Extech Instruments EX310 User manual

User's Guide
Mini Multimeter
with Non-Contact Voltage Detector (NCV)
Model EX310
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Model EX310 - Version 7.1 – 05/2006
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Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech EX310 MultiMeter. The EX310 offers AC/DC
Voltage, AC/DC Current, Resistance, Diode, and Continuity testing plus a built-in non-contact
Voltage Detector. Proper use and care of this meter will provide many years of reliable
service.
Safety
This symbol adjacent to another symbol, terminal or operating device
indicates that the operator must refer to an explanation in the Operating
Instructions to avoid personal injury or damage to the meter.
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.
This symbol advises the user that the terminal(s) so marked must not be
connected to a circuit point at which the voltage with respect to earth
ground exceeds 600V.
This symbol adjacent to one or more terminals identifies them as being
associated with ranges that may, in normal use, be subjected to
particularly hazardous voltages. For maximum safety, the meter and its
test leads should not be handled when these terminals are energized.
This symbol indicates that a device is protected throughout by double
insulation or reinforced insulation.
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 or current to the meter that exceeds thespecified maximum:
Input Protection Limits
Function Maximum Input
V DC or V AC 600V AC and DC
mA AC/DC 200mA DC/AC
A AC/DC 10A DC/AC (for 30 seconds max. every 15 mins.)
Resistance, Diode Test, Continuity 250V DC/AC
2. USE EXTREME CAUTION when working with high voltages.
3. DO NOT measure voltage if the voltage on the "COM" input jack exceeds 600V above earth ground.
4. NEVER connect the meter leads across a voltage source while the function switch is in the current,
resistance, or diode mode. Doing so can damage the meter.
5. ALWAYS discharge filter capacitors in power supplies and disconnect the power when making resistance
or diode tests.
6. ALWAYS turn off power and disconnect test leads before opening the covers to replace the fuse or battery.
7. NEVER operate the meter unless the back cover and the battery and fuse covers are in place and fastened
securely.
8. If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the
equipment may be impaired.
WARNING
CAUTION
MAX
600V
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Model EX310 - Version 7.1 – 05/2006
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Controls and Jacks
1. AC Voltage Detector Sensor
2. AC Voltage Detector indicator light
3. LCD display
4. Non-contact AC Voltage Detector test button
5. Rotary function dial
6. 10 ampere test lead jack
7. COM test lead jack
8. Test lead jack for voltage, milliamp,
resistance/continuity, and diode functions
9. Protective rubber holster (must be removed to
access the rear battery compartment)
Symbols
•))) Continuity
Diode
Battery status
AC
DC
m milli (10-3) (volts, amps)
k kilo (103) (ohms)
V Volts
A Amps
Ω Ohms
AC Alternating current
DC Direct current
V/ /mA
CATII-600V
EX310
MultiMeter
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Model EX310 - Version 7.1 – 05/2006
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Operating Instructions
WARNING: Risk of electrocution. High-voltage circuits, both AC and DC, are very
dangerous and should be measured with great care.
NOTE: On some low AC and DC voltage ranges, with the test leads not connected to a
device, the display may show a random, changing reading. This is normal and is caused
by the high-input sensitivity. The reading will stabilize and give a proper measurement
when connected to a circuit.
NON-CONTACT AC VOLTAGE DETECTOR
The EX310 can detect the presence of AC voltage (from 100 to 600VAC) simply by being
held very near to a voltage source.
WARNING: Test the AC voltage detector on a known live circuit before each use.
WARNING: Before using the meter in the AC Voltage Detector mode, verify that the battery
is fresh by confirming characters appear on the LCD when the function dial is turned to any
position. Do not attempt to use the meter as an AC Voltage Detector if the battery is weak
or bad.
NON-CONTACT VOLTAGE (NCV)
The NCV function works on any rotary switch position.
1. Test the detector on a known live circuit before use.
2. Press and hold the NCV button for the duration of the
test. The meter will beep once when the button is pushed.
3. Hold the top of the meter very close to the voltage source
as shown.
4. If voltage is present, the rim of the LCD display will flash
a bright orange and an audible warning will sound.
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Model EX310 - Version 7.1 – 05/2006
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AC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS
WARNING: Risk of Electrocution. The probe tips may
not be long enough to contact the live parts inside some
240V outlets for appliances because the contacts are
recessed deep in the outlets. As a result, the reading may
show 0 volts when the outlet actually has voltage on it.
Make sure the probe tips are touching the metal contacts
inside the outlet before assuming that no voltage is
present.
CAUTION: Do not measure AC voltages if a motor on
the circuit is being switched ON or OFF. Large voltage
surges may occur that can damage the meter.
1. Set the function switch to the 600 VAC position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the
negative COM jack. Insert red test lead banana
plug into the positive Vjack.
