Fluke 15B Use and care manual

®
15B & 17B
Digital Multimeters
Calibration Manual
PN 2061398
May 2003
© 2003 Fluke Corporation, All rights reserved. Printed in USA
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
This Fluke product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for one year
from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover fuses, disposable batteries, or
damage from accident, neglect, misuse, alteration, contamination, or abnormal conditions
of operation or handling. Resellers are not authorized to extend any other warranty on
Fluke’s behalf. To obtain service during the warranty period, return the unit to point of
purchase with a description of the problem.
THIS WARRANTY IS YOUR ONLY REMEDY. NO OTHER WARRANTIES, SUCH
AS FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.
FLUKE IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR
THEORY. Since some states or countries do not allow the exclusion or limitation of an
implied warranty or of incidental or consequential damages, this limitation of liability
may not apply to you.
Fluke Corporation
P.O. Box 9090
Everett, WA 98206-9090
U.S.A.

i
Table of Contents
Title Page
Introduction........................................................................................................ 1
Contact Information........................................................................................... 1
Safety Information............................................................................................. 2
General Specifications....................................................................................... 4
Accuracy Specifications .................................................................................... 5
Performance Tests ............................................................................................. 7
Preparing for the Performance Test............................................................... 7
Testing the Display........................................................................................ 8
Performance Test Procedures........................................................................ 8
Meter Adjustment.............................................................................................. 15
15B Adjustment............................................................................................. 16
17B Adjustment............................................................................................. 18
Maintenance....................................................................................................... 20
General Maintenance..................................................................................... 21
Testing the Fuses........................................................................................... 21
Replacing the Batteries and Fuses................................................................. 21
Customer Replaceable Parts.............................................................................. 22

15B & 17B
Calibration Manual
ii

iii
List of Tables
Table Title Page
1. International Electrical Symbols............................................................................ 3
2. Required Equipment............................................................................................... 7
3. 15B Performance Test............................................................................................ 9
4. 17B Performance Test............................................................................................ 11
5. 15B Adjustment ..................................................................................................... 16
6. 17B Adjustment ..................................................................................................... 18
7. Replacement Parts.................................................................................................. 22

15B & 17B
Calibration Manual
iv

v
List of Figures
Figure Title Page
1. Display ................................................................................................................... 8
2. Temperature Performance Test Connections......................................................... 14
3. 15B Adjustment Points .......................................................................................... 17
4. 17B Adjustment Points .......................................................................................... 19
5. Temperature Adjustment Connections................................................................... 20
6. Replacing the Batteries and Fuses ......................................................................... 22

15B & 17B
Calibration Manual
vi

1
15B & 17B
Digital Multimeter
Introduction
WXWarning
To avoid electric shock or injury:
•Do not perform the performance tests or adjustment
procedures described in this manual unless you are
qualified to do so.
•The information provided in this manual is for the use of
qualified personnel only.
•Read “Safety Information” before using this Meter.
The Fluke 15B and 17B Multimeters (hereafter referred to as “the Meter”) are battery
operated, 4,000 count instruments, with a digital display.
Except where noted, the descriptions and instructions in this manual apply to both models
of the Meter.
All illustrations show the 17B Multimeter, unless noted otherwise.
Contact Information
To contact Fluke, call:
[phone] ext 15 in China
1-888-993-5853 in USA and Canada
[phone] in Japan
[phone] in Singapore
[phone] anywhere in the world
For additional information about Fluke, its products, and services, visit Fluke’s web site
at: www.fluke.com .

