Greenlee DM-500 User manual

999 3258.0 © 2000 Greenlee Textron IM 1402 REV 1 6/00
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES
MANUEL D’INSTRUCTIONS
Read and understand all of the instructions and safety
information in this manual before operating or servicing this tool.
Lea y entienda todas las instrucciones y la información sobre
seguridad que aparecen en este manual, antes de manejar estas
herramientas o darles mantenimiento.
Lire attentivement et bien comprendre toutes les instructions et
les informations sur la sécurité de ce manuel avant d’utiliser ou de
procéder à l’entretien de cet outil.
DM-500 • DM-510
DIGITAL
MULTIMETERS
MULTÍMETROS
DIGITALES
MULTIMETRES
NUMERIQUES

2
Description
The Greenlee DM-500 and DM-510 Digital Multimeters are hand-held testing devices with the
following measurement capabilities: AC and DC voltage, AC and DC current, temperature
(K-type thermocouples only), frequency, resistance and capacitance. They also check diodes
and verify continuity.
Specialized functions and capabilities include:
• Harmonics function, for detecting the presence of disruptive harmonics
• Industrial Process Control Loop Current function, which allows checking the output from a
standard 4 mA to 20 mA control loop
• Recording function, which stores the maximum, minimum, difference
(maximum–minimum) and average input
• Bar graph display, which responds more quickly than the numeric display — useful for
detecting faulty contacts, potentiometer clicks and signal spikes
• T1-T2 function, for taking two temperature measurements at the same time, which allows
comparing two different temperatures
Safety
Safety is essential in the use and maintenance of Greenlee tools and equipment. This
instruction manual and any markings on the tool provide information for avoiding hazards and
unsafe practices related to the use of this tool. Observe all of the safety information provided.
Purpose
This instruction manual is intended to familiarize all personnel with the safe operation and
maintenance procedures for Greenlee DM-500 and DM-510 Digital Multimeters.
Keep this manual available to all personnel.
Replacement manuals are available upon request at no charge.
and are registered trademarks of Greenlee Textron.
KEEP THIS MANUAL

DM-500 • DM-510
3
Important Safety Information
This symbol is used to call your attention to hazards or unsafe practices which could
result in an injury or property damage. The signal word, defined below, indicates the
severity of the hazard. The message after the signal word provides information for
preventing or avoiding the hazard.
SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL
Immediate hazards which, if not avoided, WILL result in severe injury or death.
Hazards which, if not avoided, COULD result in severe injury or death.
Hazards or unsafe practices which, if not avoided, MAY result in injury or property
damage.
Read and understand this material before operating or servicing
this equipment. Failure to understand how to safely operate this
tool can result in an accident causing serious injury or death.
Electric shock hazard:
Contact with live circuits can result in severe injury or death.

4
Important Safety Information
Electric shock hazard:
• Do not use the unit if it is wet or damaged.
• Use test leads or accessories that are appropriate for the application. See the
category and voltage rating of the test lead or accessory.
• Inspect the test leads or accessory before use. The item(s) must be clean and dry,
and the insulation must be in good condition.
Failure to observe these warnings can result in severe injury or death.
Electric shock hazard:
• Do not apply more than the rated voltage between any two input terminals, or
between any input terminal and earth ground.
• Do not contact the test lead tips or any uninsulated portion of the accessory.
Failure to observe these warnings can result in severe injury or death.
• Do not operate with the case open.
• Before opening the case, remove the test leads from the circuit and shut off the unit.
Failure to observe these warnings can result in severe injury or death.
Electric shock and fire hazard:
• Do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.
• Use this unit for the manufacturer’s intended purpose only, as described in this
manual. Any other use can impair the protection provided by the unit.
Failure to observe these warnings can result in severe injury or death.

