SEFRAM MW3518 User manual

USER'S
MANUAL
MW3518
2000A
TRMS AC+DC
Clamp Meter
Dedicated for
photovoltaic
installations.

1
1) SAFETY
This manual contains information and warnings that must be followed for operating the
meter safely and maintaining the meter in a safe operating condition. If the meter is
used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the
meter may be impaired.
Observe proper safety precautions when working with voltages above 30 Vrms, 42.4
Vpeak, or 60 VDC. These voltage levels pose a potential shock hazard to the user. Do
not expose this product to rain or moisture. The meter is intended only for indoor use.
Keep your hands/fingers behind the hand/finger barriers (of the meter and the test
probe assembly, where applicable) that indicate the limits of safe access of the hand-
held parts during measurements. Inspect lead wires, connectors, and probes for
damaged insulation or exposed metal periodically. If any defects are found, replace
them immediately. Only use the test probe assembly provided with the meter or a UL
Listed test probe assembly to the same meter ratings or better.
This Clamp-on meter is designed to apply around or remove from uninsulated
hazardous live conductors. But still, individual protective equipment must be used if
hazardous live parts in the installation where measurement is to be carried out could be
accessible.
Optional offer premium test probe assembly using silicone lead wire insulation, at
agent’s discretion, is equipped with white inner insulation layers as wear indicators.
Replace them immediately if any of the white layers has become visible.
Disconnect the test leads from the test points before changing functions.
All meter models meet IEC/EN/BSEN/CSA_C22.2_No./UL standards of 61010-1 Ed.
3.1 and 61010-2-032 Ed. 4.0 to Measurement Categories CAT IV 1000V ac & dc. The
model MW3518 additionally meets CAT III 1500V dc for Photovoltaic Power
Generation applications.
The accompanying test probe assembly meets IEC/EN/BSEN/CSA_C22.2_No./UL
standards of 61010-031 Ed. 2.0 to the same meter ratings or better. The 61010-031
requires exposed conductive test probe tips to be ≤ 4mm for CAT III & CAT IV ratings.
Refer to the category markings on your probe assemblies and the add-on accessories
(like detachable Caps or Alligator Clips), if any, for applicable rating changes.

2
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
Marking of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE). Do not dispose of this
product as unsorted municipal waste. Contact a qualified recycler.
Refer to the explanation in this Manual
Possibility of electric shock
Earth (Ground)
Meter protected throughout by Double Insulation or Reinforced insulation.
Fuse
Direct Current (DC)
Alternating Current (AC)
3 Three-phase Alternating Current
Application around and removal from hazardous live conductors is permitted.
BRIEF INFORMATION ON MEASUREMENT CATEGORIES
Measurement Category IV is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected at
the source of the building’s low-voltage MAINS installation. Examples are
measurements on devices installed before the main fuse or circuit breaker in the
building installation.
Measurement Category III is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected to
the distribution part of the building’s low-voltage MAINS installation. Examples are
measurements on distribution boards (including secondary meters), circuit-breakers,
cables, bus-bars, junction boxes, switches, socket-outlets, stationary motors in the
fixed installation, and equipment for industrial use.
Measurement Category II is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected
directly to utilization points (socket outlets and similar points) of the low-voltage MAINS
installation. Examples are measurements on MAINS CIRCUITS of household
appliances, portable tools and similar equipment.
2) EUROPEAN DIRECTIVES AND UK STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
The instruments conform to EUROPEAN (CE) Low-Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU,
Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 2014/30/EU, and RoHS 2 Directive 2011/65/EU
plus amendment Directive (EU) 2015/863. The instruments also conform to the UK
(UKCA) Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, Electromagnetic Compatibility
Regulations 2016, and The Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations 2012.

3
3) PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1) Antenna for Non-Contact EF-
Detection
2) Hand/Finger Barrier to
indicate the limits of safe access
of the meter during a
measurement
3) Rotary-switch Selector to turn
the power ON/OFF and Select a
function
4) Push-buttons for special
functions & features.
5) Input Jack for all functions
EXCEPT non-invasive DCA &
ACA current functions
6) Common (Ground reference)
Input Jack for all functions
EXCEPT non-invasive DCA &
ACA current functions
7) 3-5/6 digits 6000 counts & 3-
1/2 digits 2000 counts dual
numeric LCD display
8) Jaw trigger for opening the
clamp jaw
9) Jaw center (& DCA polarity)
Indicator, at where best DCA &
ACA accuracy is specified
10) Hall-effect Clamp Jaw for
AC & DC current magnetic field
pick up

