Megger AVO 830 User manual

AVO®830 and AVO®835
True RMS Digital Multi-Meter
User Guide

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Contents
Overview 6
Contact Megger UK.......................................................................................................................................6
Safety 7
Safety Information ...........................................................................................................................................7
Measurement Connection ...............................................................................................................................8
Voltage .........................................................................................................................................................8
CAT IV ..........................................................................................................................................................8
CAT III ...........................................................................................................................................................8
CAT II ...........................................................................................................................................................8
Warnings, Cautions and Notes.........................................................................................................................8
Warnings.......................................................................................................................................................8
Cautions........................................................................................................................................................8
Notes.............................................................................................................................................................8
Safety and Hazard Symbols..............................................................................................................................9
Introduction 10
Measurement Functions...............................................................................................................................10
Product Features 11
Overview .......................................................................................................................................................11
Function Buttons ...........................................................................................................................................12
Function Dial .................................................................................................................................................13
Terminals .......................................................................................................................................................14
Display...........................................................................................................................................................15
Start-up Overview 16
Start-up and Shut-down ................................................................................................................................16
Auto Power Off (APO)....................................................................................................................................16
Battery Status ................................................................................................................................................16
Range Selection .............................................................................................................................................16
Backlight .......................................................................................................................................................16
Measurements 17
Live Circuit Detection.....................................................................................................................................17
Voltage Measurement....................................................................................................................................18
AC+DC Description .....................................................................................................................................19
Phase Rotation / Sequence Detection .............................................................................................................19
Resistance Measurement................................................................................................................................20
Resistance Measurement Tips ......................................................................................................................21
Continuity Test...............................................................................................................................................22
Conductance Measurement...........................................................................................................................23

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Capacitance Measurement.............................................................................................................................24
Smart Capacitance ......................................................................................................................................25
Diode Test......................................................................................................................................................26
Frequency Measurement................................................................................................................................28
Temperature Measurement ............................................................................................................................29
AC Voltage Detection ....................................................................................................................................30
Current Measurement....................................................................................................................................31
Ampere Measurement .................................................................................................................................31
Milliampere Measurement ...........................................................................................................................33
Maintenance 35
Batteries ........................................................................................................................................................35
Battery Status ..............................................................................................................................................35
Battery Replacement .....................................................................................................................................35
Fuse Replacement..........................................................................................................................................36
Clean the instrument .....................................................................................................................................37
Technical Support ..........................................................................................................................................37
End of Life Disposal 38
WEEE Directive...............................................................................................................................................38
Battery Disposal .............................................................................................................................................38
Accessories 39
Optional and Replacement Accessories ..........................................................................................................39
Specifications 40
General Specifications....................................................................................................................................40
Technical Specifications..................................................................................................................................41
Repair and Warranty 43
Calibration, Service and Spare Parts ...............................................................................................................43

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Figures
Fig 1: Voltage Measurement Set-up............................................................................................. 18
Fig 2: Phase Rotation / Sequence Detection Set-up .................................................................... 19
Fig 3: Resistance Measurement Set-up......................................................................................... 20
Fig 4: Continuity Test Set-up......................................................................................................... 22
Fig 5: Conductance Measurement Set-up.................................................................................... 23
Fig 6: Capacitance Measurement Set-up...................................................................................... 24
Fig 7: Diode Test Set-up ................................................................................................................ 26
Fig 8: Forward Voltage Drop Across Semi-conductor Junction .................................................. 27
Fig 9: Frequency Measurement Set-up......................................................................................... 28
Fig 10: Temperature Measurement Set-up .................................................................................. 29
Fig 11: AC voltage Detection Set-up ............................................................................................ 30
Fig 12: ≤ 10 A Measurement Set-up............................................................................................. 31
Fig 13: ≤ 100 mA Measurement Set-up........................................................................................ 33
Fig 14: Battery Replacement......................................................................................................... 35
Fig 15: Fuse Replacement.............................................................................................................. 36

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Overview
Overview
Thank you for purchasing an AVO®digital multi-meter from Megger®. This User Guide details the specifications,
functional aspects and how to use the Megger digital multi-meter model No. AVO8 Series.
For your own safety and to get the maximum benefit from this Megger instrument, read and understand the
safety warnings and instructions before the instrument is used.
Megger reserves the right to improve the content of this User Guide from time to time without notice.
Megger reserves and retains the intellectual property rights of the content including the design, text, graphics,
and logos in this User Guide. Any partial or complete reproduction or usage of the content is strictly prohibited.
For the latest version of this User Guide visit: www.megger.com
To register this instrument go to: uk.megger.com/support-pages/register
Contact Megger UK
Megger Ltd.
Archcliffe Road
Dover
CT17 9EN
UK
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.megger.com

