TPI 183A User manual

183A
Digital Multimeter
Instruction Manual
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

2 3
A. INTRODUCTION
1. Congratulations!!
Thank you for purchasing TPI products. The meter is easy
to use and is built to last. It is backed by a 3 year limited
warranty. Please remember to complete and return your
product warranty registration card.
2. Product Description
The 183A is a hand-held autoranging DMM. The 183A
measures ACV, DCV, ACA, DCA, Resistance, Frequency,
Duty Cycle, Diodes, Capacitance, Temperature and
Continuity.
The 183A also features:
•REC Records Min/Max readings during
specified measurement intervals.
•RANGE Allows the user to manually range the
183A instead of autoranging.
•HOLD Holds the reading on the display for
easy viewing.
•REL Displays the value as a difference to
a reference value
•AUTO OFF Preserves battery life.
The 183A comes complete with the following accessories:
183A Instrument
Zippered Vinyl Carrying Case
Rubber Boot
Test Lead Set
Instruction Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. INTRODUCTION
1. Congratulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
2. Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
3. EC Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . .4
B. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
C. TECHNICAL DATA
1. Features and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
2. Product Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
3. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-11
D. MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
1. Controls and Functions . . . . . . . . . . .12
a) Push Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . .12
b) Rotary Switch . . . . . . . . . . . .13
c) Input Jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
d) Disable Auto Power Off . . . .13
2. Step by Step Procedures:
a) Measuring DC Volts . . . . . . .14
b) Measuring AC Volts . . . . . . .15
c) Measuring DC Amps . . . . . .16
d) Measuring AC Amps . . . . . .17
e) Measuring Resistance . . . . .18
f) Measuring Diodes . . . . . . . .19
g) Continuity Buzzer . . . . . . . . .20
h) Measuring Capacitance . . . .21
i) Measuring Frequency . . . . . .22
j) Measuring Temperature . . . .23
k) Record Mode . . . . . . . . . . . .24
l) Relative Mode . . . . . . . . . . .24
F. MAINTENANCE
1. Testing Fuses in Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . .25
2. Fuse Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
3. Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
4. Cleaning Your Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
G. TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . .27
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

5
B. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
WARNING : Please follow manufacturers test
procedures whenever possible. Do not attempt to
measure unknown voltages or components until a
complete understanding of the circuit is obtained.
Read instructions before operating:
Be sure these instructions accompany the tool when
passed from one user to a new or inexperienced user.
Equipment is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the
equipment may be impaired.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
ALWAYS
• Test the 183A before using it to make sure it is
operating properly.
• Inspect the test leads before using to make sure
there are no breaks or shorts.
• Double check all connections before testing.
• Have someone check on you periodically if
working alone.
• Have complete understanding of circuit being
measured.
• Disconnect power to circuit then, connect test
leads to the 183A, then to circuit being
measured.
NEVER
• Attempt to measure unknown high voltages.
• Attempt to measure current with the meter in
parallel to the circuit.
• Connect the test leads to a live circuit before
setting up the instrument.
• Touch any exposed metal part of the test lead
assembly.
4
3. EC Declaration of Conformity
This is to certify that model 183A conforms to the
protection requirements of the council directive
89/336/EEC, in the approximation of laws of the member
states relating to Electromagnetic compatibility and
73/23/EEC, The Low Voltage Directive by application of the
following standards:
EN61326 : 1997 + A1 + A2 : 2001
EN61010-1 :2001 Safety Standard
To ensure conformity with these standards, this instrument
must be operated in accordance with the instructions and
specifications given in this manual.
CAUTION:
Even though this instrument complies with the
immunity standards, the accuracy can be affect-
ed by strong radio emissions not covered in the
above standards. Sources such as hand held
radio transceivers, radio and TV transmitters,
vehicle radios and cellular phones generate
electromagnetic radiation that could be induced
into the test leads of this instrument. Care
should be taken to avoid such situations or
alternatively, check to make sure that the
instrument is not being influenced by these
emissions.
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

