Martindale Electric ET5 User manual

ET5
ELECTRICAL TESTER
Instruction
Manual

GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION & WARNINGS: Always read before proceeding.
These instructions contain both information and warnings that are necessary for
the safe operation and maintenance of this product. It is recommended that you
read the instructions carefully and ensure that the contents are fully understood.
Failure to understand and to comply with the warnings and instructions can result
in serious injury, damage or even death.
In order to avoid the danger of electrical shock, it is important that proper safety
measures are taken when working with voltages exceeding 30V AC rms, 42V AC
peak or 60V DC.
This product must only be used by a competent person capable of interpreting the
results under the conditions and for the purposes for which it has been constructed.
Particular attention should be paid to the Warnings, Precautions and Technical
Specications. Always check the unit is in good working order before use and that
there are no signs of damage to it. Do not use if damaged.
Where applicable other safety measures such as use of protective gloves, goggles
etc. should be employed.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by Martindale Electric, the
protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
Please keep these instructions for future reference. Updated instructions and
product information are available at: www.martindale-electric.co.uk
MEANING OF SYMBOLS:
Equipment complies with relevant EU Directives
Equipment complies with relevant UK Conformity
Assessed marking
End of life disposal of this equipment should be in accordance
with relevant EU Directive
Caution - risk of electric shock
Caution - risk of danger & refer to instructions
Equipment protected by double or reinforced insulation (Class II
Alternating current (AC)
Direct current (DC)
Earth (ground)
Application around and removal from HAZARDOUS LIVE
conductors is permitted.

Thank you for buying one of our products. For safety and full
understanding of its benets please read this manual before use.
Technical support is available from 01923 441717 and
[email protected].
CONTENTS
1 Introduction 1
1.1 Inspection 1
1.2 Description 1
1.3 Accessories 1
1.4 Battery Installation 1
2 Product Specic Safety Information 2
2.1 Precautions 2
3 Operation 4
3.1 General 4
3.2 Low Battery Indication 5
3.3 High Voltage / Continuity LED 5
3.4 Description of Press Buttons 5
3.5 Description of LCD Symbols 5
3.6 Auto Power Off 6
3.7 Auto/Manual Ranging 6
3.8 Display Hold 7
3.9 Backlight / LED Torch 7
3.10 Simultaneous Measurement of Voltage and Current 7
3.11 Use of TL17 Test Leads 7
3.12 AC Voltage Measurement 8
3.13 DC Voltage Measurement 8
3.14 AC Current Measurement 9
3.15 DC Current Measurement (200A range) 9
3.16 DC Current Measurement (500µA range) 10

3.17 Resistance Measurement 10
3.18 Capacitance Measurement 10
3.19 Frequency & Duty Cycle Measurement 11
3.20 Temperature Measurement 11
3.21 Temperature Offset Adjustment 12
3.22 Continuity Testing 12
3.23 Diode Testing 13
3.24 Use as a Non-contact Voltage Detector 13
4 Maintenance 15
4.1 Battery Replacement 15
4.2 Test Lead Replacement 15
4.3 Calibration 15
4.4 Cleaning 15
4.5 Repair & Service 16
4.6 Storage Conditions 16
5 Warranty 17
Specications

1
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Inspection
Examine the shipping carton for any sign of damage. Inspect the unit
and any accessories for damage. If there is any damage then consult
your distributor immediately.
1.2 Description
The ET5 is an electrical tester with the following functions:
• AC & DC current to 200A
• AC & DC voltage to 600V
• Resistance to 50MΩ
• Capacitance to 5mF
• Frequency to 1 MHz.
• Temperature (K type thermocouple), -35°C to 500°C
• Duty Cycle
• Continuity with audible indication
• Diode testing
Further functions are:
• Non-contact voltage indicator
• Simultaneous measurement
• Auto power off
• Display hold
• Display backlight
• Auto ranging
1.3 Accessories (included)
• TL17 test leads
• 9V battery
• K type thermocouple
• Instructions
1.4 Battery Installation
Refer to Section 4.1 (Battery Replacement) for the battery installation
instructions for the ET5.

