Triplett 1401 User manual

1. Introduction
The Triplett Model 1401 multimeter is a 6000 count, handheld digital
multimeter with auto-ranging capability, AC RMS measurement, automatic
power off and a backlit LCD display. Using a Large Scale Integration (LSI)
integrated circuit, the multimeter is designed for stability and accuracy. The
resilient outer molded cover provides additional protection from the occa-
sional fall, and the threaded probe tips and screw on insulated clips provide
for secure, hands-off measurements. The meter can measure AC and DC
voltage, AC and DC current, resistance, capacitance, frequency/duty cycle,
temperature, and forward diode voltage drop. It can also perform an audible
continuity test, non-contact AC voltage detection, and test both 1.5V and 9V
batteries.
2. Product Features
1) Test lead holder.
2) CDS sensor for automatic backlight brightness control.
3) NCV Detection area (top of DMM case).
4) NCV Detection voltage detected indicator (red LED).
5) NCV Detection mode activated indicator (green LED)
6) LCD display with (Low Battery), NCV, DH (Hold) and measurement
unit annunciators.
7) SELECT button: With the rotary switch on the “ “ range, press
this button to select resistance, diode, continuity or capacitance tests.
With the switch on either voltage or current selections, this switches
between DC and AC settings. If the temperature °C/°Fis selected, it
switches between Centigrade or Fahrenheit. If the SELECT button is
held down while the meter is turned on, the “Auto Power Off ” function will
be disabled.
8) RANGE button: Press and release the “RANGE” button to enter manual
range mode. Additional presses cause the unit to change the
measurement range of the measurement function selected. Press and
holding the button for more than 2 seconds causes the meter to toggle
back to auto-ranging mode.
9) DISPLAY HOLD Button: Press the “HOLD” key to lock the present value
on the display. The “DH” sign will appear on the display while the hold
function is active. Press it again to exit and resume normal display
updating.
10) REL button: Press this button for the meter to enter relative
measurement mode. “REL” is displayed on the LCD and the present
reading becomes the reference value. In this mode, the displayed value
is the difference between any subsequent measurement and the
reference value: Relative measurement = measurement
value-Reference value.
11) Hz/% button: On “ACV/ACA” or “Hz” range, pressing the “Hz/%” key,
switches between Frequency or Duty Cycle measurements.
12) Rotary Switch: Use this switch to select test functions and ranges.
13) COM: COM and Temperature “-” Input Jack.
14) 10A: 10A Input Jack, fused at 10A., 500V
15) VΩmA: V/mA/BATT/ and Temperature “+” Input Jack, fused at
800mA, 500V
16) Meter case
17) Protective molded cover
3. Safety Information
3-1 The meter is designed according to IEC-1010 concerning electronic
measuring instruments with an over-voltage category level of 600V
(CAT III) and pollution level 2. DO NOT USE THIS METER FOR CAT
IV APPLICATIONS.
3-2 Follow all safety and operating instructions to ensure that the meter is
used safely and is kept in good operating condition.
3-3 Safety symbols:
Important safety information, refer to the operating manual.
Dangerous voltage may be present.
Double insulation (protection Class II)
4. Cautions and Warnings
4-1 To maintain product safety, use the provided test leads. Damaged test
leads should be replaced with the same model or test leads with the
same electrical specications.
4-2 Do not use with the battery cover removed.
4-3 Always set the rotary switch to the correct position for measurement.
4-4 Do not exceed the input limits.
4-5 Do not change the rotary switch setting when the leads are connected to
an energized circuit.
4-6 Use caution when measuring voltages higher than 60V DC or 30V AC.
4-7 Replace fuse with fuse of the same rating.
4-8 To conserve battery life, always turn the meter off when measurements
are completed.
5. General Characteristics
5-1 Max Voltage between input terminal and Earth Ground: CAT III 600V
5-2 Over-range Indication: display “1” or “-1” for the most signicant digit
5-3 Low Battery Indication: is displayed
5-4 Maximum LCD Display: 5999 (3 ½ digits)
5-5 Auto and manual range selection
5-6 Auto Power Off: The meter will switch to standby mode when it has
been on for approximately 20 minutes.
5-7 Fuse protection: Fast acting 800mA/500V and 10A/500V fuses.
