RS PRO IDM 71 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
IDM 71/72/73
DIGITAL MULTIMETER

EN FR IT DE

1
Safety Alert Symbol : 
READ and UNDERSTAND all
safety alert symbols : in this manual.
Failure to read and understand safety
instructions can result in INJURY or
DEATH
 W arning
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Caution
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Limited Warranty
This meter is warranted to the original purchaser against defects in material and
workmanship for 3 years from the date of purchase. During this warranty period,
RS Components will, at its option, replace or repair the defective unit, subject to
verification of the defect or malfunction. This warranty does not cover fuses,
disposable batteries, or damage from abuse, neglect, accident, unauthorized
repair, alteration, contamination, or abnormal conditions of operation or handling.
Any implied warranties arising out of the sale of this product, including but not
limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose,
are limited to the above. RS Components shall not be liable for loss of use of the
instrument or other incidental or consequential damages, expenses, or economic
loss, or for any claim or claims for such damage, expense or economic loss. Some
states or countries laws vary, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply
to you. For full terms and conditions, refer to the current RS Catalogue.

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Title Page
SAFETY 3
“Warning” and “Caution”Alert Symbol Statements 3
Warning and Cautions 3
Symbols as Marked on The Meter 4
Symbols and Terms in The Manual 5
Safety Compliance And Certification 6
Safety Compliance 6
Safety Certification 6
Introduction 7
Unpacking and Inspection 7
Environmental Conditions 7
Meter Description 8
Making Basic Measurements 8
Preparation and Caution Before Measurement 8
Measuring AC/DC Voltage and Frequency 9
Measuring Resistance 9
Measuring DC µA and AC / DC A Current 10
Measuring Capacitance 12
Testing Diodes and Continuity 13
Features 14
Features Description 14
Features Available vs Functions 14
Using The Features 15
Manual Ranging and Auto Ranging 15
Min Max Recording Mode 15
RS-232 16
Display Hold 16
Backlight 16
Auto Power Off (Battery Saver) 17
Disable Auto Power Off 17
Maintenance 18
Cleaning and Storage 18
Fuse Replacement 18
Battery Replacement 19
Trouble Shooting 19
Basic Trouble Shooting 19
Testing the Fuse and Test Leads 19
Specification 20
General Specification 20
Electrical Specification 20
Table of Contents

3
Safety
" Warning " and " Caution " Alert Symbol Statement :
"Caution"Alert Symbol
A " Caution" Statement: identifies conditions
and actions that could DAMAGE the meter or the
equipment under test.
Warnings
" Warnings " and " Cautions ":
˙ When using test leads or probes, keep your fingers behind the finger guards.
˙ Remove test lead from meter before opening the battery door or meter case.
˙ Use the meter only as specified in this manual or the protection by the meter
might be impaired.
˙Always use proper terminals, switch position, and range for measurements.
˙ Never attempt a voltage measurement with the test Lead inserted into the
A input terminal.
˙ Verify the meter’s operation by measuring a known voltage. If in doubt, have
the Meter serviced.
˙ Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on meter, between
terminals or between any terminal and earth ground.
˙ Do not attempt a current measurement when the open circuit voltage is
above the fuse protection rating.
Check the open circuit voltage with the voltage function.
˙ Only replace a blown fuse with one of the proper rating as specified in this
manual.
˙ Use caution with voltages above 30 Vac rms, 42 Vac peak , or 60 Vdc.
These voltages pose a shock hazard.
"Warning"Alert Symbol
A "Warning" Statement identifies hazardous
conditions and actions that could cause BODILY
HARM or DEATH.
Safety