DM-500 • DM-510
5
Important Safety Information
Do not change the measurement function while the test leads are connected to a
component or circuit.
Failure to observe this precaution can result in injury and can damage the unit.
• Do not attempt to repair this unit. It contains no user-serviceable parts.
• Do not expose the unit to extremes in temperature or high humidity.
See Specifications.
Failure to observe these precautions can result in injury and can damage the unit.
Unless measuring voltage, current or frequency, shut off and lock out power. Make
sure that all capacitors are discharged. Voltage must not be present.
The fuse is an integral part of the overvoltage protection. When fuse replacement is
necessary, see Specifications for the correct type, size and capacity. Using any other
type of fuse will void the overvoltage protection rating of the unit.
Failure to observe this warning can result in severe injury or death.
Set the selector and connect the test leads so that they correspond to the intended
measurement. Incorrect settings or connections can result in a blown fuse.
Using this unit near equipment that generates electromagnetic interference can result
in unstable or inaccurate readings.

6
Identification
1. Display 4-digit LCD (maximum reading is 9999) and bar graph
2. Hold Press momentarily to hold the present value on the display;
Rec press and hold to begin recording
3. Rel ∆Press momentarily for Relative Zero function; press and hold to
%4-20mA activate the Industrial Process Control Loop Current function
4. Selector Selects a function or turns power OFF
5. +Positive input terminal for all measurements except current and T2
6. COM Negative, common or ground input terminal for all measurements except T2
7. µA mA Positive input terminal for low current measurements and T2
8. Positive input terminal for high current measurements and T2
9. Range Selects automatic or manual ranging;
T1-T2 selects T1, T2 or T1-T2 when measuring temperature
10. Select Press momentarily to select the secondary functions;
press and hold to select amps when measuring current
10
9
8
7
3
2
1
4
5
6

DM-500 • DM-510
7
Display Icons
11. Low Battery
12. k Kilo (103)
13. M Mega (106)
14. ΩOhms
15. Hz Hertz (frequency or
cycles per second)
16. µMicro (10-6)
17. m Milli (10-3)
18. F Farads
19. V Volts
20. A Amps
21. Diode
22. Continuity
23. % Percent
24. ∆Relative Zero function
is enabled.
25. OL Overload (numeric display)
Overload (bar graph display)
26. Bar Graph Element
27. ±Polarity for Bar Graph
28. AVG Recorded value is displayed.
MAX-MIN
29. Record mode is enabled.
30. – Polarity Indicator
31. Auto Power Off is enabled.
The meter will shut itself off after
approximately 17 minutes of
inactivity; this feature is disabled
when using the Record mode.
32. DC measurement is selected.
33. AC measurement is selected.
34. Automatic Ranging is enabled.
35. Hold function is enabled.
26
25
34–35
31–33
30
29
28
27
11
16–20
21–24
12–15

8
Using the Features
Button Press momentarily to: Press and hold Notes:
for 1 second to:
• select AC or DC when select amps when
Select measuring current or measuring current
voltage
• select Celsius or
Fahrenheit when
measuring temperature
• select secondary functions
T1-T2 • change from autoranging change from manual T1-T2: Requires
Range to manual ranging ranging to autoranging K-type temperature
• select ranges when using probe(s), purchased
the manual ranging mode separately.
• select a temperature Range: When using
measuring mode the Recording, Hold
(T1, T2 or T1-T2) or Relative ∆mode,
• select trigger levels when pressing Range will
measuring frequency cause the meter to
exit that mode.
%4-20mA enter or exit the Relative display current as a A display of 0% to
Rel∆Zero mode. percentage of the standard 100% corresponds to
See Operation for 4 mA to 20 mA range used an input of 4 mA to
instructions on the in Industrial Process 20 mA.
Relative Zero function. Control
Rec select the Hold function, enable the Record function. When using the
Hold which holds the present The meter will begin to Record function,
value on the display. record the input, and will press momentarily to
Press again to return beep whenever the minimum view the maximum,
to normal mode. or maximum is updated. minimum, difference
The Automatic Power Off (MAX-MIN) and the
feature is disabled when average. Press and
using this function. hold to stop
recording.