2
2. PRODUCT SPECIFIC SAFETY INFORMATION
Measurement Category III (CAT III) is applicable to test and
measuring equipment connected to the distribution part of the
building’s low-voltage MAINS installation.
2.1 Precautions
This product has been designed with your safety in mind, but please
pay attention to the following warnings and cautions before use.
Warnings
Before use check the unit for cracks or any other damage. Make
sure the unit is free from dust, grease and moisture. Do not use if
damaged.
Do not use if the battery cover is not tted.
Always test this unit on an appropriate proving device or known
voltage source before and after using it to determine if a hazardous
voltage exists in a circuit to be tested.
When positioning the fork around a hazardous live conductor always
keep your ngers behind the fork nger guard.
Measuring a voltage that exceeds the specied limits of the unit may
damage the unit and expose the operator to a shock hazard. Always
check the unit’s specied limits before use.
Before use check the test leads and any accessories for any
damage. Make sure they are free from dust, grease and moisture.
The test leads have contrasting outer and inner insulation, to
allow damage to the test leads to be easily identied. Do not use if
damaged.

3
When using test leads, always keep your ngers behind the nger
guards on the test lead probes.
When this unit is used in combination with test leads, the
measurement category of the combination is the lower
measurement category of either this unit or the test leads used.
Likewise if test lead accessories such as crocodile clips are also
used, the measurement category will be the lowest measurement
category in that combination.
If the insulated end caps are not tted to the TL17 test leads, the
measurement category becomes CAT II 1000V, and the test leads
must not be used on CAT III or CAT IV installations to avoid the risk
of shorting high energy circuits and arc ash.
Test leads and any test lead accessories must be properly seated
and rmly connected before use.
To avoid electrical shock, and damage to the instrument, do not
use this instrument with its associated temperature probe when the
voltage at the measurement surface exceeds 30V DC/AC rms.
Cautions
Avoid severe mechanical shock or vibration and extreme
temperature.
To avoid burns or damage to equipment, do not take temperature
measurements inside microwave ovens.
Remove the batteries when not in use for an extended period, to
avoid corrosion from leaking batteries.

4
3. OPERATION
3.1 General
If the magnitude of a parameter to be measured is uncertain, but
known to be within the maximum safe limits of the electrical tester,
manually set the range to maximum. E.g. If measuring AC voltage
and the voltage magnitude is unknown, set the range to 600V, then
if required select the correct range for a satisfactory reading.
If the electrical tester displays OL or -OL then the measurement
limits of the range have been exceeded.
FORK
600V200A
CAT.III
SEL
O
F
F
NCV
A
V
A
V
Hz
Hz
C
F
ET5
A
%
CAT.III
600V
COM
K-TYPE
30V
A
ZERO
HOLD
Electrical Tester
1
2
3
LED torch
NCV sensor
High voltage/continuity LED
1
2
3

5
3.2 Low Battery Indication
The battery capacity is shown by the symbols on the LCD.
If the symbol is ashing followed by a LO.Bt display, the battery
needs replacing as measurement accuracy can no longer be
guaranteed (See section 4.1 Battery Replacement).
3.3 High Voltage / Continuity LED
The LED will ash red when the voltage being measured is ≥ 30V
DC/AC rms, or the presence of a live voltage is detected when the
NCV function is selected. The buzzer will also sound.
The LED will illuminate green when the resistance being measured
is < 30Ω when the continuity function is selected.
3.4 Description of Press Buttons
Selects manual ranging
Turns on/off the backlight and LED torch
SEL/
A
ZERO
Selects alternate or additional functions
Zeroes the DC 200A range
HOLD Selects display hold
3.5 Description of LCD Symbols
Upper display
Lower display
APO Auto power off is activated
Flashes to indicate the presence of >30V AC /DC
AC Indicates AC measurement

6
DC Indicates DC measurement
Manual ranging is selected
H Display hold is activated
Continuity function is selected
Diode testing function is selected
Indicates battery level
%, °F, Hz Units of measurement being displayed (Upper display)
µA, A
°C, mV, V, Units of measurement being displayed (Lower display)
µF, mF, Ω,
kΩ, MΩ, Hz
3.6 Auto Power Off
If the electrical tester is inactive for a period of 30 minutes it will
automatically power off.
If any button is pressed after the electrical tester has automatically
powered off, it will turn back on.
To disable the auto power off function hold the button at the
same time as turning the rotary switch from OFF to any position.
The APO symbol will no longer be displayed on the LCD.
3.7 Auto/Manual Ranging
The DC voltage, resistance and capacitance functions have auto
ranging capability and will default to auto ranging when selected.
To select manual ranging, press the button. The symbol will
be displayed to signify manual ranging is selected.
To manually select a range when in manual mode press the
button until the required range is selected.