5-8 Power supply: 2 x 1.5V AA batties (R6, or LR6)
5-9 Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (relative humidity <85%)
5-10 Storage Temperature: -10°C to 50°C (relative humidity <85%)
5-11 Dimension: 150x106x36mm
5-12 Weight: approx. 250g (including battery)
6. Measurement Specications
Accuracy is specied from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F) with relative
humidity below 70%.
DC Voltage
Range Resolution
600.0mV 0.1mV
6.000V 1mV
60.00V 10mV
600.0V 100V
600V 1V
Accuracy
±(0.5% of rdg + 2 digits)
±(0.8% of rdg + 2 digits)
Impedance: 10MΩ, >100MΩ on 600mV range
Overload protection: 600V DC or AC
AC Voltage (True RMS)
Range Resolution
6.000V 1mV
60.00V 10mV
600.0V 100mV
600V 1V
Accuracy
±(1.0% of rdg + 3 digits)
±(1.5% of rdg + 3 digits)
Impedance: 10MΩ - Overload protection: 600V DC or AC rms
Frequency Range: 40 to 400Hz
Model 1401
Compact Digital
MultiMeter
Instruction Manual
DC Current
Range Resolution
600µA 0.1µA
6000µA 1µA
60mA 10µA
600mA 100µA
6A 1mA
10A 10mA
Accuracy
±(1.2% of rdg + 2 digits)
±(2.0% of rdg + 3 digits)
-- Overload protection: 800mA/500V Fast Fuse
10A/500V Fast Fuse, 10A up to 10 seconds

7. Operating Instructions
7-1 Before Operation
7-1-1 Check battery. If the battery voltage is low, the symbol will appear
on the LCD display. Replace by removing the (2) screws in the rear
panel and lifting the battery cover up.
7-1-2 The near the input jacks warns of limitations in the input voltage
and current. DO NOT EXCEED THESE LIMITS.
7-1-3 The rotary switch should be positioned to the proper function and
measurement range BEFORE connecting the test leads to the circuit.
7-2 Measuring DC Voltage
7-2-1 Connect the black test lead to COM jack and red lead to VΩmA jack.
7-2-2 Set the rotary switch to the desired “V” range position.
7-2-3 Observing polarity, connect test leads across the circuit component(s)
under measurement and read the voltage from the LCD.
NOTE:
1. When the quantity to be measured is unknown, set the rotary switch to its
highest DC voltage range before connecting the test leads to the circuit.
2. When only “1” or “-1” is displayed, it indicates “over range”. Either select
a higher measurement range or do not continue to measure.
3. Although the meter may measure voltages higher than 600V, it may be
damaged or pose a shock hazard or other injury to the user.
4. Use caution when measuring high voltages (>60V DC or >30V AC).
7-3 Measuring AC Voltage
7-3-1 Connect the black test lead to COM jack and red lead to VΩmA jack.
7-3-2 Set the rotary switch to the desired “V ” range position.
7-3-3 Observing polarity, connect test leads across the circuit component(s)
under measurement and read the voltage from the LCD.
NOTE:
1. When the quantity to be measured is unknown, set the rotary switch to its
highest AC voltage range before connecting the test leads to the circuit.
2. When only “1” or “-1” is displayed, it indicates “over range”. Either select
a higher measurement range or do not continue to measure.
3. Although the meter may measure voltages higher than 600V, it may
be damaged or pose a shock hazard or other injury to the user.
4. Use caution when measuring high voltages (>60V DC or >30V AC).
7-4 Measuring DC Current
7-4-1 Connect the black test lead to COM jack and red lead to the VΩmA
jack for a maximum 800mA current. For a maximum 10A current,
move the red lead to the 10A jack.
7-4-2 Set the rotary switch to the desired “A ” range position. You can
press the RANGE button to switch between measurement ranges
manually, or leave the meter in “Auto” range mode.
7-4-3 Observing polarity, connect test leads in series with the load under
measurement.
7-4-4 Read current from the LCD.
NOTE:
1. When the quantity to be measured is unknown, be sure that the meter
is in “Autorange” mode and consider whether to use the 800mA or 10A
input jack before connecting test leads to the circuit.
2. When only “1” or “-1” is displayed, it indicates “over range”. Either select
a higher measurement range or do not continue to measure.
