AEMC 603 Operating Manual

 CLAMP-ON METER

603

ENGLISH

User Manual

Statement of Compliance

Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc. d.b.a. AEMC® Instruments
certifi es that this instrument has been calibrated
using standards and instruments traceable to
international standards.

We guarantee that at the time of shipping your
instrument has met its published specifi cations.

An NIST traceable certifi cate may be
requested at the time of purchase, or obtained
by returning the instrument to our repair and
calibration facility, for a nominal charge.

The recommended calibration interval for this
instrument is 12 months and begins on the date of
receipt by the customer. For recalibration, please
use our calibration services. Refer to our repair
and calibration section at www.aemc.com.

Serial #: ________________________________

Catalog #: ______________________________

Model #: ______________________________

Please fi ll in the appropriate date as indicated:

Date Received: _________________________________

Date Calibration Due:

_______________________

Chauvin Arnoux®, Inc.
d.b.a AEMC

®

Instruments

www.aemc.com

2

CONTENTS

RECEIVING YOUR SHIPMENT ........................................................................... 7

ORDERING INFORMATION ................................................................................ 7

1 PRESENTATION .......................................................................................... 8

1.1 THE ROTARY SWITCH ................................................................................. 9

1.2 THE FUNCTION BUTTONS ........................................................................ 10

1.3 THE DISPLAY .............................................................................................. 11

1.3.1 Display Symbols ........................................................................... 11

1.3.2 Measurement Capacity Exceeded (OL) ........................................ 12

1.4 THE TERMINALS ........................................................................................ 12

2 THE BUTTONS ........................................................................................... 13

2.1

2.2 (YELLOW) BUTTON (SECOND FUNCTION) ............................................ 14

2.3 BUTTON ............................................................................................. 14

2.4 BUTTON ........................................................................................... 15

2.4.1 Normal Mode ................................................................................ 15

2.4.2 The MAX/MIN Mode + Activation of the HOLD Mode ................... 16

2.4.3 Access to the True Inrush® Mode ( set to ) ................. 16

2.5

2.5.1 Normal Mode ................................................................................ 17

2.5.2 The Hz Function + Activation of the HOLD Mode ......................... 17

2.6 BUTTON ........................................................................................... 18

3 USE ............................................................................................................. 19

3.1 INSTALLING THE BATTERIES ................................................................... 19

3.2 TURNING THE CLAMP-ON METER ON .................................................... 19

3.3 TURNING THE CLAMP-ON METER OFF .................................................. 19

3.4 CONFIGURATION ....................................................................................... 20

3.4.1 Configuring the Maximum Resistance for Continuity .................... 20

3.4.2 Auto Power OFF ........................................................................... 20

3.4.3 Configuring the Threshold for True InRush® Measurement .......... 20

3.4.4 Changing the Default Temperature Unit ....................................... 21

3.4.5 Configuring the Adapter Function Scale Factor ............................ 21

3.4.6 Default Configuration .................................................................... 22

3.5 VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT (V) ................................................................. 22

3.6 CONTINUITY TEST ............................................................................... 23

3.6.1 Lead Resistance Compensation ................................................... 23

3.7 RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT  ............................................................. 24

3.8 DIODE TEST ......................................................................................... 24

3.9 CURRENT MEASUREMENT (A) ................................................................ 25

3.9.1 AC Measurement .......................................................................... 25

BUTTON ............................................................................................... 13

BUTTON ............................................................................................. 17

3

DC Measurement .......................................................................... 26

3.9.2

3.10 STARTING CURRENT OR OVERCURRENT (True InRush®)

MEASUREMENT ......................................................................................... 27

3.11 FREQUENCY MEASUREMENT (HZ) ......................................................... 27

3.11.1 Frequency Measurement (V) ........................................................ 27

3.11.2 Frequency Measurement (A) ........................................................ 28

3.12 TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT ............................................................ 29

3.12.1 Measurement without External Sensor ......................................... 29

3.12.2 Measurement with External Sensor .............................................. 29

3.13 ADAPTER FUNCTION MEASUREMENT ................................................... 30

4 SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................... 31

4.1 REFERENCE CONDITIONS ....................................................................... 31

4.2 SPECIFICATIONS UNDER THE REFERENCE CONDITIONS ................. 31

4.2.1 DC Voltage Measurement ............................................................. 31

4.2.2 AC Voltage Measurement ............................................................. 32

4.2.3 DC Current Measurement ............................................................. 32

4.2.4 AC Current Measurement ............................................................. 33

4.2.5 True Inrush® Measurement ........................................................... 33

4.2.6 Continuity Measurement ............................................................... 33

4.2.7 Resistance Measurement ............................................................. 34

4.2.8 Diode test ...................................................................................... 34

4.2.9 Frequency Measurements ............................................................ 34

4.2.10 Temperature Measurement ........................................................... 35

4.2.11 Adapter Function Measurement .................................................... 36

4.3 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS .............................................................. 36

4.4 MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................. 37

4.5 POWER SUPPLY ........................................................................................ 37

4.6 COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ............................. 37

4.7 ENVIRONMENTAL VARIATIONS ............................................................... 38

5 MAINTENANCE .......................................................................................... 39

5.1 WARNING .................................................................................................... 39

5.2 CLEANING ................................................................................................... 39

5.3 REPLACEMENT OF THE BATTERIES ...................................................... 39

6 REPAIR AND CALIBRATION .................................................................... 40

7 TECHNICAL AND SALES ASSISTANCE .................................................. 40

8 LIMITED WARRANTY ................................................................................ 41

9 WARRANTY REPAIRS .............................................................................. 41

4

Thank you for purchasing a Model 603 Clamp-on Meter.