7
To exit manual ranging, hold down the button for 2 seconds. The
symbol will no longer be displayed.
3.8 Display Hold
To hold a displayed value, press the HOLD button. The LCD will
display H.
To exit display hold, press the HOLD button again.
3.9 Backlight/LED Torch
To switch on the backlight and LED torch press the button. Press
again to turn the backlight and LED torch off.
Automatic turn off is after approx. 1 minute.
The LED torch is positioned in the tip of the left hand fork.
3.10 Simultaneous Measurement of Voltage and Current
The upper and lower displays of the LCD allow measurements of
different parameters to be made simultaneously.
When the rotary switch is set to the A
V
Hz
position either AC voltage
and AC current or AC voltage and the frequency of the AC current
can be measured simultaneously.
When the rotary switch is set to the
A
V
position DC voltage and DC
current can be measured simultaneously.
3.11 Use of TL17 Test Leads
Where access to test points may require extended probe tips, the
insulated probe tip covers may be removed by gently pulling them
forward until they unclip from the probe body.

8
One test lead may be attached to the side
of the electrical tester for ease of use when
making measurements.
3.12 AC Voltage Measurement
Connect the black test lead to the COM terminal and the red test
lead to the + terminal.
Set the rotary switch to the A
V
Hz
position.
The AC voltage function is manual ranging only, and defaults to the
500V range when this function is selected.
Taking all necessary safety precautions connect the test leads to
the circuit being measured and read the measured voltage from the
lower display.
3.13 DC Voltage Measurement
Connect the black test lead to the COM terminal and the red test
lead to the + terminal.
Set the rotary switch to the
A
V
position.
CAT III 1000V CAT IV 600V
CAT II 1000V ONLY,
DO NOT USE on CAT III
or CAT IV installations

9
The AC voltage function defaults to auto ranging and the 5V range.
If the 500mV range is required it is manually selected.
Taking all necessary safety precautions connect the test leads to
the circuit being measured and read the measured voltage from the
lower display.
3.14 AC Current Measurement
Set the rotary switch to the A
V
Hz
position and press the SEL button to
activate the upper display.
Taking all necessary safety precautions position the fork of
the electrical tester around the conductor to be tested so the
centre of the conductor aligns with and is central to the
marks on the fork.
Read the measured AC current from the upper display.
If required press the SEL button once more to measure the
frequency of the AC current. The frequency value is displayed on
the upper display.
Pressing the SEL button again will return the upper display to the ac
current measurement.
3.15 DC Current Measurement (200A range)
Set the rotary switch to the
A
V
position and press the SEL button to
activate the upper display.
If required remove any zero offset by pressing the
A
ZERO
button.
Taking all necessary safety precautions position the fork of
the electrical tester around the conductor to be tested so the

10
centre of the conductor aligns with and is central to the
marks on the fork.
Read the measured DC current from the upper display.
3.16 DC Current Measurement (500µA range)
Connect the black test lead to the COM terminal and the red test
lead to the + terminal.
Set the rotary switch to the µA position.
Taking all necessary safety precautions connect the test leads to
the circuit being measured and read the measured current from the
upper display.
3.17 Resistance Measurement
Connect the black test lead to the COM terminal and the red test
lead to the + terminal.
Set the rotary switch to the position.
Taking all necessary safety precautions connect the test leads to
the circuit being measured and read the measured resistance from
the lower display.
3.18 Capacitance Measurement
Be sure the capacitor being tested is completely discharged
before connecting the test leads.
Connect the black test lead to the COM terminal and the red test
lead to the + terminal.
Set the rotary switch to the position.

11
Taking all necessary safety precautions, and observing the correct
polarity for electrolytic capacitors, connect the test probes to the
capacitor to be measured.
If the capacitor being measured is charged, diS.C will be displayed
on the LCD.
Read the measured capacitance from the lower display.
3.19 Frequency & Duty Cycle Measurement
Connect the black test lead to the COM terminal and the red test lead
to the + terminal.
Set the rotary switch to the % Hz position.
Taking all necessary safety precautions connect the test leads to the
circuit being measured and read the measured frequency from the
lower display and the measured duty cycle from the upper display.
3.20 Temperature Measurement
Set the rotary switch to the °F °C position and set the TEMP switch
to the TEMP position.
Connect a K-type thermocouple probe, suitable for the type of
temperature measurement and temperature range being made, to
the K-TYPE sockets.
Taking all necessary safety precautions position the thermocouple at
the surface or in the medium to be measured and read the measured
temperature from the display.
The temperature will be displayed in °C on the lower display and °F
on the upper.

