PCE Instruments PCE-ITM 20 User manual

© PCE Instruments
User Manual
Isolation Meter PCE-ITM 20
PCE-ITM 20
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Last change: 3 May 2019
v1.0
English

© PCE Instruments
Contents
1Safety notes........................................................................................... 1
1.1 Safety symbols................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 IEC1010 overvoltage installation categories..................................................................... 2
2Device description ................................................................................ 3
3Operation ............................................................................................... 5
3.1 DC Voltage Measurements .............................................................................................. 5
3.2 AC Voltage (Frequency, Duty Cycle) Measurements........................................................ 6
3.3 mV Voltage Measurements.............................................................................................. 7
3.4 DC Current Measurements............................................................................................... 8
3.5 AC Current (Frequency, Duty Cycle) Measurements........................................................ 9
3.6 Resistance Measurements..............................................................................................10
3.7 Continuity Check.............................................................................................................11
3.8 Diode Test.......................................................................................................................12
3.9 Capacitance Measurements............................................................................................12
3.10 Temperature Measurements ...........................................................................................13
3.11 Frequency (Duty Cycle) Measurements (electronic)........................................................13
3.12 % 4 –20mA Measurements............................................................................................14
3.13 LO Measurements...........................................................................................................14
3.14 Insulation Resistance Measurements..............................................................................14
3.15 Application Example........................................................................................................15
3.16 Autoranging/Manual Range Selection .............................................................................16
3.17 MAX/MIN.........................................................................................................................16
3.18 Relative Mode.................................................................................................................17
3.19 Display Backlight.............................................................................................................17
3.20 HOLD..............................................................................................................................17
3.21 PEAK HOLD ...................................................................................................................17
3.22 Data Record (Store/Recall) .............................................................................................17
3.23 Parameter setting up (SET).............................................................................................18
3.24 AC+DC............................................................................................................................18
3.25 Low Battery Indication.....................................................................................................18
3.26 Calibration Method..........................................................................................................18

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4Maintenance ........................................................................................19
4.1 Battery Installation...........................................................................................................19
4.2 Replacing the Fuses........................................................................................................20
5Technical specifications ....................................................................20
6Test method of DAR and PI................................................................24
7Warranty...............................................................................................25
8Disposal ...............................................................................................25

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1 Safety notes
Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The
device may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel.
Damage or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual are excluded from our liability and
not covered by our warranty.
•The device must only be used as described in this instructionmanual.If used otherwise,
this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.
•The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature, relative
humidity, …) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose
the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or moisture.
•Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.
•The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.
•Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.
•You must not make any technical changes to the device.
•The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner,
no abrasives or solvents.
•The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.
•Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not
use the device.
•Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.
•The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under
any circumstances.
•NEVER apply voltage or current to the meter that exceeds the specified maximum:
Input Protection Limits
Function
Maximum input
V DC or V AC
1000 VDC/AC RMS
mA AC/DC
500 mA 1000 V fast acting fuse
A AC/DC
10 A 1000 V fast acting fuse (20 Afor 30
seconds max. every 15 min)
Frequency, resistance, capacitance,
duty cycle, diode test, continuity
1000 VDC/AC rms
Temperature
1000 VDC/AC RMS
Surge protection
8 kV peak in line with IEC 61010
•USE EXTREME CAUTION when working with high voltages.
•DO NOT measure voltage if the voltage on the “COM” input jack exceeds 1000 V above
earth ground.
•NEVER connect the meter leads across a voltage source while the function switch is in
the current, resistance, or diode mode. Doing so can damage the meter.
•ALWAYS discharge filter capacitors in power supplies and disconnect the power when
making resistance or diode tests.
•ALWAYS turn off the power and disconnect the test leads before opening the covers to
replace the fuse or batteries.
•NEVER operate the meter unless the back cover and the battery and fuse covers are
in place and fastened securely.
•If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired.
•Do not use the meter or test leads if they look damaged. Use extreme caution when
working around bare conductors or bus bars.
•Accidental contact with the conductor could result in electric shock.
•Be careful when working with voltages above 60 V DC or 30 V AC RMS. Such voltages
pose a shock hazard.

