple probe is -20
to 250°C (-4 to 482°F)
Continuity Measurements
1. Insert the black test lead into the negative COM terminal and the
red test lead into the Ωpositive terminal.
2. Set the function switch to the •)))position.
3. Use the MODE button to select continuity •))). The display icons will change when the MODE
button is pressed.
4. Touch the test probe tips across the circuit or component under test.
5. If the resistance is < 40Ω, a tone will sound.
Diode Test
1. Insert the black test lead into the negative COM jack and the red test lead into the positive jack
2. Turn the function switch to position. Use the MODE button to select the diode function if
necessary (diode symbol will appear on the LCD when in Diode test mode)
3. Touch the test probe tips to the diode or semiconductor junction under test. Note the meter
reading.
4. Reverse the test lead polarity by reversing the red and black leads. Note this reading.
5. The diode or junction can be evaluated as follows:
If one reading displays a value (typically 0.400V to 0.900V) and the other reading displays
OL, the diode is good.
If both readings display OL the device is open.
If both readings are very small or ‘0’, the device is shorted.
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Non-Contact InfraRed Temperature Measurements
1. Set the function switch to the IR Temp position.
2. Aim the infrared sensor (rear of the meter) at the surface
to be measured.
3. Press the button in the center of the rotary function
switch to turn on the laser pointer and identify the
surface spot to be measured.
4. The area of the surface to be measured must be larger
than the spot size as determined by the distance to spot
size specification.
5. Read the temperature in the display.
Note: See the “Temperature Units” paragraph to select oF or oC
WARNING: Do not directly view or direct the laser pointer at an eye.
Low power visible lasers do not normally present a hazard, but may
present some potential for hazard if viewed directly for extended periods
of time.
IR Spot to Distance Diagram
The 8:1 spot to distance ratio determines the size of the measured surface area with respect to the
distance the meter is held away from the surface.
IR Measurement Notes
1. The object under test should be larger than the spot (target) size calculated by the field of view
diagram.
2. If the surface of the object under test is covered with frost, oil, grime, etc., clean before taking
measurements.
3. If an object's surface is highly reflective, apply masking tape or flat black paint to the surface
before measuring.
4. The meter may not make accurate measurements through transparent surfaces such as glass.
5. Steam, dust, smoke, etc. can obscure measurements.
6. To find a hot spot, aim the meter outside the area of interest then scan across (in an up and
down motion) until the hot spot is located.
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Data Hold
To freeze the LCD reading, press the HOLD button. While data hold is active, the HOLD icon
appears on the LCD. Press the HOLD button again to return to normal operation.
Peak Hold
The Peak Hold function captures the peak AC or DC voltage or current. The meter can capture
negative or positive peaks as fast as 1 millisecond in duration.
1. Turn the function switch to the A or V position.
2. Allow time for the display to stabilize.
3. Press and Hold the PEAK button until “CAL” appears in the display. This procedure will zero
the range selected.
4. Press the PEAK button, Pmax will display.
5. The display will update each time a higher positive peak occurs.
6. Press the PEAK button again, Pmin will display. The display will now update and indicate the
lowest negative peak.
7. To return to normal operation, press and hold the PEAK button until the Pmin or Pmax
indicator switches off.
Note: If the Function switch position is changed after a calibration the Peak Hold calibration must
be repeated for the new function selected.
MAX/MIN
1. Press the MAX/MIN key to activate the MAX/MIN recording mode. The display icon "MAX" will
appear. The meter will display and hold the maximum reading and will update only when a new
“max” occurs.
2. Press the MAX/MIN key and “MIN” will appear The display icon "MIN" will appear. The meter
will display and hold the minimum reading and will update only when a new “min” occurs
3. Press the MAX/MIN key and a blinking “MAX MIN” will appear. The meter will display the
present reading, but will continue to update and store the max and min readings.
4. To exit MAX/MIN mode press and hold the MAX/MIN key for 2 seconds.
Temperature Units (˚F / ˚C)
The temperature units selection switch is located in the battery
compartment. To change the units, remove the battery door, lift out the
battery and set the switch for the desired units.
LCD Backlight Button
The LCD is equipped with backlighting for easier viewing, especially in
dimly lit areas. Press the backlight button to turn the backlight on. Press
again to turn the backlight off.
Automatic Power OFF
In order to conserve battery life, the meter will automatically turn off after approximately 25 minutes.
To turn the meter on again, turn the function switch to the OFF position and then to the desired
function position.
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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 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 screw that secures the rear battery door
2. Open the battery compartment
3. Replace the 9V battery
4. Secure the battery compartment
Never dispose of used batteries or rechargeable batteries in household waste.
As consumers, users are legally required to take used batteries to appropriate
collection sites, the retail store where the batteries were purchased, or wherever
batteries are sold.
Disposal: Do not dispose of this instrument in household waste. The user is obligated to take end-of-
life devices to a designated collection point for the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment.
Other Battery Safety Reminders
oNever dispose of batteries in a fire. Batteries may explode or leak.
oNever mix battery types. Always install new batteries of the same type.
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