Plusivo DM301B User manual

Mastering The Art of
Measurement
User Guide for the Plusivo
DM301B Multimeter
Mastering the Art of Measurement (Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

Table of Contents
Introduction 2
1. Overview 2
2. Parts 3
2.1 Rotary Switch / Function Knob 4
2.2 Function keys description 4
2.3 LCD 5
3. Technical Specifications 6
4. Safety Specifications 6
5. Reference Table 7
5.1 Table of SI Units 7
5.2 Table of Prefixes 7
6. Instrument Specifications 7
6.1 DC Voltage 7
6.2 AC Voltage 8
6.3 DC Current 8
6.4 AC Current 8
6.5 Resistance 9
6.6 Capacitance 9
6.7 Diode and Continuity Test 9
7. Measurement Operation 10
7.1 DC Voltage Measurement 10
7.2 AC Voltage Measurement 11
7.3 DC/AC Current Measurement 12
7.4 Resistance Measurement 14
7.5 Continuity Test 15
7.6 Diode Test 16
7.7 Capacitance Test 17
7.8 Non Contact Voltage (NCV) Test 18
7.9 Live Test 19
7.10 Battery Test 20
8. Basic Concepts 21
8.1 Ohm's Law 21
8.1.1 Example 21
8.2 Joule's Law for Electrical Power 23
8.2.1 Example 24
8.3 Kirchhoff's Law 26
8.3.1 Kirchhoff's Current Law 26
8.3.2 Kirchhoff's Voltage Law 26
1
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

8.3.3 Example 27
8.4 Shunt Resistor 31
8.4.1 Example 32
8.5 Choosing the Right Resistor for an LED 34
8.5.1 Example 35
8.6 Measuring Internal Resistance of a Battery 37
8.6.1 Example 38
8.7 Testing Some Components Using Multimeter 40
8.7.1 Potentiometer Test 40
8.7.2 BJT Transistor Test 42
Introduction
In this guide, you are going to learn how to measure DC voltage and AC voltage, DC current,
resistance, diodes, capacitance and continuity test using DM301B 4000 Counts T-RMS Digital
Multmeter. We are going to study some basic concepts like Ohm's Law and Kirchhoff's Law. Please note
that product color may slightly vary due to photographic lighting sources or your monitor settings.
1. Overview
This True RMS high performance digital multimeter can be used to measure DC voltage and AC
voltage, AC and DC current, resistance, diodes and do continuity tests. It can also be used to assess the
battery quality, has NCV and live test functions. The new display and function layout show clearer and
better user experience. It is the best choice for professional electricians, enthusiasts and families.
2
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

Please take the time and read the printed operating instructions manual that is inside the
kit before use and pay attention to the safety information and retain them for future reference.
Failure to follow these instructions may lead to serious injury and damage to property.
In general, if something unusual happens or if you suspect that something is wrong or has
malfunctioned, do not do anything with the product and immediately contact the seller for assistance
(email address: of[email protected])
2. Parts
3
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

2.1 Rotary switch / Function Knob
OFF
Instrument turned OFF
DC Voltage measurement
AC Voltage measurement
Resistance/Diode/Continuity measurement
Capacitance Measurement Function
Battery Test Function
AC/DC Current measurement
Non Contact Voltage measurement (NCV) / Live Test
2.2 Function keys description
4
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

FUNC
Function Key to switch between measurements
HOLD
Hold Function for data or reading retention
MAX
Maximum value measurement mode
Flashlight / Backlight Function
2.3 LCD
Alternating current measurement
Direct current measurement
Auto power off indicator
Low battery indicator
Hold function activated
V
Voltage measurement
A
Current measurement
MAX
Maximum value
F
Capacitance
Continuity measurement
Diode measurement
Live Test measurement
5
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

3. Technical Specifications
● Environmental conditions of use:
CAT. III 600 V
Pollution level: 2
Altitude < 2000 m
Working environment temperature and humidity:
0~40°C (<80% RH, <10°C non condensing)
Storage environment temperature and humidity:
-10~60°C (<70% RH,remove the battery)
● Temperature coefficient: 0.1 x accuracy/°C (<18°C or >28°C)
● MAX. Voltage between terminals and earth ground: 600 V
● Fuse protection: mA: F400 mA/250 V fuse, 10 A: F10 A/250 V fuse
● Sampling rate: about 3 times/second
● Display: 4000 counter readout. Automatically displays the unit symbols according to the shift of
the measurement function
● Over range indication: it displays "OL"
● Low battery indication: when the battery voltage is lower than the normal working voltage, "
" will be displayed
● Input polarity indication: automatically displays " - “
● Power requirement: 2 x 1.5 V AAA batteries
● Dimension: 151 mm x 75 mm x 46 mm
4. Safety Specifications
The instrument is designed according to the requirements of the international electrical safety standard
IEC61010-1 for the safety requirements of the electronic testing instruments. The design and
manufacture of instruments strictly comply with the requirements of IEC61010-1 CAT. 111 600V over
voltage safety standards and pollution level 2.
To avoid possible electric shock, personal injury or other accidents, please follow the instructions
specified in the printed DM301B manual that comes with the DM301 Multimeter kit purchase.
● Please read this manual carefully before using the instrument and pay attention to the safety
information.
● Strictly observe the operating instructions in this manual before using it. Otherwise, the protective
function of the device may be damaged or weakened.
Complete safety instructions can be found in the DM301B manual that is inside the DM301B Multimeter
Kit.
In general, if something unusual happens or if you suspect that something is wrong or has
malfunctioned, do not do anything with the product and immediately contact the seller for assistance
(email address: of[email protected])
6
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

