Triplett 310-TEL User manual

Model
310-TEL
Type 4
(AND3IZED6/-
)NSTRUCTION-ANUAL
TRIPLETT

1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY RULES ............................................... 2
INTRODUCTION .............................................. 8
SPECIFICATIONS ............................................ 9
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ................................ 11
Test Leads ............................................. 11
Range Selection ...................................... 11
Scale Selection ....................................... 12
Polarity Selection .................................... 12
Changing Settings .................................... 12
Zero Adjustment ...................................... 12
Other Considerations ................................ 13
Care .................................................... 13
CONTROL LOCATION DIAGRAM ......................... 14
DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS .......................... 15
AC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS .......................... 17
RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS .......................... 19
DC CURRENT MEASUREMENTS ......................... 21
MEASURING OUTPUT VOLTS (dB) ...................... 23
OPERATION CHART ........................................ 25
ACCESSORIES .............................................. 26
MAINTENANCE ............................................. 27
TRIPLETT LIMITED WARRANTY ....................... 29
84-895 9/20/2010

2
SAFETY RULE3sWARNING
This tester has been designed with your safety in mind.
However, no design can completely protect against in-
correct use. Electrical circuits can be dangerous and/
or lethal when lack of caution or poor safety practices
are used.
WARNING
This meter is NOT to be used to measure High Energy
circuits (power circuitry fused at greater than 4KW, such
as distribution circuits, power entrance circuits, etc.) or
circuits classified by CE as CATEGORY III (CAT III).
SAFETY RULES AND WARNINGS
sRead all instructions in this manual before using this meter.
sPrior to using this meter in any situation which could result
in injury to the user, in order to verify that the meter is
functional and producing a valid reading, test the meter on
a circuit(s) known to have potentials equivalent to the
potential that is to be measured. For example, before using
the meter to determine if an AC power line is energized with
120VAC, test the meter on a line known to be energized
with 120VAC.
s Do not exceed the maximum voltage limitations of this
meter (see product specifications). Doing so may damage
the meter and/or injure the user.
s7HEn using this meter in schools and workshops,
responsible teachers or skilled personnel must control the
usage of this meter.
s&OLLOWThe recommendations of any Trade Organizations or
Regulatory Agencies whose scope encompasses the use
of this meter.

3
s$ONOTUSETHISMETERWITHITSBATTERYCOVEROPENITSREAR
CASEOPENORWITHPARTSREMOVED.
s$ONOTOPENTHISMETERfORMAINTENANCEWITHOUTFIRST
DISCONNECTINGTHETESTLEADSfROMALLEXTERNALCIRCUITRy.
s2EPAIRSANDMAINTENANCEMUSTONLYBECARRIEDOUTBy
qUALIfIEDSERVICEPERSONNELORQUALIfIEDELECTRICIANS/
TECHNICIANSWHOKNOWTHEDANGERSOFANDTHESAfETYRULES
APPLICABLETOTHISTYPEOFEQUIPMENT.
s5SECAUTIONWHENMEASURINGCIRCUITSCONTAININGCAPACITORS.
#APACITORSCANSTOREDANGEROUSLEVELSOFELECTRICITyEVEN
WHENTHECIRCUITRyWHICHTHEYAREINHASBEENDISCONNECTED
FROMITSPOWERSOURCE.
sUSECAUTIONWHENWORKINGWITHVOLTAGESABOVE25VOlTSAC
OR35VOLTS$C.3UCHVOLTAGESMAYCAUSEALIfETHREATENING
ELECTRICALSHOCK.
s4HISMETERISNOTFORUSEBYCHILDREN.
s!LWAYSSETTHEMETERTOTHEAPPROPRIATERANGEMODEOR
POLARITYBEFORECONNECTINGITTOTHECIRCUITRyTOBETESTED.
s.EVERATTEMPTTOMAKEVOLTAGEMEASUREMENTSWITHTHE
&UNCTIONSWITCHSETTOANyOFTHEO(-3OR-!RANGES.
$OINGSOMAYDAMAGETHEMETERANDORINjURETHEUSER.
s$ONOTOPERATETHE2ANGESWITCHOR0OLARITYSWITCH(310-C
ONLYWITHTHETESTLEADSCONNECTEDTOTHECIRCUITRyTOBE
TESTED$OINGSOMAYDAMAGETHEMETERANDORINjURETHE
USER.
s"EFOREUSINGTHEMETEREXAMINEBOTHTHEMETERANDTHE
TESTLEADSFORDAMAGE$ONOTUSETHEMETERIFDAMAGE
DAMAGEDINSULATIONEXPOSEDMETALCRACKEDCASEBURNT
SMELLETCISEVIDENT.
s$ONOTUSETHISMETERTOMAKEMEASUREMENTSINADVERSE
ENVIRONMENTSSUCHASRAINSNOWFOGORlOCATIONSWITH
STEAMEXPlOSIVEGASESORDUSTS$OINGSOMAYDAMAGETHE
METERAND/ORINjURETHEUSER.

