Trotec BE 38 User manual

TRT-BA-BE38-TC220304TTRT02-004-EN
BE 38
EN
OPERATING MANUAL
CLAMP METER

2 EN
clamp meter BE 38
Table of contents
Notes regarding the instructions .........................................2
Safety .....................................................................................2
Information about the device................................................4
Transport and storage...........................................................5
Operation ...............................................................................6
Maintenance and repair ........................................................9
Errors and faults....................................................................9
Disposal .................................................................................9
Notes regarding the instructions
Symbols
Warning of electrical voltage
This symbol indicates dangers to the life and health of
persons due to electrical voltage.
Warning
This signal word indicates a hazard with an average
risk level which, if not avoided, can result in serious
injury or death.
Caution
This signal word indicates a hazard with a low risk
level which, if not avoided, can result in minor or
moderate injury.
Note
This signal word indicates important information (e.g.
material damage), but does not indicate hazards.
Info
Information marked with this symbol helps you to carry
out your tasks quickly and safely.
Follow the manual
Information marked with this symbol indicates that the
instructions must be observed.
You can download the current version of the instructions and
the EUdeclaration of conformity via the following link:
BE38
https://hub.trotec.com/?id=40557
Safety
Read this manual carefully before starting or using the
device. Always store the manual in the immediate vicinity
of the device or its site of use.
Warning
Read all safety warnings and all instructions.
Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may
result in electric shock, fire and/ or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future
reference.
• The device is supplied with a warning sign. Prior to initial
start-up, make sure to paste the corresponding warning
sign in your local language, if available, over the one
present at the rear of the device as described in chapter
Operation. Otherwise, choose a label in a language you
know.
• Do not use the device in potentially explosive rooms or
areas and do not install it there.
• Do not use the device in aggressive atmosphere.
• Protect the device from permanent direct sunlight.
• Do not remove any safety signs, stickers or labels from the
device. Keep all safety signs, stickers and labels in legible
condition.
• Do not open the device.
• Never charge batteries that cannot be recharged.
• Different types of batteries and new and used batteries
must not be used together.
• Insert the batteries into the battery compartment according
to the correct polarity.
• Remove discharged batteries from the device. Batteries
contain materials hazardous to the environment. Dispose
of the batteries according to the national regulations.
• Remove the batteries from the device if you will not be
using the device for a longer period of time.
• Never short-circuit the supply terminal in the battery
compartment!
• Do not swallow batteries! If a battery is swallowed, it can
cause severe internal burns within2hours! These burns
can lead to death!
• If you think batteries might have been swallowed or
otherwise entered the body, seek medical attention
immediately!

EN 3
clamp meter BE 38
• Keep new and used batteries and an open battery
compartment away from children.
• Observe the storage and operating conditions (see
Technical data).
• Disconnect the measuring cables from the device before
replacing the batteries.
Intended use
Only use the device for measurements within the measuring
ranges and overvoltage categories specified in the technical
data. Use the specified measuring equipment (clamp meter,
measuring cable or non-contact voltage detector, depending on
the device).
To use the device for its intended use, only use accessories and
spare parts which have been approved by Trotec.
Foreseeable misuse
Do not use the device in potentially explosive atmospheres,
when wet or very humid.
Unauthorized modifications of the device are forbidden.
Personnel qualifications
People who use this device must:
• master the 5 safety rules of electrical engineering
– 1.De-energise
– 2.Secure against restart
– 3.Verify de-energised state (bipolar)
– 4.Earth and short-circuit
– 5.Cover neighbouring live parts
• use the voltage detector following safe working procedures.
• be aware of the dangers that occur when working with
electric devices in damp areas.
• take measures to protect themselves from direct contact
with live parts.
• have read and understood the instructions, especially the
Safety chapter.
Residual risks
Warning of electrical voltage
Electric shock due to insufficient insulation! Check the
device and the measuring cables for damages and
proper function before each use.
If you detect damages, do not use the device any longer.
Do not use the device when either the device or your
hands are damp or wet!
Do not use the device when the battery compartment
or the housing is open.
Warning of electrical voltage
Electric shock due to contact with live parts! Do not
touch any live parts. Secure neighbouring live parts by
covering them or by switching them off.
Warning of electrical voltage
When performing non-contact measurements of the
current, disconnect the measuring cables from the
device beforehand.
Warning of electrical voltage
There is a risk of a short-circuit due to liquids
penetrating the housing!
Do not immerse the device and the accessories in
water. Make sure that no water or other liquids can
enter the housing.
Warning of electrical voltage
Work on the electrical components must only be
carried out by an authorised specialist company!
Warning
Risk of suffocation!
Do not leave the packaging lying around. Children may
use it as a dangerous toy.
Warning
The device is not a toy and does not belong in the
hands of children.
Warning
Dangers can occur at the device when it is used by
untrained people in an unprofessional or improper way!
Observe the personnel qualifications!
Caution
Keep a sufficient distance from heat sources.
Note
To avoid damages to the device, make sure that the
correct measuring range is selected before carrying out
a measurement.
If you are unsure, select the largest measuring range.
Remove the measuring cables from the measuring
point before changing the measuring range.
Note
To prevent damages to the device, do not expose it to
extreme temperatures, extreme humidity or moisture.
Note
Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents to clean the
device.
Note
Before commissioning, check the function of the
device at a known voltage source, e.g. on a known and
safe230V voltage source or on a known and safe
9Vbattery. Select the correct measuring range!

