RS PRO IPM 138N User manual

EN

Instruction Manual
IPM 138N
Clamp Multimeter
N

EN-2
Safety Information
Read and understand this Instruction Manual completely
before using this instrument. Failure to observe the warnings
and cautions in this Instruction Manual may result in injury or
death, or damage to the instrument and other equipment or
property.
If this instrument is used in a manner not specified in these
instructions, the protection provided by the instrument may be
impaired.
WARNING
-Examine the instrument and probes and leads before use.
Do not use the instrument if it is wet or damaged, or if you
suspect it is not operating correctly.
-When using the instrument, test leads or probes, keep your
fingers behind the finger guards.
-Remove the test lead from the instrument before opening the
battery cover or instrument case.
-Always use the correct terminals, switch position and range
for measurements.
-Verify the instrument is operating correctly by measuring a
known voltage before use. If in doubt, have the instrument
serviced.
-Do not apply more than the rated voltage as marked on the
instrument between terminals, or between any terminal and
earth ground.
-Use caution when measuring voltages above 30 Vac rms or
60 Vdc. These voltages pose a shock hazard.
-To avoid incorrect readings that can lead to electric shock,
replace the battery as soon as low battery indicator
appears in the display.
-Disconnect the circuit power and discharge all high-voltage
capacitors before making resistance, continuity, or diode
measurements.
-Do not use the instrument in a Hazardous Area or around
explosive gasses or vapours.
-Wear suitable Personal Protective Equipment when working
around or near hazardous Live conductors which could be
accessible.
-Do not use the thermocouple to measure the temperature of
Hazardous Live conductors or equipment.
Caution
-Disconnect the test leads from the test points before changing
the position of the function rotary switch.
-Never connect the instrument to a source of voltage with the
function rotary switch in Ω/ ;/Aposition.

EN-3
- If possible, do not work alone, so assistance can be given if
required.
-Do not expose the instrument to extremes of temperature or
high humidity.
-If this instrument is used in the vicinity of equipment which
generates electro magnetic interference, the display may
become unstable or the measurements may be subject to
large errors.
-Do not take temperature measurements immediately after
taking high voltage measurements as the accuracy of
measurements may be impaired. Allow a minimum of 5 min-
utes for the instrument to stabilize before taking temperature
measurements.
The following symbols may appear on the
instrument and in this Instruction Manual:
Maintenance
Do not attempt to repair this Instrument. It contains no user-
serviceable parts. Repair or servicing should only be performed
by qualified personnel. This instrument should be calibrated
yearly, or more frequently if used in harsh conditions or if it is
suspected of being inaccurate.
For calibration and repair contact RS Components - the
address is given at the end of these instructions.
Cleaning
Periodically wipe the case with a damp cloth and detergent.
Do not use abrasives or solvents.
Risk of electric shock
Refer to Instruction Manual
 Direct Current (dc)
Alternating Current (ac)
<Battery
Earth
Equipment protected throughout by double or reinforced
insulation
Conforms to EU directives
Dispose of this equipment in accordance with local
regulations.
EApplication around and removal from hazardous Live
conductors is permitted.

EN-4
Power On/ Off
Auto Power Off
The Auto Power-off function will turn the instrument off
approximately 10 minutes after the last operation. To turn the
instrument on again, turn the rotary switch to the off position
and then back to the required function.
To disable the Auto Power-off function:
Turn the instrument off, press and hold the “PEAK” button and
turn the rotary switch to the required function. The “APO”
symbol will not appear in the display. The auto Power-off is
disabled until the next time the instrument is turned off and on
again.
10min

EN-5
-If the measured voltage is greater than 42 V DC or AC RMS,
the display will show "" and the buzzer beeps three times.
-If the measured voltage exceeds 600 V DC or AC RMS, the
display will show "OL".
-If the measured frequency exceeds 1000 Hz , the display
will show " out. F ".
1. VOLTAGE /CURRENT Measurement
1-1 Voltage testing procedures
1. Plug the Black test lead into the COM terminal and the
Red test lead into the V-Ω terminal.
2. Set the rotary switch to the VAposition.
3. Connect the test leads to the device to be measured.
4. Read the value from digital display.

EN-6
1-2 Current testing procedure
Note : Do not clamp the jaws around a conductor while the
instrument power is on.
1. Press the trigger to open the transformer jaws and clamp
around one conductor only. Ensure the jaw is firmly closed
around the conductor.
2. Set the rotary switch to the AAposition.
3. Read the value from digital display.
-If the measured current exceeds 620 A DC or AC RMS,
the display will show "OL" .
-If the measured frequency exceeds 1000Hz , the display
will show " out. F ".
I
I
I
I
OK
OK
OK
I + (-I) = 0
12A
590A
CAT.Ⅲ.600V
with respect to
earth for the jaw.
Barrier for
Hand Guard
Do not hold
the meter across
the Barrier

EN-7
1-3 Button Function
1-3-1 BLUE BUTTON: Press the Blue button to choose
Auto AC or DC, AC, DC, or AC+DC measurement.
Auto AC/DC mode (AC or DC flashing):
The displayed value will be the AC only RMS value or the
DC value, whichever is greater.
AC mode : AC only with RMS value.
DC mode : DC value.
AC+DC mode : AC+DC RMS value.