DM-500 • DM-510
9
AC Measurement
AC measurements are usually displayed as RMS (root mean squared) values. Two methods of
AC measurement are average-responding RMS calibrated and true RMS-reading.
The average-responding RMS calibrated method takes the average value of the input signal,
multiplies it by 1.11, and displays the result. This method is accurate if the input signal is a
pure sine wave. The Greenlee DM-500 is an average-responding meter.
The true RMS-reading method uses internal circuitry to read the true RMS value. This method
is accurate, within the specified crest factor limitations, whether the input signal is a pure sine
wave, a square wave, sawtooth wave, half wave or signal with harmonics. The ability to read
true RMS provides much more measurement versatility. The DM-510 is a true RMS meter.
The Waveforms and Crest Factors table shows some typical AC signals and their RMS values.
Waveforms and Crest Factors
*The crest factor is the ratio of the peak value to the RMS value; it is represented by the
Greek letter ξ.
Waveform
RMS Value
Average Value
Crest Factor*
(ξ)
100 100 100 100
90 100 87 64
1.414 1 1.73 2

10
Harmonics Function (DM-510 only)
Harmonics are unwanted AC voltages or currents at frequencies that are multiples of the
standard frequency. Usually caused by devices with non-linear load (solid state lighting
ballasts, solenoids, etc.), harmonics can cause voltage disturbances in high-impedance
systems. These voltage harmonics will then affect other devices in the same voltage
distribution system. Harmonics can cause:
• transformers, generators and motors to overheat and burn out
• circuit breakers to trip
• fuses to blow
• neutral lines to overheat
• bus bar and circuit breaker panel vibration
The harmonics function provides a cost-effective method of detecting harmonics. The display
will show a percentage (0% to 100%) that indicates the amount of deviation from a standard
sinewave. A reading of 0% indicates a pure sinewave.
Harmonics Table
Input Waveform Description HAR Value
No distortion, pure Sinusoidal, 0%
y = 100sin(ωt)
Fundamental with 10% 3rd harmonics, 4%
y = 100sin(ωt) + 10sin(3ωt+π)
Fundamental with 20% 3rd harmonics, 8%
y = 100sin(ωt) + 20sin(3ωt+π)
Fundamental with 30% 3rd harmonics, 13%
y = 100sin(ωt) + 30sin(3ωt+π)
Fundamental with 40% 3rd harmonics, 17%
y = 100sin(ωt) + 40sin(3ωt+π)
Fundamental with 50% 3rd harmonics, 19%
y = 100sin(ωt) + 50sin(3ωt+π)

DM-500 • DM-510
11
Operation
Electric shock hazard:
Contact with live circuits can result in severe injury or death.
1. See the Settings Table. Set the selector to the proper setting, press Select (when
instructed to do so), and connect the test leads to the meter.
2. See Typical Measurements for specific measurement instructions.
3. Test the unit on a known functioning circuit or component.
• If the unit does not function as expected on a known functioning circuit, replace the
battery and/or fuses.
• If the unit still does not function as expected, send the unit to Greenlee for repair.
4. Take the reading from the circuit or component to be tested.
Note: To Use the Relative Zero Function — While taking a measurement, press Rel ∆ to set
the display to zero. The ∆ icon will appear on the display. Take the second measurement. The
value on the display will be the difference between the two measurements.

