Extech Instruments MA1500 User manual

User's Guide
1500Amp True RMS AC/DC
Clamp Meter
Model MA1500

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Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of this MA1500 True RMS Clamp Meter. This meter measures
AC Current, DC Current, AC/DC Voltage, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency, Diode Test, Duty
Cycle and Continuity. The molded case is designed for heavy duty use. 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
This WARNING symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
This CAUTION symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not
avoided, may result damage to the product.
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
WARNING
CAUTION

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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.
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.
•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
•Expired or damaged batteries can cause cauterization on contact with the skin. Always,
therefore, use suitable hand gloves in such cases
•Do not short-circuited the battery. Do not throw batteries into a fire.
Function Maximum Input
A AC, 1500A DC/AC
A DC 1500A DC/AC
V DC, V AC 1000V DC/AC
Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency, Diode Test 250V DC/AC
Type K Temperature 30V DC, 24V AC

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Description
Meter Description
1. Current clamp
2. Clamp opening trigger
3. RANGE Button
4. MODE button
5. MAX/MIN button
6. INRUSH button
7. Backlit LCD Display
8. Non-Contact Voltage Detector
9. NCV LED indicator
10. Function switch and HOLD button
11. oC / oF select button
12. Back light button
13. ZERO button
14. PEAK button
15. Multimeter input jacks
Display icons Description
HOLD Data Hold
APO Auto Power Off
AUTO Autoranging
PPeak Hold
DC Direct Current
AC Alternating Current
MAX Max reading
MIN Min reading
Low battery
ZERO DCA or CAP zero
mV or V Milli-volts or Volts (Voltage)
ΩOhms (Resistance)
A Amperes (Current)
F Farad (Capacitance)
Hz Hertz (Frequency)
% Duty Ratio
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
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

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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.
Non-Contact Voltage Detector
WARNING: Risk of Electrocution. Before use, always test the Voltage Detector on a known live
circuit to verify proper operation.
1. Rotate the Function switch to any measurement position.
2. Place the detector probe tip on the conductor to be tested.
3. If AC voltage is present, the NCV detector will turn on with a
steady red light.
NOTE: The conductors in electrical cord sets are often twisted. For
best results, move the probe tip along a length of the cord to
assure placing the tip close to the live conductor.
NOTE: The detector is designed with high sensitivity. Static electricity
or other sources of energy may randomly trip the sensor. This
is normal operation.
AC/DC Current Measurements
WARNING: Disconnect the test leads before measuring with clamp.
1. Rotate the Function switch to the 1500A AC/DC position.
2. Press the MODE button to select AC or DC.
3. Press the trigger to open jaw. Fully enclose only one
conductor.
4. Read the current value in the display.
5. If the value is less than 400A, rotate the function switch to
the 400A AC/DC position to improve resolution.
DCA Zero
The Zero feature removes offset values and improves accuracy
for DC current measurements. To perform a zero, select DC and, with no conductor in the jaw,
press the ZERO button. The display will show approxemately zero. The offset value is now stored
and removed from all measurements.
Frequency
When ACA is selected, the measured frequency can be viewed in the lower display.

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AC/DC Voltage Measurements
CAUTION: Do not measure voltages if a motor on the circuit is being switched ON or OFF. Large
voltage surges may occur that can damage the meter.
1. Rotate the function switch to the Vposition.
2. Press the MODE button to select AC or DC Voltage.
3. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive Vjack.
4. Touch the black test probe tip to the negative side of the circuit.
Touch the red test probe tip to the positive side of the circuit.
5. Read the voltage value in the display.
Frequency
When ACV is selected, the measured frequency can be viewed in the
lower display.
Resistance Measurements
Note: Remove power from the device under test before measuring resistance.
1. Set the function switch to the Ω position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive Vjack.
3. Touch the black test probe tip to one side of the device to be measured.
Touch the red test probe tip to the other side of the device to be measured.
4. Read the resistance value in the display.
Continuity Test
1. Set the function switch to the •))) position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive Vjack.
3. Press the MODE button to select •))) (continuity).
4. Touch the test probe tips across the circuit or component under test.
5. If the resistance is less than the continuity threshold, a tone will sound.
Diode Test
1. Set the function switch to the position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive Vjack.
3. Press the MODE button to select (diode).
4. Touch the test probe tips to the diode or semiconductor junction under test. Note the meter
reading.
5. Reverse the test lead polarity by reversing the red and black leads. Note this reading.
6. The diode or junction can be evaluated as follows:
If one reading displays a value (typically 0.400V to 01.800V) 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.
V