15B & 17B
Calibration Manual
2
Safety Information
The Meters comply with IEC 1010-1 CAT I 1000 V, CAT II 600 V, and CAT III 300 V
overvoltage standards. Refer to “Specifications”for more information.
In this manual, a Warning identifies conditions and actions that pose hazards to the user.
A Caution identifies conditions and actions that may damage the Meter or the equipment
under test.
International symbols used on the Meter and in this manual are explained in Table 1.
WXWarning
To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, and to
avoid possible damage to the Meter or to the equipment under
test, comply with the following practices:
•Do not use the Meter in a manner not specified by this
manual or the safety features of the Meter may be impaired.
•Before using the Meter, inspect the case. Do not use the
Meter if it is damaged. Look for cracks or missing plastic.
Pay particular attention to the insulation around the
connectors.
•Inspect the test leads for damaged insulation or exposed
metal. Check the test leads for continuity. Replace damaged
test leads before using the Meter.
•Verify a Meter’s operation by measuring a known voltage.
Do not use the Meter if it operates abnormally. Protection
may be impaired. When in doubt, have the Meter serviced.
•Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on the
Meter, between the terminals or between any terminal and
earth ground.
•Use caution when working with voltages above 30 V ac rms,
42 V ac peak, or 60 V dc. These voltages pose a shock
hazard.
•Use the proper terminals, function, and range for all
measurements.
•Do not operate the Meter around explosive gas, vapor, or
dust.
•When using the probes, keep the fingers behind the finger
guards.
•When making connections, connect the common test lead
before connecting the live test lead; when disconnecting,
disconnect the live test lead before disconnecting the
common test lead.
•Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage
capacitors before testing resistance, continuity, diodes, or
capacitance.

Digital Multimeter
Safety Information
3
•For all dc functions, including manual or auto-ranging, to
avoid the risk of shock due to possible improper reading,
verify the presence of any ac voltages by first using the ac
function. Then select a dc voltage range equal to or greater
than the ac range.
•Before measuring current, check the Meter’s fuses (see
“Testing the Fuses”) and turn OFF power to the circuit
before connecting the Meter to the circuit.
•Do not operate the Meter with the case (or part of the case)
removed.
•Use only two AA batteries, properly installed in the Meter
case, to power the Meter.
•Replace the battery as soon as the battery indicator (B)
appears. With a low battery, the Meter might produce false
readings that can lead to electric shock and personal injury.
•Do not measure voltages above 600 V in Category II, or
300 V in Category III installations.
•When in REL mode the Ssymbol is displayed. Caution must
be used because hazardous voltage may be present.
•Remove test leads from the Meter before opening the Meter
case or battery door.
•When servicing the Meter, use only specified replacement
parts.
Table 1. International Electrical Symbols
BAC (Alternating Current) Earth Ground
FDC (Direct Current) Fuse
KAC or DC Double Insulated
Safety Information Shock Hazard
Battery Complies with EU directives

15B & 17B
Calibration Manual
4
General Specifications
Maximum Voltage between any
Terminal and Earth Ground: 1000 V
WFuse Protection for mA µA inputs: 500 mA, 1000 V FAST, Min. Interrupt Rating 20,000 A
WFuse Protection for A input: 10 A, 1000 V FAST, Min. Interrupt Rating 20,000 A
Display: Digital: 4000 count updates 3/sec
Temperature: Operating: 0 °C to 40 °C, Storage: -30 °C to 60 °C
indefinitely (to -40 °C for 100 hours)
Operating Altitude: 0 to 2000 meters
Temperature Coefficient: 0.1 X (specified accuracy)/ °C (<18 °C or >28 °C)
Electromagnetic Compatibility: Complies with FCC Part 15, Class B, IEC 61326, 3 V/m,
performance criterion B
Rated Transient Overvoltage: 4 kV (1.2 x 50 µs) Peak for measurement Categories I, II,
and III.
Relative Humidity: Noncondensing < 10 °C
90% from 10 °C to 30 °C; 75% from 30 °C to 40 °C
Relative Humidity, 40 MΩRange: 80% from 10 °C to 30 °C; 70% from 30 °C to 40 °C
Battery Type: 2 X AA, NEDA 15A, IEC LR6
Battery Life: Alkaline: 500 Hours
Size (H x W x L): 180 mm x 89 mm x 51.5 mm (with holster)
Weight: 425 grams
Certifications: CMC, P
Safety Compliance: IEC 61010-1, 2000 CAT I 1000 V, CAT II 600 V, and CAT III
300 V overvoltage standards
Overvoltage installation categories per IEC 61010-1, 2000: The Meter is designed to protect against
transients in these catagories:
CAT I: From high-voltage low-energy sources, e.g., electronic circuits or a copy machine.
CAT II: From equipment supplied from the fixed installation, e.g., Televisions, PCs, portable tools and
household appliances.
CAT III: From equipment in fixed equipment installations, e.g., installation panels, feeders and short
branch circuits, and lighting systems in large buildings.