12
set the selector this icon will connect and connect
To measure this … to this symbol … appear on the red the black
the display … lead to … lead to …
Capacitance* F + COM
and press Select
Continuity** Ω+ COM
and press Select
mA
Current (10A max) then press and A COM
hold Select
Current mA mA µA mA COM
(100 mA max)
Current (100 µA max) µAµAµA mA COM
Diode + COM
V
Frequency Hz HAR Hz + COM
and press Select twice
Harmonics V
(DM-510 only) Hz
HAR H. and % + COM
and press Select 3 times
Industrial Process mA %µA mA COM
Control Loop Current and press %4-20mA
Resistance Ω+ COM
Ω
Temperature (T1) °F °CF or C T1+ –T1
Second Temperature °F °CF or C T2+ –T2
(T2)***
V
Voltage Hz HAR V + COM
and press Select
Settings Table
* Discharge capacitor before measurement. Discharge a large capacitor through an
appropriate resistive load.
** Tone indicates continuity. The threshold is between 10 Ωand 200 Ω.
*** Press T1-T2 to cycle through T1, T2, and the difference (t1, t2, and t1-t2 will appear on
the display).

DM-500 • DM-510
13
Typical Measurements
Current Measurement
Voltage Measurement
R

14
Resistance Measurement
Continuity Check
Typical Measurements
+

DM-500 • DM-510
15
Typical Measurements
Capacitance Measurement
Diode Measurement
R
Forward Bias
Reverse Bias

16
Changing the Default Settings
Line Filter Frequency — 50 Hz or 60 Hz
The meter has a built-in line filter to reject unwanted noise. Setting the filter to the appropriate
frequency will maximize the meter’s accuracy.
1. With the meter off, press and hold Select.
2. Turn the selector to Hz. Release Select.
3. Press:
• Range for the 50 Hz line filter.
• Rel ∆for the 60 Hz line filter.
4. Press Hold to store the selection as the default setting.
Temperature Scale — Fahrenheit or Celsius
1. With the meter off, press and hold Rel ∆.
2. Turn the selector to °F °C. Release Rel ∆.
3. Press:
• Range for Celsius.
• Rel ∆for Fahrenheit.
4. Press Hold to store the selection as the default setting.

DM-500 • DM-510
17
*10A continuous; 20A maximum (Duty Cycle: 30 seconds on, 5 minutes off)
DC Current
DM-500 Accuracy
See the Specifications section for operating conditions and temperature coefficient.
Accuracy is specified as follows: ±(a percentage of the reading + a fixed amount)
at 23 °C ±5 °C (73.4 °F ±9 °F), 0% to 75% relative humidity.
AC Current
*10A continuous; 20A maximum (Duty Cycle: 30 seconds on, 5 minutes off)
AC Voltage
egnaRycaruccAegnaRycneuqerF
9.993µA±3.0+%2.1(µ)A
zH005ot05Am99.93±)Am30.0+%2.1(
*A00.01±)A40.0+%2.1(
9.993µA±3.0+%8.1(µ)A
zHk2otzH005Am99.93±)Am30.0+%8.1(
*A00.01±)A40.0+%8.1(
egnaRycaruccAegnaRycaruccA
99.93µA±40.0+%3.0(µ)AAm99.93±Am30.0+%2.0(
9.993µA±3.0+%2.0(µ)AA999.3±)A400.0+%6.0(
Am999.3±)Am400.0+%3.0(*A00.01±)A30.0+4.0(
egnaRycaruccAegnaRycneuqerFecnadepmItupnI
Vm9.999±)Vm8.0+%5.2(zH002ot05M61ΩlanimonFp03,
V999.9±)V300.0+%52.1(
zH005ot05M01ΩlanimonFp03,V99.99±)V30.0+%52.1(
V0.057±)V3.0+%52.1(