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•Before making resistance measurements or testing acoustic continuity, disconnect the
circuit from the main power supply and all loads from the circuit.
•Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to
the user.
We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of
business.
If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments. The contact details can be found at
the end of this manual.
1.1 Safety symbols
This symbol can appear next to another symbol, device or connection and
indicates the user must refer to the manual for important safety information.
This WARNING symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
This CAUTION symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, may result in damage to the product.
Indicates the terminal(s) so marked must not be connected to a circuit where
the voltage with respect to earth ground exceeds 1000 VAC or VDC.
This symbol adjacent to one or more terminals identifies them as being
associated with ranges that may, in normal use, be subject to particularly
hazardous voltages. For maximum safety, themeter and its test leads should
not be handled when these terminals are energized.
Equipment is protected by double or reinforced insulation.
1.2 IEC1010 overvoltage installation categories
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY I
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY I is equipment for connection to circuits in which
measures are taken to limit the transient overvoltages to an appropriate low level.
Note-Examples include protected electronic circuits.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II is energy-consuming equipment to be supplied
from the fixed installation.
Note-Examples include household, office, and laboratory appliances.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III is equipment in fixed installations.
Note-Examples include switches in the fixed installations and some equipment for industrial use
with permanent connection to the fixed installation.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY IV
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY IV is for use at the origin of the installation.
Note-Examples include electricity meters and primary over-current protection equipment.

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2 Device description
Device / keys
1 - 50,000 count LCD
2 - MAX/MIN (-) button
3 - STORE (<RECALL) button
4 - RANGE (SETUP) button
5 - MODE (LOCK) button
6 - INSULATION TEST button
7 - Function switch
8 - 10 A input jacks
9 - mA, μA and insulation input jacks
10 - COM input jack
11 - Positive input jack
12 - Backlight button
13 –EXIT (AC+DC) button
14 –HOLD (PeakHOLD>) button
15 –REL (+) button
The tilt stand and battery compartment are
on the rear side of the unit.

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Display
n
μ
m
A
k
F
M
Ω
PEAK
Hz
V
%
∆
AC
AUTO
DC
HOLD
˚F
˚C
MAX
MIN
No.
S
SET
AC + DC
TRMS
STO
RCL
Continuity
Diode test
Battery status
nano (10-9) (capacitance)
micro (10-6) (amps, cap)
milli (10-3) (volts, amps)
Amps
kilo (103) (ohms)
Farads (capacitance)
mega (106) (ohms)
Ohms
Peak Hold
Hertz (frequency)
Volts
Per cent (duty ratio)
Relative
Alternating current
Autoranging
Direct current
Display hold
Degrees Fahrenheit
Degrees Centigrade
Maximum
Minimum
Serial number
Second
Setup parameter
Alternating current
+ direct current
True RMS
Store
Recall
Auto Power Off enabled
Backlight
RF transmitter active

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Other symbols
: While testing the insulation resistance, the symbol “ ” flashes frequently if the voltageis over
30 V.
: While testing the insulation resistance, the symbol “ ” flashes frequently and the buzzer
warns continually if the outside voltage is over 30 V.The symbol “ ” is indicated while LOΩ≤35Ω
and the buzzer warns continuously.
LOCK: Push down the “LOCK” button while you are testing the insulation resistance. The meter
will enter insulation resistance status and the symbol “ ” is indicated.
LOBAT: The display shows “LOBAT” when the voltage drops below 7.5 V.
HOLD: The current value is held.
V, MΩ, Ω: The measured dimension units
3 Operation
Risk of electrocution. High-voltage circuits, both AC and DC, are very
dangerous and should be measured with great care.
• ALWAYS turn the function switch to the OFF position when the meter is not in use.
• If “OL” appears in the display during a measurement, the value exceeds the range you have
selected. Change to a higher range.
3.1 DC Voltage Measurements
Do not measure DC voltages if a motor on the circuit is being switched ON or
OFF. Large voltage surges may occur that can damage the meter.
• Set the function switch to the green VDC position.
• Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM
jack. Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive V
jack.
• Touch the black test probe tip to the negative side of the
circuit. Touch the red test probe tip to the positive side of the
circuit.
• Read the voltage in the display.

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3.2 AC Voltage (Frequency, Duty Cycle) Measurements
Risk of Electrocution. The probe tips may not be long enough to contact
the live parts inside some 240 V outlets for appliances because the contacts are
recessed deep in the outlets. As a result, the reading may show 0 volts when the outlet
actually has voltage on it. Make sure the probe tips are touching the metal contacts
inside the outlet before assuming that no voltage is present.
Do not measure AC voltages if a motor on the circuit is being switched ON
or OFF. Large voltage surges may occur that can damage the meter.
• Set the function switch to the green VAC/Hz/% position.
• Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative
COM jack. Insert red test lead banana plug into the positive
V jack.
• Touch the black test probe tip to the neutral side of the
circuit. Touch the red test probe tip to the “hot” side of the
circuit.
• Read the voltage in the main display and the frequency in
the right auxiliary display.
• Press the MODE button to indicate “Hz”.
• Read the frequency in the main display.
• Press the MODE button again to indicate “%”.
• Read the % of duty cycle in the main display.
• Press EXIT for 2 seconds into the function of AC+DC. Test
DC and AC TRUE RMS.
• When the voltage of VAC>0.2V, the frequency of VAC can
be read synchronously in the right auxiliary display.