Extech Instruments MN16A User manual

User's Guide
Autoranging Mini Multimeter
Model MN16A

MN16A V1.4 03/12
2
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech MN16A Autoranging Multimeter. This meter measures
AC/DC Voltage, AC/DC Current, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency, Diode Test, and Continuity plus
Thermocouple Temperature. It features a rugged design for heavy duty use This meter is shipped fully
tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide 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 (in this case) 600 VAC or VDC.
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.
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
MAX
600V

MN16A V1.4 03/12
3
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.
•Warning! This is a class A equipment. This equipment can cause interferences in the living
quarters; in this case the operator can be required to carry out adequate measures.
•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
•In case the device is going to be unused for an extended period of time, remove the batteries
to prevent them from training
•Expired or damaged batteries can cause cauterization on contact with the skin. Always,
therefore, use suitable hand gloves in such cases
•See that the batteries are not short-circuited. Do not throw batteries into the fire.

MN16A V1.4 03/12
4
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 the specified maximum:
Input Protection Limits
Function Maximum Input
V DC or V AC 600VDC/AC
mA AC/DC 400mA AC/DC
A AC/DC 10A AC/DC (20A for 30 sec max every 15 min)
Frequency, Resistance, Capacitance,
Diode Test, Continuity, Temperature 250VDC/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 the power and disconnect the test leads before opening the covers to replace
the fuse or batteries.
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.

MN16A V1.4 03/12
5
Controls and Jacks
1. 4,000 count LCD display
2. MODE button
3. HOLD button
4. Function switch
5. COM input jack
6. 10A input jack
7. V, Ω, CAP, Temp, Hz, μA and mA input jack
8. REL button
9. RANGE button
10. Battery compartment (rear)
Symbols and Annunciators
•))) Continuity
Diode test
Low Battery
n nano (10-9) (capacitance)
µ micro (10-6) (amps)
m milli (10-3) (volts, amps)
A Amps
k kilo (103) (ohms)
F Farads (capacitance)
M mega (106) (ohms)
Ω Ohms
Hz Hertz (frequency) V Volts
% Percent (duty ratio) REL Relative
AC Alternating current AUTO Autoranging
DC Direct current HOLD Display hold
ºF Degrees Fahrenheit ºC Degrees Centigrade

MN16A V1.4 03/12
6
Operating Instructions
WARNING: Risk of electrocution. High-voltage circuits, both AC and DC, are very dangerous and
should be measured with great care.
1. ALWAYS turn the function switch to the OFF position when the meter is not in use.
2. If “OL” appears in the display during a measurement, the value exceeds the range you have
selected. Change to a higher range.
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 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.
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 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.
Touch the red test probe tip to the “hot” side of the circuit.
4. Read the voltage in the display.

MN16A V1.4 03/12
7
DC CURRENT MEASUREMENTS
CAUTION: Do not make 20A current measurements 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 4000µA DC;
Set the function switch to the µA position and insert the red test lead banana
plug into the µA jack.
3. For current measurements up to 400mA DC;
Set the function switch to the mA position and insert the red test lead banana
plug into the mA jack.
4. For current measurements up to 10A DC;
Set the function switch to the 10A position and insert the red test lead banana
plug into the 10A jack.
5. Press the MODE button to indicate “DC” on the display.
6. Remove power from the circuit under test, then open the circuit at the point
where you wish to measure current.
7. 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.
8. Apply power to the circuit.
9. Read the current in the display.
AC CURRENT MEASUREMENTS
CAUTION: Do not make 20A current measurements 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 4000µA AC;
Set the function switch to the µA position and insert the red test lead banana
plug into the µA jack.
3. For current measurements up to 400mA AC;
Set the function switch to the mA position and insert the red test lead banana
plug into the mA jack.
4. For current measurements up to 10A AC;
Set the function switch to the 10A position and insert the red test lead banana
plug into the 10A jack.
5. Press the MODE button to indicate “AC” on the display.
6. Remove power from the circuit under test, then open the circuit at the point
where you wish to measure current.
7. 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.
8. Apply power to the circuit.
9. Read the current in the display.