18
DM-500 Accuracy
DC Voltage
Resistance
Capacitance
Accuracies are for film capacitors (capacitors with negligible dielectric absorption).
egnaRycaruccAegatloVtiucriCnepOlacipyT
9.999Ω±5.0+%5.0(Ω)CDV7.2
k999.9Ω± k200.0+%5.0( Ω)
CDV3.1
k99.99Ω±k20.0+%5.0(Ω)
k9.999Ω±k2.0+%8.0(Ω)
M999.3Ω± M200.0+%8.0( Ω)
M99.93Ω± M20.0+%5.1( Ω)
egnaRycaruccAegnaRycaruccA
999.0µF±400.0+%0.1(µ)FFm999.0±)Fm400.0+%5.1(
99.90µF±30.0+%0.1(µ)FFm99.9±)Fm50.0+%0.4(
9.99µF±3.0+%2.1(µ)F
egnaRycaruccAecnadepmItupnI
Vm9.999±)Vm3.0+%51.0(M61ΩlanimonFp03,
V999.9±)V300.0+%51.0(
M01ΩlanimonFp03,V99.99±)V30.0+%51.0(
V9.999±)V5.0+%4.0(

DM-500 • DM-510
19
DM-500 Accuracy
Frequency
Input Signal: Sinewave
Square Wave (Duty Cycle between 40% and 70%)
The frequency measuring function has four selectable trigger levels. Use the Range button to
select.
Temperature
Temperature Coefficient (Nominal):
0.2 x (specified accuracy) per °C below 18 °C or above 28 °C
Note: The accuracy information is for the meter only; see the information sheet provided with
your temperature probe (purchased separately) for its accuracy.
Diode Test
Measuring Range: 2.000V
Test Current (Typical): 0.5 mA
Open Circuit Voltage: Less than 3.5 VDC
Continuity
Threshold: Tone sounds if the measured resistance is less than 10 Ω, and turns off when
greater than 200 Ω.
Response Time: Less than 150 µs
egnaRycaruccAegnaRycaruccA
zH999.9±)zH400.0+%50.0(zHk999.9±)zHk400.0+%50.0(
zH99.99±)zH40.0+%50.0(zHk00.05±)zHk40.0+%50.0(
zH9.999±)zH4.0+%50.0(
egnaRycaruccAegnaRycaruccA
02–°003otC°C±4°C0°275otF°F±8°F
103°005otC°C±1+%2(°)C375°239otF°F±2+%2(°)F

20
DM-510 Accuracy
See the Specifications section for operating conditions and temperature coefficient.
Accuracy is specified as follows: ±(a percentage of the reading + a fixed amount)
at 23 °C ±5 °C (73.4 °F ±9 °F), 0% to 75% relative humidity.
AC Current
* True RMS specified from 10% to 100% of range
** True RMS specified from 25% to 100% of range
*** 10A continuous; 20A maximum (Duty Cycle: 30 seconds on, 5 minutes off)
DC Current
*10A continuous; 20A maximum (Duty Cycle: 30 seconds on, 5 minutes off)
AC Voltage
* True RMS specified from 5% to 100% of range, except as noted
** True RMS specified from 10% to 100% of range
egnaRycaruccAegnaRycaruccA
99.93µA±30.0+%52.0(µ)AAm99.93±Am30.0+%50.0(
9.993µA±2.0+%51.0(µ)AA999.3±)A400.0+%5.0(
Am999.3±)Am300.0+%52.0(*A00.01±)A30.0+3.0(
egnaRycaruccAegnaRycneuqerF
9.993µA±3.0+%0.1(µ*)A
zH005ot05Am99.93±*)Am30.0+%0.1(
***A00.01±**)A40.0+%0.1(
9.993µA±3.0+%5.1(µ*)A
zHk2otzH005Am99.93±*)Am30.0+%5.1(
***A00.01±**)A40.0+%5.1(
egnaRycaruccAegnaRycneuqerFecnadepmItupnI
Vm9.999±*)Vm8.0+%5.2(zH002ot05M61ΩlanimonFp03,
V999.9±*)V300.0+%1.1(
zH005ot05
M01ΩlanimonFp03,
V99.99±*)V30.0+%1.1(
V0.057±*)V3.0+%1.1(
V999.9±**)V300.0+%8.1(
zHk2otzH005V99.99±**)V30.0+%8.1(
V0.057±**)V3.0+%8.1(