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Safety
Safety
Safety Information
Retain these safety warnings for future reference.
Read and understand the safety information before using the instrument.
The following warnings must be obeyed.
Important: This instrument must be used only by suitably trained and competent persons.
Users of this instrument and their employers must do a valid risk assessment of all electrical work to identify
potential sources of electrical danger and risk of electrical injury, and must conform to national safety legislation.
Where assessment shows significant risk from high energy systems, the use of fused leads must be considered.
If the instrument is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the
instrument may be impaired.
The instrument must not be used if any part of it is damaged.
Use only Megger approved test leads and accessories with this instrument.
Test leads and probes must be in good order, clean and have no broken or cracked insulation.
Hold the test probes behind the finger-guards when they are in contact.
Always check that the correct instrument connections and range selection have been made before
connection to the test subject.
Voltage or current that exceeds the instrument ratings can damage the instrument and present a shock or fire
hazard.
Use caution when working with voltages above 30 VAC rms, 42 VAC peak or 60 VDC. These voltages present
a shock hazard.
To avoid the risk of electric shock do not connect the thermocouple to circuits greater than 10 V.
Before any resistance, continuity, diode, or capacitance measurements are started, circuits must be de-
energised and isolated from the mains power.
Before and after use always test a known voltage to check for correct instrument operation. Do not use the
instrument if incorrect results are obtained.
Make sure that the test probes are disconnected before the case or battery cover is opened.
Replacement fuses must be of the correct type and rating.
The instrument must not be used in wet conditions. If it should become wet, it must be dried thoroughly
before use.
Test leads, which are used for mains measurements, must be rated as appropriate for measurement category
IV or III. They must also have a voltage rating of at least the voltage of the circuit to be measured.

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Safety
Measurement Connection
Only Megger supplied test leads designed for this instrument provide the full safety rating.
Voltage
The rated measurement connection voltage is the maximum line to earth voltage at which it is safe to connect.
CAT IV
Measurement category IV: Equipment connected between the origin of the low-voltage mains supply and the
distribution panel.
CAT III
Measurement category III: Equipment connected between the distribution panel and the electrical outlets.
CAT II
Measurement category II: Equipment connected between the electrical outlets and the user’s equipment.
Measurement equipment may be safely connected to circuits at the marked rating or lower. The connection
rating is that of the lowest rated component in the measurement circuit.
Warnings, Cautions and Notes
Warnings
A Warning alerts the reader to situations where a hazard to personnel can occur. They are placed before the event
to which they relate and are repeated at each applicable occasion.
Cautions
A Caution alerts the reader to situations where equipment damage may result if a process is not followed. They
are placed before the event to which they relate and are repeated at each applicable occasion.
Notes
Notes give additional information that aid the reader in the use or understanding of the equipment or subject,
they are not used when a Warning or Caution is applicable.
They are not safety related and may be placed either before or after the associated text as required.

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Safety
Safety and Hazard Symbols
The Safety and Hazard symbols detailed in this section are marked on the instrument:
F
Warning: Risk of electric shock
G
Caution: Refer to the User Guide
AC (Alternating Current or Voltage)
DC (Direct Current or Voltage)
OL Overload
Fuse
Equipment complies with Australian Communications Media Authority (ACMA) requirements for
Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Equipment complies with current EU directives.
Do not dispose of in the normal waste stream.
Earth (Ground)

