Plusivo DM501D User manual

Mastering The Art of
Measurement
User Guide for the Plusivo
DM501D Multimeter
Mastering the Art of Measurement (DM501D 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 5
2.3 LCD 5
3. Safety Information 6
4. Technical Specifications 7
5. Reference Table 8
5.1 Table of SI Units 8
5.2 Table of Prefixes 8
6. Instrument Specifications 8
6.1 DC Voltage 9
6.2 AC Voltage 9
6.3 Resistance 9
6.4 Diode and Buzzer Test 9
6.5 Direct Current DCA 10
6.6 Alternative Current ACA 10
6.7 Frequency 10
6.8 Capacitance 10
6.9 Temperature 11
7. Operation Instruction 11
7.1 AC and DC Voltage Measurement 11
7.2 Resistance Measurement 13
7.3 Diode Measurement 14
7.4 Buzzer Test or Continuity 15
7.5 Frequency Measurement 16
7.6 Current Measurement 16
7.7 Capacitance Measurement 18
7.8 Non Contact Voltage (NCV) Test 19
7.9 Temperature Measurement 20
8. Basic Concepts 21
8.1 Ohm's Law 21
8.1.1 Example 21
8.2 Joule's Law for Electrical Power 24
8.2.1 Example 24
8.3 Kirchhoff's Law 26
8.3.1 Kirchhoff's Current Law 26
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8.3.2 Kirchhoff's Voltage Law 27
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 AC/DC voltage, AC/DC current, resistance,
capacitance, diode temperature and continuity test using DM501D 6000 Counts Autoranging T-RMS
Digital Multimeter. 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
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The meter is a multi-functional instrument with high measurement accuracy, fast response and
high safety level. Embedded in a dedicated IC up to 6000 counts, this IC consists of a high-precision A/D
converter with a high-speed digital processor that can perform high-speed true-rms calculation for 1 kHz
AC.
The appearance of the whole instrument is aesthetic and suitable for various industrial
applications. The circuit is safe and reliable. The whole meter has a variety of measurement functions
and a friendly HMI. It can meet the needs of various application groups such as professional and
maintenance engineers.
This meter can be used to measure AC/DC voltage, AC/DC current, resistance, capacitance,
diode temperature and continuity test. The meter is equipped with a backlight that allows users to read
the display in a dark place. It is the best choice for professional electricians, enthusiasts and families.
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
2. Parts
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2.1 Rotary switch / Function Knob
OFF
Instrument turned OFF
,
AC/DC Voltage measurement
Temperature measurement
Resistance/Diode/Continuity measurement
Capacitance Measurement
Hz%
Frequency measurement
,
AC/DC Current measurement
NCV
Non Contact Voltage measurement (NCV)
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2.2 Function keys description
FUNC/Hz
Function selection mode
HOLD
Hold Function for data or reading retention
MAX
Maximum value measurement mode
Backlight / FlashlightFunction
2.3 LCD
Alternating current measurement
Direct current measurement
Negative input polarity
Low battery indicator
Automatic measurement
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Diode measurement
Buzzer / Continuity measurement
Hold function activated
NCV
NCV test activated
Auto power offindicator
mV, V
Voltage unit
μA, mA, A
Current unit
Ω, kΩ, MΩ
Resistance unit
MKHz
Frequency unit
mF, nF, μF
Capacitance unit
,
Temperature measurement (Celsius, Fahrenheit)
3. Safety Information
* When using this meter, the user must follow all standard safety precautions in the following two
aspects.
• Electric shock protection
• Prevention of misuse of instrument safety procedures
* For your personal safety, please use the test pen supplied with the meter, check before use to make
sure they are not damaged.
To avoid possible electric shock, personal injury or other accidents, please follow the instructions
specified in the printed DM501D manual that comes with the DM501D 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 DM501D manual that is inside the Multimeter Kit.
Input protection measures
● The limit voltage is 600 V in voltage measurement.
● The voltage limit is 250 ACV or equivalent RMS voltage when measuring frequency, resistor,
buzzer or diode.
● Fuse (F200mA/250 V) to protect when measuring μA and mA.
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Before opening the case or the battery cover, the meter and input signal must be turned off to avoid
electric shock or damage to the instrument.
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
4. 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: F600 mA/250 V fuse, 10 A: F10 A/250 V fuse
● Conversion rate: 3s/second
● Test or calibrate surrounding temperature: 20°C±2°C
● Sampling rate: about 3 times/second
● Display: 6000 counts LCD display with LED backlight. 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: 3 x 1.5 V AAA batteries.
● Dimension: 147 mm (L) x 71 mm (W) x 45 mm (H).