3. Current above 800mA on the VΩmA jack will blow the fuse. The 10A jack
fused at 10A. Do not apply more than 10A and do not apply 10A for
longer than 10 seconds. Allow a 15 minute cooldown.
4. If fuse blows, remove meter from circuit under test. Replace fuse by
removing the rear cover (2 screws) to access fuse.
Frequency
Range Accuracy Resolution
Thermocouple: NiCr-NiSi K-type (supplied)
Overload protection: Fast Acting 800mA / 500V fuse
AC Current
Range Resolution
600µA 0.1µA
6000µA 1µA
60mA 10µA
600mA 100µA
6A 1mA
10A 10mA
Accuracy
±(1.5% of rdg + 3 digits)
±(2.5% of rdg + 5 digits)
Overload protection: Fast Acting 800mA / 500V fuse, 10A / 500V fast fuse, 10A <
10 seconds
Frequency Range: 40 to 400Hz
Resistance
Range Resolution
600Ω 0.1Ω
6kΩ 1Ω
60kΩ 10Ω
600kΩ 100Ω
6MΩ 1kΩ
60MΩ 10kΩ
Overload protection: 500V AC / DC
Accuracy
±(1.0% of rdg + 2 digits)
±(1.5% of rdg + 3 digits)
±(1.0% of rdg + 3 digits)
Capacitance test
Range Accuracy Resolution
9.999nF ±(3.0% of rdg+ 10 digits) 1pF
99.99nF
999.9nF
9.999μf
99.99μf
999.9μf
9.999mF
99.99mF
±(2.5% of rdg+ 5 digits)
±(5.0% of rdg+ 10 digits)
±(10.0% of rdg+ 10 digits)
10pF
100pF
1nF
10nF
1µF
10µF
99.99mF
9.999Hz
99.99Hz
999.9Hz
9.999kHz
99.99kHz
999.9kHz
9.999MHz
0.001Hz
0.01Hz
0.1Hz
1Hz
10Hz
100Hz
1kHz
±(0.1% of rdg+ 5 digits)
-- Sensitivity: sine wave 0.6V rms (9.999MHz: 1.5V RMS)
-- Overload protection: 500V DC or AC RMS
Duty Cycle
Range Accuracy Resolution
9.999KHz ±(2.0% of rdg+ 2 digits) 0.1%
-- Sensitivity: sine wave 0.6V RM
Temperature
AccuracyRange
°C
°F
-20~150°C ± ( 3°C+ 1 digit )
150~1000°C ± ( 3% of rdg + 2 digits )
-4~302°F ± ( 5°F+ 2 digits )
302~1832°F ± ( 3%+ 3 digits )
Resolution
1°C
1°F
Battery test
Range Accuracy Load current Resolution
Approx. 50mA
Approx. 10mA
1mV
10mV
±(5.0% of rdg+5 digits)
Overload protection: Fast Acting 800mA / 500V fuse
Diode test
Range Description Resolution
Forward voltage drop of
diode
1mV
Continuity test
Range Description Function
0 to 2000Ω Buzzer sounds if resis-
tance is less than 50Ω
Overload protection: 500V AC / DC
Open circuit voltage: Approximately 1V
Overload protection: 500V AC / DC
Test Current: Approximately 1.5mA
Open Circuit Voltage: Approximately 3.2V
Noncontact Voltage Detection
Range Description Function
NCV AC Voltage eld, 90V –
1000V RMS Press & Hold
NCV button to activate
Buzzer sounds and red
LED lights if AC electric
eld detected

7-10-3 Connect the test leads to the two points of the circuit under test.
Press the SELECT button once the continuity symbol appears
on the top of the LCD and the “Ω” units appear on the lower right of
the display.
7-10-4 If there is continuity (resistance is lower than approximately 50Ω)
the built-in beeper will sound.
NOTE:
1. Do not attempt this measurement on energized circuits.
2. If the leads are reversed, not connected, or connected to a resistance
more than approximately 2000Ω, “1” (over range) should be displayed
7-11 Measuring Capacitance
7-11-1 Connect the black test lead to COM jack and red lead to VΩmA jack.
7-11-2 Set the rotary switch at the desired “Ω╟ ” range position
7-11-3 Connect test leads across the capacitance to be measured.
7-11-4 Press the SELECT button three times, until the “n F” units appear on
the lower right of the display.