EN-8
1-3-2 PEAK BUTTON (HZ/THD press for 2 sec):
- Auto AC, AC and AC+DC MODE are available for voltage
and current measurement.
a. PEAK HOLD
Normal: Normal Operation.
Peak Max : The instrument is activated to save the positive
peak value and the negative peak value. The positive peak
value is displayed.
Peak Min : The instrument is activated to save the positive
peak value and negative peak value. The negative peak
value is displayed.
NOTE: Press the HOLD button in PEAK HOLD mode to stop
the instrument updating the positive and negative peak val-
ues. When the HOLD mode is nested in PEAK HOLD mode,
the HOLD mode must be released before the PEAK HOLD
mode.
Overrange display :
OL: Peak Max value > 850V or > 850 A
-OL: Peak Min value < -850V or < -850 A

EN-9
b. HZ/THD (=THD-R) Measurement：
- THD-R= RMS of Harmonics ÷ Total RMS of fundamental
and Harmonics ×100% (Harmonics up to 25th.)
Overrange display:
OL.U : Voltage overload (Vrms > 600V)
OL.A : Current overload (Arms > 620A)

EN-10
1-3-3 INRUSH BUTTON (Max Min press for 2 sec):
a. MAX MIN MODE:
-MAX MIN MODE is available for all functions.
Normal : Normal Operation.
MAX MIN (flashing) : The instrument is activated to save
the maximum and minimum value. The present value is
displayed.
MAX : The instrument is activated to save the maximum
and minimum value. The maximum value is displayed.
MIN : The instrument is activated to save the maximum
and minimum value. The minimum value is displayed.
NOTE :
- Press the HOLD button in MAX MIN mode to stop the
instrument updating the maximum and minimum values.
When the HOLD mode is nested in MAX MIN mode, the
HOLD mode must be released before the MAX MIN mode.
-Auto Power Off is disabled in MAX MIN mode.

EN-11
b. INRUSH CURRENT : ACA ONLY

EN-12
1-3-4 DCA ZERO：Remove the Jaws out of the conductor.
Press the HOLD BUTTON >2 sec to compensate the
residual magnetism.
- Auto DC, DC, and AC+DC MODE are available for current
measurement.
0A

EN-13
2. Resistance Measurement
Press the blue button to choose Resistance measurement,
Continuity check or Diode test mode.
Resistance measurement
Continuity check

EN-14
Diode testing

EN-15
3. Active power (W)/Power factor (PF) Measurement
3-1 Single Phase Power Measurement
1. Plug the Black test lead into the COM terminal and the
Red test lead into the V-Ω terminal.
2. Set the rotary switch to the position.
3. Connect the Red test lead to the L, and the Black test lead
to the N.
4. Press the trigger to open the transformer jaws and clamp
around one conductor only. Ensure the jaw is firmly closed
around the conductor.
5. PRESS the BLUE button to choose between Active Power
(W) or POWER FACTOR (PF).
NOTE : For correct indication, the “ + ” symbol on the jaw
must face the power source side.
Active power polarity indication: Refer to above figure.
No sign: Indicates the power flows from the power source to
the load.
"_" sign: Indicates the power flows from the load to the
power source.
Power factor polarity indication:
No sign : The phase of the current signal is lagging
behind the voltage signal (inductive load).
"_" sign : The phase of the current signal is leading the
voltage signal (capacitive load).

EN-16
Underrange display :
0.000 kW : Vrms <0.5V or Arms <0.5A
PF - - - - :Vrms <0.5V or Arms <0.5A
Overrange display:
OL.U : Voltage overload ( Vrms > 600V)
OL.A : Current overload (Arms > 620A)
OL.UA : Both Voltage and current overload.
±OL kW : Active Power > 372 kW or < -372 kW.
3-2 Three Phase Power Measurement
a. 3-phase 3 wire balanced / unbalanced
Set the rotary switch to the position.
W1
W2
Red
Red
Black
1
2
3
Wye or star
Black
W=W1+W2

EN-17
b. 3- phase 4 wire balanced / unbalanced
Set the rotary switch to the position
W=W1+W2+W3
Black
Black
Black
Red
Red
Red
W3
W2
N
3
2
1
W1

EN-18
4. Phase Rotation
NOTE :
-Connect the three phases of the power source as shown
above.
-The test is only possible while the system frequency is
stable.
1. Plug the Black test lead into the COM terminal and the Red
test lead into the V-Ω terminal.
2. Set the rotary switch to the “ RST ” position.
3. Connect the Red test lead to the supposed phase 1, and the
Black test lead to the supposed phase 3.
a. If the voltage < 30V, it display will show “Lo V” ; if voltage
> 600V, then it will show “OL V”.
b. If the frequency is not 50 Hz or 60 Hz, then it will display
“out. F ”.
c. If the voltage and frequency are normal, the display will
show “L1” for about 3 sec.
4. If the display shows “L2”, the BUZZER will sound twice.
Connect the Red test lead to the supposed phase 2 before
the “L2” has disappeared.
5. When “L2” has disappeared, the display will show the testing
result.
Line1
Line2
Line3

EN-19
a. If it displays " 1.2.3 ",then the phase sequence is a forward
sequence, which means the supposed phase 1 is ahead of
the supposed phase 2.
b. If it displays " 3.2.1 ", then the phase sequence is reversed
sequence, which means the supposed phase 2 is ahead of
the supposed phase 1.
c. If the display shows "－－－－" means it is unable to judge.
d. If the display shows "Lo V", it is possible the test leads
were removed before the instrument could determine the
correct sequence. Repeat the test.
6. Press Blue button to repeat the test.
5. °C/°F Measurement

EN-20
6. OTHER BUTTON FUNCTION
6-1 YELLOW BUTTON
6-1-1 DISPLAY BACKLIGHT
Press the yellow LIGHT BUTTON, to turn the backlight on.
Press the button again to turn the backlight off otherwise the
backlight will automatically turn off after approx. 30 sec.
6-1-2 BATTERY VOLTAGE CHECK
Press the yellow LIGHT BUTTON > 2 sec and the display
will show the internal Battery Voltage. The minimum useable
battery voltage is 7.00V. Replace the battery when the
voltage is 7.00V or less.