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clamp meter BE 38
Information about the device
Device description
Using the clamp meter BE38 alternating current, AC voltage, DC
voltage, resistances or the continuity of circuits, fuses and
contacts can be checked.
The current measurement is effected without contact via the
electromagnetic field, which is why the electric circuit does not
have to be interrupted for this method. Therefore, running
systems, which cannot be switched off separately, can also be
checked.
Owing to the galvanic isolation, the measuring signal is also
potential-free towards the variable to be measured.
Device depiction
Ⅲ
2
6
7
9
3
8
5
4
4
1
10
No. Designation
1 Clamp
2 Measuring cable (black)
3 Measuring cable (red)
4 Protection against contact
5HOLDbutton
6 Rotary switch
7 Connection for measuring cable (red)
8 Connection for measuring cable (black)
9 Display
10 Lever for opening the clamp
Display
11 12
13
14
15
No. Designation
11 Battery indication
12 Display is frozen
13 Measurement value display
14 Display of positive and negative poles inverted
15 Direct or alternating current display
Rotary switch
16 17
18
19
20
21
22
23
No. Designation
16 Measuring alternating current of upto 200A
17 Measuring alternating current of upto 20A
18 Switching the device off
19 Measuring resistance of up to 200kΩ
20 Measuring resistance of up to 2000Ω / diode testing /
continuity testing
21 Measuring DC voltage of up to bis 300V
22 Measuring AC voltage of up to bis 300V
23 Measuring alternating current of upto 400A

EN 5
clamp meter BE 38
Technical data
Parameter Value
Model BE38
Weight 155 g (incl. batteries)
Dimensions
(lengthx widthx height) 148 x 27x 60mm
Max. diameter of conductor approx. 25mm
Measuring rate 3 per second
Input resistance (VAC and
VDC)
9MΩ
Frequency range alternating
current
50/60 Hz (AAC)
Frequency range ACvoltage 40 - 400 Hz (VAC)
Ambient conditions 0 °C to 40 °C with up to
75%RH
Storage conditions -20 °C to 60 °C with up to
85%RH
Battery 3x 3V CR2032 button cell
batteries
Overvoltage protection Categorylll 300V
Type of protection IP20
Measuring ranges
Measuring
range
Resolution Accuracy Measuring range
exceeded
AC voltage
300V 1V ± (1.2 % + 3
digits)
- (*)
DC voltage
300V 1V ± (1.0 % + 2
digits)
- (*)
Alternating current
20A 10mA ± (3.0 % + 5
digits)
The figure1 will
be indicated on
the display.
200A 100mA ± (2.5 % + 5
digits)
The figure1 will
be indicated on
the display.
400A 1A ± (2.5 % + 5
digits)
- (*)
Resistance
2000 Ω 1 Ω ± (1.2 % + 2
digits)
The figure1 will
be indicated on
the display.
200kΩ 100 Ω ± (1.5 % + 2
digits)
The figure1 will
be indicated on
the display.
(*): When exceeding the measuring range, the measured value
might be displayed nonetheless.
Please observe the measuring range and the overvoltage
protection! Measurements above the given measuring range are
not permitted!
Scope of delivery
• 1x clamp meter BE38
• 2x safety measuring line with test probe
• 3x button cells 3V CR2032
• 1x manual
Transport and storage
Note
If you store or transport the device improperly, the
device may be damaged.
Note the information regarding transport and storage of
the device.
Transport
For transporting the device use a suitable bag to protect it from
external influences.
Storage
When the device is not being used, observe the following
storage conditions:
• dry and protected from frost and heat
• protected from dust and direct sunlight
• the storage temperature complies with the values specified
in the Technical data
• Remove the batteries from the device.

