Greenlee DML-430 User manual

999 3262.8 © 2000 Greenlee Textron IM 1406 REV 1 6/00
DML-54 • DML-430
DIGITAL
MULTIMETERS
MULTÍMETROS
DIGITALES
MULTIMETRES
NUMERIQUES
SELECT
Start
RANGE HOLDHz
COMmA µAA V
Temp
µA
mV
V
V
mA
A
OFF
OFF
Temp
MAXMAX
10A
HBC FUSED
MAX 0.5A
HBC FUSED 600V
1000V CAT III CAT II
-
+
MkΩHz
H C
AUTO
012345
5000mV
mVA
F%
n
µ
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.

2
Description
The Greenlee DML-54 and DML-430 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,
verify continuity, and store data.
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 the Greenlee DML-54 and DML-430 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

DML-54 • DML-430
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.
Electric shock hazard:
Contact with live circuits can result in severe injury or death.
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.

4
Important Safety Information
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.
• 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 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.
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.

DML-54 • DML-430
5
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.
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 instrument.
• Do not attempt to repair this unit. It contains no user-serviceable parts.
• Do not expose unit to extremes in temperature or high humidity. See Specifications.
Failure to observe these precautions can result in injury and can damage the instrument.
Unless measuring voltage, current or frequency, shut off and lock out power. Make
sure that all capacitors are discharged. Voltage must not be present.
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 LCD and bar graph
2. Feature Buttons See explanations under Using the Features
3. Selector Selects a function or turns power OFF
4. APositive input terminal for high current measurements
5. mA µAPositive input terminal for low current measurements
6. COM Negative, common or ground input terminal for all measurements
7. Temp
ΩV Positive input terminal for all measurements except current
SELECT
Start
RANGE HOLDHz
COMmA µAA V
Temp
µA
mV
V
V
mA
A
OFF
OFF
Temp
MAXMAX
10A
HBC FUSED
MAX 0.5A
HBC FUSED 600V
1000V CAT III CAT II
2
3
1
4567

DML-54 • DML-430
7
Display Icons
8. Automatic Ranging is enabled
9. Hold Function is enabled
10. Call Function (data retrieval) is enabled
11. DC measurement is selected
12. AC measurement is selected
13. – Polarity Indicator
14. Diode
15. Low Battery
16. ∆Relative Zero function is enabled
17. - Polarity for Bar Graph
18. OL Overload (Numeric Display)
Overload (Bar Graph Display)
19. Bar Graph Element
20. Continuity
21. n Nano (10-9)
22. µMicro (10-6)
23. F Farads
24. m Milli (10-3)
25. V Volts
26. A Amps
27. M Mega (106)
28. k Kilo (103)
29. ΩOhms
30. Hz Hertz (Frequency or Cycles per Second)
31. (variable) Sensitivity level for Hz feature
Symbols on the Unit
Read the instruction manual.
Double Insulation
-
+
MkΩHz
H C
AUTO
012345
5000mV
mVA
F%
n
µ
8
9,10
11,12
13
15
14
16
17
18
27,28,29,30
31
24,25,26
21,22,23
20
19

8
Using the Features
Automatic Power Off To extend battery life, the meter will shut itself off after approximately
17 minutes of inactivity. To restore power, press SELECT. To disable this
feature, press RANGE while turning the meter on.
START || ▼ ▲ Used for storing, reviewing and retrieving data. See the explanation
under Data Storage Function.
The Automatic Power Off feature is disabled when using this function.
Press and hold to illuminate the LCD. The lamp turns off after 30
seconds to extend battery life.
SELECT Press momentarily to toggle between functions, or to toggle between AC
and DC when measuring current and millivolts.
RANGE Press once to enter the manual ranging mode. The icon will
disappear from the display. Press repeatedly to step through the ranges.
Press and hold to return to the automatic ranging mode.
Note: When using MAX/MIN, Hold, or ∆ mode, pressing RANGE will
cause the meter to exit that mode.
Hz Press to measure frequency.
Note: The sensitivity of the frequency measurement function varies
with the measurement range. To automatically select a sensitivity
level, measure the voltage level first, then press Hz. If the
reading becomes unstable, or if the display is blank, manually
change the sensitivity by momentarily pressing RANGE.
Hold Press momentarily to hold the present value on the display. Press again
to exit this mode.

