Extech Instruments PRC15 User manual

USER GUIDE
Current / Voltage Calibrator
Model PRC15

2PRC15-EU-EN-V1.2 01/13
Introduction
Thank you for selecting the Extech Model PRC15. This device is shipped fully tested and calibrated
and, with proper use, will provide years of reli able service. Please visit the Extech Instruments
website (www.extech.com
) to check for the latest version of this User Guide. E xtech Instruments is
an ISO-9001 certified company.
Safety
International Safety Symbols
This symbol, adj acent to another symbol or term inal, indicates the user must refer to the
manual for further information.
This symbol, adjacent to a terminal, indica tes that, under normal use, hazardous voltages
may be present
Double insulation
Safety Notes
Do not exceed the maximum allowable input range.
Turn the unit OFF when the device is not in use.
Remove the batteries if the device is to be stored for longer tha n 60 days.
Never dispose of batteries in a fire. Batteries may explode or leak.
Never mix battery types. Always install new batteries of the same type.
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.
Inspect the condition of the test leads and the meter itself for any damage before operating the
meter. Repair or replace any dam age before use.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specifi ed b y the manufacturer, the protecti on provided
by the equipment may be impaired.

3PRC15-EU-EN-V1.2 01/13
Meter Description
1. AC adaptor input jack
2. Display
3. Power ON/OFF
4. Source output adjustment arrow buttons
5. Set button
6. Unit button (mA or %)
7. I/O MODE button
8. MEM (memory STEP button)
9. Backlight/ZERO button
10. Test lead input jacks
Display Layout
1. SOURCE mode icon
2. ZERO function status icon
3. MEASURE mode icon
4. Auto Power OFF active icon
5. Battery status icon
6. Measure mode value
7. Measure mode units icon
8. Datalogger memory location
9. Source mode value
10. Source mode units icon

4PRC15-EU-EN-V1.2 01/13
Keypad Descriptions and Operation
POWER BUTTON and AUTO POWER OFF FEATURE
1. Use the POWER button to turn the unit ON or OFF . When the unit is powered up, a short
self-test will ensue after which the display will stabilize.
2. When the battery symbol flashes on the displa y, replace the battery as soon as possible.
Low battery power may cause inaccurate readings and erratic meter operation.
3. This instrument is equipped with Auto Power OFF which turns the meter off after 10 minutes
of inactivity. To override this feature; press and hol d the POWER button until the display
icon “ATP” turns off.
UNIT BUTTON
Press the UNIT button in the current function to select mA or %units or V or mV in the voltage
function. Voltage is autoranging in the MEASURE mode.
I/O BUTTON
Momentarily press the I/O button to select either SOUR CE (output) or MEASURE (input).
MODE BUTTON
In the MEASURE mode, Press and Hold the MODE (I/O) button for 1secondto select either the
current (mA/%) or voltage (mV/V) function. Release the button when the desired function appears.
(Backlight) BUTTON
Press the Backlight button to turn the backlight on or off.
ZERO ( ) BUTTON
In the MEASURE or SOURCE m ode, Press and Hold the ZERO ( ) button fo r 1 second to zero
the meter.
►◄▼and ▲BUTTONS
The arrow buttons are used to set the output value in the SOURCE mode.
1. Select the SOURCE mode
2. Press the ►or ◄button select a digit for adjustment. The blinking underline curser
identifies the digit selected.
3. Press the ▼or ▲button to adjust the value of the digit. Press and Hold the ▼or ▲button to
rapidly adjust the value.

5PRC15-EU-EN-V1.2 01/13
SET BUTTON
The SET button is used to manually step through the 5 stored outp ut values.
1. Select the SOURCE mode
2. Press the SET button and the value stored in me mory location 01 will be sourced. “MEM.01”
appears in the display.
3. Each press of the SET button will step t hrough the 5 memory locations.
4. The arrow buttons can be used to adjus t the value in each memory location.
STEP/MEM BUTTON
The STEP/MEM button is used to automatically step through the 5 stored outpu t values. The meter
can be set for a single cycle of the st ored values or a continuous cycle.
1. Select the SOURCE mode
2. Press and HOLD the STEP/MEM button. ”STEPSS” (single cycle) and “STEPSC ”
(continuous cycle) will alternately appear in the dis play. Release the button when th e
desired mode is displayed.
3. In single cycle mode t he meter will source the current or voltage displayed in MEM01 for 5
seconds. The meter will then advance to MEM 02 for 5 seconds. This will continue through
MEM
05 and then step down through the memory l ocations. The c ycle will end when MEM01
has been reached.
4. In the continuous mode the cycle will continue until manuall y stopped.
5. Momentarily press the MEM button to stop the c ycle. “END” will briefly appear in the display.
STORING VALUES INTO MEMORY
The default values stored in the memor y locations are:
Memory
Location
mA % mV V
M1
4.00mA 0.0% 0mV 0V
M2
8.00mA 25% 500mV 5V
M3
12.00mA

