Velleman DCM268N User manual

DCM268N
CAT III 600 V
USER MANUAL 3
HANDLEIDING 13
MODE D'EMPLOI 23
MANUAL DEL USUARIO 32
BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG 42
INSTRUKCJA OBSŁUGI 52
MANUAL DO UTILIZADOR 64

DCM268N
V. 02 –20/08/2018 2 ©Velleman nv

DCM268N
V. 02 –20/08/2018 3 ©Velleman nv
USER MANUAL
1. Introduction
To all residents of the European Union
Important environmental information about this product
This symbol on the device or the package indicates that disposal
of the device after its lifecycle could harm the environment. Do
not dispose of the unit (or batteries) as unsorted municipal
waste; it should be taken to a specialized company for recycling.
This device should be returned to your distributor or to a local
recycling service. Respect the local environmental rules.
If in doubt, contact your local waste disposal authorities.
Thank you for choosing Velleman! Please read the manual thoroughly before
bringing this device into service. If the device was damaged in transit, do
not install or use it and contact your dealer.
2. Used Symbols
AC (Alternating Current)
DC (Direct Current)
Both AC and DC
Risk of Electric shock. A potentially hazardous voltage is
possible.
Caution: risk of danger, refer to the user manual for safety
information.
Warning: a hazardous condition or action that may result in
injury or death
Caution: condition or action that may result in damage to the
meter or equipment under test
Double insulation (class 2-protection)
Earth
Fuse
Capacitor
Diode
Continuity

DCM268N
V. 02 –20/08/2018 4 ©Velleman nv
3. General Guidelines
Refer to the Velleman®Service and Quality Warranty on the last pages of
this manual.
This symbol indicates: Read instructions
Not reading the instructions and manual can lead to damage,
injury or death.
This symbol indicates: Danger
A hazardous condition or action that may result in injury or
death
This symbol indicates: Risk of danger/damage
Risk of a hazardous condition or action that may result in
damage, injury or death
This symbol indicates: Attention; important information
Ignoring this information can lead to hazardous situations.
WARNING: To avoid electrical shock always disconnect the
test leads prior to opening the housing. To prevent fire hazards,
only use fuses with the same ratings as specified in this manual.
Remark: refer to the warning on the battery compartment
Avoid cold, heat and large temperature fluctuations. When the
unit is moved from a cold to a warm location, leave it switched
off until it has reached room temperature. This to avoid
condensation and measuring errors.
Protect this device from shocks and abuse. Avoid brute force
when operating.
Pollution degree 2-device. For indoor use only. Keep this device
away from rain, moisture, splashing and dripping liquids. Not for
industrial use. Refer to §8 Pollution degree.
Keep the device away from children and unauthorised users.
Risk of electric shock during operation. Be very careful
when measuring live circuits.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside the device.
Refer to an authorized dealer for service and/or spare parts.

DCM268N
V. 02 –20/08/2018 5 ©Velleman nv
This is an installation category CAT III measuring
instrument. Refer to §7 Overvoltage/installation category.
Read this addendum and the manual thoroughly. Familiarise
yourself with the functions of the device before actually using it.
All modifications of the device are forbidden for safety reasons.
Damage caused by user modifications to the device is not
covered by the warranty.
Only use the device for its intended purpose. Using the device in
an unauthorized way will void the warranty. Damage caused by
disregard of certain guidelines in this manual is not covered by
the warranty and the dealer will not accept responsibility for any
ensuing defects or problems.
4. Maintenance
There are no user-serviceable parts inside the device.
Refer to an authorized dealer for service and/or spare parts.
Before performing any maintenance activities, disconnect the test leads
from the jacks.
For instructions on replacing battery or fuse, refer to §11 Battery and fuse
replacement.
Do not apply abrasives or solvents to the meter. Use a damp cloth and mild
detergent for cleaning purposes.
5. During Use
Risk of electric shock during operation. Be very careful when
measuring live circuits.
Never exceed the limit value for protection. This limit value is listed
separately in the specifications for each range of measurement.
Do not touch unused terminals when the meter is linked to a circuit
which is being tested.
Never use the meter with CAT III installations when measuring voltages
that might exceed the safety margin of 600 V above earth ground.
Set the range selector at its highest position if the intensity of the
charge to be measured is unknown beforehand.
Disconnect the test leads from the tested circuit before rotating the
range selector in order to change functions.
When carrying out measurements on a TV set or switching power
circuits, always remember that the meter may be damaged by any high
amplitude voltage pulses at test points.