76
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
DANGEROUS VOLTAGE
AC (ALTERNATING CURRENT)
DC (DIRECT CURRENT)
REFER TO INSTRUCTION MANUAL
GROUND
FUSE
DOUBLE INSULATION
C. TECHNICAL DATA
1. Features and Benefits
Agency Approval Meets CE and IEC 61010-1 require-
ments. UL Listed to U.S. and Canadian
Safety Standards.
Auto Power OFF Active when APO is on the left side of
the LCD display. Instrument automati-
cally powers off after 15 minutes of
inactivity. You must return the rotary
switch to the OFF position to restart
the meter.
Record Mode Records Min/Max values.
Relative Mode Displays
Range Allows you to either manual range or
use auto range to select the appropri-
ate range.
3 Year Covered by a standard 3 year warranty.
Warranty
2. Product Applications
Perform the following tests and/or measurements
with the TPI 183A and the appropriate function:
HVAC/R
FUNCTION
DCmV • Thermocouples in furnaces or gas
applications.
ACA • Heat anticipator current in thermostats.
ACV • Line voltage.
ACV or DCV • Control circuit voltage.
DCµA • Flame safeguard control current.
OHMS • Heating element resistance (continuity).
OHMS • Compressor winding resistance.
OHMS • Contactor and relay coil resistance.
OHMS • Continuity of wiring.
ELECTRICAL
ACV • Measure line voltage.
OHMS • Continuity of circuit breaker.
DCV • Voltage of direct drive DC motors.
AUTOMOTIVE
DCV • Battery and circuit voltage.
OHMS • Continuity of wires and fuses.
ACV • ABS brake sensors.
DCmA • Circuit current draw
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

8
3. Specifications
IEC 61010-1 Over Voltage:
CAT II - 1000V
CAT III - 600V
Pollution Degree 2
a. DCmV
Range Resolution Accuracy Impedance
40mV 0.01mV ±(0.5% + 2 digits) 10MW
400mV 0.1mV
b. DCV
Range Resolution Accuracy Impedance
400mV 0.1mV
4V 0.001V
40V 0.01V ±(0.5% + 2 digits) 10MW
400V 0.1V
1000V 1V
c. ACmV (True-RMS, 40 - 400Hz)
Range Resolution Accuracy Impedance
40mV 0.01mV ±(1.5% + 3 digits) 10MW
400mV 0.1mV
d. ACV (True-RMS, 40 - 400Hz)
Range Resolution Accuracy Impedance
400mV 0.1mV ±(1.5% + 3 digits)
4V 0.001V
40V 0.01V ±(0.75% + 3 digits) 10MW
400V 0.1V
750V 1V ±(1.0% + 5 digits)
e. ACV (True-RMS, 400Hz - 1kHz)
Range Resolution Accuracy Impedance
4V 0.001V
40V 0.01V ±(1.5% +5 digits) 10MW
400V 0.1V
750V 1V ±(2.0% + 5 digits)
9
*Warning: Use only correct size, voltage and current rated fuses.
Test Leads: Use only correct type and overvoltage category rating.
f. ACV (True-RMS, 1kHz - 20kHz)
Range Resolution Accuracy Impedance
4V 0.001V
40V 0.01V ±(2.0% + 3 digits) 10MW
400V 0.1V
750V 1V Unspecified
g. DCA
Range Resolution Accuracy Overload Protection
40µA 0.01µA ±(0.8% +2 digits)
400µA 0.1µA Fuse
4000µA 1µA ±(0.8% +5 digits) 0.5Amp/600V
40mA 0.01mA
400mA 0.1mA
4A 0.001A ±(1.2% +5 digits) Fuse
10A 0.01A 10Amp/600V
h. ACA (True-RMS)
Range Resolution Accuracy Overload Protection
400µA 0.1µA Fuse
4000µA 1µA ±(1.2% +5 digits) 0.5Amp/600V
40mA 0.01mA
400mA 0.1mA
4A 0.001A ±(1.5% +10 digits) Fuse
10A 0.01A 10Amp/600V
i. OHM (Resistance,W)
Range Resolution Accuracy Overload Protection
400W0.1W±(0.8% +5 digits) 600V DC or
4kW0.001kWAC Peak
40kW0.01kW±(0.5% +3 digits)
400kW0.1kW
4MW0.001MW±(1.0% +5 digits)
40MW0.01MW±(1.5% +10 digits)
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