● Weight: about 220g (battery excluded)
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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 (μ)
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)
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6.1 DC Voltage
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
600 mV
0.1 mV
± (0.5% + 5)
6 V
1 mV
60 V
10 mV
600 V
100 mV
Input resistance: 10 MΩ
Maximum input voltage: 600 V
6.2 AC Voltage
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
600 mV
0.1 mV
± (1% + 4)
6 V
1 mV
60 V
10 mV
600 V
100 mV
Input resistance: 10 MΩ
Maximum input voltage: 600 V
Frequency response: 10 Hz to 1 kHz, TRMS
6.3 Resistance
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
600 Ω
0.1 Ω
±(0.8% readings + 5 digits)
6 kΩ
1Ω
60 kΩ
10 Ω
600 kΩ
100 Ω
6 MΩ
1 kΩ
60 MΩ
10 kΩ
Overload protection: 250 V DC/AC
Open circuit voltage: 2.4 V
6.4 Diode and Buzzer Test
The display shows the forward voltage drop
It buzzes when the resistor is less than 30 and the indicator lights
Overload protection: 250 V DC/AC
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6.5 Direct Current DCA
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
60 mA
0.10 mA
±(1.2% + 5)
600 mA
0.01 mA
10 A
10 mA
±(3% + 5)
● Overload protection: mA range with F 200 mA/250V and 20 A range with F10 A/250 V
● For currents greater than 5 A, the test time shall be less than 10 minutes and after such a measurement
one minute shall be allowed to terminate the test.
6.6 Alternative Current ACA
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
60 mA
0.10 mA
±(1.2% + 5)
600 mA
0.01 mA
10 A
10 mA
±(3% + 5)
● Overload protection: mA range with F 60 0mA/250 V and 20 A range with F10 A/250 V
● Max input current: mA: 600 mA RMS 10 A: 10 A RMS
● For currents greater than 5 A, the test time shall be less than 10 minutes and after such a measurement
one minute shall be allowed to terminate the test.
● Frequency response: 10 Hz to 1 KHz true RMS
6.7 Frequency
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
9.999 Hz
0.001 Hz
±(1.5%+5)
99.99 Hz
0.01 Hz
999.9 Hz
0.1 Hz
9.999 KHz
0.001 KHz
99.99 KHz
0.01 KHz
999.9 KHz
0.1 KHz
9.999 MHz
0.001 MHz
Input voltage range: 200 mV-10 V AC RMS
Overload protection: 250 V DC/AC
6.8 Capacitance
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
60 nF
0.01 nF
±(4.0%+5)
600 nF
0.1 nF
6 μF
1 nF
60 μF
10 nF
600 μF
100 nF
6 mF
0.1 μF
100 mF
0.001 mF
Overload protection: 250 V
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6.9 Temperature
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
-20°C ~ 1000°C
1 °C
± (1.0% + 3)
-4°F ~ 1832°F
1 °F
7. Operation Instruction
Regular Operation
Press the “FUNC-HZ” button to enter into function selection mode.
The reading hold mode can save the current reading on the display, change the position of the
measurement function, or press and hold the key again to exit the data hold mode.
Backlight and Flashlight Function
The meter has a backlight and flashlight function for easy reading of measurement results by users in the
dark. To enter and exit this mode, please follow these steps:
● Short press the key to turn on the backlight, and press again to exit. It will automatically
turn off without any operation for 15s.
● Long press the key to turn on the flashlight function and the backlight at the same time.
Short press the key again to turn off the flashlight function. It turns off automatically without any
operation for 30s.
Auto power off
About 15 minutes after turning on, if there is no operating instrument, it will give audible voice prompts,
automatically turn off, and enter hibernation mode. You can press any key to restart the instrument.
7.1 AC and DC Voltage Measurement
1. Turn the switch to or , press “FUNC-Hz” to choose AC or DC.
2. Connect the black test pen to the COM jack and the red pen to the Vjack.
3. Measure the voltage value of the circuit under test with the other two ends of the test pens.
4. The reading will be shown on the LCD display, as well as the polarity of the end connected to the
red wire.
DC Voltage Measurement - set to DC Voltage measurement function
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For AC Voltage Measurement, please see setup below:
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Do not measure voltages above 600 V to avoid electric shock or damage to the instrument.
Do not apply more than 600 V between common and ground to avoid electric shock or
damage to the instrument.
Notes:
● The meter shows readings in the DCV 600 mV and 6 V ranges even when there is no input
voltage or no test pens connected. Then short circuit V-Ω and "COM" so that the meter shows
zero.
● Please change the range to a higher one if "OL" is displayed.
● In ACV range, short press the "FUNC-Hz" key to check AC frequency. Please refer to frequency
measurement.
● All AC voltage values measured with this meter are true RMS (square root). For sine waves and
other waveforms (without DC offset) such as square waves, triangular waves, and step waves,
these measurements are accurate.
