PCE Instruments PCE-DC 3 User manual

Manual
PCE-DC 3 HVAC Meter
PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
FL-33458
USA
From outside US: +1
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
www.pce-instruments.com/english
www.pce-instruments.com
PCE Instruments UK Ltd.
Units 12/13
Southpoint Business Park
Ensign way
Hampshire / Southampton
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
From outside UK: +44
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]

CONTENT
1. FEATURES ...................................................................................................................... 3
2. SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................... 3
3. METER DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................... 3
4. SAFETY INFORMATION ................................................................................................. 4
5. OPERATION .................................................................................................................... 4
6. FLASHLIGHT ................................................................................................................... 4
7. DATA HOLD .................................................................................................................... 4
8. BACKLIGHT DISPLAY .................................................................................................... 5
9. AUTO POWER OFF ......................................................................................................... 5
10. BATTERY REPLACEMENT ............................................................................................ 5

1. Features
• High resolution to 1mA AC
• 3-2/3 digit (2400 count) LCD display
• White LED backlight
• Built-in non-contact AC voltage detector plus flashlight
• Autoranging with auto power off
• 0.7” (18mm) Jaw opening
2. Specifications
z General Specifications
Display 3-2/3 (2400 count) Digit LCD with white LED backlight
Polarity Minus sign ( - ) indicates negative polarity
Current sensor Hall effect sensor type
Overload indication “OL” displayed on the LCD
DCA zero adjust One touch zero key
Display rate 2 readings/second, nominal
Battery Two 1.5V AAA batteries
Low Battery indication “BATT” displayed on the LCD
Auto OFF approx. 7 minutes
Operating conditions 32ºF to 86ºF (0ºC to 30ºC) 90%RH; 86ºF to 104ºF (30ºC to 40ºC) 75%RH; 104ºF to 122ºF
(40ºC to 50ºC) 45%RH
Storage conditions - 14ºF to 140ºF (-30ºC to 60ºC); < 90% Relative Humidity
Altitude Operate at less than 3000 meters
Weight 6.2 oz. (175g) including battery
Dimensions 164 x 65 x 32mm (6.5 x 2.6 x 1.3”) (HXWXD)
Jaw opening 18mm (0.7”)
Standards EN61010-1, EN61010-2-032 Category II 600V, Category III 300V
z Range Specifications
Function Range Resolution Accuracy (of reading)
DC Current
2A 1mA ± (2.8% + 10 digits)
80A 100mA ±(3.0% + 8digits)
AC Current (50/60Hz) 2A 1mA ±(3.0% + 10 digits)
80A 100mA ±(3.0% + 8 digits)
Non-Contact AC Voltage 100VAC to 600VAC 50/60Hz
3. Meter Description
1. Current sense jaw
2. Flashlight button
3. Rotary function switch
4. Data HOLD and Backlight key
5. LCD display
6. Clamp trigger
7. One-touch DCA ZERO key
8. Non-contact AC voltage indicator light
9. Non-contact AC voltage detector probe tip
C
C

4. Safety Information
! Caution! Refer to the explanation in this Manual
Double Insulation
This meter has been designed to be safe in use, but the operator must use caution in its operation. The rules
listed below should be carefully followed for safe operation.
1. NEVER apply voltage or current to the meter that exceeds the specified maximum:
2. USE EXTREME CAUTION when working with voltages greater than 25VAC rms. These voltages are
considerd a shock hazard.
3. NEVER operate the meter unless the back co ver and t he battery/fuse door are in place and fastened
securely
Input Limits
Function Maximum Input
AC Current 80A
DC Current ±80A
5. Operation
AC Current Measurements
1) Set the Function switch to the ACA range.
2) Press the jaw trigger and clamp around, fully enclosing a single conductor.
3) Do not allow a gap between the two halves of the jaw.
4) Refer to the diagram at right for the correct way to enclose a single conductor.
5) Read the ACA value on the LCD.
DC Current Measurements
1) Set the Function switch to the DCA range.
2) Press the ZERO key to null the meter display.
3) Press the Trigger to open the current sense Jaw.
4) Fully enclose the conductor to be measured.
5) Do not allow a gap between the two halves of the jaw.
6) Read the DCA value on the LCD.
Non-Contact AC Voltage Measurements
1) Touch the probe tip to the hot conductor or insert into the hot side of the electrical outlet.
2) If AC voltage is present, the detector light will illuminate.
NOTE: The conductors in electrical cord sets are of ten twisted. For b est results, rub th e probe tip alo ng a
length of the cord to assure placing the tip in close proximity to the live conductor.
NOTE: The detector is d esigned with high sen sitivity. Static electricity or other so urces of energy may
randomly trip the sensor. This is normal operation
6. Flashlight
Press and hold the top button to turn the flashlight on. Release the button to turn the flashlight off.
7. Data Hold
To freeze the current reading on the LCD, press the “Hold Backlight” key. The word HOLD will appear on the
LCD while the meter is in the Data Hold mode. To release the Data Hold function and return the meter to normal
operation, press the “Hold Backlight” key again. The word HOLD will switch off.
WARNING: Risk of Electrocution. Before use, always test the Voltage
Detector on a known live circuit to verify proper operation

8. Backlight display
Press and hold the “Hold Backlight” key for more than 2 seconds to turn on the backlight. This will also activate
the Data Hold function. To release the Data Hold function and return the meter to normal o peration, press the
Data Hold key momentarily. To turn off the backlight, press and hold the “Hold Backlight” key for more than 2
seconds
9. AUTO POWER OFF
The auto off feature will turn the meter off after 7 minutes.
10. Battery Replacement
1) When the low battery symbol appears on the LCD the batteries must be replaced.
2) Power down and remove the rear battery compartment Phillips screw.
3) Lift off the battery compartment cover and replace the two 1.5V AAA cells.
4) Replace compartment cover and secure the screw.
In this direction will find a vision of the measurement technique:
NOTE: "This instrument doesn’t have ATEX protection, so it should not be used in potentially explosive
atmospheres (powder, flammable gases)."