5. Reference Table
5.1 Table of SI units
Quantity
SI Unit
Abbreviation
Voltage
Volts
V
Current
Ampere
A
Power
Watt
W
Energy
Joule
J
Electric charge
Coulomb
C
Resistance
Ohm
Ω
Capacitance
Farad
F
Inductance
Henry
H
Frequency
Hertz
Hz
5.2 Table of prefixes
Prefix
Power
Numeric Representation
Tera (T)
1012
1 trillion
Giga (G)
109
1 billion
Mega (M)
106
1 million
Kilo (k)
103
1 thousand
No prefix
100
1 unit
Milli (m)
10−3
1 thousandth
Micro (u)
10−6
1 millionth
Nano (n)
10−9
1 billionth
Pico (p)
10−12
1 trillionth
6. Instrument Specifications
Accuracy specifications
The accuracy applies within one year after the calibration.
Reference condition: the environment temperature is 18°C to 20°C, the relative humidity is no more than
80%.
Accuracy: ± (% reading + word)
6.1 DC Voltage
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
400 mV
0.10 mV
7
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

± (0.5% + 3)
4 V
0.001 V
40 V
0.010 V
400 V
0.100 V
600 V
1 V
Input impedance: 10 MΩ
Overload protection: 600 V
Maximum input voltage: 600 V
6.2 AC Voltage
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
4 V
0.001 V
± (1.0% + 3)
40 V
0.01 V
400 V
0.1 V
600 V
1 V
Input impedance: 10 MΩ
Overload protection: 600 V
Maximum input voltage: 600 V
Frequency response: 10 Hz ~ 1 kHz, TRMS
6.3 DC Current
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
400 μA
0.1 μA
±(1.2%+3)
4000 μA
1μA
40 mA
0.01 mA
400 mA
0.1 mA
4 A
0.001 A
10 A
0.010 A
Overload protection: μA/mA : F400 mA/250 V fuse, A: F10 A/250 V fuse
Maximum input current: uA/mA: 400 mA; A: 10 A
When measuring large current, continuous measurement should be no longer than 15 seconds.
6.4 AC Current
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
400 μA
0.1 μA
±(1.5%+3)
4000 μA
1μA
40 mA
0.01 mA
400 mA
0.1 mA
4 A
0.001 A
10 A
0.01 A
Overload protection: μA/mA : F400 mA/250 V fuse; A: F10 A/250 V fuse
Maximum input current: mA: 400 mA; A: 10 A
8
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

Frequency response: 10 Hz ~ 1 kHz; TRMS
When measuring large current, continuous measurement should be no longer than 15 seconds.
6.5 Resistance
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
400 Ω
0.100 Ω
±(1.0%+3)
4 kΩ
0.001 kΩ
40 kΩ
0.010 kΩ
400 kΩ
0.100 kΩ
4 MΩ
0.001 MΩ
±(1.2%+3)
40 MΩ
0.01 MΩ
Overload protection: 250 V
6.6 Capacitance
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
4 nF
0.001 nF
±(4.0%+5)
40 nF
0.010 nF
400 nF
0.100 nF
4 μF
0.001 μF
40 μF
0.010 μF
400 μF
0.100 μF
4 mF
0.001 mF
Overload protection: 250 V
6.7 Diode and Continuity Test
Forward DC current is about 1 mA
Reverse DC voltage is about 2.5 V
Overload protection: 250 V
It displays the approximate forward voltage value of the diode.
Open circuit voltage is about 0.5 V
Overload protection: 250 V
The resistance is <30, the buzzer sounds and the indicator light turns
green. When the resistance is >30 and <60, the buzz does not ring, the
indicator light is red.
Overload Protection: 250 V DC or AC peak
9
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

7. Measurement Operation
FUNC key
When the gearbox has several measurement functions, the FUNC key switch function is used.
Data hold
Press the "HOLD" key to enter the data hold mode or cancel the data hold mode.
Maximum measurement
Press the "Max" key to enter the Maximum measurement or cancel the Maximum measurement function.
Backlight
Press " " key to turn on/off the backlight, or after 10 seconds it will automatically shut down.
Flashlight
Press and hold the " " key for 2 seconds to turn on/off the flashlight.
Auto power off
● If there is no operation in 15 minutes, the instrument will turn off automatically to save battery
energy. After the automatic shutdown, press any key to restore the instrument to the working
state.
● If you press the "FUNC" button and turn on the meter, the automatic shutdown function will be
canceled. After turning off the meter, it opens again to restore the automatic shutdown function.
7.1 DC Voltage Measurement
1. Turn the knob to " "
2. Insert the red probe in " " and black probe in "COM" sockets.
3. Connect the probe to the circuit to be measured (connect to the measured power source or circuit in
parallel) and measure the voltage.
4. Read the measurement result.
10
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