6PRC15-EU-EN-V1.2 01/13
Modes of Operation
MEASURE (Input) Mode of Operation
In this mode, the unit will measure up to 50mADC or 20VDC.
1. Turn the meter ON.
2. “MEASURE” will appear in the display.
3. Press and Hold the MODE button for 1 second to s elect mA or % or mV
4. Connect the Calibration Cable to the meter.
5. Connect the Calibration Cable to the device or circuit under test.
6. Read the measurement on the LCD display.
SOURCE (Output) Mode of Operation
In this mode, the unit can source current up to 24mADC at 1000 ohms or voltage up to 20.00V.
The current or voltage can be output either ma nually or stepped from memory as described
earlier.
1. Turn the meter ON
2. MEASURE” will appear in the display.
3. Press and Hold the MODE button for 1 second to select mA or % or mV
4. Momentarily press the “I/O” button to select SOURCE.
5. Press the UNIT button to select % / mA or mV / V.
6. Connect the Calibration Cable to the meter
7. Connect the Calibration Cable to the device or circuit under test
8. Use the
arrow buttons to set the desired output v alue in the lower display. The upper
display indicates the actual curren t or voltage value being sourced. If the upper display does
not match the set value, either the batteri es need to be replaced or the load impedance is
beyond the specified range.

7PRC15-EU-EN-V1.2 01/13
Tilt Stand / Hanger
The rear stand is provides two met hods for convenienc e in viewing.
1. Pull the bottom portion of the stand out to place the unit on a flat surface for viewing.
2. Pull the bottom and top portions of the stand out, a nd then rotate th e stand to allow the unit
to be hung.
Battery Replacement
When the battery icon appears on the display, the six AA batteries m ust be replaced.
The battery compartment is located on the rear of the meter.
1. Open the tilt stand, loosen the captive Philips head screw and remov e the battery cov er.
2. Remove and replace the ba tteries, observing polarity.
3. Replace and secure the batter y cover.
All EU users are legally bound by the Battery Ordinance to ret urn all used batteries to
community collection points or wherever batteries / accumulators are sold.
Disposal in household trash or refuse is prohibited.
Disposal: Follow the valid legal stipulations in res pect of the disposal of the device at the
end of its lifecycle
Battery Safety Reminders
Please dispose of batteries resp onsibly; always ob serve local, state, and federal regulations
with regard to battery disposal.
Never dispose of batteries in a fire. Batteries may explode or leak.
Never mix battery types or old and ne w batteri es. Always install new batteries of the same
type.

8
Specifications
General Specifications
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Maximum Load 1000 ohms @ 24mA
Meter Power 6 AA batteries or AC adaptor
Auto Power OFF Meter automatically powers off af ter 10 minutes of inactivity
Current output capability 24mADC at 1000 ohms
Voltage input impedance 10kohms minimum
Operating Temperature 5ºC to 40ºC (41ºF to 104ºF)
Storage Temperature -20ºC to 60ºC (- 4ºF to 140ºF)
Operating Humidity Max 80% u p to 31ºC (87ºF ) decreasing linearly to 50% at 40ºC
(104ºF)
Storage Humidity <80%
Operating Altitude 7000ft (2000meters) maximum
Dimensions 159 x 80 x 44 mm (6.3 x 3.2 x 1.7")
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Range Specifications
Mode Function Range (Resolution) Accuracy (% of reading)
Current 0 to 50mA (0.01mA)
Percent (%) -25% to +230% (0.1%)
0 to 1999mV (1mV)
DC
Measure
Voltage
(autorange)
2 to 20V (0.01V)
Current 0 to 24mA (0.01mA)
Percent (%) -25% to +125% (0.1%)
0 to 2000mV (1mV)
DC Source
Voltage
0 to 20V (0.01V)
± (0.01% + 1 digit)
Copyright ©2013 FLIR Systems, Inc.
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form
www.extech.com
more info for Extech PRC15
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Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.airconcern.co.uk
Air Concern Ltd, Building 173 Curie Avenue Harwell Didcot, Oxfordshire