7.2 Resistance Measurement
1. Turn the rotary switch to position and press "FUNC-Hz" to select Ω.
2. Connect the black test pen and the red test pen to the "COM" jack and the "V-Ω" input jack.
3. Use the test pen to check the resistance value of the circuit.
4. The resistance value is displayed on the display window.
The resistance measured in this figure is 9.276 kΩ
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The resistance measured in this figure is 6.2 Ω
To avoid damage to the meter or device under test, allpower to the circuit under test must be
turned off before measuring resistance, and all high voltage capacitors must be fully discharged.
Notes:
● The resistance value measured on the circuit is usually different from the rate resistance.
● To measure the low resistance accurately, please short- circuit the two test pens to read out the
short-circuit resistance of the test leads, and subtract it by the readings to get an accurate
resistance value.
● In the 60 MΩ range, readings stabilize after a few seconds, which is normal for high resistance
measurements.
● When the meter is not connected to the circuit, the display shows "OL", which indicates that the
measurement value is out of the measurement range.
7.3 Diode Measurement
Test a diode outside the circuit:
1. Turn the rotary switch to position and press "FUNC-Hz" to select
2. Connect the black test pen to the “COM” input socket and the red test pen to the “V-Ω” input
socket.
3. Connect the black test pen and the red test pen to the negative and positive electrodes of the
diode under test.
4. The meter will display the forward bias value of the diode under test. If the polarity is reversed,
"OL" will be displayed.
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* A normal diode in the circuit will still give a forward voltage drop of 0.5V to 0.8V, but the reverse bias
reading will depend on the resistance value of the other channels between the two test knobs.
To avoid damage to the meter or device under test, all power to the circuit under test must
be turned off before measuring resistance, and all high voltage capacitors must be fully
discharged.
7.4 Buzzer Test or Continuity
For on-off state of the circuit:
1. Turn the rotary switch to position and press "FUNC-Hz" to select
2. Connect the black test pen to the “COM” input socket and the red test pen to “V-Ω” input socket.
3. Measure the resistance of the circuit under test at the other end of the test pen. If the resistance of the
circuit being tested does not exceed approximately 50 Ω, the indicator will light up and the buzzer will
sound continuously.
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To avoid damage to the meter or device under test, all power to the circuit under test must
be turned off before measuring resistance, and all high voltage capacitors must be fully
discharged.
7.5 Frequency Measurement
1. Turn the switch to Hz%.
2. Connect the black test pen to the "COM" jack and the red pen to the Hz jack.
3. Measure the frequency value of the circuit under test with the other two ends of the test pens.
4. Press the FUNC-Hz button to display the frequency reading.
Do not test any voltage higher than 250 V to prevent electric shock or damage to the
instrument.
7.6 Current Measurement
1. Turn the rotary switch to or position and press "FUNC-Hz" to select AC/DC.
2. Connect the black test pen to the “COM” input socket. If the measured current is less than 600
mA, connect the red test pen to the mA input jack. If the measured current is between 600 mA
and 10 A, connect the red test lead to the “10 A” input jack.
3. The circuit to be tested is disconnected, a black test pencil is connected to the disconnected
circuit at its lower voltage end, and a red test marker is connected to the disconnected circuit at
the higher voltage end.
4. Connect the circuit power supply and then read the displayed reading. If only "OL" is shown on
the display, it means that the input exceeds the selected range. The rotary switch must be in the
higher range.
5. Long press the “FUNC-Hz” to show the frequency of the alternative signal in the ACA mode.
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In this set-up, the red probe is inserted in the 10A socket for DC current setting. The reading is 3.07 A.
Do not attempt to measure current in a circuit when the voltage between open circuit
voltage and ground is greater than 250 V. If the fuse blows during measurement, you may
damage the meter or injure yourself. To avoid damage to the meter or test equipment, use the
correct input jack, function mechanism, and range before making measurements. When the test
pen is connected to the current input jack, do not connect the other end of the test pen in parallel
to any circuit.
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7.7 Capacitance Measurement
1. Turn the rotary to " " position.
2. Connect the black test pen to the "COM" jack and the red pen to the jack.
3. Measure the capacitance value of the circuit under test with the other two ends of the test pens. The
reading will be displayed in the LCD display window.
Notes:
● Measurement of a large capacitor takes a certain amount of time.
● Pay attention to the polarity of the capacitor to connect it correctly to protect the meter.
To avoid damage to the meter or device under test, all power to the circuit under test should
be cut off before measuring capacitance. All high-voltage capacitors should be fully discharged.
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7.8 NCV (Non Contact Voltage) Test
Turn the rotary switch to the NCV position and place the top of the meter close to the conductor. If the
meter detects the AC voltage meter, the corresponding signal strength indicator will light according to the
detected signal level (low-yellow, high-red), and the buzzer will send out alarms at different frequencies.
Notes:
● Even if there is no indication that voltage may still exist, do not rely on non-contact voltage
sensors to determine if there is a voltage detection operation on the conductor, which may be
affected by factors such as socket depth, insulation thickness and type, etc.
● Interference sources in the external environment, such as flashlights, motors, etc., may
accidentally trigger non- contact voltage detection.
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