4
sMake sure both test leads are fully inserted into their respec-
tive input jacks (Black lead into COM and Red lead into
6s/s-). A loose test lead may cause the user to misinter-
pret the dangers present (the meter may read Zero when
dangerous voltage is present) or the loose lead may
accidentally short to other circuitry or shock the user.
sDo not use the meter if either the meter or the test leads are
wet, either from exposure to the weather, or after cleaning
the case of the meter. Doing so may cause injury to the user.
sAvoid usage near strong magnetic fields (magnets,
loudspeakers, transformers, motors, coils, relays,
contactors, electromagnets, etc.). The meter may display
readings that are in error, causing the user to misinterpret
the hazards present. For example, the meter may indicate a
low voltage when high voltages are actually present.
sAvoid usage near strong electrostatic fields (high voltage
power lines, televisions, computer monitors, etc.). The
meter may display readings that are in error, causing the
user to misinterpret the hazards present. For example, the
meter may indicate a low voltage when high voltages are
actually present.
sAvoid usage near strong RF fields (radio or television trans-
mitters, etc.). The meter may display readings that are in
error, causing the user to misinterpret the hazards present.
For example, the meter may indicate a low voltage when
high voltages are actually present.
sDo not touch the tips of the test leads when making a meas-
urement. Do not touch live circuitry when making a
measurement.
sDo not apply more than 1200 volts DC/AC rms sine between
the test leads and the earth ground. Doing so may damage
the meter and/or injure the user.
s)FThere is any doubt about the condition of the meter (i.e.
safe vs unsafe), remove the meter from service and secure
it in a location that will prevent its unintentional use.

5
sDo not use the meter if it does not appear to work correctly
on all ranges and in all modes.
sDo not use the meter if it has undergone long-term storage
under unfavorable conditions.
sDo not use the meter if it may have been damaged in
transport.
sDo not attempt immediate use of the meter when bringing
if from a cold environment to a warm environment.
Condensation of water, inside and outside of the meter, may
produce dangerous measuring conditions. Allow the meter
to warm to room temperature before using.
sDo not use meter in condensing atmospheres. That is, do
not use meter in conditions where ambient temperature and
humidity could cause condensation of water inside of meter.
Doing so may cause injury to the user.
sUse caution when attempting to evaluate if a dangerous
voltage is present. The meter will not read AC voltage if it is
set to DC. For example, if the meter is set to 300VDC, it will
not measure a dangerous AC voltage, even if the probes are
inserted into a household AC wall outlet.
s$ONOTTOUCHThe metallic portion of one test lead if the
other test lead is connected to a live circuit. The current
from the live circuit may pass through the meter and appear
on the unconnected test lead. Failure to observe this
warning may result in user injury.
sRemove the battery when the meter may be left unused for
longer than 1 month. Chemical leakage from the battery
could damage the meter, leading to user injury.
sDo not use the meter if there is evidence of chemical
leakage from the battery. Leakage could damage meter and
lead to injury of user.
sDo not modify the meter. Changing the design may make
the meter unsafe and may result in injury to the user.

6
sDo not mistake a downscale reading as an indication that no
potential is present. Dangerous potentials may be present
that may result in user injury.
sWhen replacing the battery, dispose of the depleted battery
in accordance with any prevailing safety or environmental
regulations.
s!Static charge on the face of the meter may cause the
meter to produce inaccurate readings, which could lead to
user injury. This condition is usually observed in dry
climates, when the face of the meter is rubbed with a cloth.
!pply !NTISTAT solution, or mild detergent, to the face of the
meter to dissipate the static charge.
READ THE MANUAL
Read this Instruction Manual carefully and completely.
Voltages and currents within the capability of this test
equipment can be hazardous. Follow the instructions
in this manual for every measurement. Read and un-
derstand the general instructions before attempting
to use this tester. Do not exceed the limits of the tester.
SAFETY CHECK
Double check the switch setting and lead connections
before making measurements. !RE you following all
of the instructions?
Disconnect the tester or turn off the power before
changing switch positions. Do not connect to circuits
with voltage present when switch is in any ohms or
current position.
When replacing fuses, use only specified type fuses
and insert in correct fuse holder.

