Extech Instruments MA120 User manual

User’s Guide
Model MA120
200A AC/DC Mini Clamp-on Meter

MA120 Ver. 1.2 10/2004
2
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of Extech’s MA120 AC/DC Mini Clamp Meter. This professional
meter, with proper care, will provide years of safe reliable service.
Meter Description
1. Current sense jaw
2. Non-contact AC voltage indicator light
3. Flashlight button
4. Rotary function switch
5. Data HOLD and Backlight key
6. LCD display
7. Clamp trigger
8. One-touch DCA ZERO key
Safety Information
!Caution! Refer to the explanation in this Manual
Double Insulation
This meter has been designed to be safe in use, but the operator must use caution in its operation.
The rules listed below should be carefully followed for safe operation.
1. NEVER apply voltage or current to the meter that exceeds the specified maximum:
2. USE EXTREME CAUTION when working with voltages greater than 60VDC or 25VAC rms.
These voltages are considerd a shock hazard.
3. NEVER operate the meter unless the back cover and the battery/fuse door are in place and
fastened securely.
Input Limits
Function Maximum Input
AC Current 200A
DC Current ±200A
Frequency 1kHz
1
23456
7
8

MA120-V1.3-EN-3/12
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Operation
AC Current Measurements
1) Set the Function switch to the ACA range.
2) Press the jaw trigger and clamp around, fully enclosing a single conductor.
Do not allow a gap between the two halves of the jaw. Refer to the diagram
at right for the correct way to enclose a single conductor.
3) Read the ACA value on the LCD.
DC Current Measurements
1) Set the Function switch to the DCA range.
2) Press the ZERO key to null the meter display.
3) Press the Trigger to open the current sense Jaw.
4) Fully enclose the conductor to be measured. Do not allow a gap between the two halves of the
jaw.
5) Read the DCA value on the LCD.
Non-Contact AC Voltage Detection
1) AC Voltage detection operates on any of the four Function switch positions.
2) Touch the probe tip to the hot conductor or insert into the hot side of the electrical outlet.
3) If AC voltage is present, the detector light will illuminate.
NOTE: The conductors in electrical cord sets are often twisted. For best results, slowly slide the
probe tip along a length of the cord to assure placing the tip in close proximity to the live
conductor.
NOTE: The detector is designed with high sensitivity. Static electricity or other sources of energy
may randomly turn the detector light on. This is normal operation
Frequency Measurements
1) Set the Function switch to the Hz position.
2) Fully enclose the conductor to be measured. Do not allow a gap between the two halves of the
jaw.
3) Read the Frequency value on the LCD.
Flashlight
Press and hold the top button to turn the flashlight on. Release the button to turn the flashlight off.
Data Hold
To freeze the current reading on the LCD, press the “Hold / Backlight” key. The word HOLD will
appear on the LCD while the meter is in the Data Hold mode. To release the Data Hold function and
return the meter to normal operation, press the “Hold / Backlight” key again. The word HOLD will
switch off.
Backlight Display
Press and hold the “Hold / Backlight” key for more than 2 seconds to turn on the backlight. This will
also activate the Data Hold function. To release the Data Hold function and return the meter to normal
operation, press the Data Hold key momentarily. To turn off the backlight, press and hold the “Hold
Backlight” key for more than 2 seconds.
Yes
No
WARNING: Risk of Electrocution. Before use, always test the Voltage Detector on a
known live circuit to verify proper operation

MA120-V1.3-EN-3/12
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Specifications
General Specifications
Display 3-2/3 (2400 count) Digit LCD with white LED backlight
Polarity Minus sign ( - ) indicates negative polarity
Current sensor Hall effect sensor type
Overload indication “OL” displayed on the LCD
DCA zero adjust One touch zero key
Display rate 2 readings/second, nominal
Battery Two 1.5V AAA batteries
Low Battery indication “BATT” displayed on the LCD
Operating conditions 32ºF to 86ºF (0ºC to 30ºC) 90%RH; 86ºF to 104ºF (30ºC to 40ºC) 75%RH;
104ºF to 122ºF (40ºC to 50ºC) 45%RH
Storage conditions - 14ºF to 140ºF (-30ºC to 60ºC); < 90% Relative Humidity
Altitude Operate at less than 3000 meters
Weight 6.2 oz. (176g) including battery
Dimensions 6.5 x 2.6 x 1.3” (164 x 65 x 32mm) (HWD)
Jaw opening 0.7” (18mm)
Standards IEC 1010 Category III 300V, Category II 600V,
Range Specifications
Function Range Resolution Accuracy (of reading)
DC Current 200A 0.1A ± (2.8% + 8 digits)
AC Current 200A 0.1A ±(3.0% + 8 digits)
40-51Hz 0.01Hz
51-510Hz 0.1Hz
Frequency
(Auto-Ranging)
0.51-1kHz 0.001kHz
±(1.2% + 5 digits)
Input Sensitivity: 2.5A AC RMS min.
Non-Contact AC Voltage 100VAC to 600VAC 50/60Hz
C
C

MA120-V1.3-EN-3/12
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Support lines: U.S. 877-439-8324, Intl. 603-324-7800
Technical support: Option 3; E-mail: [email protected]
Repair & Returns: Option 4; E-mail: [email protected]
Product specifications subject to change without notice
Visit our website: www.extech.com
Extech Instruments Corporation, 9 Townsend West, Nashua, NH 03063
ISO 9001 Certified since 1995
Maintenance
Battery Replacement
1) When the low battery symbol appears on the LCD the batteries must be replaced.
2) Power down and remove the rear battery compartment Phillips screw.
3) Lift off the battery compartment cover and replace the two 1.5V AAA cells.
4) Replace compartment cover and secure the screw.
You, as the end user, are legally bound (EU Battery ordinance) to return all used
batteries, disposal in the household garbage is prohibited! You can hand over your
used batteries / accumulators at collection points in your community or wherever batteries /
accumulators are sold!
Disposal: Follow the valid legal stipulations in respect of the disposal of the device at the
end of its lifecycle
Cleaning
Caution: Use only a dry cloth to clean the plastic case.
Warranty
EXTECH INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION (a FLIR company) warrants this instrument 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 our website
www.extech.com for contact information. A Return Authorization (RA) number must be issued before any product is returned to Extech. 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. Extech 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. Extech'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 and Repair Services
Extech offers repair and calibration services for the products we sell. Extech also provides NIST certification for most products. Call the
Customer Service Department for information on calibration services available for this product. Extech recommends that annual calibrations
be performed to verify meter performance and accuracy.