4
4) OPERATION
Note: Before and after hazardous voltage measurements, test the voltage function on
a known source such as line voltage to determine proper meter functioning.
VFD-ACV Hz & ACV Hz functions
Inputs are made through the test lead terminals.
VFD-ACV Hz function is to deal with VFD (Variable Frequency Device) signals. It,
however, further pre-selects the most appropriate voltage ranges and thus the Hz
trigger levels to best cope with most VFD-Voltage and VFD-Frequency applications.
Note: The Hz trigger level is determined by the AC/DC+AC Voltage or Current
function range being in use. Press RANGE button to select different function ranges
and thus trigger levels manually.
DCV & DC+ACV Hz
Inputs are made through the test lead terminals. Defaults at DCV Function. Press
SELECT button momentarily and release to select DC+ACV Hz.

5
ACA Hz, DCA & DC+ACA Hz
Input is made through the clamp jaws for non-invasive current measurements. Defaults
at ACA Hz Function. Press SELECT button momentarily and release to select the
subject functions in sequence.
Note: (Application and removal of the Clamp-on meter)
For non-invasive current measurements, press the jaw trigger and clamp the jaws
around conductor(s) of only one single pole of a circuit for load current measurement.
Make sure the jaws are completely closed, or else it will introduce measurement errors.
Enclosing conductor(s) of more than one pole of a circuit may result in differential
current (like identifying leakage current) measurement. Locate the conductor(s) at the
Jaws center as much as possible to get the best measuring accuracy. For removal,
press the jaw trigger and remove the jaws from the conductor(s).
Adjacent current-carrying devices such as transformers, motors, and conductor wires
will affect measurement accuracy. Keep the jaws away from them as much as possible
to minimize influence.
Note:
Do not use the meter to measure currents above the rated frequency (400Hz).
Circulating currents may cause the magnetic circuits of the Jaws to reach a hazardous
temperature.

6
 Resistance & Continuity functions
Inputs are made through the test lead terminals. Defaults at  Resistance. Press
SELECT button momentarily and release to select. Continuity
Capacitance & Diode functions
Inputs are made through the test lead terminals. Defaults at Capacitance. Press
SELECT button momentarily and release to select Diode.
Note:
When using Diode test function, normal forward voltage drop (forward-biased) for a
good silicon diode is between 0.400V to 0.900V. A reading higher than that indicates a
leaky diode (defective). A zero reading indicates a shorted diode (defective). An OL
indicates an open diode (defective). Reverse the test leads connections (reverse
biased) across the diode. The digital display shows OL if the diode is good. Any other
readings indicate the diode is resistive or shorted (defective).
Note:
1. Using Resistance, Continuity, Diode, or Capacitance function in a live circuit will
produce false results and may damage the meter. In many cases, the suspected
component(s) must be disconnected from the circuit to obtain an accurate
measurement reading.
2. When using Capacitance function, discharge capacitor(s) before making any
measurements. Large value capacitors should be discharged through an appropriate
resistance load.

7
Temperature function
Defaults at oC (Celsius) readings. Press SELECT button momentarily and release to
select oF (Fahrenheit) readings. Inputs are made through the test lead terminals. Be
sure to insert the banana plug type-K temperature bead probe with correct
polarities. You can also use a plug adapter ST306 (Optional purchase) with banana
pins to a type-K socket to adapt other type-K standard mini-plug temperature probes.

8
Electric Field EF-Detection
In Voltage or Current function, press the EF button momentarily and release to toggle
to EF-Detection feature. The meter displays “E.F.” when it is ready. Signal strength is
indicated as a series of bar-graph segments on the display together with variable beep
tones.
●Non-Contact EF-Detection: An antenna is located along the top-right end of the
clamp jaw, which detects the electric field surrounds energized conductors. It is ideal
for tracing live wiring connections, locating wiring breakage, and distinguishing
between live or earth connections.
●Probe-Contact EF-Detection: For a more precise indication of live wires, such as
distinguishing between live and ground connections, use the Red (+) test probe for
direct contact measurements.