DCM268N
V. 02 –20/08/2018 6 ©Velleman nv
Always be careful when working with voltages above 60 VDC or 30 VAC
rms. Keep your fingers behind the probe barriers at all times during
measurement.
Never perform resistance, diode or continuity measurements on live
circuits. Make sure all capacitors in the circuit are depleted.
6. Overvoltage/Installation Category
DMMs are categorized depending on the risk and severity of transient
overvoltage that might occur at the point of test. Transients are short-lived
bursts of energy induced in a system, e.g. caused by lightning strike on a
power line.
The existing categories according EN 61010-1 are:
CAT I
A CAT I-rated meter is suitable for measurements on protected
electronic circuits that are not directly connected to mains power,
e.g. electronics circuits, control signals…
CAT
II
A CAT II-rated meter is suitable for measurements in CAT I-
environments and mono-phase appliances that are connected to the
mains by means of a plug and circuits in a normal domestic
environment, provided that the circuit is at least 10 m apart from a
CAT III- or 20 m apart from a CAT IV-environment. E.g. household
appliances, portable tools…
CAT
III
A CAT III-rated meter is suitable for measurements in CAT I- and
CAT II-environments, as well as for measurements on (fixed) mono-
or poly-phased appliances which are at least 10 m apart from of a
CAT IV-environment, and for measurements in or on distribution
level equipment (fuse boxes, lighting circuits, electric ovens).
CAT
IV
A CAT IV-rated meter is suitable for measuring in CAT I-, CAT II-
and CAT III-environments as well as on the primary supply level.
Note that for all measurements on equipment for which the supply
cables run outdoors (either overhead or underground) a CAT IV
meter must be used.
Warning:
This device was designed in accordance with EN 61010-1 installation
category CAT III 600 V. This implies that certain restrictions in use apply
that are related to voltages and voltage peaks which can occur within the
environment of use. Refer to the table above.
This device is only suitable for measurements up to 600 V in
CAT III

DCM268N
V. 02 –20/08/2018 7 ©Velleman nv
7. Pollution Degree
IEC 61010-1 specifies different types of pollution environments, for which
different protective measures are necessary to ensure safety. Harsher
environments require more protection, and the protection against the
pollution which is to be found in a certain environment depends mainly on
the insulation and the enclosure properties. The pollution degree rating of
the DVM indicates in which environment the device may be used.
Pollution
degree 1
No pollution or only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. The
pollution has no influence. (only to be found in hermetically
sealed enclosures)
Pollution
degree 2
Only nonconductive pollution occurs. Occasionally,
temporary conductivity caused by condensation is to be
expected.(home and office environments fall under this
category)
Pollution
degree 3
Conductive pollution occurs, or dry nonconductive pollution
occurs that becomes conductive due to condensation that is
to be expected.
(industrial environments and environments exposed to
outside air - but not in contact with precipitation)
Pollution
degree 4
The pollution generates persistent conductivity caused by
conductive dust or by rain or snow. (exposed outdoor
environments and environments where high humidity levels
or high concentrations of fine particles occur)
Warning: This device was designed in accordance with EN 61010-1
pollution degree 2. This implies that certain restrictions in use apply that
are related to pollution which can occur within the environment of use. Refer
to the table above.
This device is only suitable for measurements in Pollution
degree class 2 environments.
8. General Description
Refer to the illustration on page 2 of this manual:
1. Current clamp
2. Clamp trigger
3. Rotary function switch
4. Data hold + backlight button
5. Mode select button
6. Peak hold button
7. DCA zero button
8. Backlight on-off button
9. LCD display

DCM268N
V. 02 –20/08/2018 8 ©Velleman nv
10. COM jack
11. V//CAP/TEMP/Hz jack
9. Operation
GENERAL
When the range of the measured signal is unknown, start measurement
in auto-range mode, and then select range according to indicated value.
The display shows “OL” when the present range limit is exceeded. Select
a higher range to continue measurement.
Do not measure voltages > 600 V or current higher than 1000A. Never
turn the rotary function switch [3] during measurement.
The device will go in sleep mode when no activity is detected for ±20
min.
For all measurements: pressing the data hold button [4] freezes the
currently measured value until the data hold button [4] is pressed again.
The hold-mode is indicated by the H-symbol in the display.
To switch on the backlight, press the backlight button [8], to switch it
off, press the backlight button [8] again. The use of backlight will reduce
battery life.
Peak hold function: for AC measurements, pressing the peak hold
button [6] once will show only the maximum measured value on the
display [9], indicated with a PMAX indicator. Pressing the peak hold
button [6] again will show only the minimum measured value on the
display [9], indicated with a PMIN indicator. To exit the peak hold
function, press and hold the peak hold button [6] for ±3 seconds until
the PMAX or PMIN indicator disappears.
AC (TRUE RMS)/DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT
Connect the red test lead to the V·Ω·CAP·TEMP·HZ jack [11] and the
black lead to the COM jack [10].
Set the rotary function switch [3] in the position.
Use the mode button [5] to choose between AC and DC voltage.
Connect the test leads parallel to the source being measured.
Read the voltage value on the LCD display [9] along with the polarity of
the red lead connection.
For AC measurement, press the peak hold button [6] to hold either
maximum or minimum measured value (see Peak hold function).