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Introduction
Introduction
The Megger Digital Meters AVO830 and AVO835 are battery powered true-RMS Multi-meters with a 10000 count
dual display digital display and analogue arc. They are compact and easy to operate measurement instruments for
electrical and electronic applications.
These instruments meet the CAT III and CAT IV safety standards.
New instruments are covered by a three year warranty from the date of purchase by the user, the second and third
years are conditional on free product registration (see Repair and Warranty (page 43)).
AVO830
• Measures up to 600 V AC / DC
• Category rating: CATIV 600 V
AVO835
• Measures up to 1000 V AC/DC
• Temperature measurement
• Category rating: CATIV 600 V
• Category rating: CATIII 1000 V
Equipment
Description AVO830 AVO835
Test Lead Kit n n
Temperature Measurement Probe n
AA Alkaline Battery n n
Quick Start Guide n n
Safety Warnings Sheet n n
Warranty information n n
Measurement Functions
This instrument measures and tests the following:
Voltage Measurement (page 18)
Phase Rotation / Sequence Detection (page 19)
Resistance Measurement (page 20)
Continuity Test (page 22)
Conductance Measurement (page 23)
Capacitance Measurement (page 24)
Diode Test (page 26)
Frequency Measurement (page 28)
Temperature Measurement (page 29)
AC Voltage Detection (page 30)
Current Measurement (page 31)

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Product Features
Product Features
Overview
Hz
CAT III 1000V
CAT IV 600V
COM
FUSED
100mA
V10A
Ω
AVO835
RANGE
MODE
MIN MAX
AVG
REL %
REL
Low Z
HOLD/Auto
Hz
Lo
Hi
OFF
APO
OFF
Hz
A
Ω°F
°C
ac+dc
VHzmA
1
2
3
4
No. Details
1Display (page 15)
2Function Buttons (page 12)
3Function Dial (page 13)
4Terminals (page 14)

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Product Features
Function Buttons
AVO835
RANGE
MODE
MIN MAX
AVG
REL %
REL
Low Z
HOLD/Auto
6
1
5
3
7
2
4
No. Description Available (Function Dial)
1 Record minimum, maximum or average values, shown on the Secondary
display. Step through MIN, MAX and AVG readings
Press and hold for two seconds to cancel
VAC, VDC AAC, ADC,
Hz, Ω, Capacitor and
Temperature measurement
2 Toggle through the available options at a selected function (see Function
Dial (page 13))
All positions
3 Select automatic or manual range (see Range Selection (page 16)) VAC, VDC AAC, ADC, Hz, Ω
and Capacitor measurement
4REL ∆: Captures the current reading and shows it as a reference for
subsequent readings on the Secondary display. The Primary display is the
difference between the stored reading and subsequent readings
REL %: Captures the current reading and shows it as a reference for
subsequent readings on the Secondary display. The Primary display is a
percentage of subsequent readings to stored reading
Press and hold for two seconds to cancel
VAC, VDC AAC, ADC,
Hz, Ω, Capacitor and
Temperature measurement
5HOLD: Capture the current reading and show the value on the
Secondary display. The Primary display shows subsequent readings
HOLD/Auto: Capture the current reading on the Secondary display.
When a new stable reading is detected, the instrument beeps and shows
the new reading
Smooth: Measurements are refreshed every two seconds and shown on
the Primary display
Press and hold for two seconds to cancel
VAC, VDC AAC, ADC,
Hz, Ω, Capacitor and
Temperature measurement
6Backlight: Set the backlight On / Off (automatically goes Off after one
minute)
All positions
7Low Z: Reduce the input impedance down to 10 KOhms during voltage
and capacitance measurement
In LPF (Low Pass Filter) mode the instrument continues to measure in the
selected AC mode, but the signal diverts through a filter, which blocks
unwanted voltages above 800 Hz
VAC, VDC, Capacitance

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Product Features
Function Dial
Hz
Lo
Hi
OFF
APO
OFF
Hz
A
Ω°F
°C
ac+dc
VHzmA
9 7
8 8
2
6
3
4 5110
White symbols: Default function
Yellow symbols: Other functions
Press
MODE
repeatedly to select other functions.
No. Function
1Resistance Measurement (page 20)
Continuity Test (page 22)
Conductance Measurement (page 23)
2Capacitance Measurement (page 24)
Diode Test (page 26). Measure the forward voltage drop across PN junction of diode and transistor
3Frequency Measurement (page 28)
4Temperature Measurement (page 29)
5AC Voltage Detection (page 30)
Detects live AC circuit in vicinity (Hi or Lo sensitivity)
6Current Measurement (page 31)
AC measurements 0.0 A to 10.00 A
DC measurements 0.0 A to 10.00 A
AC Frequency
7Milliampere Measurement (page 33)
AC measurements 0.0 mA to 100.00 mA
DC measurements 0.0 mA to 100.00 mA
AC frequency
8 Instrument Off (battery power Off)
APO is active by default (see Auto Power Off (page 16))
9Voltage Measurement (page 18)
AC, DC, or AC+DC
10 Phase Rotation / Sequence Detection (page 19)
Phase sequence detection of three phase AC supply