Digital Multimeter
Accuracy Specifications
5
Accuracy Specifications
Accuracy is specified for 1 year after calibration, at operating temperatures of 18 °C to
28 °C, relative humidity at 0 % to 75 %.
Accuracy specifications take the form of: ±([% of Reading] + [Number of Least
Significant Digits])
Accuracy
Function Range Resolution Model 15B Model 17B
400.0 mV 10.1 mV 3.0 % + 3 3.0 % + 3
AC Volts (40 to 500 Hz)
v
4.000 V
40.00 V
400.0 V
1000 V
0.001 V
0.01 V
0.1 V
1 V
1.0 % + 3 1.0 % + 3
DC Millivolts
M
400.0 mV 0.1 mV 1.0 % + 10 1.0 % + 10
DC Volts
V
4.000 V
40.00 V
400.0 V
1000 V
0.001 V
0.01 V
0.1 V
1 V
0.5 % + 3 0.5 % + 3
Diode Test 21.000 V 0.001 V 10 %
Temperature 3
°C
(K-type thermocouple)
50 °C to 400 °C
0 °C to 50 °C
-55 °C to 0 °C
0.1 °CNA 2%+1°C
±2 °C
9 % + 2 °C
Resistance (Ohms) 400.0 Ω
4.000 kΩ
40.00 kΩ
400.0 kΩ
4.000 MΩ
40.00 MΩ
0.1 Ω
0.001 kΩ
0.01 kΩ
0.1 kΩ
0.001 MΩ
0.01 MΩ
0.5 % + 3
0.5 % + 2
0.5 % + 2
0.5 % + 2
0.5 % + 2
1.5 % + 3
0.5 % + 3
0.5 % + 2
0.5 % + 2
0.5 % + 2
0.5 % + 2
1.5 % + 3
Capacitance 4
c
50.00 nF
500.0 nF
5.000 µF
50.00 µF
100.0 µF
0.01 nF
0.1 nF
0.001 µF
0.01 µF
0.1 µF
2 % + 5
2 % + 5
5 % + 5
5 % + 5
5 % + 5
2 % + 5
2 % + 5
5 % + 5
5 % + 5
5 % + 5
Frequency
Hz
(10 Hz –100 kHz)
50.00 Hz
500.0 Hz
5.000 kHz
50.00 kHz
100.0 kHz
0.01 Hz
0.1 Hz
0.001 kHz
0.01 kHz
0.1 kHz
NA 0.1 % + 3
Duty Cycle 0.1 % to 99.9 % 0.1% NA 1% typical 5
1. Manual Range only
2. Diode test open circuit test voltage is 1.1 V to 1.6 V and short circuit current is < 0.6 mA (typical).
3. Temperature specifications do not include thermocouple errors. After inserting the thermocouple plug into the meter, allow several
minutes for thermal stabilization.
4. Specifications do not include errors due to test lead capacitance and capacitance floor (may be up to 1.5 nF in the 50 nF range).
For the 17B, errors can be reduced by using the relative feature.
5. For values between 10% and 90% duty cycle at 50 Hz.

15B & 17B
Calibration Manual
6
Accuracy
Function Range Resolution Model 15B Model 17B
AC Current (40 to 200 Hz)
g
400.0 µA
4000 µA0.1 µA 1 µA1.5 % + 3 1.5 % + 3
AC Current (40 to 200 Hz)
l
40.00 mA
400.0 mA 0.01 mA 0.1 mA 1.5 % + 3 1.5 % + 3
AC Current (40 to 200 Hz)
a
4.000 A6
10.00 A 0.01 A 0.01 A 1.5 % + 3 1.5 % + 3
DC Current
e
400.0 µA
4000 µA0.1 µA 1 µA1.5 % + 3 1.5 % + 3
DC Current
n
40.00 mA
400.0 mA 0.01 mA 0.1 mA 1.5 % + 3 1.5 % + 3
DC Current
b
4.000 A6
10.00 A 0.01 A 0.01 A 1.5 % + 3 1.5 % + 3
6. When in the 4A range, display will show 4000 counts, please ignore the last digit.
Function Overload
Protection
Input
Impedance
(Nominal)
Common Mode
Rejection Ratio
Normal
Mode
Rejection
AC Volts
v
1000 V >10 MΩ<100 pF >60 dB at dc,
50 or 60 Hz _
DC Volts
V
1000 V >10 MΩ<100 pF >100 dB at dc,
50 or 60 Hz >45 dB at 50 or 60 Hz
106V Hz Max