4
˙ To avoid false readings that can lead to electric shock and injury, replace
battery as soon as low battery indicator appears.
˙ Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before
testing resistance, continuity, diodes, or capacitance.
˙ Do not use the meter around explosive gas or vapor.
˙To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to
rain or moisture.
Cautions
˙Disconnect the test leads from the test points before changing the position of
the function rotary switch.
˙Never connect a source of voltage with the function rotary switch in Ω/9;/
A //Hz position.
˙Do not expose Meter to extremes of temperature or high humidity.
˙Never set the meter in A function to measure the voltage of a power
supply circuit in equipment, as it could result in damage the meter and the
equipment under test.
Symbols as Marked on The Meter :
:AC (Alternating Current)
:DC (Direct Current)
:Caution, Risk of Electric shock. To alert you to the presence of a
potentially hazardous voltage.
: Caution, Risk of Danger. Refer to Warnings and Cautions in the
manual.
:Double Insulation protection against electric shock.
:Conforms to European Union directives.
Safety

5
Symbols and Terms in The Manual
Symbols :
: Caution, Risk of Danger.
Warning : Identifies hazardous conditions and actions that could cause
BODILY HARM or DEATH
Caution : Identifies conditions and actions that could DAMAGE the
meter or equipment under test.
:Fuse.
Terms :
CAT Level :Over Voltage Category Level defines at which circuit level masure-
ments may be safely made. Different category circuits have different high-voltage
transients.
PER IEC 1010 OVERVOLTAGE INSTALLATION CATEGORY OVERVOLTAGE
CATEGORY Ⅰ
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY Ⅰis equipment for connection to
circuits in which measurements are taken to limit the transient overvoltage to an
appropriate low level. Note examples include protected electronic circuits.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY Ⅱ
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY Ⅱis energy consuming equipment
to be supplied from a fixed installation.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY Ⅲ
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY Ⅲis equipment in fixed installa-
tions. Note examples include switches in a fixed installation and some equipment
for industrial use with permanent connection to the fixed installation.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY Ⅳ
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATRGORY Ⅳis for use at the origin of the
installations. Note examples include electricity meters and primary over-current
protection equipment.
PER IEC1010 Pollution degree
POLLUTION
Addition of foreign matter, solid, liquid or gaseous (ionized gases), that may
produce a reduction of dielectric strength or surface resistively.
POLLUTION degree
For the purpose of evaluating spacing of this product, the following degrees of
POLLUTION in the microenvironment are defined.
Safety

6
POLLUTION DEGREE 1
No POLLUTION or only dry, non-conductive POLLUTION occurs.
The POLLUTION has no influence.
POLLUTION DEGREE 2
Normal POLLUTION only non-conductive POLLUTION occurs. Occasionally,
however, a temporary conductivity caused by condensation must be expected.
POLLUTION DEGREE 3
Conductive POLLUTION occurs, or dry, non-conductive POLLUTION occurs which
becomes conductive due to condensation, which is expected.
NOTE : In such conditions equipment is normally protected against exposure to
direct sunlight, precipitation, and full wind pressure, but neither
temperature
Safety Compliance And Certification
Safety compliance
The meter conforms to CENELEC LVD (Low-Voltage directive)
73/23/EEC and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility directive) 89/336/EEC
The meter meet the requirements of IEC 61010-1 (2001) , EN 61010-1 (2001),
UL 3111-1 (Jan.1994) , CSA C22.2 NO.1010-1-92 +A2: Feb. 1997
TEST EQUIPMENT RISK ASSESSMENT
Users of this equipment and or their employers are reminded that Health and
Safety Legislation require them to carry out a valid risk assessments of all
electrical work so as to identify potential sources of electrical danger and risk of
electrical injury such as from inadvertent short circuits. Where the assessments
show that the risk is significant, the use of fused test leads constructed in
accordance with the HSE guidance note GS38 “ Electrical Test Equipment for
use by Electricians” should be used.
Safety Compliance And Certification

