Greenlee PDMM-20 User manual

999 5193.2 REV 1 © 2004 Greenlee Textron Inc. 7/04
PDMM-20
Multimeter
Multímetro
Contrôleur
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 esta herramienta o darle
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.
Auto
V • Ω
SELECT
MAX
450V CAT II
300V CAT III

2
Description
The Greenlee PDMM-20 Multimeter is a hand-held testing
device with the following measurement capabilities:
•Automatic selection of AC voltage, DC voltage, and
resistance
•Manual selection of AC voltage, DC voltage, resistance,
continuity, capacitance, and frequency
It also has non-contact and single-probe voltage detection
capability.
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 of This Manual
This instruction manual is intended to familiarize all personnel
with the safe operation and maintenance procedures for the
Greenlee PDMM-20.
Keep this manual available to all personnel. Replacement
manuals are available upon request at no charge.
KEEP THIS MANUAL
All specifications are nominal and may change as design
improvements occur. Greenlee Textron Inc. shall not be liable for
damages resulting from misapplication or misuse of its products.
® Registered: The color green for electrical test instruments is a
registered trademark of Greenlee Textron Inc.

3
PDMM-20
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.

4
Important Safety Information
Read and understand this material
before operating or servicing this
equipment. Failure to understand how
to safely operate this tool could result
in an accident causing serious injury
or death.
Electric shock hazard:
Contact with live circuits could 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 could result in severe
injury or death.

5
PDMM-20
Important Safety Information
Electric shock and fire hazard:
•Do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.
•Do not use the unit if it is wet or damaged.
•Inspect the test leads or accessory before use. They
must be clean and dry, and the insulation must be in
good condition.
•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 could result in severe
injury or death.
Electric shock hazard:
• Do not operate with the case or battery cover open.
•Before opening the case or battery cover, remove the
test leads from the circuit and shut off the unit.
Failure to observe these warnings could result in severe
injury or death.

6
Important Safety Information
NOTE: The test leads of this unit are not removable. Do not
attempt to remove them.
Electric shock hazard:
•Do not change the measurement function while the test
leads are connected to a component or circuit.
•Do not use the meter to measure voltages in circuits
that could be damaged by the Auto V•Ωmode’s low
input impedance (approximately 160 kΩ).
•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. Refer to “Specifications.”
Failure to observe these precautions may result in injury
and can damage the unit.
Electric shock hazard:
•Unless measuring voltage, shut off and lock out power.
Make sure that all capacitors are discharged. Voltage
must not be present.
•Using this unit near equipment that generates
electromagnetic interference can result in unstable or
inaccurate readings.
Failure to observe these warnings could result in severe
injury or death.

7
PDMM-20
Identification
1. LCD display
2. Selector button
3. Negative, common (COM), or
ground input terminal for all
measurements
4. Positive (+) input terminal for
all measurements
5. EF antenna
Auto
V • Ω
SELECT
MAX
450V CAT II
300V CAT III
1
2
3
4
5
Display Icons
6. Automatic ranging is enabled
7. Low battery indicator
8. µmicro (10-6)
9. F Farad
10. n nano (10-9)
11. O.L Overload indicator
12. m milli (10-3)
13. V Volts
14. M Mega (106)
15. k kilo (103)
16. ΩOhms
17. Hz Hertz
18. AC measurement is selected
19. Low input impedance is active
20. –Polarity indicator
Symbols on the Unit
Warning—Read the instruction manual
Double insulation
Note: Unidentified
icons are not used on
this model.
8–10
11
12–17
20
6 7
1819

8
Using the Features
•Low Impedance Auto V•ΩMode In this mode, the meter
automatically selects the proper measurement based on the
input.
–If there is no input, “Auto” appears on the display.
–If voltage above approximately 2 volts AC or DC is
present, voltage is displayed. The meter beeps once
when switching from Auto to voltage measurement.
–If both AC and DC voltages are present, the larger
voltage is displayed.
– If no voltage is present and there is resistance less than
6 MΩ, resistance is displayed.
This mode features low input impedance to mask stray or
“ghost” voltage pickup. The input impedance is approxi-
mately 160 kΩ.
Overload Alert Feature: When above rated voltage is
present (450 V), the meter displays “OL”, with a warning
beep tone. Disconnect the test leads from the voltage source
immediately.
Function Lock Feature: When a measurement is being
displayed in Auto V•Ωmode, pressing the button one time
will lock in that function. Pressing the button again will
return the multimeter to Auto V•Ωmode. It is sometimes
useful to “lock in” a function. This may be helpful for
measuring low voltages.
•Intelligent Automatic Power Off (APO) To extend battery
life, the meter shuts itself off after approximately 3 minutes
of inactivity. Inactivity occurs when the selector button is not
pressed. The meter will not enter APO when there are
significant readings over 10% of the range or non-OL
readings for resistance and continuity.