1110
j. Duty Cycle / Hz
Range
0.1 ~99.9% (0.5Hz to 500kHz, Width > 2uS)
Accuracy
((0.1% + 0.05% / kHz) +1 Count
k. Diode Test
Test Voltage Max Test Current Over Load Protection
2.7V Approx. 1mA 600 V DC or Peak AC
l. Continuity Buzzer
Test Voltage Threshold Over Load Protection
0.6V < 30W600 V DC or Peak AC
m. Capacitance
Range Resolution Accuracy Overload Protection
40nF 0.01nF
400nF 0.1nF
4uF 0.001nF ±(3.0% +10 digits) 600V DC or
40uF 0.01uF AC Peak
400uF 0.1uF
4000uF 1uF ±(7.0% +10 digits)
n. Frequency (Hz)
Range Resolution Accuracy Overload Protection
10Hz 0.01Hz
100Hz 0.1Hz
1KHz 0.001KHz ±(0.05% +3 digits) 600V DC or
10KHz 0.01KHz AC Peak
100KHz 0.1KHz
1MHz 0.001MHz
10MHz 0.01MHz
o. Temperature (K-Type)
Range Resolution Accuracy
CENTIGRADE
-40° to 10°C 0.1° ±(3.0% + 5°C)
10° to 200°C 0.1° ±(1.0% + 3°C)
200° to 400°C 0.1° ±(2.0% + 5°C)
400° to 1300°C 1°C ±(3.0% + 7°C)
FAHRENHEIT
-40° to 50°F 0.1° ±(3.0% + 2.5°F)
50° to 392°F 0.1° ±(1.0% + 1.5°F)
392° to 752°F 0.1° ±(2.0% + 5°C)
752° to 2372°F 1°F ±(2.0% + 5°C)
p. General Specifications
Max. Volt. between 1000V
any Input and Ground
Fuse Protection mA: 0.5Amp/600VAC A: 10Amp/600VAC
Display Type 4,000 Count, 2 times per second update
Operating Temp. 0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F)
Storage Temp. -10° to 50°C (14° to 122°F)
Relative Humidity 0% to 80%
Power Supply 2 Each 1.5 Volt “AA” Batteries
Battery Life 200 hrs. Typical
Size (H x L x W) 33mm x 86mm x 187mm (1.3in x 3.4in x 7.4in)
Weight 340g (12oz)
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

1312
b. Rotary Switch
OFF Turns the 183A off.
Function for measuring AC voltage (ACV).
Function for measuring DC voltage (DCV).
Function for measuring AC/DC millivolts (mV).
Funtion for measuring resistance, diode testing
and continuity buzzer
40 Function for measuring up to 40 DC micoamps
(uA)
Function for measuring up to 4000 AC/DC
microamps.
Function for measuring up to 400 AC/DC
milliamps.
Function for measuring up to 10 AC/DC amps
Hz Function for measuring Frequency
CAP Function for measuring Capacitance
c. Input Jacks
VWHz Red test lead connection for all Volt, Ohm,
Frequency and Capacitance functions.
COM Black test lead connection for all functions.
uAmA Red test lead connection for current
measurements on the uA and mA functions.
ARed test lead connection for current
measurements on the A function.
d. Disable Auto Power Off (APO)
With the rotary switch in the OFF position Press and
hold down the FUNCTION push button while turning
the instrument on.
Push
Buttons
LCD
Display
Rotary
Switch
Input
Jacks
D. MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
1. Controls and Functions:
a. Push Buttons
Activates manual ranging. Hold in for 3 seconds
to return to autorange.
Activates the Min/Max mode.
Toggles the ACV or ACA measurement mode to
Hz or Duty Cycle mode.
Displays value as a difference of reference value.
Activates optonal fuctions highlighted in orange
around dial. APO (Auto Power Off) is disabled in
this function. Hold in for 3 seconds to deactivate.
Activates Low Pass Filter.
Holds the reading on the display until the button
is pushed a second time.
RANGE
REC
Hz/DUTY
REL
FUNCTION
LPF
HOLD
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