MN16A V1.4 03/12
8
RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect power to the unit under test and discharge all
capacitors before taking any resistance measurements. Remove the batteries and unplug the line
cords.
1. Set the function switch to the Ωposition.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive Ωjack.
3. Press the MODE button to indicate “Ω" on the display.
4. Touch the test probe tips across the circuit or part under test.
5. Read the resistance in the display.
CONTINUITY CHECK
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, never measure continuity on circuits or wires that have
voltage on them.
1. Set the function switch to the position.
2. Insert the black lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive Ωjack.
3. Press the MODE button to indicate” "and “Ω”on the display
4. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit or wire you wish to check.
5. If the resistance is less than approximately 150Ω, the audible signal will
sound. If the circuit is open, the display will indicate “OL”.
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 Vjack.
3. Press the MODE button to indicate and Von the display.
4. Touch the test probes to the diode under test. Forward voltage will typically
indicate 0.400 to 0.700V. Reverse voltage will indicate “OL”. Shorted devices
will indicate near 0V and an open device will indicate “OL” in both polarities.

MN16A V1.4 03/12
9
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS
1. Set the function switch to the ºF or ºC position.
2. Insert the Temperature Probe into the input jacks, making sure to observe the
correct polarity.
3. Touch the Temperature Probe head to the part whose temperature you wish to
measure. Keep the probe touching the part under test until the reading
stabilizes (about 30 seconds).
4. Read the temperature in the display.
Note: The temperature probe is fitted with a type K mini connector. A mini connector to
banana connector adaptor is supplied for connection to the input banana jacks.
CAPACITANCE MEASUREMENTS
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect power to the unit under test and discharge all
capacitors before taking any capacitance measurements. Remove the batteries and unplug the
line cords.
1. Set the rotary 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 CAP jack.
3. Press the MODE button to indicate “nF” on the display.
4. Touch the test leads to the capacitor to be tested.
5. Read the capacitance value in the display
FREQUENCY/DUTY CYCLE MEASUREMENTS
1. Set the rotary function switch to the “Hz %” position.
2. Press the MODE button to indicate “Hz” in the display.
3. Insert the black lead banana plug into the negative COM jack
Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive Hz jack.
4. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit under test.
5. Read the frequency on the display.
6. Press the MODE button again to indicate “%” on the display.
7. Read the duty cycle on the display.

MN16A V1.4 03/12
10
AUTORANGING/MANUAL RANGE SELECTION
When the meter is first turned on, it automatically goes into Autoranging. 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. The “Auto” display indicator 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.
Note: Manual ranging does not apply for the Capacitance and Frequency functions.
RELATIVE MODE
The relative measurement feature allows you to make measurements relative to a stored zero
reference value. A reference voltage, current, etc. can be stored and measurements made in
comparison to that value. The displayed value is the difference between the reference value and the
measured value.
1. Perform the measurement as described in the operating instructions.
2. Press the REL button to store (zero) the reading in the display. The "REL" indicator will appear
on the display.
3. The display will now indicate the difference between the stored value and the measured value.
4. Press the REL button to exit the relative mode.
Note: The Relative function does not operate in the Frequency function.
HOLD
The hold function freezes the reading in the display. Press the HOLD key momentarily to activate or
to exit the HOLD function.
AUTO POWER OFF
The auto off feature will turn the meter off after 30 minutes.
LOW BATTERY INDICATION
The icon will appear in the display when the battery voltage becomes low. Replace the battery
when this appears.

MN16A V1.4 03/12
11
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 batteries should be
removed to prevent damage to the unit.
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
1. Disconnect the test leads from the meter.
2. Remove the 2 Phillips head screws located on the back of the instrument and remove the
battery cover.
3. Replace the 2 AAA batteries.
4. Secure the fuse/battery compartment cover.
5. Dispose of the old battery as required by local regulations.
FUSE REPLACEMENT
1. Disconnect the test leads from the meter.
2. Remove the 2 Phillips head screws located on the back of the instrument and remove the
battery cover.
3. Gently remove the fuse(s) and install the new fuse(s) into the holder(s).
4. Always use fuses of the proper size and value (500mA/250V ceramic fast blow for the mA / µA
ranges, 10A/250Vceramic fast blow for the A range).
5. Secure the fuse/battery compartment cover.
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate your meter until the fuse cover is in place and
fastened securely.