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Capacitance Measurements
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, discharge the capacitor before measuring.
1. Set the function switch to the CAP position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive jack.
3. Press the MODE button to select capacitance (μF) measurements.
4. Touch the black test probe tip to one side of the device.
Touch the red test probe tip to the other side of the device.
5. Read the capacitance value in the display.
Note: For very large values of capacitance measurement time can be several seconds before the
final reading stabilizes.
Note: The Zero feature removes stray test lead capacitance to improve the accuracy of low value
capacitance measurements. Press the ZERO button and the display will zero. The offset
value is now stored and is subtracted from all measurements.
Frequency and Duty Ratio Measurements
1. Rotate the function switch to the Hz % position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive Hz jack.
3. Touch the black test probe tip to one side of the device.
Touch the red test probe tip to the other side of the device.
4. Read the Frequency value on the upper large display.
Read the Duty Ratio on the lower small display.
Type K Temperature Measurements
1. Rotate the function switch to the Temp position.
2. Press the °F/°C button to select °F or °C.
3. Plug the type K probe into the COM and TEMP jacks using the mini-plug to banana pug
adaptor provided. Make sure that the positive and negative terminals are connected correctly.
4. Connect the temperature probe tip(s) to the object which will be tested.
5. Read the temperature on the display.
Note: In case of an open input or a temperature overrange, the meter will display “- - - - -” .
Data Hold
To freeze the LCD reading, press the HOLD button (located on the function switch knob). While
data hold is active, the HOLD icon appears on the LCD. Press the HOLD button again to return to
normal operation.

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Max/Min
1. Press the MAX/MIN button to activate the MAX/MIN recording mode. The display icon "MAX"
will appear. The meter will begins recording and displaying the maximum value measured.
2. Press the MAX/MIN button and “MIN” will appear. The meter will display the minimum value
measured during the recording session.
3. Press the MAX/MIN button and “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 button for 2 seconds.
Peak Hold
When ACA or ACV is selected, pressing the PEAK button enables the peak capture circuit. The
meter will now capture and display the maximum and minimum peaks of the waveform.
Inrush
With ACA is selected, press the INRUSH button to activate the inrush capture circuit,
“- - - -“ will appear in the display. Any transient condition, generally lasting 110-120 milliseconds,
that occurs during motor start-up will be captured in the display.
Range
In the Voltage, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency or μA function the meter automatically selects
the best range for the measurements being made. For measurement situations requiring that a
range be manually selected, perform the following:
1. Press the RANGE button. The “AUTO” display icon will turn off.
2. Press the RANGE key to step through the available ranges. Observe the decimal point and
units displayed until the preferred range is located.
3. To exit the Manual Ranging mode and return to Autoranging, press and hold the RANGE key
for 2 seconds.
LCD Backlight
The LCD is equipped with backlighting for easier viewing, especially in dimly lit areas. Press to
turn the backlight on and again to turn it off.
Automatic Power OFF with Disable
In order to conserve battery life, the meter will automatically turn off after approximately 30 minutes.
To turn the meter on again, turn the function switch to the OFF position and then turn to the desired
function position.
To disable APO:
1. From the OFF position, hold the MODE button and rotate the FUNCTION switch to a
measurement function.
2. will appear in the display
3. Release the MODE button
4. APO is now disabled (APO icon is off) and will be reset when the Function switch is returned to
the OFF position.
Low battery indication
When the icon and “-----“appears in the display, the battery should be replaced. Refer to the
battery replacement procedure in the maintenance section.