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clamp meter BE 38
Operation
Inserting the batteries
• Insert the supplied batteries before first use.
Note
Make sure that the surface of the device is dry and the
device is switched off.
1. Loosen the screw and open the cover of the battery
compartment.
2. Remove the used batteries, if any, and dispose of them
according to the national regulations.
3. Insert the new batteries in the battery compartment with
correct polarity.
4. Close the battery compartment and fasten the cover in
place.
Changing the location
Info
Please note that moving from a cold area to a warm
area can lead to condensation forming on the device's
circuit board. This physical and unavoidable effect can
falsify the measurement. In this case, the display
shows either no measured values or they are incorrect.
Wait a few minutes until the device has become
adjusted to the changed conditions before carrying out
a measurement.
Attaching the warning sign
Prior to initial start-up, check whether the warning sign at the
rear of the device is in your local language, if not, paste the
proper one over it. A warning sign in your native language is
supplied along with the device. Please proceed as follows to
attach the warning sign to the rear of the device:
1. Remove the label in your local language from the supplied
film.
2. Affix the label in the intended position at the rear of the
device.
Measurement with cable
Warning of electrical voltage
Risk of electric shock and risk of injury!
Make sure that the power of the electric circuit is
switched off and all capacitors are completely
discharged.
• Make sure to observe the device's nominal voltage
specified in the technical data during the measurement.
• Check the measuring cables for damaged insulation before
each measurement.
• When holding onto the measuring cables, make sure not to
reach behind the protection against contact(4):

EN 7
clamp meter BE 38
Performing a voltage measurement
Please proceed as follows to measure the DCvoltage:
1. Connect the black measuring cable(2) to the connection
for the black measuring cable(7) and the red measuring
cable(3) to the connection for the red measuring cable(6).
2. Turn the rotary switch(6) to position21.
ðThe alternating current/direct current icon is displayed
in the direct current indication(15) on the display.
3. Tap the desired measuring points of the electric circuit
with the test probes at the measuring cables with correct
polarity.
ðThe measured value will be displayed in the
measurement value display(13).
Example:
Please proceed as follows to measure the ACvoltage:
1. Connect the black measuring cable(2) to the connection
for the black measuring cable(7) and the red measuring
cable(3) to the connection for the red measuring cable(6).
2. Turn the rotary switch(6) to position22.
ðThe alternating current icon is displayed in the direct
current indication(15) on the display.
3. Tap the desired measuring points of the electric circuit
with the test probes at the measuring cables with correct
polarity.
ðThe measured value will be displayed in the
measurement value display(13).
Example:
Resistance measurement
1. Set the rotary switch to position 2000Ω(20) or
200kΩ(19).
2. Hold the measuring tips to the object to be tested.
ðThe measuring result will be indicated in the
measurement value display(13).
Continuity measurement / diode test
1. Set the rotary switch to the 2000Ω(20) position.
2. Connect the measuring tips to the diode or the circuit to be
tested.
ðIf during the continuity measurement the resistance is
less than or equal to 30Ω, an acoustic signal will be
emitted.
ðFor the diode test the voltage will be indicated on the
measurement value display(13) inmV.
ðIf the OLindication (exceedance of the measuring
range) is displayed during the diode test, swap the
measuring tip connections at the diode.
ðThe component's forward voltage will be displayed
(approx. 0.2V to 0.3V for Gediodes and approx. 0.5V
to 0.8V for Sidiodes).