MN16A V1.4 03/12
12
Specifications
Function Range Resolution Accuracy
4V 0.001V
40V 0.01V
400V 0.1V
±(1.2% reading + 2 digits)
DC Voltage
(V DC)
600V 1V ±(1.5% reading + 2 digits)
400mV* 0.1mV ±(1.5% reading + 15 digits)
4V 0.001V
±(1.2% reading + 3 digits)
40V 0.01V
400V 0.1V ±(1.5% reading + 3 digits)
600V 1V ±(2.0% reading + 4 digits
AC Voltage
(V AC)
(50 / 60Hz)
*400mV range is not autoranging
400μA 0.1μA ±(1.0% reading + 3 digits)
4000μA 1μA
40mA 0.01mA
400mA 0.1mA
±(1.5% reading + 3 digits)
DC Current
(A DC)
10A 0.01A ±(2.5% reading + 5 digits)
400μA 0.1μA ±(1.5% reading + 5 digits)
4000μA 1μA
40mA 0.01mA
400mA 0.1mA
±(1.8% reading + 5 digits)
AC Current
(A AC)
10A 0.01A ±(3.0% reading + 7 digits)
400Ω0.1Ω±(1.2% reading + 4 digits)
4kΩ1Ω±(1.0% reading + 2 digits)
40kΩ0.01kΩ
400kΩ0.1kΩ
4MΩ0.001MΩ
±(1.2% reading + 2 digits)
Resistance
40MΩ0.01MΩ±(2.0% reading + 3 digits)
40nF 0.01nF ±(5.0% reading + 30 digits)
400nF 0.1nF
4μF 0.001μF
40μF 0.01μF
±(3.0% reading + 5 digits)
Capacitance
100μF 0.1μF ±(5.0% reading + 5 digits)
0.1 to 99.9% 0.1% ±(1.2% reading + 2 digits)
Duty Cycle
pulse width range: 100µs - 100ms (Frequency: 5Hz to 150kHz)
-4 to 1400°F 1°F
Temp (type-K)
-20 to 750°C 1°C
±(3.0% reading + 9°F/5°C)
(probe accuracy not included)

MN16A V1.4 03/12
13
Function Range Resolution Accuracy
5.000Hz 0.001Hz
50.00Hz 0.01Hz ±(1.5% reading + 5 digits)
500.0Hz 0.1Hz
5.000kHz 0.001kHz
50.00kHz 0.01kHz
500.0kHz 0.1kHz
±(1.2% reading + 3 digits)
5.000MHz 0.001MHz ±(1.5% reading + 4 digits)
Frequency
Sensitivity: >0.5V rms min. [1MHz; >3V rms > 1MHz
NOTE:
Accuracy is stated at 65oF to 83oF (18oC to 28oC) and less than 75% RH.
Diode Test Test current of 0.3mA typical, open circuit voltage 1.5V DC typical
Continuity Check Audible signal will sound if the resistance is less than 150Ω(approx.), test
current <0.3mA
Temperature Sensor Requires type K thermocouple
Input Impedance 7.8MΩ
AC Response Average responding
ACV Bandwidth 50Hz to 400Hz
Display 4,000 count liquid crystal
Overrange indication “OL” is displayed
Auto Power Off 30 minutes (approximately)
Polarity Automatic (no indication for positive); Minus (-) sign for negative
Measurement Rate 2 times per second, nominal
Low Battery Indication “ ”is displayed if battery voltage drops below operating voltage
Battery Two AAA batteries
Fuses mA, µA ranges; 0.5A/250V ceramic fast blow
A range; 10A/250V ceramic fast blow
Operating Temperature 41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C)
Storage Temperature -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)
Operating Humidity Max 80% up to 87°F (31°C) decreasing linearly to 50% at 104°F (40°C)
Storage Humidity <80%
Operating Altitude 7000ft. (2000meters) maximum.
Weight 0.5lb (225g) (includes holster).
Size 5.31” x 2.67” x 1.7” (135 x 68 x 43mm)
Safety This meter is intended for indoor use and protected, against the users, by
double insulation per EN61010-1 and IEC61010-1 2nd Edition (2001) to
CAT III 600V; Pollution Degree 2. The meter also meets UL 61010-1,
Second Edition (2004), CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1, Second Edition
(2004), and UL 61010B-2-031, First Edition (2003)
Approvals CE, ETL

MN16A V1.4 03/12
14
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
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.