Agilent U1191A User guide

Agilent U1190A Series Handheld Clamp Meters
User’s Guide
Agilent Technologies
Notices
CAUTION
WARNING
© Agilent Technologies, Inc., 2011
Manual Part Number
U1191-90003
Edition
First Edition, September 2011
Agilent Technologies, Inc. 5301, Stevens Creek Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95051 USA
Warranty
The material contained in this document is provided “as is,” and is subject to change, without notice, in future editions. Further, to the maximum extent permitted by the applicable law, Agilent disclaims all war­ranties, either express or implied, with regard to this manual and any information contained herein, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantabil­ity and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent shall not be liable for errors or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this document or of any information contained herein. Should Agi­lent and the user have a separate written agreement with warranty terms covering the material in this document that conflict with these terms, the warranty terms in the separate agreement shall control.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and or software described in this document are furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in accor­dance with the terms of such license.
Restricted Rights Legend
U.S. Government Restricted Rights. Soft­ware and technical data rights granted to the federal government include only those rights customarily provided to end user cus­tomers. Agilent provides this customary commercial license in Software and techni­cal data pursuant to FAR 12.211 (Technical Data) and 12.212 (Computer Software) and, for the Department of Defense, DFARS
252.227-7015 (Technical Data - Commercial Items) and DFARS 227.7202-3 (Rights in Commercial Computer Software or Com­puter Software Documentation).
Safety Notices
A CAUTION notice denotes a haz­ard. It calls attention to an operat­ing procedure, practice, or the likes of that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in dam­age to the product or loss of impor­tant data. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the likes of that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or death. Do not proceed beyond a WARN­ING notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
II U1190A Series User’s Guide
Safety Symbols
400 A
MAX
600 A
MAX
CAT III
600 V
CAT IV
300 V
The following symbols on the instrument and in the documentation indicate precautions which must be taken to maintain safe operation of the instrument.
DC (Direct current or voltage)
AC (Alternating current or voltage)
Both direct and alternating current
Earth (ground) terminal
Equipment protected throughout by double insulation or reinforced insulation
Caution, risk of electric shock Category IV 300 V overvoltage protection
Caution, risk of danger (refer to this manual for specific Warning or Caution information)
Application around and removal from HAZARDOUS LIVE conductors is permitted
U1191A/U1192A: Maximum allowable current measurement is 400 A
U1193A/U1194A: Maximum allowable current measurement is 600 A
Category III 600 V overvoltage protection
U1190A Series User’s Guide III
Safety Considerations
CAUTION
WARNING
Read the information below before using this instrument.
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of operation, service, and repair of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards for design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.
Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing resistance, continuity, diodes, or capacitance.
Use the proper terminals, function, and range for your measurements.
This device is for use at altitudes of up to 2,000 m.
Never measure voltage when current measurement is selected.
Always use the specified battery type. The power for the meter is
supplied with two standard AAA 1.5 V batteries. Observe the correct polarity markings before you insert the batteries to ensure proper insertion of the batteries in the meter.
IV U1190A Series User’s Guide
• Do not use the meter if it is damaged. Before you use the meter, inspect the case. Look for cracks or missing plastic. Pay particular attention to the insulation surrounding the connectors.
• Inspect the test leads for damaged insulation or exposed metal. Check the test leads for continuity. Replace damaged test leads before you use the meter.
• Do not operate the meter around explosive gas, vapor, or wet environments.
• Do not apply more than the rated voltage and current (as marked on the meter) between the terminals or between the terminal and the earth ground.
WARNING
• Never use the meter in wet conditions or when there is water on the surface. If the meter is wet, ensure that the meter is dried only by trained personnel.
• Before use, verify the meter's operation by measuring a known voltage. Use caution when working above 60 V DC, 30 V AC RMS, or 42.4 V peak. Such voltages pose a shock hazard.
• When measuring current, turn off the circuit power before connecting the meter in the circuit. Remember to place the meter in series with the circuit.
• When measuring temperature, keep the thermocouple probe as close to the meter as possible, and avoid contact with surfaces above 60 V DC, 30 V AC RMS, or 42.4 V peak. Such voltages pose a shock hazard.
• When servicing the meter, use only the specified replacement parts.
• When using the probes, keep your fingers behind the finger guards on the probes.
• Connect the common test lead before you connect the live test lead. When you disconnect the leads, disconnect the live test lead first.
U1190A Series User’s Guide V
• Remove the test leads from the meter before you open the battery cover. Do not operate the meter with the battery cover or portions of the cover removed or loosened.
• To avoid false readings, which may lead to possible electric shock or personal injury, replace the battery as soon as the low battery indicator appears and flashes.
• Use the meter only as specified in this guide. Otherwise, the protection provided by the meter may be impaired.
• Individual protective equipment must be used if hazardous live parts in the installation are accessible where measurement is to be carried out.
• The tactile indicator or barrier, indicates the limit of safe access of the handheld part.
Environmental Conditions
NOTE
This instrument is designed for indoor use and in an area with low condensation. The table below shows the general environmental requirements for this instrument.
Environmental conditions Requirements
Operating temperature –10 °C to 50 °C
Up to 80% RH (relative humidity) for temperature
Operating humidity
up to 30 °C, decreasing linearly to 50% RH at 50 °C
Storage temperature
Altitude Up to 2000 meters
Pollution degree Pollution degree 2
The U1190A Series Handheld Clamp Meter complies with the following safety and EMC requirements:
IEC 61010-1:2001/EN 61010-1:2001
IEC 61010-2-032:2002/EN 61010-2-032:2002
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-04
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-2-032-04
ANSI/UL Std. No. 61010-1:2004
IEC61326-1:2005/EN61326-1:2006
Canada: ICES/NMB-001: Issue 4, June 2006
Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS CISPR 11:2004
–40 °C to 60 °C, 40% to 80% RH (without batteries)
VI U1190A Series User’s Guide
Regulatory Markings
The CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community. This CE mark shows that the product complies with all the relevant European Legal Directives.
The C-tick mark is a registered trademark of the Spectrum Management Agency of Australia. This signifies compliance with the Australia EMC Framework regulations under the terms of the Radio Communication Act of 1992.
ICES/NMB-001 indicates that this ISM device complies with the Canadian ICES-001. Cet appareil ISM est confomre a la norme NMB-001 du Canada.
The CSA mark is a registered trademark of the Canadian Standards Association.
This instrument complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking requirement. This affixed product label indicates that you must not discard this electrical or electronic product in domestic household waste.
This symbol indicates the time period during which no hazardous or toxic substance elements are expected to leak or deteriorate during normal use. Forty years is the expected useful life of the product.
U1190A Series User’s Guide VII
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/EC
This instrument complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking requirement. This affixed product label indicates that you must not discard this electrical or electronic product in domestic household waste.
Product Category:
With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE directive Annex 1, this instrument is classified as a “Monitoring and Control Instrument” product.
The affixed product label is as shown below.
Do not dispose in domestic household waste.
To return this unwanted instrument, contact your nearest Agilent Service Center, or visit
www.agilent.com/environment/product
for more information.
VIII U1190A Series User’s Guide
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
NOTE
The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this instrument is available on the Agilent website. You can search the DoC by its product model or description at the web address below.
http://regulations.corporate.agilent.com/DoC/search.htm
If you are unable to search for the respective DoC, please contact your local Agilent representative.
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X U1190A Series User’s Guide

