PCE Instruments PCE-HVAC 6 User manual

© PCE Instruments
User Manual
PCE-HVAC 6 Digital Multimeter
User manuals in various languages (français,
italiano, español, português, nederlands, türk, polski,
русский, 中文) can be found by using our
product search on: www.pce-instruments.com
Last change: 18 September 2019
v1.0
English

© PCE Instruments
Contents
1Safety notes.................................................................................................................... 1
2Introduction.................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Lieferumfang...................................................................................................................................................................... 2
3Technical specifications................................................................................................ 2
4System description........................................................................................................ 4
4.1 Device................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
4.2 Display............................................................................................................................................................................... 4
5Input shutter................................................................................................................... 5
6Non-contact voltage testing .......................................................................................... 5
7AC/DC current measurement......................................................................................... 5
7.1 Zeroing .............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
8AC/DC voltage measurement ........................................................................................ 6
9Resistance / continuity / diode / capacitance measurement....................................... 7
9.1 Continuity test.................................................................................................................................................................... 7
9.2 Diode test .......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
9.3 Capacitance measurement................................................................................................................................................ 7
9.4 Resistance measurement.................................................................................................................................................. 7
10 Frequency measurement............................................................................................... 8
11 µA DC/AC current measurement................................................................................... 8
12 K-type temperature measurement................................................................................. 9
13 Hold readings................................................................................................................. 9
14 MIN/MAX......................................................................................................................... 9
15 Hold peak value.............................................................................................................. 9
16 Measurement range ....................................................................................................... 9
17 LED backlight................................................................................................................. 9
18 Activate / deactivate lamp.............................................................................................10
19 Auto Power Off..............................................................................................................10
20 Battery level indicator...................................................................................................10
21 Replace the fuse............................................................................................................10
22 Warranty ........................................................................................................................11
23 Disposal.........................................................................................................................11

© PCE Instruments
1
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 inthis instruction manual. 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.
•Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to
the user.
•Remove the batteries if the meter is not used for more than 60 days.
•Turn off the meter when not in use.
•The object to be tested must not carry any voltage when a resistance measurement is
made.
•Do not use the complete measurement range.
•Before connecting the meter, make the right settings according to the test object.
•Do not make any current measurements above 600 V.
•Do not direct the lamp towards someone’s eyes.
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.

© PCE Instruments
2
2 Introduction
The clamp meter PCE-HVAC 6 was developed for workers in heating, ventilation and air
conditioning technology. It is the ideal clamp meter for lots of inspection and maintenance
applications in these areas.The PCE-HVAC 6 is a combination of multiple gauges. With its clamp,
it can measure currents up to 1000 A DC and AC. Also, voltages up to 600V AC / DC can be
measured accurately. For quick and easy testing of electrical conductors, the clamp meter has a
function for non-contact voltage detection.
The clamp meter can also measure resistors and capacitors. The diode test and continuity test
complete the range of electrical measuring functions of the PCE-HVAC 6. As a special feature,
the clamp meter has 2 measuring inputs for K-type thermocouples. With the help of these
thermocouples, for example, the flow and return temperature of heating systems can be
determined.
The PCE-HVAC 6 was developed for the everyday work of a service worker. The rugged plastic
case withstands shocks easily. A rubber coating around the case of the PCE-HVAC 6 helps
ensure that the clamp meter lies in the hand securely, even when the technician wears gloves.
The display has an LED backlight which facilitates reading in dark environments.
2.1 Lieferumfang
1 x Clamp meter PCE-HVAC 6
1 x Transport bag
2 x Test leads
1 x Battery 9V block battery
3 Technical specifications
Current measurement DC A
Measuring range
Resolution
Accuracy (of rdg.)
500 μA
0.01 μA
± (1% + 6 digits)
5000 μA
0.1 μA
± (1% + 6 digits)
50 A
0.01A
± (2.5% + 5 digits)
1000 A
0.1 A
± (2.5% + 30 digits)
Current measurement AC A
Measuring range
Resolution
Accuracy (of rdg.)
500 μA
0.01 μA
± (1.5% + 30 digits)
5000 μA
0.1 μA
± (1.5% + 30 digits)
50 A
0.01A
± (2.5% + 30 digits)
1000 A
0.1 A
± (2.8% + 30 digits)
Note: For AC A measurements, the specification of accuracy refers to the range of 5%
to 100% of the measuring range
Voltage measurement DC V
Measuring range
Resolution
Accuracy (of rdg.)
500 Ω
0.01
± (1% + 9 digits)
5 kΩ
0.0001
± (1% + 5 digits)
50 kΩ
0.001
± (1% + 5 digits)
500 kΩ
0.01
± (1% + 5 digits)
5 MΩ
0.0001
± (3% + 10 digits)
50 MΩ
0.001
± (3.5% + 10 digits)