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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.
Battery Replacement
1. Remove the Phillips head screw secures the rear battery door.
2. Open the battery compartment
3. Replace the 9V battery
4. Secure the battery compartment door with the screw
5.
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

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Specifications
Function Range& Resolution Accuracy (% of reading)
400.00 ADC ± (2.0% +30digits)DC Current
1500.0 ADC ± (2.5% +30digits)
400.00 AAC
1500.0 AAC ± (2.8% +30digits)
AC Current
True RMS (50Hz to 60
Hz) All AC current ranges are specified from 5% to 100% of range
400.00 mVDC ± (0.1% + 5 digits)
4.0000 VDC
40.000 VDC
400. 00 VDC
± (0.1% + 4 digits)
DC Voltage
1000.0 VDC ± (0.5% + 4 digits)
400.00 mVAC ± (0.8% + 40 digits)(50/60Hz)
4.0000 VAC
40.000 VAC
400. 00 VAC
750.0 VAC
± (1.0% + 30 digits)
AC Voltage
True RMS (50 Hz to
1000 Hz)
All AC voltage ranges are specified from 5% to 100% of range
400.00 Ω± (0.5% + 9 digits)
4.0000 kΩ
40.000 kΩ
400.00 kΩ
± (1.0% + 4 digits)
4.0000 MΩ± (2.0% + 10 digits)
Resistance
40.000 MΩ± (3.0% + 10 digits)
400.00 nF ±(3.5% reading + 40 digits)
4000.0 nF
40.00.μF
400.0.μF
±(3.5% reading + 10 digits)
4.000 mF
20.00 mF ±(5% reading + 10 digits)
Capacitance
40.00 mF Not specified
40.000 Hz
400.00 Hz
4.0000 kHz
40.000 kHz
400.00 kHz
4.0000MHz
40.000MHz
±(0.3% reading + 2 digits)
Frequency
Sensitivity: 0.8V rms min. @ 20% to 80% duty cycle and <100kHz; 5Vrms min @ 20% to 80%
duty cycle and > 100kHz.
10.0 to 95.0% ±(1.0% reading + 2 digits) Duty Cycle
Pulse width: 100µs - 100ms, Frequency: 10Hz to 100kHz
-100.0 to 1000.0°C ±(1.0% reading + 2.5 °C)
-148.0 to 1832.0°F ±(1.0% reading + 4.5°F)
Temp
(type-K)
(probe accuracy not included)

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General Specifications
Clamp jaw opening 52mm (2.0") approx.
Display Dual 40,000/4,000 count backlit LCD
Continuity check Threshold 25 to 60Ω; Test current < 0.5mA
Diode test Test current of 0.3mA typical;
Open circuit voltage 2.8VDC typical
Low Battery indication Battery symbol is displayed
Over-range indication ‘OL’ display
Measurement rate 2 readings per second, nominal
Peak detector >1ms
Thermocouple sensor Type K thermocouple required
Input Impedance 10MΩ(VDC and VAC)
AC bandwidth 50 to 400Hz (AAC and VAC)
AC response True rms (AAC and VAC)
Crest Factor 3.0 in 400A range, 1.4 in 1000A range (50/60Hz and 5% to 100% of
range)
Operating Temperature 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F)
Storage Temperature -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
Operating Humidity Max 80% up to 31°C (87°F) decreasing linearly to 50% at 40°C
(104°F)
Storage Humidity <80%
Operating Altitude 2000meters (7000ft.) maximum.
Battery One (1) 9V Battery (NEDA 1604)
Auto power OFF After approx. 30 minutes
Dimensions & Weight 294x105x47mm (11.57x4.13x1.85”); 536g (18.9 oz)
Safety For indoor use and in accordance with the requirements for double
insulation to IEC1010-1 (2001): EN61010-1 (2001) Overvoltage
Category IV 600V and Category III 1000V, Pollution Degree 2.
Approvals CE
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