1514
b. MEASURING AC VOLTS
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to make a voltage measure
ment if a test lead is plugged in the A or
µmA input jack. Instrument damage and/or
personal injury may result.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to make a voltage measure
ment of more than 750V or of a voltage l
level that is unknown.
Instrument set-up:
FUNCTION BLACK RED MINIMUM MAXIMUM
TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING
COM VWHz 0.001V 750V
Measurement Procedure:
1. Disconnect power to the circuit to be measured.
2. Plug the black test lead into the COM input jack.
3. Plug the red test lead into the VWHz input jack.
4. Set the rotary switch to the function depending on
the voltage to be measured.
5. Connect the test leads to the circuit to be measured.
6. Reconnect power to the circuit to be measured.
7. Read the voltage on the 183A.
Optional Functions:
RANGE
REC
REL
HOLD
Manually select the appropriate range.
Activate MIN/MAX record mode (page 24).
Scroll between Hz, Duty, and Volts.
Activate REL mode (page 24).
Freeze the reading on the LCD.
Hz/DUTY
2. Step by Step Procedures:
a. MEASURING DC VOLTS
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to make a voltage mea
surement if a test lead is plugged in the
A or µmA input jack. Instrument damage
and/or personal injury may result.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to make a voltage
measurement of more than 1000V or of a
voltage level that is unknown.
Instrument set-up:
FUNCTION BLACK RED MINIMUM MAXIMUM
TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING
mV COM VWHz 0.1mV 400.0mV
V COM VWHz 0.001V 1000V
Measurement Procedure:
1. Disconnect power to the circuit to be measured.
2. Plug the black test lead into the COM input jack.
3 Plug red test lead into the VWHz input jack.
4. Set rotary switch to either the or range,
depending on the voltage to be measured.
5. Connect the test leads to the circuit to be measured.
6. Reconnect power to the circuit to be measured.
7. Read the voltage on the 183A.
Optional Functions:
RANGE
REC
REL
HOLD
Manually select the appropriate range.
Activate MIN/MAX record mode (page 24).
Activate REL mode (page 24).
Freeze the reading on the LCD.
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

1716
d. MEASURING AC AMPS
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to make a current measure
ment with the test leads connected in
parallel with the circuit to be tested. Test
leads must be connected in series with the
circuit.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to make a current measure
ment of circuits with more than 600V
present. Instrument damage and /or
personal injury may result.
Instrument set-up:
FUNCTION BLACK RED MINIMUM MAXIMUM
TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING
µA COM µAmA 0.1µA 4000µA
mA COM µAmA 0.01mA 400mA
10A COM A 0.001A 10.00A
Measurement Procedure:
1. Disconnect power to the circuit to be measured.
2. Plug the black test lead into the COM input jack.
3. Plug the red test lead into the µAmA or Ainput jack
depending on the value of current to be measured..
4. Set the rotary switch to the µA, mA or A function.
5. Press the AC/DC pushbutton to set to AC mode.
6. Connect test leads in series to circuit to be measured.
7. Reconnect power to the circuit to be measured.
8. Read the current on the 183A.
Optional Functions:
RANGE
REC
REL
HOLD
Manually select the appropriate range.
Activate MIN/MAX record mode (page 24).
Scroll between Hz, Duty, and Volts.
Activate REL mode (page 24).
Freeze the reading on the LCD.
Hz/DUTY
16
c. MEASURING DC AMPS
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to make a current measurement with
the test leads connected in parallel with circuit to be
tested. Test leads must be connected in series with
the circuit.
WARNING!
Do not attempt to make a current measurement of
circuits with more than 600V present. Instrument
damage and /or personal injury may result.
Instrument set-up:
FUNCTION BLACK RED MINIMUM MAXIMUM
TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING
40µA COM µAmA 0.01µA 40µA
µA COM µAmA 0.1µA 4000µA
mA COM µAmA 0.01mA 400mA
10A COM A 0.001A 10.00A
Measurement Procedure:
1. Disconnect power to circuit to be measured.
2. Plug the black test lead into the COM input jack.
3. Plug the red test lead into the µAmA or Ainput jack
depending on the value of current to be measured.
4. Set the rotary switch to the 40µA, µA, mA, or A
function.
5. Connect test leads in series to circuit to be measured.
6. Reconnect power to the circuit to be measured.
7. Read the current on the 183A.
Optional Functions:
RANGE
REC
REL
HOLD
Manually select the appropriate range.
Activate MIN/MAX record mode (page 24).
Activate REL mode (page 24).
Freeze the reading on the LCD.
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