9
Hold
The hold feature freezes the display for later views. Press the HOLD button
momentarily and release to toggle the hold feature.
5ms CREST-MAX capture mode
Press CREST (HOLD) button for one second or more and release to activate CREST-
MAX capture (Instantaneous Peak-Hold) mode to capture signal peaks of voltage or
current in duration as short as 5ms. The LCD “C” & “MAX” turn on. Press again the
button momentarily and release can toggle the combination use of the HOLD feature.
Press the button for 1 second or more and release to exit CREST-MAX capture mode.
Auto-ranging and Auto-Power-Off are disabled automatically in this mode.
Backlighted LCD display
Press the SELECT button for 1 second or more to toggle the LCD backlight. The
backlight will also be turned off automatically after 32 seconds to extend battery life.
Relative-Zero ( ) mode
Relative-Zero allows the user to offset the meter consecutive measurements with the
main display displaying reading as the reference value. Press the REL button
momentarily and release to toggle Relative-Zero mode.
Manual or Auto-ranging
Press the RANGE button momentarily and release to select manual-ranging, and the
meter will remain in the range it was in, the LCD turns off. Press the button
again to step through the ranges. Press and hold the button for 1 second or more and
release to resume auto-ranging.
Note: Manual-ranging feature is not available in Hz and function ranges.
Set Beeper Off
Press the RANGE button while turning the meter on to temporarily disable the Beeper
feature. Turn the rotary switch OFF and then back on to resume.
Auto-Power-Off (APO)
The Auto-Power-Off (APO) mode turns the meter off automatically to extend battery life
after approximately 34 minutes of no rotary switch or push-button operations. To wake
up the meter from APO, press the SELECT button momentarily and release or turn the
rotary switch OFF and then back on. Always turn the rotary switch to the OFF position
when the meter is not in use.
Disabling Auto-Power-Off
Press and hold the SELECT button while turning the meter on to temporarily disable

10
the Auto-Power-Off (APO) feature. Turn the rotary switch OFF and then back on to
resume.
5) MAINTENANCE
Note:
To avoid electrical shock, disconnect the meter from any circuit, remove the test leads
from the input jacks and turn OFF the meter before opening the case. Do not operate
with an open case.
Trouble Shooting
If the instrument fails to operate, check batteries and test leads, etc., and replace as
necessary. Double-check operating procedure as described in this user’s manual.
If the instrument voltage-resistance input terminal has been subjected to high voltage
transient (caused by lightning or switching surge to the system under test) by accident
or abnormal conditions of operation, the protective impedance components in series
might be blown off (become high impedance) like fuses to protect the user and the
instrument. Most measuring functions through this terminal will then be open-circuited.
Such components should then be replaced by qualified technicians. Refer to the
LIMITED WARRANTY section for obtaining a warranty or repairing service.
Accuracy and Calibration
Accuracy is specified for a period of one year after calibration. Periodic calibration at
intervals of one year is recommended to maintain meter accuracy. Refer to the
LIMITED WARRANTY section for obtaining calibration, repairing, or warranty service.
Cleaning and Storage
Periodically wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent; do not use abrasives
or solvents. If the meter is not to be used for periods of longer than 60 days, remove
the batteries and store them separately.
Battery replacement
When the low battery icon turns on, the meter accuracy and performance cannot be
guaranteed. The meter shuts off accordingly. Replace with new batteries to ensure
accuracy. The meter uses standard 1.5V AA Size (IEC LR6) battery X 2
Loosen the 2 captive screws from the battery cover case. Lift the battery cover case.
Replace the batteries. Replace the battery cover case. Re-fasten the screws.

11
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 3-5/6 digits 6000 counts & 3-1/2 digits 1,999 counts for Hz
Polarity: Automatic
Update Rate: 5 per second nominal;
Operating Temperature: 0C to 40C
Relative Humidity: Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperature up to 31C decreasing
linearly to 50% relative humidity at 40C
Pollution degree: 2
Storage Temperature: -20C to 60C, < 80% R.H. (with battery removed)
Altitude: Operating below 2000m
Temperature Coefficient: nominal 0.15 x (specified accuracy)/C @(0C -- 18C or 28C --
40C), or otherwise specified
Sensing: True RMS
Safety: The device meets IEC/EN/BSEN/CSA_C22.2_No./UL standards of 61010-1 Ed.