Table of Contents

1 Introduction
About This Manual 2
Documentation map 2 Safety notes 2
Preparing Your Clamp Meter 3
Checking the shipment 3 Installing the batteries 3 Turning on your clamp meter 6 Automatic Power-Off (APO) 7 Enabling the backlight 7 Enabling the flashlight 8 Alerts and warnings during measurement 9 Power-on options 10
Your Clamp Meter in Brief 11
Dimensions 11 Overview 13 Rotary switch 15 Keypad 17 Display screen 18 Input terminals 21
Cleaning Your Clamp Meter 23
2 Making Measurements
Measuring AC or DC Current 26
Measuring AC Voltage 30
Measuring DC Voltage 32
Measuring Resistance 34
Testing for Continuity 36
U1190A Series User’s Guide XI
Testing Diodes 39
Measuring Capacitance 43
Measuring Temperature 45
Measuring AC or DC Current (up to µA) 48
Measuring Frequency 50
3 Clamp Meter Features
Detecting AC Voltage Presence (Vsense) 54
Making Relative Measurements (Null) 57
Capturing Maximum and Minimum Values (Max.Min) 58
Freezing the Display (Hold) 60
4 Characteristics and Specifications
Product Characteristics 62
Specification Assumptions 64
Measurement Category 65
Measurement category definition 65
Electrical Specifications 66
DC specifications 66 AC specifications 68 Capacitance specifications 69 Temperature specifications 70 Frequency specifications 71 Frequency sensitivity specifications 71 Display update rate (approximate) 72
XII U1190A Series User’s Guide