1918
f. MEASURING DIODES
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to make diode measurements with
circuit energized. The only way to accurately test
a diode is to remove it completely from the circuit
before attempting to measure it.
Instrument set-up:
FUNCTION BLACK RED MINIMUM MAXIMUM
TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING
COM VWHz 0.001V 2.000V
Measurement Procedure:
1. Disconnect power to the circuit to be measured.
2. Plug the black test lead into the COM input jack.
3. Plug the red test lead into the VWHz input jack.
4. Set the rotary switch to the function.
5. Connect black test lead to the banded end of the diode
and the red test lead to the non-banded end of the
diode.
6. Reading on the display should be between
0.5 and 0.8 volts.
7. Reverse test lead connections in 5 above.
8. Reading on the display should be OFL (Overload).
NOTE: If diode reads 0 in both directions, diode is short-
ed. If diode reads OFL in both directions, diode is open
e. MEASURING RESISTANCE
WARNING!
Do not attempt to make resistance measurements
with circuit energized. For best results, remove
the resistor completely from the circuit before
attempting to measure it.
NOTE:
To make accurate low ohm measurements, short
the ends of the test leads together and press the
REL pushbutton. This value will automatically be
deducted from your reading.
Instrument set-up:
FUNCTION BLACK RED MINIMUM MAXIMUM
TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING
WCOM VWHz 0.1W40.00MW
Measurement Procedure:
1. Disconnect power to the circuit to be measured.
2. Plug the black test lead into the COM input jack.
3. Plug the red test lead into the VWHz input jack.
4. Set the rotary switch on the 183A to the Wfunction.
5. Connect the test leads to the circuit to be measured.
6. Read the resistance value on the 183A.
Optional Functions:
RANGE
REC
REL
HOLD
Manually select the appropriate range.
Activate MIN/MAX record mode (page 24).
Activate REL mode (page 24).
Freeze the reading on the LCD.
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

2120
h. MEASURING CAPACITANCE
CAUTION!
Disconnect power to the circuit(s) to be
measured. Discharge the capacitorto be
measured completely before attempting to
measure.
Instrument set-up:
FUNCTION BLACK RED MINIMUM MAXIMUM
TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING
CAP COM VWHz 0.01nF 4000uF
Measurement Procedure:
1. Disconnect power and discharge the capacitor to be
measured.
2. Plug the black test lead into the COM input jack.
3. Plug the red test lead into the VWHz input jack.
4. Set the rotary switch to the CAP function.
5. Connect the test leads to the capacitor to be
measured.
6. Read the capacitance on the 183A.
Optional Functions:
REL
HOLD
Activate REL mode (page 24).
Freeze the reading on the LCD.
g. CONTINUITY BUZZER
WARNING!
Do not attempt to make continuity measurements
with circuit energized.
Instrument set-up:
FUNCTION BLACK RED
TEST LEAD TEST LEAD
COM VWHz
Measurement Procedure:
1. Disconnect power to the circuit to be measured.
2. Plug the black test lead into the COM input jack.
3. Plug the red test lead into the VWHz input jack.
4. Set the rotary switch to the function.
5. Press yellow push button to activate continuity buzzer.
6. Connect the test leads to the circuit to be measured.
7. Listen for the buzzer to confirm continuity.
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