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Product Features
Terminals
For user safety it is important to:
Always connect the common (COM) probe first and then connect the live probe to the circuit or the
instrument
Always remove the live probe first and then remove the common (COM) probe
Hz
CAT III 1000V
CAT IV 600V
COM
FUSED
100mA
V10A
Ω
1 2
4 3
No. Description Details
1 V Voltage, Resistance, Diode Capacitance and Voltage Frequency
2 10 A ≤ 10 A current measurements and frequency
3 100 mA ≤ 100 mA current measurements and frequency
4 COM Return (Common)

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Product Features
Display
APO
z
Mk
V
G
Mk
z
AS
V
200
0
400 600 800
1000
MIN MAX AVG AUTO HOLD REL % RANGE
LoZ
21 3
4
5
6
78910
11
12
13
No. Description
1 Analogue arc consist of linear scale and 53 needles
2 Secondary display
3 Auto Power Off (APO) active
4 Shows battery charge at 100%, 75%, 50% and 25%. Once the battery charge goes below 25%, the
icon flashes to show that new batteries must be installed
5 Beep On
6 Primary and secondary display mode symbols
7 Relative function active
8 Hold active. If HOLD flashes, Auto Hold is active
9 Range: Auto shows when Auto range is selected.
10 Minimum, Maximum or Average modes
11 Primary display
12 Non-contact AC live circuit detection On.
13 Caution, hazardous condition
Note: If OL shows on the display it means that the current reading is over range.

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Start-up Overview
Start-up Overview
Start-up and Shut-down
To start and use the instrument rotate the Function Dial to a function
On start-up the instrument completes a self test routine before normal operation
To shut-down rotate the Function Dial to Off
Auto Power Off (APO)
Auto Power Off (APO) is active by default. After 10 minutes of inactivity the instrument will go into a sleep mode.
To recover from sleep mode press any button or rotate the Function Dial to an adjacent function (the display for
the selected function shows). All previously activated button features (MIN, MAX, AVG, HOLD, and so on) are
discarded.
To Disabled APO
1. Press and hold
MODE
.
2. Rotate the Function Dial to a function.
Note: APO is also disabled in MIN, MAX and AVG mode.
Battery Status
When the battery icon flashes (25% battery life left) the batteries need to be replaced.
When BAT LOW shows on the display the instrument will not respond to user requests and will eventually shut-
down. Replace the batteries.
See To Replace the Batteries (page 35).
Range Selection
Select automatic or manual ranges (default: automatic). When set to automatic, the instrument automatically
selects the range with best resolution.
To Set to Manual Range
1. Press and release RANGE , to toggle through the available ranges.
2. Press and hold RANGE to return to AUTO range (AUTO shows on the display).
Backlight
Press to set the backlight On or Off. The backlight automatically goes Off after one minute.

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Measurements
Measurements
This section details all the available measurements on the instrument.
For user safety it is important to:
Always connect the common (COM) probe first and then connect the live probe to the circuit or the
instrument.
Always remove the live probe first and then remove the common (COM) probe.
Live Circuit Detection
Measurement modes that the not designed to measure live circuits will sound a continuous audible beep and
show V OL (flashing) on the display. Measurement is inhibited.
Test leads must immediately be disconnected from the circuit under test.

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Measurements
Voltage Measurement
The instrument features true RMS measurement, which gives accurate readings for distorted sine waves and other
waveforms such as square waves, triangle waves, and staircase waves.
21
Hz
CAT III 1000V
CAT IV 600V
COM
FUSED
100mA
V10A
Ω
AVO835
RANGE
MODE
MIN MAX
AVG
REL %
REL
Low Z
HOLD/Auto
ac+dc
APO
Lo
Hz
Hz
°F
Hz
V
Hi
A
mA
OFF
OFF
Ω°C
V
ac+dc
V
Hz
CAT III 1000V
CAT IV 600V
COM
FUSED
100mA
V10A
Ω
AVO835
RANGE
MODE
MIN MAX
AVG
REL %
REL
Low Z
HOLD/Auto
ac+dc
APO
Lo
Hz
Hz
°F
Hz
V
Hi
A
mA
OFF
OFF
Ω°C
V
ac+dc
V
MODE
+
AC
DC
AC+DC
Fig 1: Voltage Measurement Set-up
No. Description
1 AC voltage set-up
2 DC voltage set-up
To Measure Voltage
1. Set-up the instrument as shown in Fig 1.
• Set the Function Dial to
ac+dc
V
• Red test lead: V terminal
• Black test lead: COM terminal
2. Press
MODE
to toggle through:
• AC (default)
• DC
• AC + DC
3. If manual range is required, press RANGE repeatedly to scroll to a suitable range and resolution. Press and
hold RANGE to return to AUTO range (AC and DC modes only).
Low Impedance Voltage Measurements: For AC Voltage measurements on cables with ghost voltage, press
Low Z (low input impedance) mode. LoZ will show on the display.