7-11-5 Read the capacitance from the LCD.
NOTE: Capacitors should be discharged before being tested.
7-12 Non Contact AC Voltage detection
7-12-1 Set the rotary switch at the desired “NCV” range position.
This activates the Non Contact AC Voltage (NCV) detection circuit,
and the NCV green LED will illuminate. The “NCV” symbol will
appear on the display along with “EF”.
7-12-2 Position the meter so the top is parallel to and in contact with, or
close to the conductor. When the AC voltage ≥90V AC RMS, the
NCV red LED and green LED will ash and the buzzer will sound.
NOTE:
1. Even if the meter doesn’t indicate the presence of AC voltage, the
voltage may still be present. Do not rely on the non-contact voltage
detector to determine the presence of live voltage. Voltage detection may
be affected by socket design, insulation thickness, shielding, and other
AC voltage eld interaction. The NCV detector does not detect DC
voltages.
2. If the meter test leads are connected and measuring AC voltage, the NCV
detector circuit will also indicate AC voltage presence (LEDs and buzzer
activation) if NCV mode is activated.
3. Proximity of orescent lights, dimmable lights, motors, and other large
AC eld generating devices can trigger Non-Contact AC Voltage
detection function and invalidate the test.
8. Battery Replacement
8-1 If the battery voltage drops below proper operation range the “ “
symbol will appear on the LCD display and the battery should be
changed.
8-2 Before attempting to remove the rear cover to replace the battery, be
certain the test leads have been disconnected from the circuit to avoid
electrical shock hazard. Power off the meter and remove the test leads
from the banana jacks. To access the battery, remove the (2) screws in
the rear cover and lift the cover.
8-3 Replace the old battery with the same type battery (1.5V AA. R6
or LR6).
8-4 Replace the rear cover of the meter and reinstall the (2) screws.
9. Fuse replacement
9-1 To avoid electrical shock or injury, remove test leads from circuitry
before replacing the fuse.
9-2 Before attempting to remove the rear cover to replace the fuse, be
certain the test leads have been disconnected from the circuit. Power off
the meter and remove the test leads from the banana jacks. To
access the fuse holder, remove the (2) screws in the rear cover and lift
the cover.
9-3 Replace the old fuse only with the same type and rating: 6×30mm
800mA/500V fast fuse or 10A/500V fast fuse
9-4 Replace the rear cover and reinstall the (2) screws.
10. Maintenance
10-1 Before attempting to remove the battery cover or open the case, be
certain that test leads have been disconnected from energized circuitry
to avoid electric shock hazard.
10-2 Replace the test leads if the any wire is exposed, or if they become
damaged.
10-3 Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents to clean the meter.
10-4 Do not use the meter with the rear cover removed. Injury may result.
10-5 If the meter will not be used for more than 1 month, remove the battery
to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.
7-5 Measuring AC Current
7-5-1 Connect the black test lead to COM jack and red lead to VΩmA jack
for maximum 800mA current. For a maximum 10A current, move the
red lead to the 10A jack.
7-5-2 Set the rotary switch to the desired “A ” range position. Press the
SELECT button once or until “AC” appears on the top of the LCD and
the “mA” or “A” units appear on the lower right of the display. You can
press the RANGE button to switch between measurement ranges
manually, or leave the meter in “Auto range” mode.
7-5-3 Observing polarity, connect test leads in series with the load under
measurement.
7-5-4 Read the current on the LCD.
NOTE:
1. When the quantity to be measured is unknown, be sure that the meter is
in “Autorange” mode and consider whether to use the 800mA or 10A input
jack before connecting test leads to the circuit.
2. When only “1” or “-1” is displayed, it indicates “over range”. Either select
a higher measurement range or do not continue to measure.
3. Current above 800mA on the VΩmA jack will blow the fuse. The 10A jack
is fused at 10A. Do not apply more than 10A and do not apply 10A for
longer than 10 seconds. Allow a 15 minute cooldown.
4. If fuse blows, remove meter from circuit under test. Replace fuse by
removing the rear cover (2 screws) to access fuse.
7-6 Measuring Resistance
7-6-1 Connect the black test lead to COM jack and red lead to VΩmA jack.
7-6-2 Set the rotary switch to the desired Ω╟ range position.