● Voltage above 600V cannot be measured; otherwise the instrument may be damaged.
● Pay special attention to safety when measuring high voltage to avoid electric shock or
personal injury.
● Check the known voltage with a meter before use and make sure that the function of the
meter is not damaged.
7.2 AC Voltage Measurement
1. Turn the knob to " "
2. Insert the red probe in " " and black probe"COM" sockets.
3. Connect the probe to the circuit to be measured (connect to the measured power source or circuit
in parallel) and measure the voltage.
4. Read the measurement result.
11
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

● Voltage above 600V cannot be measured; otherwise the instrument may be damaged.
● Pay special attention to safety when measuring high voltage to avoid electric shock or
personal injury.
● Check the known voltage with a meter before use and make sure that the function of the
meter is not damaged.
7.3 DC/AC Current Measurement
1. Turn the knob to " " or " " or " " position and switch AC or DC voltage function with “FUNC” key.
2. Insert the red probe in " " or 10 A socket and black probe in "COM" socket.
3. Disconnect the power of the tested circuit; connect the meter to the circuit under test, then turn on the circuit
power supply.
4. Read the measurement result.
The example below is for measuring DC current. If you want to measure AC current, use the FUNC key to switch to
AC current measurement function.
12
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

The measured current in this figure is 128.2 mA
In this set-up, the red probe is inserted in the 10A socket for measuring DC current.
The reading is 3.99 A.
● Voltage above 600V cannot be measured; otherwise the instrument may be damaged.
● Pay special attention to safety when measuring high voltage to avoid electric shock or personal
injury.
● Check the known voltage with a meter before use and make sure that the function of the meter is
not damaged.
13
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

7.4 Resistance Measurement
1. Turn the knob to " ". Insert the red probe in " " and black probe"COM" sockets.
3. Connect the probe to the measured circuit or resistance and measure the resistance.
4. Read the measurement result.
The resistance measured in this figure is 9.294 kΩ
The resistance measured in this figure is 6.2 Ω
When measuring resistance on the line, disconnect the power supply and discharge all the high-voltage
capacitors. Otherwise, the instrument may be damaged and may be struck by electric shock.
14
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

7.5 Continuity Test
1. Turn the knob to " " and switch to the continuity measurement function with the "FUNC" key.
2. Insert the red probe in " " and black probe in "COM" sockets.
3. Connect the probe to the measured circuit or resistance and measure the resistance.
4. If the resistance or circuit of the measured resistance is less than 30Ω, the buzzer will turn on and the
green indicator will light up at the same time; when the resistance is between 30Ω to 60Ω, the red
indicator lights up; the screen displays the resistance of the measured circuit.
When measuring continuity on the line, disconnect the power supply and discharge all the
high-voltage capacitors. Otherwise, the instrument may be damaged and may be struck by
electric shock.
15
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

7.6 Diode Measurement
1. Turn the knob to " " and switch to the diode measurement function with the "FUNC" key.
2. Insert the red probe in " " and black probe in "COM" sockets.
3. Connect the diode anode with the red probe, and the diode cathode with the black probe.
4. Read the measurement results
The measured forward voltage in this figure is 0.557 V
When measuring diode on the line, disconnect the power supply and discharge all the
high-voltage capacitors. Otherwise, the instrument may be damaged and may be struck by
electric shock.
16
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

7.7 Capacitance Measurement
1. Turn the knob to " " and switch to the capacitance measurement function with the "FUNC" key.
2. Insert the red probe in " " and black probe in "COM" sockets.
3. Connect the probe to the measured circuit capacitance and measure the resistance.
4. Read the measurement results.
When measuring capacitance on the line, disconnect the power supply and discharge all the
high-voltage capacitors. Otherwise, the instrument may be damaged and may be struck by
electric shock.
17
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

7.8 NCV (Non Contact Voltage) Test
1. Turn the knob to " "
2. . Gradually approach the NCV sensor to the conductor under test.
3. When the meter detects weak AC signals, the green indicator lights up and beeps are sent in slow
dips.
4. When the meter detects strong AC signals, the red indicator lights up and the beeps are sent in fast
dips.
In order to avoid possible accidents such as electric shock or personal injury, please follow the
safety regulations.
18
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com

7.9 Live Test
1. Turn the knob to the " " position and switch to the live test function according to the "FUNC" key.
The meter will display "LIVE".
2. Insert the red probe into the " " socket, then the probe will touch the test point.
3. When the meter detects weak AC signals, the green indicator lights up and beeps are sent in slow
dips.
4. When the meter detects strong AC signals, the red indicator lights up and the beeps are sent in fast
dips.
In order to avoid possible accidents such as electric shock or personal injury, please follow the
safety regulations.
19
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM301B Digital Multimeter) r.01 www.plusivo.com
Table of contents
Other Plusivo Multimeter manuals