Extech Instruments MA430T User manual

UserManual
400Amp AC Clamp Meter + NCV
Model MA430
AdditionalUserManualTranslationsavailableatwww.extech.com

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Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of this Extech MA430 Clamp Meter. This meter measures AC
Current, AC/DC Voltage, Resistance, Diode Test, Continuity and Non-Contact Voltage detection. The
double molded case is designed for heavy duty use. 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 of this User Guide, Product Updates, 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
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
measurements 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.
Function Maximum Input
AC Amps, 400A
AC/DC Volts 600V DC/AC
Resistance, Diode Test, Continuity 250V DC/AC

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Description
Meter Description
1. NCV sensor
2. Current clamp
3. Non-contact AC voltage indicator light
4. Clamp trigger
5. Data Hold button
6. LCD display
7. MODE select button
8. COM input jack
9. Rotary Function switch
10. Backlight button
11. Range button
12. MAX button
13. V ΩHz jack
14. Battery Cover (rear)
Display icons Description
HOLD Data Hold
AUTO Autoranging
MAX Max hold
DC Direct Current
AC Alternating Current
Low battery
V Volts (Voltage)
Ohms (Resistance)
A Amperes (Current)
m, M, k Unit of measure prefixes
))) Continuity test
Diode test
MAX

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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 position.
2. Place the detector probe tip on the conductor to be tested.
3. If AC voltage is present, the NCV detector light 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 in close proximity 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 Current Measurements
WARNING: Disconnect the test leads before making clamp measurements.
1. Rotate the Function switch to the 400A position
2. Press the trigger to open jaw. Fully enclose only one
conductor.
3. Read the current value in the display.
4. If the value is less than 200A, rotate the function switch to a
lower range to improve resolution.

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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 VAC or the VDC 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 the negative side of the circuit.
Touch the red test probe tip to the positive side of the circuit.
4. Read the voltage value in the display.
Resistance, Diode, Continuity Measurements
Note: Remove power from the device under test before making resistance measurements
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 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 resistance value in the display.
5. Press the MODE button to select the DIODE mode. The Diode symbol will
appear in the display.
6. Press the MODE button to select the Continuity mode. The continuity symbol
will appear in the display. If the resistance is <150 ohms the tone will sound.

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Data Hold
To freeze the LCD reading, press the HOLD button. The HOLD icon appears on the LCD. Press the
HOLD button again to return to normal operation.
MAX
Press the MAX button to display and hold the maximum reading. The display will update if a higher
reading is detected. Press the MAX button to exit the mode.
RANGE (Voltage and Resistance functions)
When the meter is first turned on, it automatically goes into Auto-Ranging. This automatically
selects the best range for the measurements being made and is generally the best mode for most
measurements. For measurement situations requiring that a range be manually selected, perform
the following:
1. Press the RANGE button and the “AUTO” icon will turn of.
2. Press the RANGE button to step through the available ranges until the range needed appears.
3. Press and hold the RANGE button for 2 seconds to exit the Manual-Ranging mode and return
to Auto-Ranging.
MODE
Press the MODE button in the Ω-Diode-Continuity position to select the function to be used.
Backlight
Press and hold the button for 2 seconds to turn the backlight on. Repeat the press to turn the
backlight off or wait approximately 15 seconds for it to turn off automatically.
Automatic Power Off
In order to conserve battery life, the meter will automatically turn off after approximately 15 minutes.
The meter will “beep” before shutting down. To turn the meter on again, change the position of the
function switch.
Low battery indication
When the icon 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 and store it
separately.
Battery Replacement
1. Remove the Phillips head screw that secures the rear battery cover
2. Open the battery compartment
3. Replace the 9V battery.
4. Secure the battery compartment door
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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Specifications
Function Range Resolution Accuracy
(% of reading + digits)
AC Current
50/60Hz 2.00 A 0.001A ±(2.5% + 10 digits)
20.00 A 0.01A ±(2.5% + 4 digits)
200.0 A 0.1A ±(2.5% + 4 digits)
400 A 1A ±(3.0% + 4 digits)
AC Voltage
50 to 60Hz 200.0mV 0.1mV ±(1.5% + 30 digits)
2.000 V 0.001V
±(1.8% + 8 digits)
20.00 V 0.01V
200.0 V 0.1V
600 V 1V ±(2.5% + 8 digits)
DC Voltage 200.0 mV 0.1mV ±(0.8% + 2 digits)
2.000 V 0.001V
±(1.5% + 2 digits)
20.00 V 0.01V
200.0 V 0.1V
600 V 1V ±(2.0% + 2 digits)
Resistance 200.00.1±(1.0% + 4 digits)
2.000k0.001k
±(1.5% + 2 digits)
20.00k0.01k
200.0k0.1k
2.000M0.001M±(2.5% + 3 digits)
20.00M0.01M±(3.5% + 5 digits)

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General Specifications
Clamp jaw opening 30mm (1.18") approx.
Display 2,000 count LCD
Continuity check Threshold <150; Test current < 0.5mA
Diode test Test current of 0.3mA typical;
Open circuit voltage 1.5VDC typical
Low Battery indication Battery symbol is displayed
Over-range indication ‘OL’ displayed
Display rate 2 readings per second, nominal
Input Impedance 10M(VDC and VAC)
AC bandwidth 50 to 60Hz (VAC)
AC response Average responding
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 9V battery
Auto power OFF After approx. 15 minutes
Dimensions & Weight 200x66x37mm (7.9x2.6x1.5”); 205g (7.23oz)
Safety For indoor use and in accordance with the requirements for double
insulation to IEC1010-1 (2001): EN61010-1 (2001) Overvoltage
Category III 600V, Pollution Degree 2.
Approvals CE and ETL
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