7
DO NOT TOUCH
Do not touch exposed wiring, connections or other
“live” parts of an electrical circuit. If in doubt, check
the circuit first for voltage before touching it.
Turn off the power to a circuit before connecting test
probes to it. Be sure there is no voltage present be-
fore you touch the circuit. Do not use cracked or bro-
ken test leads.
HIGH VOLTAGE IS DANGEROUS
Always start with the power off. Be sure there is no
voltage present before making connections to the cir-
cuit.
Don’t touch the tester, its test leads, or any part of the
circuit while it is on.
Before disconnecting the tester, turn the circuit off and
wait for the meter to return to “zero.”
DISTRIBUTION CIRCUITS PACK A PUNCH
In high energy circuits such as distribution transform-
ers and bus bars, dangerous arcs of explosive nature
can occur if the circuit is shorted. If the tester is con-
nected across a high energy circuit when set to a low
resistance range, a current range, or any other low
impedance range, the circuit is virtually shorted.
Special equipment designed for use with these circuits
is available. Contact a qualified person for assistance
before attempting to make measurements on any high
energy circuit.
SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT

8
INTRODUCTION
The Triplett Model 310-TEL is a handy hand-sized VOM
with all the versatility and performance of larger, more
expensive bench-size models. It offers diode over-
load protection against damage to the meter move-
ment caused by accidental overloads. A fuse is used
to protect the RX1 range. The fuse and batteries can
be easily replaced by removing the back cover.
Small enough to be carried in your tool box, glove com-
partment, brief case, or shirt pocket, the Model 310-
TEL allows you to have 20,000 ohms per volt DC and
5,000 ohms per volt AC sensitivity wherever you need
it.
A convenient Polarity Reversing Switch electrically
reverses the test lead connections, correcting acciden-
tal downscale readings and permitting “capacitive kick”
readings on the Ohmeter ranges.
Versatility and readability have not been sacrificed in
order to provide a portable VOM. The Model 310-TEL
offers 16 different ranges that can be easily read on
only 3 clearly defined scale areas. A single selector
switch allows you to switch easily from range to range
and function to function.

9
SPECIFICATIONS
DC Volts
Ranges: 0-3, 15, 60, 300 (20,000 ohms per volt)
Accuracy:
±
3% of full scale value
AC Volts
Ranges: 0-3, 15, 60, 300 (5,000 ohms per volt)
Accuracy:
±
4% of full scale value
(on 60Hz sine wave at 77
°
F)
Ohms
Ranges: 0-20K, 200K, 2 Meg, 20 Meg
(200, 2K, 20K, 200K @ center scale)
Accuracy:
±
3% of DC scale length
(with fully charged battery)
Ohmmeter Specifications:
Range
X1 X10 X100 X1K
Max Voltage
(Volts) 1.6 1.6 1.6 14.0
Max Current
(mA) 8.0 0.8 .08 .07
Max. Power
(mW) 3.2 .32 .032 .245
DC Milliamperes
Ranges: 0-.6, 6, 60, 600
Accuracy:
±
3% of full scale value
Burden Voltage (@ full scale):
Approx. 330mV on 600mA range
Approx. 250mV on other ranges

10
Meter
50
μ
A - 250 mV (Pivot and Jewel)
Overload Protection
Meter movement protected by diodes.
RX1 range protected by fuse.
Voltage ranges protected by high impedance.
Polarity Reversal
The Polarity Switch reverses the polarity of the jacks
on all ranges.
Test Lead Polarity
DC Voltage: Lead connected to Vs/s- jack is positive
with polarity reversal switch in + position.
DC Current: Lead connected to Vs/s- jack is positive
with polarity reversal switch in + position.
/Hms: Positive battery of /HMMETER is connected to
the 6s/s- jack with polarity reversal switch in + posi-
tion.
Batteries
/ne 1.5 volt N-cell (NEDA 910) (PN: 37-21)
/Ne 12 volt Eveready A23 (PN: 37-60)
Fuse
1/16A (PN: 3207-112)
Weight
Approximately 14 oz.
Accessories supplied with Model 310-TEL
1. Test leads w/Screw-on Alligator clips (PN: 79-153)
2. Batteries/Ne 16AND/NEV
3. Instruction Manual (PN: 84-895)

11
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Control Locations
For a diagram of the Model 310-TEL, please refer to
page 14.
Test Leads
Check the test leads periodically. Leads that are worn,
have damaged insulation, damaged plugs, damaged
probes or loose parts should be replaced.
The following section should be read carefully. It con-
tains instructions and precautions to be observed in
making measurements with the tester.
The alligator clips provided with the tester fit over the
end of the test probes. When measuring high volt-
age, these alligator clips allow measurement without
handling the test probes. ALWAYS SHUT OFF THE
POWER source before attempting to connect alligator
clips.
Range Selection
When the approximate value of the quantity being mea-
sured is not known, ALWAYS START ON THE HIGH-
EST RANGE. For greater accuracy, choose the range
which will allow readings to be taken in the upper (right
hand) portion of the scale. See Operation Chart on
page 25.