DML-54 • DML-430
9
*The crest factor is the ratio of the peak value to the RMS value; it is represented by the
Greek letter ξ.
mrofevaW
eulaVSMR 001001001001
eulaVdeifitceR 090017846
*rotcaFtserC
(ξ)
414.1137.12
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 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 Greenlee DML-54 and DML-430
are true RMS meters.
The Waveforms and Crest Factors table shows some typical AC signals and their RMS values.
Waveforms and Crest Factors

10
Data Storage Function
The DML-430 and DML-54 have data storage and retrieval capability. The DML-430 can store
up to 43000 measurements; the DML-54 can store up to 5400 measurements. The user can
later review the data on the multimeter’s display, or download the data to a computer.
When in the recording mode, the meter takes a measurement, assigns that measurement to
the next available memory location, and repeats the process. This continues until the memory
is full or until the user manually stops the recording process.
The time interval between measurements (sampling rate) is selected by the user. A shorter
time interval will provide information about short-term fluctuations, whereas a longer time
interval will provide information about general trends. The factory setting is the shortest time
interval.
The time intervals are as follows: 0.05 seconds (0.2s for temperature and 0.4s for frequency),
1s, 20s, 40s, 60s, 120s (two minutes), 240s (four minutes), and 480s (eight minutes). The
minimum total measurement time for the DML-54 is 4 minutes and 30 seconds; the maximum
is 30 days. The minimum total measurement time for the DML-430 is 35 minutes and 30
seconds. The maximum is nearly 8 months.
When the sampling rate is 20s or greater, the meter will go to standby mode between
measurements to extend battery life. When the meter is in the standby mode, press SELECT
momentarily to view the display.

DML-54 • DML-430
11
Data Storage
* If the data counter number is larger than the display’s numeric capacity, the bar graph will indicate the
data counter’s most significant digit. For instance, when reviewing data location 16500, the bar graph will
show “1” the display will read “6500”.
In order to … follow these instructions. Options
Set the Measurement Press momentarily, and the
Interval meter will display the current
measurement interval in seconds.
Press ▲or ▼to change the
measurement interval. Press
again to save the new setting.
Start Recording Data Press and hold START ||. The
meter will display Strt and will
begin to record the input.
Stop Recording Data Press and hold START ||. The
meter will display StoP and will
mark the last memory location
with an end-of-data sign.
Review Stored Data Press START ||, ▲or ▼
momentarily. CALL will appear
momentarily on the display and
the icon will flash while the
stored data is displayed.
While recording, you may …
• Press START || at any time to
pause the recording function.
The icon will flash and Cont
will appear on the display. Press
START || again to resume
recording.
• Press SELECT to view the data
counter*.
After storing data, you may …
• Shut off the meter.
• Change the battery.
*While reviewing data, you may …
• Press ▲or ▼momentarily to
step through the data.
• Press SELECT to toggle between
the data and the data counter*.
• Press and hold ▲or ▼to quickly
scan through the data. Tone
indicates that the first or last
measurement is displayed.
• Press ▲ and ▼momentarily to
view the maximum measurement.
Press them again to view the
minimum measurement.
• Press ▲or ▼momentarily while
holding down the HOLD button to
scan through the turning points
(the alternating high and low
points) of the data set. MAX or
MIN will flash to indicate a high
or low point.

12
Settings Table
To measure set the this icon will connect the and the
this value … selector to appear on red lead black lead
this symbol … the display … to … to …
Capacitance* F Temp COM
ΩV
Continuity** Ω and Ω Temp COM
and press SELECT ΩV
Current (10A max) A A A COM
Current mA mA µ AmA COM
(500 mA max)
Current µ A µ A µ AmA COM
(5000 µ A max)
Diode Temp COM
and Ω V
and press SELECT V
Frequency Hz Temp COM
V Ω V
and press Hz
Resistance*** ΩΩ Temp COM
ΩV
and V
V Temp
mV and mV ΩV COM
and press SELECT
and V
V Temp COM
mV and mV ΩV
Temperature Temp C or F Temp COM
(press SELECT ΩV
to change scale)
Voltage (AC)
Voltage (DC)
* Discharge capacitor before measurement. Discharge a large capacitor through an appropriate resistive load.
** Tone indicates continuity. The threshold is between 20Ωand 200Ω.
*** For precise resistance measurements, begin in the autoranging mode and press RANGE twice. When the
meter displays “Shrt”, short the test leads together until the meter reads “0”. The meter will now compensate
for the resistance of the test leads and the internal protection circuitry, allowing very precise resistance
measurements. Changing ranges, functions, or going back to autoranging mode will reset the meter.
Operation
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.