7
Introduction
Unpacking and Inspection
Upon removing your new Digital Multimeter from its packing, you should have the
following items.
1. Digital Multimeter.
2. Test lead set (one black, on red)
3. User Manual.
4. Protective holster.
Environmental Conditions
This product is safe at least under the following conditions:
1. Indoor Use
2. Altitude up to 2000 Meter
3. Operating Temperature and Relative Humidity :
Non-condensing ≦10°C ,11°C ~ 30°C (≦80% R.H)
31°C ~ 40°C (≦75% R.H), 41°C ~ 50°C (≦45% R.H),
4. Storage Temperature and Relative Humidity : -20°C ~ 60°C (0 ~ 80% R.H)
when battery removed from Meter.
5. Pollution degree 2
6. Installation category :
The standard 70 series models meet the requirements for double insulation to
IEC 61010-(2001), EN61010 (2001), UL3111-1(6.1994), CSA C22.2
NO.1010-1-92 to terminals:
V/Ω/µA IDM 71,72 and 73 : Cat. Ⅳ600 Volts.
A IDM 72 and 73 only : Cat. Ⅳ600 Volts.
7. Shock Vibration : Sinusoidal vibration per Mil-T-28800E (5 ~55 Hz, 3g maximum).
8. Drop Protection : 4 feet drop to hardwood on concrete floor.
Introduction

8
Making Basic Measurements
Preparation and Caution Before Measurement
: Observe the rules of Warnings and Cautions.
When connecting the test leads to the DUT (Device Under Test) connect
the common (COM) test lead before connecting the live lead ; when removing
the test leads, remove the test live lead before removing the common test lead .
The figures on the following pages show how to make basic measurements.
The Meter Description
Front Panel Illustration
1. 6000 count LCD display.
2. Push-buttons for features.
3. Rotary switch to turn the power on or off and to select a function.
4. Input terminal for A current function.
5. Input terminal for all functions EXCEPT current (A) functions.
6. Common (Ground reference) input terminal for all functions.
Introduction
Features
Display
Power On/Off
Functions &
A Input (Not IDM 71)
Input
COMMON Input

9
Measuring AC/DC Voltage And Frequency
The non-zero display reading is normal when the meter test leads are open, but
this will not affect actural measurement accuracy. The meter will show zero or
close to zero when the test leads are shorted. In reading AC voltage or current,
reading-settling time increases to several seconds at the low end of AC voltage
and current ranges in rms models.
Measuring Resistance
Making Basic Measurements

10
To avoid possible damage to the meter or to the equip-ment under test,
disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before
measuring resistance.
Note –The meter provides an open voltage ≦–1.5V to the circuit under test that
causes the diode or transistor junction to conduct, so it is better to disconnect the
resistance from the circuit to get a correct measurement.
The resistance of test leads is about 0.1Ω ~ 0.2Ω. To test the leads resistance, touch
the probe tips together. For accurate measurement in low resistance.
RUNKNOWN = RMEASUREMENT - RTEST LEAD
Caution
Measuring DC µA, DC A, AC A Current
Never attempt an in–circuit measurement where the open–circuit potential
to earth potential is greater than 500V for example a 3-phase system
measurement; you may damage the meter or be injured.
Warning
(Not IDM 71)
Making Basic Measurements

11
The DC µA input terminal is protected by a 1.5K PTC (600V rating) thermistor.
To avoid possible damage to the meter or to the equipment under test,
check the meter’s fuses before measuring current. Use the proper terminals,
function, and range for your measurement.
Never place the probes across (in parallel with) any circuit or component
when the leads are plugged into the current terminals .
When measuring current, the meter acts like an impedance such as 0.01Ωat
AC/DC A (approximately 1.5KΩat DC µA) in series with the circuit.
This loading effect of the meter can cause measurement errors, loading effect
error, especially in low impedance circuits.
For example : To measure a 1Ωimpedance circuit will cause a –1% measuring
error. The error percentage of the loading effect of the meter is expressed as
following :
- 0.01Ω
Zcircuit +
%
100 x
or
- EBurden
ES%100 x
ESImZCircuit
EBurden
AMMETER SHUNT
Caution
Making Basic Measurements

12
Measuring Capacitance
To avoid possible damage to the meter or to the equipment under test,
disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before
measuring capacitance. Use the DC voltage function to confirm that the
capacitor is discharged.
Note –To improve the measurement accuracy of small value capacitor, record
the reading with the test leads open then substract the residual capacitance of
the meter and leads from measurement.
CUNKNOWN =CMEASUREMENT -CRESIDUAL
Caution
Making Basic Measurements