Digital Multimeter
Performance Tests
7
Performance Tests
WX Warning
To avoid electric shock, do not perform the performance test
procedures unless the Meter is fully assembled.
The following performance tests verify the complete operation of the Meter and check
the accuracy of each Meter function against its specifications. If the Meter fails any part
of the test, adjustment and/or repair is indicated.
In the performance tests, the Meter is referred to as the unit under test (UUT).
Table 2 lists the necessary equipment for the performance tests.
Table 2. Required Equipment
Equipment Recommended Model
AC Calibrator Fluke 5520A
Digital Thermometer Fluke 50S with 80Pk-3A Surface Probe
Thermocouple Adapter 80AK K-Type Thermocouple Adapter
3 Volt Lab Power Supply -
Thermocouple K-Type with male mini connectors at each end.
Preparing for the Performance Test
WX Warning
To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury:
•Do not perform the following procedures unless qualified to
do so. Some procedures involve the use of high voltages.
•Before handling the test connections and in between tests,
make sure the calibrator is in standby mode (STBY).
To prepare for the performance test:
1. Make sure to use the required equipment, see Table 2.
2. Warm up the calibrator as required by its specifications.
3. Allow the temperature of the Meter to stabilize at room temperature
(23 °C ±5 °C [73 °F ±9 °F] ).

15B & 17B
Calibration Manual
8
Testing the Display
Turn the UUT on and off several times and observe the display. Make sure that all of the
display segments and icons show up as in the Figure 1.
27
6
8
9
10
14
1
345
11
12
13
apg2f.eps
Icon Number Description
ARelative mode is active
BContinuity selected
CDisplay Hold is enabled
DTemperature is selected
EDuty Cycle is selected
FDiode test is selected
GF–Farads for capacitance
HA, V –amps or volts
IDC, AC –dc or ac voltage or current
JHz - Frequency is selected
KO- Ohms is selected
Lm, M, k –decimal prefix
MAuto range selected
NBattery is low and should be changed
Figure 1. Display
Performance Test Procedures
To test each of the Meter’s functions and operating ranges, do the following:
1. Referring to the performance test tables (Tables 3 and 4), set the Meter to the desired
function and range for each test.
2. Connect the source to the appropriate UUT’s input jacks.
3. Apply the indicated output from the source.
4. The reading on the UUT display should be within the low and high limits shown in
Table 3 or 4.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 for each function and range in the performance test tables.
If the UUT fails to perform within the low-high range indicated for each test in Table 3 or
Table 4, adjust the Meter and go through the performance test procedure again. If the
UUT still fails to perform within the ranges indicated, then repair is necessary. Refer to
“Contacting Fluke”to locate a service center.

Digital Multimeter
Performance Tests
9
Table 3. 15B Performance Test
Step Test
Function Switch Position Push Button 5520A
Output UUT Reading Limits
1 3.5 V 50 Hz 3.462 to 3.538 V ac
2 35 V 500 Hz 34.62 to 35.38 V ac
3
N/A
350 V 50 Hz 346.2 to 353.8 V ac
4R
5 1000 V 50 Hz Auto Range
icon OFF
OL.
6R987 to 1013 V ac
7
Volts AC v
R0.35 V 60 Hz 339.2 to 360.8 mV ac
Set 5520A to Standby
8 3.5 V dc 3.480 to 3.520 V dc
9 35 V dc 34.80 to 35.20 V dc
10 350 V dc 348.0 to 352.0 V dc
11
Volts DC N/A
-1000 V dc -992 to -1008 V dc
Set 5520A to Standby
12 mV dc MN/A 0.35 V dc 345.5 to 354.5 mV dc
13 350 Ω347.9 to 352.1 Ω
14 3.5 kΩ3.480 to 3.520 kΩ
15 35 kΩ34.80 to 35.20 kΩ
16 0.35 MΩ348.0 to 352.0 MΩ
17 3.5 MΩ3.480 to 3.520 MΩ
18
Ohms FN/A
35 MΩ34.45 to 35.55 MΩ
19 Diode FC
(once) 0.7 V dc Dicon ON 0.630 to 0.770 V dc
20 Continuity FC
(press again) 40 ΩEIcon ON Beeper ON
21 - - - 800 ΩBeeper OFF