7-6-3 Connect the test leads across the resistance under measurement
7-6-4 Read the resistance on the LCD.
NOTE:
1. DO NOT APPLY VOLTAGE WHEN MEASURING RESISTANCE.
2. If “1” or “-1” is displayed, it indicates over range. This means that the test
leads are not making connection to the circuit, or the resistance exceeds
the measurement ability of the selected range. Select a higher range to
obtain a measurement.
3. When checking in-circuit resistance, be sure the circuit under test has
all power removed and that all capacitors have been fully discharged.
7-7 Measuring Temperature
7-7-1 Set the rotary switch to the °C/°F range position.
7-7-2 The LCD will show the present temperature of the meter.
7-7-3 To use the K-type thermocouple probe, connect the black banana plug
of the probe into the COM jack and the red banana plug to the VΩmA
jack.
7-7-4 The temperature of the thermocouple probe tip is displayed on the
LCD
7-7-5 The probe included with the meter can be used for measuring
temperature up to 482 °F. To accurately measure higher
temperatures, use a high temperature rated K-type probe.
NOTE:
1. Do not connect the thermocouple probe to a voltage source
7-8 Battery Testing
7-8-1 Connect the black test lead to COM jack and red lead to VΩmA jack.
7-8-2 Set the rotary switch to the proper “ ” or “ ” range position to
test either a 1.5V or 9V battery.
7-8-3 Connect test leads to the + and - terminals of the battery under test
7-8-4 The LCD displays the battery’s voltage at the rated test current.
7-9 Diode Testing
7-9-1 Connect the black test lead to COM jack and red lead to VΩmA jack.
7-9-2 Set the rotary switch to the “Ω╟ ” position.
7-9-3 Connect the red lead to the anode of the diode to be tested, and the
black lead to the cathode. Press the SELECT button two times, until
the diode symbol appears on the top of the LCD and the “V” units
appear on the lower right of the display
7-9-4 The diode’s forward voltage drop is displayed on the LCD.
NOTE:
1. The meter will display the approximate forward voltage drop of the diode.
2. If the leads are reversed or not connected, “1” (over range) should be
displayed
7-10 Continuity Testing
7-10-1 Connect the black test lead to COM jack and red lead to VΩmA jack.
7-10-2 Set the rotary switch to the “Ω╟ ” position.

11. Accessories
1. Test Leads (2) (red, black): electric rating 1000V 10A
2. Clips (2) (red, black)
3. “K” type thermocouple probe (1)
4. Instruction Manual
5. Battery (2) 1.5V AA Type R6 or LR6
6. Fuse, Fast Acting 800mA / 500V, 10A/500V
Warranty
Triplett / Byte Brothers extends the following warranty to the original pur-
chaser of these goods for use. Triplett warrants to the original purchaser for
use that the products sold by it will be free from defects in workmanship and
material for a period of (3) three years from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not apply to any of our products which have been
repaired or altered by unauthorized persons in any way or purchased from
unauthorized distributors so as, in our sole judgment, to injure their stability
or reliability, or which have been subject to misuse, abuse, misapplication,
negligence, accident or which have had the serial numbers altered, defaced,
or removed. Accessories, including batteries and fuses, are not covered by
this warranty.
To register a claim under the provisions of this warranty, please contact the
distributor from which you purchased the product from for warranty
consideration.
ALL WARRANTIES IMPLIED BY LAW ARE HEREBY LIMITED TO A
PERIOD OF THREE YEARS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE, AND THE
PROVISIONS OF THE WARRANTY ARE EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ANY
OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.
The purchaser agrees to assume all liability for any damages and bodily
injury which may result from the use or misuse of the product by the pur-
chaser, his employees, or others, and the remedies provided for in this war-
ranty are expressly in lieu of any other liability Triplett may have, including
incidental or consequential damages.
Some states (USA ONLY) do not allow the exclusion or limitation of inci-
dental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may
not apply to you No representative of Triplett / Byte Brothers or any other
person is authorized to extend the liability of Triplett in connection with the
sale of its products beyond the terms hereof.
Triplett / Byte Brothers reserves the right to discontinue models at any time,
or change specications, price or design, without notice and without incur-
ring any obligation.
This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may have other rights
which vary from state to state.
Model 1401
Part Number: 1401
Made in China
84-908
10/14