© PCE Instruments
3
Capacitance measurement
Measuring range
Resolution
Accuracy (of rdg.))
500 nF
0.01
± (3.5% + 40 digits)
5000 nF
0.1
± (3.5% + 10 digits)
50 μF
0.001
± (3.5% + 10 digits)
500 μF
0.01
± (3.5% + 10 digits)
5mF
0.0001
± (5% + 10 digits)
Frequency measurement
Measuring range
Resolution
Accuracy (of rdg.)
50 Hz
0.001
± (0.3% + 2 digits)
500 Hz
0.01
± (0.3% + 2 digits)
5 kHz
0.0001
± (0.3% + 2 digits)
50 khz
0.001
± (0.3% + 2 digits)
500 kHz
0.01
± (0.3% + 2 digits)
5 Mhz
0.0001
± (0.3% + 2 digits)
10 MHz
0.001
± (0.3% + 2 digits)
Duty cycle
Measuring range
Resolution
Accuracy (of rdg.))
5% ... 95%
0.1
± (1% + 2 digits) (from the reading)
Pulse width
100 μs ... 100 ms
Frequency
10 Hz ... 10 kHz
Temperature
Measuring range
Resolution
Accuracy (of rdg.))
-100 ... 1000°C / -148 ... 1832°F
0.1
± (1% + 2.5°C / 3.5°F)
General technical data
Conductor diameter
Max. 48 mm / 1.9 in
Display
Two lines 50,000 digits
Continuity test
50 ohms / <50-mA
Diode test
0.3-mA / 2.8V DC
Battery indicator
Battery icon when battery low
Overrange
OL, if measuring range exceeded
Sample rate
2 Hz
Peak detection
>1 ms
Thermocouple
Type K
Fuse
500-mA ceramic quick-acting
AC bandwidth (AC A / AC V)
50 Hz ... 400 Hz
AC measurement
True RMS
Operating conditions
5 ... 40°C / 41 ... 104°F, max. 80% RH at 31°C
Storage conditions
-20 ... 60°C / -4 ... 140°F, max. 80% rh
Power supply
9V block battery
Automatic shutdown
After about 30 minutes
Dimensions (W x H x D)
230 x 76 x 40 mm / 9 x 3 x 1.6 in
Weight
315 g / <1 lb
Safety
IEC 1010-1 (2001):
EN 61010-1 (2001)
CAT III 600V
CAT II 1000V Degree of
pollution 2

© PCE Instruments
4
4 System description
4.1 Device
1. Current clamp
2. Clamp opener
3. Backlight/HOLD key
4. MODE key
5. LCD
6. K-type thermocouple input jack
7. Test lead input jacks
8. Non-contact voltage detector
9. Lamp
10. LED indicator of NCV detector
11. Lamp/ZERO key
12. Rotary function switch
13. MAX/MIN key
14. RANGE/PEAK/thermocouple key
15. Input shutter
4.2 Display
HOLD
Reading held
Auto Power Off active
AUTO
Automatic measurement
range
Peak value held
DC
DC voltage
AC
AC voltage
MAX
Maximum reading
MIN
Minimum reading
Low battery level
ZERO
DCA and CAP zero
mV or V
volts (voltage)
Ω
ohms (resistance)
A
amperes (current)
F
farads (capacitance)
Hz
hertz (frequency)
%
Duty cycle
°C und °F
Temperature unit
T1, T2, T1-T2
Temperature connection 1
Temperature connection 2
Temperature connection 1-2
n, m, µ, M, k
Unit prefixes
Continuity test
Diode test

