Extech Instruments VT30-E User manual

User's Guide
LCD Multifunction Voltage Tester
Model VT30-E
-E

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Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech VT30-E Multifunction Voltage Tester. The VT30-E
measures AC voltage to 480V and DC Voltage to 690V with LCD readout, stepped voltage
bargraph indicator, and LEDs for positive and negative polarity. Additional features include audible
continuity beeper, low impedance test for eliminating phantom voltages, and a built-in flashlight to
illuminate test connections during measurements. This meter is shipped fully tested 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
Safety Precautions
1. Improper use of this meter can cause damage, shock, injury or death. Read and understand this
manual before use.
2. Ensure that any covers or battery doors are properly closed and secured before use.
3. Inspect the condition of the test leads and the meter itself for any damage before use.
4. Do not exceed the rated input limits.
5. Use great care when taking measurements greater than 25VAC rms or 35VDC. These voltages are
considered a shock hazard.
6. Discharge capacitors and remove power from the DUT before Continuity tests.
7. Remove the batteries from the meter if the meter is to be stored for long periods.
8. Voltage measurement results on electrical outlets can be misleading because of the difficulty in
making a proper connection to the electrical contacts.
Safety Instructions
This meter has been designed for safe use, but must be operated with caution. The rules listed
below must be carefully followed for safe operation.
1. NEVER apply voltage to the meter that exceeds the specified maximum:
Input Protection Limits
Function Maximum Input
VAC, VDC, Continuity 480VAC, 690VDC
Low Impedance 3s<400V AC/690V DC
2. USE EXTREME CAUTION when working with high voltages.
3. ALWAYS discharge filter capacitors in power supplies and disconnect the power when making
continuity tests.
4. ALWAYS disconnect the test leads before opening the cover to replace the battery.
5. NEVER operate the meter unless the battery cover is in place and fastened securely.

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Description
1. Test Probe L1 (-)
2. Test Probe L2 (+)
3. Flashlight
4. LCD display
5. LED (AC voltage indicator [between 100 to 480V])
6. LED (low impedance test)
7. LED (continuity)
8. Low impedance test button (L2)
9. Flashlight button
10. Battery cover
11. Low impedance test button (L1)
Probe Tip Category
12
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1
1
CAT IV 600V
CAT III 600V
CAT II 600V

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Operation
Always test the meter on a known live circuit before taking measurements
Voltage Measurement
1. Note: The voltage tester will turn on automatically when voltages higher than 4.5V
AC/DC are detected.
2. Touch the positive (L2) and negative (L1) test leads to the device or circuit under
test.
3. If the voltage is higher than 4.5V AC/DC, the LCD will light and display the reading.
The stepped voltage bargraph scale in the display will also indicate the reading.
4. For AC voltages, the LED will light and the “AC” icon will appear in the display.
For DC voltages, the “DC” icon will be displayed. If the DC voltage is negative, a
minus sign will be displayed before the digital readout.
Single Lead AC Voltage Detection
To check for the presence of voltage (between 100V and 480V) using only the positive test
lead (L2), touch the lead to the device or circuit under test. If voltage is present, the LED
will light.
Note: In this mode, the actual voltage is not displayed; only the presence of voltage is
detected.
Low Impedance Voltage Measurement
Due to the lowered internal impedance, capacitive voltage is suppressed
so that the reading shows the actual voltage applied. This can be used to
quickly identify phantom voltages.
1. Hold the two test tips on the measuring points to be tested.
2. Press the two low impedance test buttons simultaneously.
3. The Low Impedance LED will light and the applied voltage will be
displayed on the LCD.
Note: The maximum duty cycle in this mode is 5 seconds for voltages up
to 250V and 3 seconds for voltages up to 690V. Allow 10 minutes
between each reading.
Note: Measuring from hot to ground may trip any GFCI equipped circuits.

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3-Phase Rotation
The 3-phase rotation function indicates whether the 3 phase AC lines or mains are live and also
identifies the phase orientation of the three wires before attaching them to a motor or other equipment.
The phase sequence will determine the direction (Clockwise or Counter-clockwise) a motor will rotate
when connected.
To determine clockwise rotation (P1-P2-P3)
1. Touch probe L1 to any one of the three AC mains. Label this phase P1.
2. Touch probe L2 to the other two phases. One phase will indicate “L” and one will indicate “R”
3. Label the phase that indicates “R” as P2.
4. Touch probe L1 to phase P2 and touch probe L2 to the remaining unlabeled AC main wire.
The “R” icon will illuminate. Label this phase P3.
5. The clockwise sequence P1-P2-P3 (also known as 1-2-3 or R-S-T) has been identified.
6. To determine a counterclockwise rotation exchange the “L” and “R” in the procedure.
Continuity Test
The tester can measure resistance and alert the user if the resistance value is less than 200kΩ.
1. Before taking a continuity test, make sure that power to the device or circuit under test is off
and that all capacitors are discharged.
2. Touch the test tips to the device under test.
3. If the resistance is less than 200kΩ, the tester will sound an audible alert; the LCD will display
“000”, and the continuity LED will light.
Flashlight
Press and hold the button to turn the flashlight on. Release the button to turn the flashlight off. After
the button is released, the light will turn off after 12 seconds (approx).
P1 P2 P3
L1
L2
P1 P2 P3
L1
L2
L1

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Maintenance
Battery replacement
1. The
BAT
icon will appear in the lower right of the display when the
battery voltage becomes low. Replace the batteries when this appears.
2. Disconnect the meter from any test device or circuit before opening the
tester.
3. Loosen the recessed Phillips head screw at the bottom of the tester.
Do not remove the screw.
4. Hold the meter and pull the lower portion of the meter off until the
batteries are exposed.
5. Replace the two ‘AAA’ batteries observing polarity and dispose of the
old batteries properly.
6. Slide the meter back together and replace 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 and Storage
Before cleaning the tester, ensure that the test leads are not connected to any circuit or device. Wipe
the meter only with a damp cloth as needed. Do not apply abrasives, solvents, or other cleaners to the
surface of the meter. Store with the battery removed and avoid extreme temperature and humidity.

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Specifications
LCD display 1999 counts (3-1/2 digits) with bargraph and backlight
Resolution 1 Volt
AC Voltage range 0 to 480V
ACV frequency range 50/60Hz
DC Voltage range 0 to 690V
Accuracy ACV ±(1.5%rdg + 5d); DCV ±(1.0%rdg + 3d)
Range selection Automatic
Max measuring current ≤1.0mA (400VAC); ≤1.5mA (690VDC)
Response time Updates 2-3 times/sec
Input Impedance 1MΩ(approx)
Continuity test Range 0 to 200kΩ, guaranteed on < 50kΩ; <5µA test current
Overvoltage protection 480VAC/690VDC
Low impedance test 12-250VAC/DC; impedance <6kΩ;
LCD enable input voltage >4.5V AC/DC
Operation time: 5s<250V AC/DC
Power supply 2 x “AAA” 1.5V alkaline batteries
Battery life Approx. 8 hours continuous use typical
Operating Temperature -10 to 55oC (14 to 131oF)
Storage Temperature -30 to 60oC (-22 to 140oF)
Operating Humidity 10 to 85% RH (non-condensing)
Safety This meter is intended for origin of installation use and protected,
against the users, by double insulation per EN61243-3 and
EN61010-1 to Category IV 600V and Category III 600V; Pollution
Degree 2.
Approvals CE, IP64
Dimensions 240 x 78 x 40mm (9.4 x 3 x 1.6”)
Weight 260G (9.2oz)
Copyright ©2012 Extech Instruments Corporation (a FLIR company)
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.
www.extech.com