12
3.1 & 61010-2-032 Ed. 4.0 to Measurement Categories CAT IV 1000V ac & dc. and
CAT III 1500Vdc
Transient Protection: 12kV (1.2/50s surge)
Overload Protections:
Clamp-on jaws: 2000A DC/AC rms continuous
Voltage via terminals: 1650Vdc / 1100Vac rms
Other functions via terminals: 1500Vdc / 1000Vac rms
E.M.C.: Meets EN61326-1:2013
In an RF field of 3V/m:
Capacitance function is not specified.
Other function ranges: Total Accuracy = Specified Accuracy + 200 digits
Performance above 3V/m is not specified.
Power Supply: 1.5V AA Size (IEC LR6) battery X 2
Power Consumption: Typical 14mA for Current functions and 5.2mA for others
Low Battery: Appears at approx. <2.4V where the meter accuracy cannot be
guaranteed. The meter shuts off accordingly.
APO Timing: Idle for 34 minutes
APO Consumption: 10A typical
Dimension: L264mm X W97mm X H43mm
Weight: 608 gm
Jaw opening & Conductor diameter: 55mm max
Accessories: Test leads (pair), user's manual, banana plug K-type thermocouple x 1 Soft
carrying pouch
Special Features: VFD-V & VFD-Hz; Backlighted LCD 5ms CREST-MAX Capture mode
(Peak Hold); Auto-ranging Relative-Zero mode; Display Hold; EF-Detection (NCV);
Electrical Specifications
Accuracy is (% reading digits + number of digits) or otherwise specified, at 23C  5C.
True RMS models ACV, DC+ACV, ACA & DC+ACA accuracies are specified from 5 % to
100 % of range or otherwise specified. Maximum Crest Factor < 1.4 : 1 at full scale & < 2.8 :
1 at half scale, and with frequency components fall within the specified frequency bandwidth
for non-sinusoidal waveforms.
DC Voltage
RANGE
Accuracy
6.000V, 60.00V,
600.0V
&
10
00V
0.5%+5d
>
1
000V ~
1500V
0.5%+5d
Input Impedance: 10M, 50 pF nominal
AC Voltage
RANGE
Accuracy
50Hz ~ 40
0Hz
6.000V, 60.00V,
600.0V
&
10
00V
1.2% + 5d
Input Impedance: 10M, 50 pF nominal

13
AC+DC Voltage
RANGE
Accuracy
DC,
50Hz ~ 40
0Hz
6.000
V, 60.00V,
600.
0V
&
10
00
V
1.4% + 7d
Input Impedance: 10M, 50 pF nominal
VFD_ACV (with Low Pass Filter)
RANGE
Accuracy
1)
10
Hz
~
20Hz
6.000V, 60.00V,
600.0V
& 1000V
4
%+8
0d
20Hz
~
200Hz
6.000V, 60.00V,
600.0V
& 10
00V
2
%+
6
0d
200Hz
-
4
0
0Hz
2)
6.000V, 60.00V,
600.0V
& 1000V
7
%
+
80d
1)Not specified for fundamental frequency >
400Hz
2)Accuracy linearly decreases from 2% +
60d @ 200Hz to 7% + 80d @ 400Hz
CREST-MAX Capture Mode
Accuracy: Specified accuracy plus 250
digits for changes > 5ms in duration
Ohm
RANGE
Accuracy
600.0, 6.000K, 60.00K 0.5%+5d
600.0K 0.8%+5d
6.0
00M

1.2%+5d
4
0.00M

2.3%+5d
Open Circuit Voltage: 0.45VDC typical
Audible Continuity Tester
Audible Threshold: Between 10 and 200
Response time: 32ms approx.
Capacitance
RANGE
Accuracy
1)
60.00nF, 600
.0nF, 6.00
0

F
2.0%+5d
60.00

F,600.0uF
3.5%+5d 2)
2
00
0

F
4.0%+5d 2)
1)Accuracies with film capacitor or better
2)Temperature Coefficient: 0.25 x (specified
accuracy)/ C @ (0C -- 18C or 28C --
40C)
Diode Tester
RANG
E
Accuracy
1.000V
1.0% + 3d
Test Current: 0.56mA typically
Open Circuit Voltage: < 1.8VDC typically
DCA Current (Clamp on)
RANGE
Accuracy
1) 2)
200.0A
2.
0
%+
5
d
0~500A
2.0
%+
5
d
5
00
~2000A
3.0
%+
5
d
1)Induced error from adjacent current-
carrying conductor: <0.1A/A
2)Specified with Relative Zero mode
applied to offset the non-zero residual
readings, if any
Temperature
RANGE
Accuracy
-
50
o
C ~
1000
o
C
0.
3% +4d
-
58
o
F ~ 1832
o
F
0.3% +
6
d
K-type thermocouple range & accuracy not
included.