DCM268N
V. 02 –20/08/2018 9 ©Velleman nv
AC (TRUE RMS)/DC CURRENT MEASUREMENT
Make sure no test leads are connected to the V·Ω·CAP·TEMP·HZ jack
[11] or COM jack [10].
Set the rotary switch [3] in the desired range ( ,
or ). If the current to be measured is unknown beforehand,
set the range switch in the highest range position and then reduce
gradually until the ideal resolution is obtained.
Use the mode button [5] to choose between AC and DC current.
For DC current measurements, press the DCA zero button [7] once to
reset the display to zero for relative measurements (indicated with in
the display).
Press the trigger [2] to open the jaws [1] of the clamp. Enclose a single
conductor within the clamp and release the trigger [2]. Enclosing
multiple conductors at the same time will result in faulty measurements.
For accurate measurements, always keep the jaws closed during
measuring.
Read the current value on the LCD display.
Note that when measuring large currents, a buzzing sound may be heard
coming from the jaws. This is normal behaviour which does not influence
the measurement accuracy.
RESISTANCE, AUDIBLE CONTINUITY and DIODE TEST
Connect the red test lead to the V·Ω·CAP·TEMP·HZ jack [11] and the
black lead to the COM jack [10].
Set the rotary switch [3] in the position.
Make sure there is no voltage on the circuit/component under test.
For resistance test press the mode button [5] until the Ωsymbol appears
(default) in the display. Connect the test leads to the resistor to be
measured and read the value in the LCD display. Disconnect one side of
the device under test to avoid interference from the rest of the circuit.
For continuity test, press the mode button [5] until the symbol
appears in the display. Connect the test leads to the circuit to be
measured and read the value in the LCD display. When the resistance is
<35Ω, a continuity buzzer will sound.
Note: test current: <1mA
For diode/transistors/ semiconductors/… measurements, press the mode
button [5] until the symbol appears in the display. During
measurement, a current is sent through the semiconductor junction and
the voltage drop is measured. When the junction passes the test,
indicated forward voltage will be 0.4~0.9V while reverse voltage will

DCM268N
V. 02 –20/08/2018 10 ©Velleman nv
indicate “OL”. When the diode is short circuited, both readings will be
±0mV; when open, both measurements will show “OL”.
Note: forward DC current: 0.3mA typical, open circuit voltage: 1.5VDC
CAPACITY TEST
Connect the red test lead to the V·Ω·CAP·TEMP·HZ jack [11] and the
black lead to the COM jack [10].
Set the rotary switch [3] in the position.
Make sure there is no voltage on the circuit under test by discharging
capacitors prior to measurement.
Connect the test leads to the capacitor to be measured and read the
value in the LCD display.
FREQUENCY measurement
Connect the red test lead to the V·Ω·CAP·TEMP·HZ jack [11] and the
black lead to the COM jack [10].
Set the rotary function switch [3] in the position.
Press and hold the mode button [5] for ±3 seconds until the frequency
range is indicated in the display.
Connect the test leads to the circuit under test and read the value in the
LCD display.
TEMPERATURE
Set the rotary switch [3] in the position. Select °C or °F with the
mode select button [5],the selection is indicated in the display.
Insert the side of the temperature probe adapter marked with “+” in the
V·Ω·CAP·TEMP·HZ jack [11] and the other side (“-”) in the COM jack
[10].
If not done already, insert the K-type probe into the probe adapter (only
one way possible).
Hold the probe head to the device under test for ±30s and read the
temperature in the LCD display.
Do not change the rotary function switch when the thermocouple is
connected to the meter.
10. Battery
When the low battery indication ( ) appears, replace the internal
battery.
Always disconnect test leads and set the rotary switch [3] in the
position when replacing the battery. Do not us the device without batteries
installed.