3. Touch the black test probe tip to the neutral side of the circuit.
4. Touch the red test probe tip to the “hot” side of circuit.
5. Read the voltage in the display.
DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS
CAUTION: Do not measure DC voltages if a motor on the circuit is being switched ON or
OFF. Large voltage surges may occur that can damage the meter.
1. Set the function switch to the highest 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 in the display. Move the function
switch to successively lower VDC positions to
obtain a higher resolution reading.
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Model EX310 - Version 7.1 – 05/2006
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BATTERY VOLTAGE TEST
CAUTION: Do not measure batteries while they are installed in the devices they are
powering. The batteries must be removed from installations before tests can be made.
1. Set the function switch to the 1.5V or 9V BAT
switch position. Use the 1.5V position for ‘AAA’,
‘AA’, ‘C’, ‘D’, and other 1.5V batteries. Use the
9V position for square 9V transistor batteries.
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 battery. Touch the red test probe tip
to the positive side of the battery.
4. Read the voltage in the display.
AC / DC CURRENT MEASUREMENTS
CAUTION: Do not make current measurements at 10 Amps for longer than 30 seconds.
Exceeding 30 seconds may cause damage to the meter and/or the test leads.
1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
2. For current measurements up to 200mA AC or DC, set the function switch to the
200m AAC or ADC position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the mA
jack.
3. For current measurements up to 10A AC or DC, set the function switch to the 10A
AAC or 10A ADC position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the 10A
jack.
4. Remove power from the circuit under test, then open up the circuit at the point
where you wish to measure current.
5. 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.
6. Apply power to the circuit.
7. Read the current in the display.
1.50
V/ /mA
CATII-600V
EX310
MultiMeter
V
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Model EX310 - Version 7.1 – 05/2006
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RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect
power to the unit under test and discharge all
capacitors before taking any resistance
measurements.
1. Set the function switch to the highest Ω
position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into
the negative COM jack.
3. Insert the red test lead banana plug into the
positive Ωjack.
4. Touch the test probe tips across the circuit or
part under test. It is best to disconnect one
side of the part under test so the rest of the
circuit will not interfere with the resistance
reading.
5. Read the resistance in the display. Move the
function switch to successively lower Ω
positions to obtain a higher resolution
reading.
CONTINUITY CHECK
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, never measure continuity on circuits that have a
voltage potential.
1. Set the function switch to the
position.
2. Insert the black lead banana plug into
the negative COM jack.
3. Insert the red test lead banana plug into
the positive Ωjack.
4. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit
or wire you wish to check.
5. If the resistance is less than
approximately 100Ω, the audible signal
will sound. If the circuit is open, the
display will indicate “1___”.
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Model EX310 - Version 7.1 – 05/2006
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DIODE TEST
1. Set the function switch to the
position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug
into the negative COM jack and the red
test lead banana plug into the positive
jack.
3. Touch the test probes to the diode
under test.
4. A good diode will indicate approx. 700
ohms for the forward test and “1___” for
the reverse test.
5. A shorted diode will indicate the same
value of resistance in both the reverse
and forward test directions. An open
diode will indicate “1___” in both test
directions.
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Model EX310 - Version 7.1 – 05/2006
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Maintenance
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads from any source of voltage
before removing the back cover or the battery or fuse covers.
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate your meter until the battery and fuse
covers are in place and fastened securely.
This MultiMeter is designed to provide years of dependable service, if the following care
instructions are performed:
1. KEEP THE METER DRY. If it gets wet, wipe it off.
2. USE AND STORE THE METER IN NORMAL TEMPERATURES. Temperature
extremes can shorten the life of the electronic parts and distort or melt plastic parts.
3. HANDLE THE METER GENTLY AND CAREFULLY. Dropping it can damage the
electronic parts or the case.
4. KEEP THE METER CLEAN. Wipe the case occasionally with a damp cloth. DO
NOT use chemicals, cleaning solvents, or detergents.
5. USE ONLY FRESH BATTERIES OF THE RECOMMENDED SIZE AND TYPE.
Remove old or weak batteries so they do not leak and damage the unit.
6. IF THE METER IS TO BE STORED FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, the battery
should be removed to prevent damage to the unit.
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Model EX310 - Version 7.1 – 05/2006
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BATTERY INSTALLATION and LOW BATTERY INDICATION
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads from any source of voltage
before removing the battery cover. Do not operate meter unless the battery is in place.
LOW BATTERY INDICATION
The icon will appear in the lower left-hand corner of the display when the battery
voltage becomes low. Replace the batteries when this appears.
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
1. Disconnect the test leads from the meter.
2. Remove the protective rubber holster. See diagram.
3. Remove the Phillips head screw located on the lower back of the instrument.
4. Remove the fuse/battery compartment cover to access the battery. See diagram.
5. Replace the 9V battery observing polarity.
6. Secure the fuse/battery compartment cover using the Phillips head screw.
7. Place the protective rubber holster on the meter.
1.Removable Rubber Holster
2.Meter
3.Battery
4.Fuses
5.Compartment Cover
6.Rubber Holster
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