13
Testing Diodes and Continuity
Diode :
Continuity :
Good ! Bad !
For in-circuit test, turn circuit power off and discharge all high-voltage
capacitors through an appropriate resistance load.
Note –Use the diode test to check if the semiconductor junction is good or bad.
The meter sends a current through the semiconductor junction to measure the
voltage drop across the junction. A good junction drops between 0.4 V to 0.9 V.
Caution
Good !
Making Basic Measurements

14
Features
Feature Description
The meter has the following features :
Display Hold –Freezes the display.
Min Max Hold –Record the Max or Min reading of the display.
Range –Selects the manual ranging mode. The default mode is Automatic Range.
Backlight –LCD display backlight.
APO (Auto Power Off) (Battery Saver) –
The meter automatically enters "Sleep Mode" and blanks the display if the meter
is not used for 10 minutes. Press any of the feature buttons or change the rotary
switch position to reset the time of APO. When the RS232 output is active, the
2VVΩ9; µAHz 2AA
HOLD O O O O O O O O O
MIN MAX HOLD O O O O O O O O O
RANGE O O O X O O O O O
RS232 O O O O O O O O O
BACK-LIGHT O O O O O O O O O
APO O O O O O O O O O
Features Available vs Functions
Features

15
Using The Features
Manual Ranging and Auto Ranging
MIN MAX Record
Note - The Range button is pressed to select manual ranging and to change
ranges. When the Range button is pressed once, the AUTO indicator turns off.
Press the Range button to select the appropriate range for the measurement
you want to make. Press the Range button and hold for 1 second to return to
Autorange mode.
Note –Press the HOLD button in MIN MAX mode to make the meter stop updating
the maximum and minimum value. When display Hold mode is nested in MIN
MAX mode, the MIN MAX mode must be released before the display Hold.
Using The Features

16
RS232 (IDM 73 only)
Display Hold
Note –Press the Hold button to toggle in and out of the display Hold mode.
The MAX / MIN feature is unavailable when display Hold is active.
Backlight
Note –Press the Backlight to toggle the display backlight on and off.
Using The Features

17
Auto Power Off (Battery Saver)
Note –If the meter idles for more than 10 minutes, the meter automatically turns
the power off. When this happens, the LCD displaying-state of the meter is saved.
The meter can be turned back on by pushing any button, the LCD displays the
saved state. Pushing Hold button to disables the hold state. Any button press or
rotary switch change resets the time of Auto Power-OFF.
Disable Auto Power Off
Using The Features

18
Maintenance
˙ Do not attempt to repair this meter. It contains no userserviceable parts.
Repair or servicing should only be performed by qualified personal.
˙ Failure to observe this precaution can result in injury and can damage the
meter.
Cleaning and storage
Periodically wipe the housing with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Dirt or
moisture in the terminals can affect readings.
If the meter is not to be used for a long period, more than 60 days, remove the
battery and store it separately.
Caution
˙ Use ONLY a fuse with the amperage,
interrupt, voltage, and speed rating
specified.
˙ Fuse rating : 10A, 600V, high energy
fuse.
10x38 mm Fast Acting,
Ferraz G330010 (RS 188-
7971) or equvilent.
Fuse Replacement (Not IDM 71)
Refer to the following figure to replace fuse :
Caution
Maintenance

19
˙Replace the battery as soon as the
low battery indicator
to avoid false reading.
˙71 : Battery 1.5V x 2
72/73 : Battery 9V
Battery Replacement
Refer to the following figure to replace the battery :
Caution
Trouble Shooting
Do not attempt to repair your meter unless you are qualified to do so and have the
relevant calibration, performance test and service information.
Basic Trouble Shooting
If the meter fails, first check the battery, the battery connection, fuse, test leads,
and replace as necessary.
Review this manual to make sure that you are operating the meter correctly.
Testing the Fuse and Test Leads
Test the fuse and test leads as shown below.
Testing the Fuse (Not IDM 71) Testing the Test Leads
Trouble Shooting