15B & 17B
Calibration Manual
10
Table 3. 15B Performance Test (cont.)
Step Test
Function Switch Position Push Button 5520A
Output UUT Reading Limits
For the 15B Capacitance Test, subtract the test lead capacitance from the UUT reading to get
measurement result.
22 48 nF 46.99 to 49.01 nF
23 0.48 µF 469.9 to 490.1 µF
24
Capacitance N/A
4.8 µF 4.555 to 5.045 µF
For step 25, wait 15 seconds for the reading to settle.
25 - - - 48 µF 45.55 to 50.45 µF
For step 26, wait 15 seconds for reading to settle.
26 - - - 95 µF 89.7 to 100.3 µF
27 Amps dc A- 3.8 A dc 3.713 to 3.887 A dc
28 - - - -10 A dc -9.82 to -10.18 A dc
29 Amps ac - C 3.8 A 50 Hz 3.713 to 3.887 A ac
30 - - - 10 A, 50 Hz 9.82 to 10.18 A ac
31 mA dc m- 38 mA dc 37.40 to 38.60 mA dc
32 - - - 0.38 A dc 374.0 to 386.0 mA dc
33 mA ac - C 0.38 A 50 Hz 374.0 to 386.0 mA ac
34 - - - 38 mA 200 Hz 37.40 to 38.60 mA ac
35 µA dc N- 3.8 mA dc 3740 to 3860 µA dc
36 - - - 0.38 mA dc 374.0 to 386.0 µA dc
37 µA ac - C 0.38 mA, 40 Hz 374.0 to 386.0 µA ac
38 - - - 3.8 mA, 200 Hz 3740 to 3860 µA ac
The Fluke 15B Performance Test is now complete.

Digital Multimeter
Performance Tests
11
Table 4. 17B Performance Test
Step Test
Function UUT Switch Setting UUT Push Button 5520A Output UUT Display limits
1 3.5 V 50 Hz 3.462 to 3.538 V ac
2 35 V 500 Hz 34.62 to 35.38 V ac
3
N/A
350 V 50 Hz 346.2 to 353.8 V ac
4R
5 1000 V 50 Hz Auto Range icon
OFF
OL.
6R987 to 1013 V ac
7R0.35 V 50 Hz 339.2 to 360.8 mV ac
8I1 V 50Hz 49.92 to 50.08 Hz
9 - 1 V 500 Hz 499.2 to 500.8 Hz
10 - 1 V 5 kHz 4.992 to 5.008 Hz
11 - 2 V 50 kHz 49.92 to 50.08 Hz
12 - 3 V 100kHz 99.6 to 100.4 Hz
13
Volts AC v
I3 V 500 Hz 49.0 to 51.0 %
Set 5520 to Standby.

15B & 17B
Calibration Manual
12
Table 4. 17B Performance Test (cont.)
Step Test
Function UUT Switch Setting UUT Push Button 5520A Output UUT Display limits
14 3.5 V dc 3.480 to 3.520 V dc
15 35 V dc 34.80 to 35.20 V dc
16 350 V dc 348.0 to 352.0 V dc
17
N/A
1000 V dc 992 to 1008 V dc
18
Volts DC V
r
19 STANDBY ticon ON
-992 to -1008 V dc
20 mV dc M0.35 V dc 345.5 to 354.5 mV dc
21 350 Ω347.9 to 352.1 Ω
22 3.5 kΩ3.480 to 3.520 kΩ
23 35 kΩ34.80 to 35.20 kΩ
24 350 kΩ348.0 to 352.0 kΩ
25 3.5 MΩ3.480 to 3.520 MΩ
26
Ohms
N/A
35 MΩ34.45 to 35.55 MΩ
27 Diode C
(once) 0.7 V dc Dicon ON 0.630 to 0.770 V
28 C
(press again) 40 ΩEIcon ON Beeper On
29
Continuity
F
- 800 ΩBeeper OFF
For step 30, disconnect test leads from the calibrator first, then push rwhen the reading settles.
This ‘rels out’test lead and meter capacitances.
30 rSTANDBY ticon ON
0.00 to 0.02 nF
31 - 48 nF ticon ON
46.99 to 49.01 nF
32 - 0.48 µFticon ON
469.9 to 490.1 µF
33
Capacitance c
-4.8µFticon ON
4.555 to 5.045 nF
For step 34, wait 15 seconds for reading to settle.
34 Capacitance c- 48 µFticon ON
45.55 to 50.45 µF