DML-54 • DML-430
13
Operation (cont’d)
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 fuse.
• 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.

14
Typical Measurements
Voltage Measurement
Current Measurement
SELECT
Start
RANGE HOLDHz
COMmA µAA V
Temp
µA
mV
V
V
mA
A
OFF
OFF
Temp
MAXMAX
10A
HBC FUSED
MAX 0.5A
HBC FUSED 600V
1000V CAT III CAT II
SELECT
Start
RANGE HOLDHz
COMmA µAA V
Temp
µA
mV
V
V
mA
A
OFF
OFF
Temp
MAXMAX
10A
HBC FUSED
MAX 0.5A
HBC FUSED 600V
1000V CAT III CAT II

DML-54 • DML-430
15
Typical Measurements (cont’d)
Resistance Measurement
Continuity Check
SELECT
Start
RANGE HOLDHz
COMmA µAA V
Temp
µA
mV
V
V
mA
A
OFF
OFF
Temp
MAXMAX
10A
HBC FUSED
MAX 0.5A
HBC FUSED 600V
1000V CAT III CAT II
SELECT
Start
RANGE HOLDHz
COMmA µAA V
Temp
µA
mV
V
V
mA
A
OFF
OFF
Temp
MAXMAX
10A
HBC FUSED
MAX 0.5A
HBC FUSED 600V
1000V CAT III CAT II

16
Typical Measurements (cont’d)
Diode Measurement
Capacitance Measurement
SELECT
Start
RANGE HOLDHz
COMmA µAA V
Temp
µA
mV
V
V
mA
A
OFF
OFF
Temp
MAXMAX
10A
HBC FUSED
MAX 0.5A
HBC FUSED 600V
1000V CAT III CAT II
Forward Bias
Reverse Bias
SELECT
Start
RANGE HOLDHz
COMmA µAA V
Temp
µA
mV
V
V
mA
A
OFF
OFF
Temp
MAXMAX
10A
HBC FUSED
MAX 0.5A
HBC FUSED 600V
1000V CAT III CAT II

DML-54 • DML-430
17
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.
True RMS readings: Accuracies are specified from 5% to 100% of the range unless otherwise
specified. Frequency must be within the specified bandwidth for non-sinusoidal waveforms.
Crest factors are as follows:
• Crest factor < 3:1 at full scale
• Crest factor < 6:1 at half scale
AC Current
Range Accuracy at Accuracy at Burden
50 Hz - 60 Hz 40 Hz - 1 kHz Voltage
499.9 µA±(0.6% + 0.3 µA) ±(0.8% + 0.4 µA) 0.15 mV/µA
4999 µA±(0.6% + 3 µA) ±(0.8% + 4 µA) 0.15 mV/µA
49.99 mA ±(0.6% + 0.03 mA) ±(0.8% + 0.04 mA) 3.3 mV/mA
499.9 mA ±(1.0% + 0.3 mA) ±(1.0% + 0.4 mA) 3.3 mV/mA
4.999 A ±(0.6% + 0.003 A) ±(0.8% +0.004 A) 0.03 V/A
10.00 A* ±(0.6% + 0.03 A) ±(0.8% +0.04 A) 0.03 V/A
Range Accuracy Burden Voltage
499.9 µA±(0.2% + 0.4 µA) 0.15 mV/µA
4999 µA±(0.2% + 4 µA) 0.15 mV/µA
49.99 mA ±(0.2% + 0.04 mA) 3.3 mV/mA
499.9 mA ±(0.2% + 0.4 mA) 3.3 mV/mA
4.999 A ±(0.2% + 0.004 A) 0.03 V/A
10.00 A* ±(0.2% + 0.04 A) 0.03 V/A
* 10 A continuous; 20 A maximum (Duty Cycle: 30 seconds on, 5 minutes off)
DC Current
* 10 A continuous; 20 A maximum (Duty Cycle: 30 seconds on, 5 minutes off)