9
PDMM-20
Operation
Electric shock hazard:
•Do not change the measurement function while the test
leads are connected to a component or circuit.
•Do not use the meter to measure voltages in circuits
that could be damaged by the Auto V•Ωmode’s low
input impedance (approximately 160 kΩ).
Failure to observe these precautions may result in injury
and can damage the unit.
Electric shock hazard:
Contact with live circuits could result
in severe injury or death.

10
Operation (cont’d)
1. Press and hold the selector button for 1 second to turn the
meter on. The default mode is Auto V•Ω.
2. The Settings Table shows the meter’s functions. To change
to the next function, momentarily press the selector
button. Refer to “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, reset the microprocessor by pressing
and holding the selector button for 6 seconds.
•If the unit still does not function as expected, replace the
battery.
•If the unit still does not function as expected, send the
unit to Greenlee for repair. Refer to the instructions
under the Warranty.
4. Take the reading from the circuit or component to be
tested.

11
PDMM-20
Operation (cont’d)
Settings Table
To measure
this value
Auto
V•Ω
EF
Resistance
Capacitance
Frequency
Continuity
Continue to momentarily
press SELECT until these icons
appear on the display
Volts DC
Volts AC

12
Typical Measurements
Voltage
Measurement
Continuity
Check
Resistance
Measurement

13
PDMM-20
Typical Measurements
Capacitance
Measurement
Frequency
Electric Field
Detection
A–Non-contact
OR
B–Contact

14
Accuracy
Refer to “Specifications” 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 °F ±9 °F),
less than 75% relative humidity.
DCV
Range Accuracy
6.000 V ±(0.5% + 0.003 V)
60.00 V ±(1.0% + 0.05 V)
450.0 V ±(1.2% + 0.5 V)
Input impedance: 160 kΩ, 160 pF
Resistance (Auto V•Ωmode)
Range Accuracy
6.000 kΩ±(1.2% + 0.006 kΩ)*
60.00 kΩ±(1.0% + 0.04 kΩ)
600.0 kΩ±(1.0% + 0.4 kΩ)
6.000 MΩ±(2.0% + 0.004 MΩ)
Open circuit voltage: 0.4 V typical
*Add 0.040 kΩto specified accuracy when reading is below
1.200 kΩ.

15
PDMM-20
Wireless Electric Field Detection (EF)
Typical Voltage Bar graph indication
15 V to 55 V –
30 V to 85 V – –
45 V to 145 V – – –
75 V to 190 V – – – –
above 105 V – – – – –
Indication: Bar graph segments and audible beep tones are
proportional to the field strength.
Detection frequency: 50/60 Hz
Detection antenna: Top left meter corner
ACV
Range
(50 to 60 Hz) Accuracy
6.000 V ±(1.5% + 0.005 V)
60.00 V ±(1.5% + 0.05 V)
450.0 V ±(1.5% + 0.5 V)
CMRR is less than 60 dB @ DC to 60 Hz, Rs = 1 kΩ
Input impedance: 160 kΩ, 160 pF
Accuracy (cont’d)

16
Accuracy (cont’d)
Capacitance
Range Accuracy
100.0 nF ±(3.5% + 0.6 nF)
1000 nF ±(3.5% + 6 nF)
10.00 µF±(3.5% + 0.06 µF)
100.0 µF±(3.5% + 0.6 µF)
Accuracy below 50 nF is not specified.
Accuracies with film capacitor or better
Specified with battery voltages above 2.8 V
Frequency
Range Accuracy Specified at
10.00 Hz to ±(0.5% + 4d) less than 20 V
30.00 kHz sine RMS
The small letter d, under accuracy, in the table above refers to
the least significant digit.
The sensitivity is approximately 3 V RMS for compatibility with
logic level signals. The frequency of voltage sources up to
450 VAC can be measured, but noise may cause inaccurate
readings.
Continuity
The threshold is between 50 Ωand 300 Ω.