12
Scale Selection
Readings are taken on the scale having the appropri-
ate significant figures (both 3 and 300 volts are read
on the 0-300 scale) by multiplying or dividing by a
factor of 10 or 100 as indicated by the range/scale
ratio (i.e., on the 3 volt range, divide the scale read-
ings by 100). See Operation Chart on page 25.
Polarity Selection
The Polarity Reversing Switch allows the user to elec-
trically reverse the test lead connections. That is, when
the user mistakenly connects the test leads to a cir-
cuit and obtains a “downscale” reading, the Polarity
Reversing Switch may be operated to obtain an “up-
scale” reading.
The Switch may also be operated in the Ohms ranges
to observe “forward” and “reverse” resistance of a cir-
cuit, or to observe the “capacitive kick” of a circuit.
Changing Settings
The test probes should be disconnected from the volt-
age source (or the source shut off) before the Range
Switch or Polarity Reversing Switch position is
changed. This practice will result in an increased life
and reliability for the tester, as well as establishing a
good safety practice.
Zero Adjustment
The Meter Zero Adjust Screw is located near the cen-
ter of the tester. It should be periodically adjusted so
the meter pointer is on zero with no input into the
tester.

13
Other Considerations
Readings on the sensitive voltage, current and resis-
tance ranges may sometimes be different than calcu-
lated values. Thermo-electric or electro-chemical re-
actions can sometimes generate voltage (and current)
in a circuit due to elevated temperatures, contact of
dissimilar metals, chemical fumes or moisture. Also,
the user’s fingers should never touch the metal parts
of the test probes since body resistance can cause
erroneous readings - particularly on the high ohmme-
ter ranges.
Care
Although this instrument is portable and rugged, it
should be treated with care. Do not drop it or handle
it roughly.
Avoid placing it on a bench where machine tools are
used or severe vibration is encountered.
When possible, keep it in a place of moderate tem-
perature. Avoid subjecting it to extreme temperatures
and severe temperature changes.
If the tester has not been used for a long period of
time, rotate the switch in both directions several times
to clean the switch contacts.

14
COM V-O-M
O
∞
ACV
3
15
60
300
OHMS
ADJUST
CONTROL
POLARITY
REVERSING
SWITCH
OHMS
X
1
K
X
1
0
0
X
1
0
X
1
3
15
60
DCV
300
MA
.6
6
6
0
6
0
0
BLACK
TEST LEAD
INPUT
JACK
DIAL SCALE
INDICATOR
NEEDLE
ZERO
ADJUSTMENT
SCREW
RED
TEST LEAD
INPUT
JACK
RANGE
SELECTOR
SWITCH
VARIOUS RANGE SETTINGS
CONTROL LOCATION DIAGRAM

15
DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS
0-3 through 0-300 Volts:
1. Insert the test leads into the appropriate jacks.
(Red to 6s/s-, BLACKTO#/-)
2. Set Range Switch to appropriate DCV range.
3. Set the Polarity Switch to desired polarity.
4. Connect probes across circuit to be measured.
5. Energize circuit.
6. Read voltage on the black AC-DC scale.
DO NOT TOUCH THE VOM while
it is connected to high voltage!

16
DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS
COM V-O-M
O
∞
SAFETY FIRST!
3
15
60
DCV
300
+
OHMS
ADJUST
CONTROL
POLARITY
REVERSING
SWITCH

17
AC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS
0-3 through 0-300 Volts:
1. Insert the test leads into the appropriate jacks.
(Red to 6s/s-, BLACKTO#/-)
2. Set Range Switch to appropriate ACV range.
3. Connect probes across circuit to be measured.
4. Energize circuit.
5. Read voltages above 3 Volts on the Black AC-DC
Scale. Read voltages below 3 Volts on the Red
3AC Scale (with tHE6/-SETTO!#6.
DO NOT TOUCH THE VOM while
it is connected to high voltage!

18
AC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS
COM V-O-M
O
∞
SAFETY FIRST!
ACV
3
15
60
300
OHMS
ADJUST
CONTROL
POLARITY
REVERSING
SWITCH
Set Range
to
300 ACV