2322
i. MEASURING FREQUENCY
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to make a frequency
measurement if a test lead is plugged in the
A or µmA input jack. Instrument damage
and/or personal injury may result.
WARNING!
Never attempt a frequency measurement
with a voltage source reater than 600V
Instrument set-up:
FUNCTION BLACK RED MINIMUM MAXIMUM
TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING
Hz COM VWHz 0.001Hz 10MHz
Measurement Procedure:
1. Disconnect power to the circuit to be measured.
2. Plug the black test lead into the COM input jack.
3. Plug the red test lead into the VWHz input jack.
4. Set the rotary switch to the Hz function.
5. Connect the test leads to the circuit to be measured.
6. Reconnect power to the circuit to be measured.
7. Read the frequency on the 183A.
Optional Functions:
HOLD
Scroll between Hz and Duty %.
Freeze the reading on the LCD.
Hz/DUTY
j. MEASURING TEMPERATURE
CAUTION!
Disconnect power to the circuit(s) to be
measured. Discharge the capacitorto be
measured completely before attempting to
measure.
Instrument set-up:
FUNCTION TEMP. TEMP. MINIMUM MAXIMUM
INPUT ADPT. INPUT ADPT. READING READING
TEMP COM µmATEMP 0.1°F 2462°F
0.1°C 1350°C
Measurement Procedure:
1. Remove test leads from the 183A.
2. Plug the “-” terminal of the temperature input adapter
into the COM input jack.
3. Plug the “+” terminal of the temperature input adapter
into the µmATEMP input jack.
4. Set the rotary switch to the TEMP function.
5. Plug a K-type temperature probe into the temperature
input adpater observing the correct polarity.
6. Read the temperature on the 183A.
Optional Functions:
Activate MIN/MAX record mode (page 24).
Activate REL mode (page 24).
Toggle between °C or °F.
HOLD the reading on the LCD.
REC
REL
HOLD
FUNCTION
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

2524
F. MAINTENANCE
1. Testing Fuses In Circuit: Both the A and mAµA input
jacks are fuse protected. The fuses can be tested
without removing them from the instrument as
follows:
a. Set the 183A to the diode test function.
b. Insert the red test lead into the V input jack.
c. Touch the tip of the red test lead into the A
input jack making sure you contact the metal.
d. If the display reads any number, the fuse is good.
If the display reads .OL, the fuse is open and
must be replaced.
e. Repeat the same procedure for the uAmA input
jack.
2. Fuse Replacement: Both the A and mAµA input jacks
are fuse protected. If either do not function, replace
fuse as follows:
a. Disconnect and remove all test leads from live
circuits and from the 183A.
b. Remove 183A from protective boot.
c. Remove the three screws from the lower back of
housing holding the compartment cover in place.
d. Remove the compartment cover.
e. Remove the old fuse(s) and replace it with new
fuse(s).
f. Reassemble the instrument in reverse order
from above.
k. RECORD MODE
The record mode saves minimum (MIN) and maximum
(MAX) values measured for a series of reading. Activate
the function as follows:
1. Depress the REC button on the 183A.
2. The 183A will immediately start to record
MIN/MAX values. REC will be on the LCD to
show record mode has been activated. The
reading on the LCD will be the actual reading.
The 183A will give a confirmation beep every
time a new value is recorded.
3. Press the REC button a second time and the
MIN reading will be displayed.
4. Press the REC button a third time and the MAX
reading will be displayed on the LCD.
5. To terminate the record mode, hold the REC
button down for approximately 2 seconds or
turn the rotary switch to a different function.
l. RELATIVE MODE
The Relative mode compares readings to a known value
and displays it as a difference to that value on the LCD.
1. Measure the known value on the 183A and
press the REL button, the LCD will display
zero.
2. Measure next device for comparison.
3. The LCD will display the difference between the
new device and the stored reference value.
5. To terminate the Relative mode, hold the REL
button down for approximately 2 seconds or
turn the rotary switch to a different function.
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

2726
G. TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Problem Probable Causes
Does not power up
• Dead or defective battery
• Broken wire from battery
snap to PCB
Won’t display current readings
• Open fuse
• Open test lead
• Improperly connected to
circuit under test
3. Cleaning Your Meter: The 183A can be wiped clean
with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not sub-
merse in water.
3. Battery Replacement: The 183A will display a battery
symbol in the upper left corner of the LCD when the two
internal 1.5 Volt “AAA” batteries need replacement.
Batteries are replaced as follows:
a. Disconnect and remove all test leads from live
circuits and from the 183A.
b. Remove 183A from protective boot.
c. Remove the three screws from the lower back of
housing holding the compartment cover in place.
d. Remove the compartment cover.
e. Remove old batteries and replace with new
batteries.
f. Reassemble instrument in reverse order from
above.
10 Amp
Fuse
0.5 Amp
Fuse
Battery/Fuse Compartment
1.5 volt “AAA”
Alkaline Battery
(2 each)
www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]

www.GlobalTestSupply.com
Find Quality Products Online at: [e-mail]