17
PDMM-20
Specifications
Display: 6000-count LCD
Polarity: Automatic
Display Update Rate: 5 per second
Temperature Coefficient: Nominal 0.15 x (specified accuracy)
per °C below 18 °C or above 28 °C
Intelligent Automatic Power Off: After 3 minutes of inactivity
(approximately)
Noise Rejection:*
Common Mode Rejection Ratio: > 60 dB from 0 Hz
to 60 Hz when measuring ACV
Common Mode Rejection Ratio: > 100 dB at 0 Hz, 50 Hz,
and 60 Hz when measuring DCV
Normal Mode Rejection Ratio: > 30 dB at 50 Hz and 60 Hz
when measuring DCV
Operating Conditions:
Temperature: 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
Relative Humidity (non-condensing): 80% maximum for
temperatures up to 31 °C (88 °F), decreasing linearly
to 50% maximum at 40 °C (104 °F)
Altitude: 2000 m (6500') maximum
Indoor use only.
Pollution Degree: 2
Storage Conditions: –20 °C to 60 °C (–4 °F to 140 °F),
0% to 80% relative humidity (non-condensing)
Remove battery.
Battery: 3 V standard button battery (IEC-CR2032;
ANSI-NEDA-54004LC)
Low Battery: Below 2.4 VDC
Overvoltage Protection: 450 VDC/VAC RMS, 50/60 Hz

18
Specifications (cont’d)
Measurement Categories:
Cat II, 450 V
Cat III, 300 V
Sensing: Average sensing, RMS calibrated
*Noise rejection is the ability to reject unwanted signals, or
noise.
•Normal mode voltages are AC signals that can cause
inaccurate DC measurements. NMRR (Normal Mode
Rejection Ratio) is a measure of the ability to filter out
these signals.
•Common mode voltages are signals present at the COM
and + input terminals, with respect to ground, that can
cause digit rattle or offset in voltage measurements.
CMRR (Common Mode Rejection Ratio) is a measure of
the ability to filter out these signals.

19
PDMM-20
Measurement Categories
These definitions were derived from the international safety
standard for insulation coordination as it applies to
measurement, control, and laboratory equipment. These
measurement categories are explained in more detail by the
International Electrotechnical Commission; refer to either of
their publications: IEC 61010-1 or IEC 60664.
Measurement Category I
Signal level. Electronic and telecommunication equipment, or
parts thereof. Some examples include transient-protected
electronic circuits inside photocopiers and modems.
Measurement Category II
Local level. Appliances, portable equipment, and the circuits
they are plugged into. Some examples include light fixtures,
televisions, and long branch circuits.
Measurement Category III
Distribution level. Permanently installed machines and the
circuits they are hard-wired to. Some examples include
conveyor systems and the main circuit breaker panels of a
building’s electrical system.
Measurement Category IV
Primary supply level. Overhead lines and other cable systems.
Some examples include cables, meters, transformers, and
other exterior equipment owned by the power utility.
Statement of Conformity
Greenlee Textron Inc. is certified in accordance with ISO 9000
(2000) for our Quality Management Systems.
The instrument enclosed has been checked and/or calibrated
using equipment that is traceable to the National Institute for
Standards and Technology (NIST).

20
1. Disconnect the unit from the circuit. Turn the unit OFF.
2. Remove the screw from the back cover.
3. Remove the back cover.
4. Replace the battery (observe polarity).
5. Replace the cover and screw.
Cleaning
Periodically wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild
detergent; do not use abrasives or solvents.
Maintenance
Battery Replacement
Electric shock hazard:
•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. Refer to “Specifications.”
Failure to observe these precautions may result in injury
and can damage the unit.
Electric shock hazard:
• Do not operate with the case or battery cover open.
•Before opening the case or battery cover, remove the
test leads from the circuit and shut off the unit.
Failure to observe these warnings could result in severe
injury or death.