© PCE Instruments
5
5 Input shutter
The input shutter is a mechanical security element to prevent simultaneous connection of the
thermocouples and of the test leads to avoid accidents. By moving the switch down, the input
jacks for the test leads are unblocked and the jacks for the thermocouples are blocked. By moving
the switch up, the input jacks for the thermocouples are unblocked and the jacks for the test leads
are blocked.
6 Non-contact voltage testing
Turn the rotary function switch to any position to switch on the meter. Now touch the test object
with the measuring tip of the clamp. If the test object carries voltage, the NCV LED will glow.
7 AC/DC current measurement
To make current measurements, first remove all test
leads form the meter. Then turn the rotary function
switch to “1000 A“. Now press the MODE key to
choose either AC or DC. Open the clamp with the
clamp opener. Place the clamp around the cable to
be measured (see picture) and close the clamp. If
the displayed reading is below 50 A AC/DC, turn the
rotary function switch to “50 A”.
7.1 Zeroing
To zero the meter, short-press the ZERO key. If you
hear a beep tone, zeroing has been successful.

© PCE Instruments
6
8 AC/DC voltage measurement
To make avoltagemeasurement, move theinput shutter upto unblock
the input jacks. Then turn the rotary function switch to the “V“ position.
Now press the MODE key to select either DC or AC. Now connect the
black test lead to the “COM“ jack and the red test lead to the red jack.
The black jack is for negative connection and the red jack is for
positive connection The voltage value will be displayed directly after
connecting the test leads.

© PCE Instruments
7
9 Resistance / continuity / diode / capacitance measurement
To make a resistance measurement, continuity test, diode test or
capacitance measurement, move the input shutter up to unlock the
input jacks. Turn the rotary function switch to “Ω“. Now press the
MODE key to switch between resistance measurement, continuity
test, diode test and capacitance measurement. Now connect the
black test lead to the “COM“ jack and connect the red test lead to
the red jack.
9.1 Continuity test
When making acontinuity test, an audible signal will sound as soon
as the resistance value is <50 Ω.
9.2 Diode test
To test diodes, connect the test leads to the diode now and
remember or write down the displayed reading. Now swap polarity
and compare the new reading to the first reading. The
measurement can be evaluated as follows:
If “OL“ is displayed after both measurements, the diode is defective.
If “OL“ is displayed after one measurement and typical values such
as 0.400 … 1.800 V are displayed after the second measurement,
this means that the diode works. If voltage readings are displayed
after both measurements, this means that the diode is defective. In
this case, the diode will cause a short circuit.
9.3 Capacitance measurement
A short time after connecting the test leads, a farad value will be
displayed. Note that the capacitors are charged during this
measurement. To avoid electric shocks, these should be
discharged after the measurement where needed.
9.4 Resistance measurement
The resistance reading will be displayed immediately when the test leads have been connected.

© PCE Instruments
8
10 Frequency measurement
To make a frequency measurement, move the input shutter up to unlock
the input jacks. Turn the rotary function switch to the “Hz“position. Now
connect the black test lead to the “COM“ input jack and the red test lead
to the red input jack. Now measure your test object.
11 µA DC/AC current measurement
To make a µA DC/AC power measurement, move the input shutter upto unlock
the input jacks. Turn the rotary function switch to “µA“. Now connect the black
test lead to the “COM“ input jack and the red test lead to the red input jack.
Now measure your test object. The black jack is for negative connection and
the red jack is for positive connection. Make sure the meter is connected in
series to the test object.