For best results from your instrument and for your safety, read the enclosed
operating instructions carefully and comply with the precautions for use. These
products must be only used by qualified and trained users.

Meanings of the symbols used on the device

CAUTION - Risk of Danger! Indicates a WARNING and that the operator

must refer to the user manual for instructions before operating the
instrument in all cases where this symbol is marked.

Risk of electric shock. The voltage at the parts marked with this symbol
may be dangerous.

Refers to a type A current sensor. This symbol signifies that application
around and removal from HAZARDOUS LIVE conductors is permitted.

1.5 V battery

The CE marking indicates compliance with European directives

Double insulation or reinforced insulation

In the European Union, this product is subject to a separate collection
system for recycling electrical and electronic components In accordance
with directive WEEE 2002/96/EC

AC – Alternating current

AC and DC – Alternating and direct current

Ground/Earth

5

PRECAUTIONS FOR USE

This device complies with safety standards IEC-61010-1 and 61010-2-032 for voltages of
1000V in category IV at an altitude of less than 2000m, indoors, with a degree of pollution
not exceeding 2.
These safety instructions are intended to ensure the safety of persons and proper operation
of the device.

 The operator and/or the responsible authority must carefully read and clearly

understand the various precautions to be taken in use.

 If this instrument is used other than as specified, the protection it provides may be

compromised, thereby endangering you.

 Do not use the instrument in an explosive atmosphere or in the presence of flammable

gases or fumes.

 Do not use the instrument on networks of which the voltage or category exceeds those

mentioned.

 Do not exceed the rated maximum voltages and currents between terminals or with

respect to earth.

 Do not use the instrument if it appears to be damaged, incomplete, or not properly

closed.

 Before each use, check the condition of the insulation on the leads, housing, and

accessories. Any element of which the insulation is deteriorated (even partially) must
be set aside for repair or scrapped.

 Use leads and accessories rated for voltages and categories at least equal to those of

the instrument. If not, an accessory of a lower category lowers the category of the
combined Clamp + accessory to that of the accessory.

 Observe the environmental conditions of use.
 Do not modify the instrument and only use factory replacement parts. Repairs and

adjustments must be done by approved qualified personnel.

 Replace the batteries as soon as the symbol appears on the display of the unit.

Disconnect all leads before opening the battery compartment cover.

 Use personal protective equipment when conditions require.
 Keep your hands away from the unused terminals of the instrument.
 When handling the test probes, alligator clips, and clamp ammeters, keep your fingers

behind the physical guard.

 As a safety measure, and to avoid repeated overloads on the inputs of the device,

configuration operations should only be performed when the device is disconnected
from all dangerous voltages.

6

MEASUREMENT CATEGORIES

Definitions of the measurement categories :

CAT II: Circuits directly connected to the low-voltage installation.

Example: power supply to household electrical appliances and portable tools.

CAT III: Power supply circuits in the installation of the building.

Example: distribution panel, circuit-breakers, fixed industrial machines or
devices.

CAT IV: Circuits supplying the low-voltage installation of the building.

Example: power lines, meters, and protection devices.

RECEIVING YOUR SHIPMENT

Upon receiving your shipment, make sure that the contents are consistent with the
packing list. Notify your distributor of any missing items. If the equipment appears
to be damaged, file a claim immediately with the carrier and notify your distributor
at once, giving a detailed description of any damage. Save the damaged packing
container to substantiate your claim.

ORDERING INFORMATION

Clamp-on Meter Model 603 .......................................................... Cat. #2139.31

Includes set of 2 color-coded silicone insulated test leads, test probes and alligator clips,
K-thermocouple with 4mm integrated adapter, soft carrying case, 4x1.5V AA batteries and
user manual.