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Measurements
AC+DC Description
The AC+DC function is used to measure complex voltages, which consist of both AC and DC components.
VAC+DC = √(VAC
²+ VDC ²)
Therefore:
Where VAC = 230 V and VDC = 85 V
Addition of AC and DC voltages give 315 V.
However:
VAC+DC =
=
=
=
√ (VAC² + VDC²)
√ (230²+ 85²)
√ (60125)
245.20 V TRMS
Phase Rotation / Sequence Detection
Phase Rotation / Sequence Detection enables the connection of three phase power to the motor or any three
phase appliance in correct sequence.
Hz
CAT III 1000V
CAT IV 600V
COM
FUSED
100mA
V10A
Ω
AVO835
RANGE
MODE
MIN MAX
AVG
REL %
REL
Low Z
HOLD/Auto
ac+dc
APO
Lo
Hz
Hz
°F
Hz
V
Hi
A
mA
OFF
OFF
Ω°C
Hz
CAT III 1000V
CAT IV 600V
COM
FUSED
100mA
V10A
Ω
AVO835
RANGE
MODE
MIN MAX
AVG
REL %
REL
Low Z
HOLD/Auto
ac+dc
APO
Lo
Hz
Hz
°F
Hz
V
Hi
A
mA
OFF
OFF
Ω°C
Hz
CAT III 1000V
CAT IV 600V
COM
FUSED
100mA
V10A
Ω
AVO835
RANGE
MODE
MIN MAX
AVG
REL %
REL
Low Z
HOLD/Auto
ac+dc
APO
Lo
Hz
Hz
°F
Hz
V
Hi
A
mA
OFF
OFF
Ω°C
V V
1. 2.
2
13
2
13
Fig 2: Phase Rotation / Sequence Detection Set-up
For a valid detection, set the voltage level and supply frequency to:
ACV: > 80 V
Supply Frequency: In the range 40 Hz to 80 Hz.

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Measurements
To Detect Phase Rotation / Sequence
1. Set-up the instrument as shown in Fig 2.
• Set the Function Dial to
• Red test lead: V terminal
• Black test lead: COM terminal
The range locks to 1000 V and ----- shows on the Primary display.
2. Connect the V and COM probes to L1 and L2 phases of the three phase supply (1).
If the voltage and frequency are correct the instrument shows LOC on the Primary display.
3. Once LOC shows change L1 to third phase (L3) within eight seconds (2).
4. If phase changeover is not detected within eight seconds t-OUt (Time Out) shows on the Primary display.
5. If phase changeover is detected within eight seconds, the phase sequence result will show as:
• L1 L2 L3 (phase sequence is OK / Forward), or
• L3 L2 L1 (phase sequence is NOT OK / Reverse)
6. After three seconds test will start again on its own.
Resistance Measurement
To measure resistance a small current is sent through the circuit to be tested. Because this current flows through
all possible paths between the test probes, the resistance reading represents the total resistance of all paths
between the test probes. Therefore to measure the resistance of:
A Resistor: Disconnect at least one connection (1)
A Variable resistor: Disconnect at least two connections (2)
Hz
CAT III 1000V
CAT IV 600V
COM
FUSED
100mA
V10A
Ω
AVO835
RANGE
MODE
MIN MAX
AVG
REL %
REL
Low Z
HOLD/Auto
ac+dc
APO
Lo
Hz
Hz
°F
Hz
V
Hi
A
mA
OFF
OFF
Ω°C
M
Ω
12
3
132
2.
1.
Fig 3: Resistance Measurement Set-up
Caution: To avoid possible damage to the instrument or to the equipment under test, make sure that
the circuit power is disconnected and all high-voltage capacitors are discharged before resistance is
measured.