14
ACA Current (Clamp on)
RA
NGE
Accuracy
1)
50
Hz ~
60Hz
2
0
0
.0A
2
.
0
%+
5
d
0
~500A
2.5
%+5d
5
00
~2000
A
3.0
%+
5
d
4
0
Hz
~
50Hz & 60H
z ~
400
Hz
2
0
0
.0A
2
.
5
%+
5
d
0~500A
3.0%+5
d
5
00
~1000
A
3.5
%+
5
d
10
00
~
2000
A
u
ns
pe
cified
True RMS Crest Factor:
< 1.4: 1 at full scale & < 2.8: 1 at half
scale
1)Induced error from adjacent current-
carrying conductor: < 0.1A/A
DC+ACA Current (Clamp on)
RANGE
Accuracy
1) 2)
DC, 5
0Hz ~
6
0Hz
2
0
0
.0A,
2
000A
3.0
%+
8
d
4
0
Hz
~
50Hz & 60Hz ~ 400
Hz
2
0
0
.0A
3.5
%
+
8
d
0~
100
0A
3.
5
%+
8
d
1000~2000A
unspecified
True RMS Crest Factor:
< 1.4: 1 at full scale & < 2.8 : 1 at half
scale
1)Induced error from adjacent current-
carrying conductor: < 0.1A/A
2)Specified with Relative Zero mode
applied to offset the non-zero residual
readings if any
Hz Line Level Frequency
Function Sensitivity
(
Sine RMS)
Range
6V
2
V
2)
4
0H
z
~
1999
Hz
60V
2
0
V
2)
4
0Hz
~
19
99
Hz
600V
10
0V
2)
4
0Hz
~
1
99
9
Hz
1000V
600V
3)
4
0
Hz
~
1999
Hz
20
0A
10
A
2)
20H
z
~
4
0
0Hz
20
0
0A
10
0
A
2)
20Hz
~
4
0
0Hz
VFD 6V
1)
0.6V
~2
.4
V
2)
10Hz
~
4
0
0Hz
VFD
60V
1)
6~2
4
V
2)
10Hz
~
4
0
0Hz
VFD 600V
1)
60V~2
4
0V
2)
10H
z
~
4
0
0Hz
Accuracy: 0.1%+4d
1)VFD sensitivity linearly decreases from
10% F.S. @ 200Hz to 40% F.S. @ 400Hz
2)DC-bias, if any, not more than 50% of Sine
RMS
3)DC-bias, if any, not more than 100V
Non-Contact EF-Detection
Typical Voltage
Bar-
Graph
Indicatio
n
89
V
(tolerance:
1
2
V
~
165
V
)
-
177
V
(tolerance:
81
V
~
272
V
)
-
-
-
589
V
(tolerance:
178
V
~
10
00
V
)
-
-
-
-
-
Indication: Bar-graph segments & audible
beep tones proportional to the field
strength
Detection Frequency: 50/60Hz
Detection Antenna: Top side of the
stationary jaw
Probe-Contact EF-Detection: For more
precise indications of live wires, such as
distinguishing between live and ground
connections, use the Red (+) test probe for
direct contact measurement.

LIMITED WARRANTY
SEFRAM warrants to the original product purchaser that each product it manufactures
will be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service
within a period of one year from the date of purchase. SEFRAM's warranty does not
apply to accessories, fuses, fusible resistors, spark gaps, batteries, or any product
which, in SEFRAM's opinion, has been misused, altered, neglected, or damaged by an
accident or abnormal condition of operation or handling.
To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest SEFRAM authorized agent or send
the product, with proof of purchase and description of the difficulty, postage and
insurance prepaid, to SEFRAM INSTRUMENTS. SEFRAM assumes no risk for
damage in transit. SEFRAM will, at its option, repair or replace the defective product
free of charge. However, if SEFRAM determines that the failure was caused by
misused, altered, neglected, or damaged by an accident or abnormal condition of
operation or handling, you will be billed for the repair.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTY OR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
OR USE. SEFRAM WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
SEFRAM INSTRUMENTS
32 Rue Edouard Martel, BP55, 42009
TEL : + 33 (0) 4 77 59 01 01
http://www.sefram.com
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