8 EN
clamp meter BE 38
ðYou can tell that the diode is defective by the fact that it
either has a short circuit (approx.0.4V can be
measured in both directions) or is open (OL is displayed
in both directions).
Performing measurements with the clamp
Warning of electrical voltage
Risk of electric shock and risk of injury!
• Disconnect the measuring cables from the device.
• When holding onto the clamp meter, make sure not to
reach behind the protection against contact(4):
• When performing measurements, align the conductor to be
tested in the centre of the clamp.
Info
Only measure one conductor at a time to ensure an
unambiguous measurement result.
Please proceed as follows to measure the amperage of
alternating currents(AC):
1. Depending on the desired measuring range, turn the rotary
switch(6) to the following positions:
- position(23) for 400A,
- position(16) for 200A or
- position(17) for 20A.
If you are not familiar with the measuring range, select the
highest amperage (position(23) for400A) and change to a
smaller measuring range if necessary.
2. Squeeze the lever(10) to open the clamp(1) and insert the
conductor to be measured centrally in the clamp.
3. Use the clamping jaws' alignment marks on the clamp(1)
as guidance to properly centre the conductor.
ðThe measured value will be displayed in the
measurement value display(13).

EN 9
clamp meter BE 38
Further functions
Freezing the displayed measured value
The hold function allows you to freeze the currently measured
result in the measurement value display(13). To do so, please
proceed as follows:
1. Carry out a measurement.
2. Press the HOLD button(5).
ðAn acoustic signal is emitted.
ðThe current measured value is frozen in the
measurement value display(13).
ðThe icon for the hold function(12) appears on the
display.
3. Press the HOLD button(5) again to deactivate the
HOLDfunction.
Switch-off
Please proceed as follows to switch the device off:
1. Turn the rotary switch(6) to the switch positionOFF(18).
ðThe device switches off.
Maintenance and repair
Battery change
A battery change is required when the battery status indication
flashes or the device can no longer be switched on (see chapter
Inserting the batteries).
Info
In case of a low battery the displayed values may be
inaccurate or incorrect! If so, stop using the measuring
device and exchange the batteries immediately.
Cleaning
Clean the device with a soft, damp and lint-free cloth. Make
sure that no moisture enters the housing. Do not use any
sprays, solvents, alcohol-based cleaning agents or abrasive
cleaners, but only clean water to moisten the cloth.
Repair
Do not modify the device or install any spare parts. For repairs
or device testing, contact the manufacturer.
Errors and faults
The device has been checked for proper functioning several
times during production. If malfunctions occur nonetheless,
check the device according to the following list.
Display segments are only faintly visible or flicker:
• The battery voltage is too low. Exchange the batteries
immediately.
The device displays implausible measured values:
• The battery voltage is too low. Exchange the batteries
immediately.
Disposal
Always dispose of packing materials in an environmentally
friendly manner and in accordance with the applicable local
disposal regulations.
The icon with the crossed-out waste bin on waste
electrical or electronic equipment is taken from Directive
2012/19/EU. It states that this device must not be disposed of
with the household waste at the end of its life. You will find
collection points for free return of waste electrical and electronic
equipment in your vicinity. The addresses can be obtained from
your municipality or local administration. You can also find out
about other return options that apply for many EU countries on
the website https://hub.trotec.com/?id=45090. Otherwise,
please contact an official recycling centre for electronic and
electrical equipment authorised for your country.
The separate collection of waste electrical and electronic
equipment aims to enable the re-use, recycling and other forms
of recovery of waste equipment as well as to prevent negative
effects for the environment and human health caused by the
disposal of hazardous substances potentially contained in the
equipment.
In the European Union, batteries and accumulators must
not be treated as domestic waste, but must be disposed of
professionally in accordance with Directive 2006/66/EC of the
European Parliament and of the Council of 6September2006
on batteries and accumulators. Please dispose of batteries and
accumulators according to the relevant legal requirements.
Only for United Kingdom
According to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Regulations 2013 (SI2013/3113) (as amended) and the Waste
Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009 (SI2009/890) (as
amended), devices that are no longer usable must be collected
separately and disposed of in an environmentally friendly
manner.

Trotec GmbH
Grebbener Str. 7
D-52525 Heinsberg
[phone]
[phone]
[email protected]
www.trotec.com