18
Accuracy (cont’d)
AC Voltage
DC Voltage
* Specified from 30% to 100% of range.
Range Accuracy
49.99 mV ±(0.12% + 0.02 mV)
499.9 mV ±(0.06% +0.2 mV)
4.999 V ±(0.08% + 0.002 V)
49.99 V ±(0.08% + 0.02 V)
499.9 V ±(0.08% + 0.2 V)
1000 V ±(0.08% + 2 V)
Input Impedance
10 MΩ, 44 pF nominal
10 MΩ, 16 pF nominal
Range Accuracy at Accuracy at Accuracy at Input
50 Hz - 60 Hz 40 Hz - 500 Hz 500 Hz to 20 kHz Impedance
49.99 mV ±(0.5% + 0.03 mV) ±(0.8% + 0.03 mV) 0.5 dB*
499.9 mV ±(0.5% + 0.3 mV) ±(0.8% + 0.3 mV) 0.5 dB*
4.999 V ±(0.5% + 0.003 V) ±(1.0% + 0.004 V) 3 dB*
49.99 V ±(0.5% + 0.03 V) ±(1.0% + 0.04 V) 3 dB*
499.9 V ±(0.5% + 0.3 V) ±(1.0% + 0.4 V) 3 dB*
1000 V ±(0.5% + 3 V) ±(1.2% + 4 V) unspecified
10 MΩ,
44 pF nominal
10 MΩ,
16 pF nominal

DML-54 • DML-430
19
Accuracy (cont’d)
Frequency
Resistance
Accuracy for Frequency Ranges
Display Range Accuracy
99.99 Hz ±(0.01% + .02 Hz)
999.9 Hz ±(0.01% + 0.2 Hz)
9.999 kHz ±(0.01% + .002 kHz)
99.99 kHz ±(0.01% + .02 kHz)
125.0 kHz ±(0.01% + .2 kHz)
Range Accuracy
49.99 Ω±(0.2% + 0.06 Ω)
499.9 Ω±(0.1% + 0.3 Ω)
4.999 kΩ±(0.1% + 0.002 kΩ)
49.99 kΩ±(0.1% + 0.02 kΩ)
499.9 kΩ±(0.1% + 0.2 kΩ)
4.999 MΩ±(0.4% + 0.003 MΩ)
50.00 MΩ±(1.5% + 0.05 MΩ)
Open Circuit Voltage
< 3 VDC
< 1.3 VDC
Function Sensitivity Range
(Sine RMS)
500 mV 300 mV 10 Hz - 125 kHz
5 V 2 V 10 Hz - 125 kHz
50 V 20 V 10 Hz - 20 kHz
500 V 80 V 10 Hz - 1 kHz
1000 V 300 V 10 Hz - 1 kHz
Ohms, Capacitance, Diode 300 mV 10 Hz - 125 kHz
Current 10 % of full scale 5 Hz - 125 kHz

20
Capacitance
Accuracy (cont’d)
Notes: Accuracies are for film capacitors (capacitors with negligible dielectric absorption).
Measurements of larger capacitors can take up to 30 seconds.
Temperature
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: 2.000 V
Test Current (Typical): 0.8 mA
Open Circuit Voltage: Less than 3.5 VDC
Continuity
Threshold: Tone indicates continuity. The threshold is between 20Ωand 200Ω
Response Time: Less than 100 µs
Range Accuracy
-50°C to 1000°C ±(0.3% + 3 °C)
Range Accuracy
49.99 nF ±(0.8% + 0.03 nF)
499.9 nF ±(0.8% + 0.3 nF)
4.999 µF±(1.0% + 0.003 µF)
49.99 µF±(2.0% + 0.03 µF)
499.9 µF±(3.5% + 0.5 µF)
9999 µF±(5.0% + 5 µF)