12
3.21 Temperature Offset Adjustment
The offset adjustment allows an individual Type K thermocouple
to be optimised for the best measurement accuracy at a chosen
reference temperature.
The adjustment is accessed by removing the battery cover (see 4.1).
Connect the thermocouple to the input socket and place the
thermocouple in a known, stable temperature environment at the
reference temperature and allow the readings to stabilize.
Slowly adjust the TEMP OFFSET until the electrical tester reading
matches the temperature of the known environment.
Leave sufcient time between adjustments to allow for measurement
lag.
The calibration of the thermometer-thermocouple combination is now
optimized for measurements at the reference temperature.
3.22 Continuity Testing
Connect the black test lead to the COM terminal and the red test lead
to the + terminal.
Set the rotary switch to the position.
Press the SEL button once to select the continuity function. The LCD
will display .
Taking all necessary safety precautions connect the test leads to the
circuit being tested.
If the resistance is <30Ω, the buzzer will sound continuously and the
green LED will illuminate. The resistance value will be displayed if
<500Ω.

13
3.23 Diode Testing
If the diode to be tested is in circuit be sure the circuit power is
switched off.
Connect the black test lead to the COM terminal and the red test
lead to the + terminal.
Set the rotary switch to the position.
Press the SEL button twice to select the diode test function. The
LCD will display .
Taking all necessary safety precautions connect the test leads to
the diode being tested.
If the diode is good a forward bias will give a display reading of
around 0.6V (silicon diode) and a reverse bias will give a display of
OL. If the diode is shorted or open circuit the display will indicate
approx. 0V or OL respectively for both forward and reverse bias.
3.24 Use as a Non-contact Voltage Detector
Warning
Non-contact voltage detector testing is not suitable to determine if
a circuit is not hazardous live. A double pole contact voltage test
should always be used for that purpose.
Before and after each use, the non-contact voltage detector function
must be proven using a known good voltage source. Do not use if
the unit fails to operate correctly during proving.
Set the rotary switch to the NCV position. The LCD will display EF.
Position the fork tip marked S toward the conductor to be tested for
the presence of a live voltage.

14
As the source of a live voltage is approached the buzzer will sound
intermittently, the red LED will ash and “-” will be displayed on the
upper display.
Depending on the voltage level, the closer the proximity of the unit
to the voltage source, the more rapidly the buzzer sounds and the
red LED illuminates, until both become continuous. The display will
change from “-” to “- - - -” one step at a time.

15
4. MAINTENANCE
4.1 Battery Replacement
To avoid shock or injury, disconnect the electrical tester from
any external circuits and remove the test leads before proceeding.
The battery compartment is underneath the unit.
To gain access, undo the 2 screws securing the battery
compartment cover, then lift off the cover.
Fit a new 9V, PP3 alkaline battery (IEC 6LR61, NEDA 1604A).
Replace the battery cover and the 2 screws.
4.2 Test Lead Replacement
If the test leads become damaged they should be replaced.
The replacement test leads must have the same (or better)
overvoltage category rating as the TL17 leads supplied.
4.3 Calibration
To maintain the integrity of measurements made using your
instrument, Martindale Electric recommends that it is returned
at least once a year to an approved Calibration Laboratory for
recalibration and certication.
Martindale Electric is pleased to offer you this service. Please
contact our Service Department for details.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: [phone]
4.4 Cleaning
The unit may be cleaned using a soft dry cloth. Do not use
moisture, abrasives, solvents, or detergents, which can be
conductive.

16
4.5 Repair & Service
There are no user serviceable parts in this unit other than those that
may be described in section 4. Return to Martindale Electric if faulty.
Our service department will quote promptly to repair any fault that
occurs outside the guarantee period.
Before the unit is returned, please ensure that you have checked
the:
- unit - battery
- leads - poor connections
4.6 Storage Conditions
The instrument should be kept in warm dry conditions away from
direct sources of heat or sunlight, and in such a manner as to
preserve the working life of the unit. It is strongly advised that the
unit is not kept in a tool box where other tools may damage it.