Replacement Parts:

K-thermocouple with 4mm Integrated Adapter ................................................. Cat. #2139.71

Soft Carrying Case ........................................................................................... Cat. #2139.72

Set of 2 Color-coded Silicone Test Leads, Test Probes & Alligator Clips ........ Cat. #2152.05

7

1 PRESENTATION

The Clamp-on Meter Model 603 is a professional electrical measuring instrument
that combines the following functions:

 Current measurement

 Measurement of InRush current / overcurrent (True InRush

 Voltage measurement

 Frequency measurement

 Continuity test with buzzer

 Resistance measurement

 Diode test

 Temperature measurement

 Adapter function (for use with external transducers/measurement

devices)

1

Item Designation See §

1

Jaws with centering marks

(see connection principles)

2

2 Physical Guard -

7

3

4

5

3 Rotary Function Switch 1.1

4 Function Buttons 2

5 Backlit Display 1.3

6 Input Terminals 1.4

7 Trigger -

®

)

3.5 to

3.12

6

Figure 1: Clamp-on Meter Model 603

8

1.1 THE ROTARY SWITCH

The rotary switch has six positions. To access the , , , , ,
functions, set the switch to the desired function. The functions are described in
the table below.
6

5

4

3

2

1

Figure 2: The Function Rotary Switch

Item Function See §

1 OFF mode – Turns the clamp-on meter off 3.3

2 AC, DC voltage measurement (V) 3.5

3 Continuity test

Resistance measurement 

Diode test

4 AC, DC current measurement (A) 3.9

5 Temperature measurement (°C/°F) 3.12

6 Adapter function 3.13

3.6

3.7

3.8

9

1.2 THE FUNCTION BUTTONS

1 2 3

4 5 6

Figure 3: The Function Buttons

Item Function See §

1 Holds the last value on the display

Zero correction A

Lead resistance compensation in the continuity and
ohmmeter functions

2 Selects the type of measurement and configuration

functions (AC, DC)

3 Enables/disables display backlighting 2.3

4 Enables/disables the MAX/MIN mode

Enables/disables the True InRush

5 Performs Frequency measurements (Hz) 2.5

6 Activation of ΔREL mode – Displays differential and

relative values

DC

®

mode

2.1

3.9.2

3.6.1

2.2

2.4

2.6

10

1.3 THE DISPLAY

6

1

2

3

4

7

Figure 4: The Display

Item Function See §

1 Mode selection display 2

2 Active measurement value and unit display 3.5 to 3.12

3 Display of the MAX/MIN modes 2.4

4 Type of measurement (AC or DC) 2.2

5 Selected resistance measurement display 1.1

6 Low battery indication 5.3

7 Temperature unit display 3.4.4

1.3.1 Display Symbols

Symbol Designation

5

AC Alternating current or voltage

DC Direct current or voltage

REL

Ref

Relative value, with respect to a reference

Reference value

Storage of the values and display hold

Max Maximum DC or RMS value

Min Minimum DC or RMS value

V Volt

Hz Hertz

11

A Ampere

°C/°F Temperature unit Celsius or Fahrenheit

% Percentage

Ω Ohm

m Milli- prefix

k Kilo- prefix

Lead resistance compensation

Continuity test

Diode test

Auto Power Off disabled

Low battery indicator

1.3.2 Measurement Capacity Exceeded (OL)

The OL (Over Load) symbol is displayed when the display capacity is exceeded.

1.4 THE TERMINALS

The terminals are used as follows:

1 2

Figure 5: The Terminals

Item Function

1

COM (black) Input Terminal Jack

2 + Positive (red) Input Terminal Jack

12

2 THE BUTTONS

The buttons respond differently to short, long, and sustained presses.
The , and keys provide additional functions as well as the
detection and acquisition of parameters complementary to the basic
measurements.

 Each of these buttons can be used independently of the others or in

conjunction with each other. This makes navigation simple and intuitive
when reviewing measurement results.

 It is possible, for example, to either look up in turn sequence the MAX,

MIN, etc. values of the RMS voltage alone, then display relative values
in parallel

In this section, the icon represents the possible positions of the switch for the
button’s functionality.

2.1

BUTTON

This button is used to:

 Store and look up the last values acquired specific to each function (V, A,

, T°, Adp) according to the specific modes previously activated (MAX/MIN,
Hz, ΔREL). The present display is then maintained while the detection and
acquisition of new values continues.

 Perform automatic lead resistance compensation (see § 3.6.1).

 Perform automatic zero correction in A

Successive
presses on

long

(> 2 sec)

long

(> 2 sec)

First press: Holds the display of the last value
displayed

Second press: Returns to normal display mode

(the value of each new measurement is
displayed)

ADC Performs automatic zero correction (see

NOTE: This mode operates if the MAX/MIN or

HOLD modes (short press) are first de activated

Performs automatic lead resistance

compensation (see 3.6.1)

DC (see § 3.9.2).

Function

3.9.2)

See § 2.4.2 and § 2.5.2 for the button functionality in combination with the

and buttons.

13

2.2 (YELLOW) BUTTON (SECOND FUNCTION)

This button is used to select the type of measurement (AC, DC) and the second
functions marked in yellow next to the relevant positions of the switch.

It can also be used to modify the default values in the configuration mode
(see § 3.4).

NOTE: This button is invalid in the MAX/MIN, HOLD and ΔREL modes.

Successive

presses on

- Selects AC or DC. Depending on your
choice, the screen displays AC or DC

- Cycles through the continuity ,  and
diode test modes and returns to the
continuity test

- Selects °C or °F as the temperature unit

Function

2.3 BUTTON

presses on

Successive

- Enables/disables the backlighting of the
display

Function

NOTE: The backlighting is automatically disabled at the end of 2 minutes.

14