List of Figures

Figure 1-1 Installing the batteries 4 Figure 1-2 Powering on the clamp meter 6 Figure 1-3 Front panel 13 Figure 1-4 Rear panel 14 Figure 2-1 AC current display 27 Figure 2-2 Measuring AC current 27 Figure 2-3 Wire separator and hook design 28 Figure 2-4 AC voltage display 30 Figure 2-5 Measuring AC voltage 31 Figure 2-6 DC voltage display 32 Figure 2-7 Measuring DC voltage 33 Figure 2-8 Resistance display 34 Figure 2-9 Measuring resistance 35 Figure 2-10 Open continuity display 36 Figure 2-11 Closed continuity display 36 Figure 2-12 Testing for continuity 38 Figure 2-13 Diode display 39 Figure 2-14 Open diode display 40 Figure 2-15 Testing forward-bias diode 41 Figure 2-16 Testing reverse-bias diode 42 Figure 2-17 Capacitance display 43 Figure 2-18 Measuring capacitance 44 Figure 2-19 Temperature display 45 Figure 2-20 Measuring the surface temperature 47 Figure 2-21 DC current display 48 Figure 2-22 Measuring AC/DC current (up to µA) 49 Figure 2-23 Frequency display 51 Figure 2-24 Measuring frequency 51 Figure 3-1 Vsense (high sensitivity) display 55 Figure 3-2 Vsense (low sensitivity) display 55 Figure 3-3 Detecting voltage presence 56 Figure 3-4 Null display 57 Figure 3-5 Max.Min display 58 Figure 3-6 Hold display
60
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XIV U1190A Series User’s Guide

List of Tables

Tab le 1- 1 Battery level indicator 5 Tab le 1- 2 Power-on options 10 Tab le 1- 3 Rotary switch functions 16 Tab le 1- 4 Keypad functions 17 Tab le 1- 5 General annunciators 18 Tab le 1- 6 Measurement units display 20 Tab le 1- 7 Terminal connections for different measuring
functions 21
Tab le 4- 1 DC specifications 66 Tab le 4- 2 AC voltage specifications 68 Tab le 4- 3 AC current specifications 68 Tab le 4- 4 Capacitance specifications 69 Tab le 4- 5 Temperature specifications 70 Tab le 4- 6 Frequency specifications 71 Tab le 4- 7 Frequency sensitivity and trigger-level specifications for
voltage measurements 71
Tab le 4- 8 Frequency sensitivity and trigger level specifications for
current measurements 72
Tab le 4- 9 Display update rate (approximate) 72
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XVI U1190A Series User’s Guide
U1190A Series Handheld Clamp Meter User’s Guide

1 Introduction

About This Manual 2
Documentation map 2 Safety notes 2
Preparing Your Clamp Meter 3
Checking the shipment 3 Installing the batteries 3 Turning on your clamp meter 6 Automatic Power-Off (APO) 7 Enabling the backlight 7 Enabling the flashlight 8 Alerts and warnings during measurement 9 Power-on options 10
Your Clamp Meter in Brief 11
Dimensions 11 Overview 13 Rotary switch 15 Keypad 17 Display screen 18 Input terminals 21
Cleaning Your Clamp Meter 23
This chapter teaches you how to set up your clamp meter for the first time. An introduction to all the features of the clamp meter is also given.
Agilent Technologies
1
1 Introduction

About This Manual

About This Manual
The descriptions and instructions in this manual apply to the Agilent U1191A, U1192A, U1193A, and U1194A handheld clamp meters (hereafter referred to as the clamp meter).
The model U1194A appears in all illustrations.

Documentation map

The following manuals and software are available for your clamp meter. For the very latest version, please visit our website at: http://www.agilent.com/find/hhTechLib.
Check the manual revision on the first page of each manual.
• User’s Guide. This manual.
•Quick Start Guide. Printed copy for outdoor use,
included with shipment.
• Service Guide. Free download at the Agilent website.

Safety notes

Safety notes are used throughout this manual (see the
“Safety Notices” section for format examples). Familiarize
yourself with each of the notes and its meaning before operating your clamp meter.
More pertinent safety notes for using this product are located under the “Safety Considerations” section.
Do not proceed beyond a safety notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
2 U1190A Series User’s Guide

Preparing Your Clamp Meter

CAUTION

Checking the shipment

When you receive your clamp meter, check the shipment according to the following procedure.
1 Inspect the shipping container for damage. Signs of
damage may include a dented or torn shipping container or cushioning material that indicates signs of unusual stress or compacting. Save the packaging material in case the clamp meter needs to be returned.
2 Carefully remove the contents from the shipping
container, and verify that the standard accessories and your ordered options are included in the shipment according to the standard shipped items list found in the printed copy of the U1190A Series Quick Start Guide.
3 For any question or problems, refer to the Agilent contact
numbers on the back of this manual.
Introduction 1
Preparing Your Clamp Meter
U1190A Series User’s Guide 3

Installing the batteries

Your clamp meter is powered by two 1.5 V AAA alkaline batteries (included with the shipment). When you receive your clamp meter, the AAA alkaline batteries are not installed.
Use the following procedure to install the batteries.
Before you proceed with the batteries installation, remove all cable connections to the terminals and ensure that the rotary switch is at the OFF position. Use only the battery type specified in the “Product
Characteristics” on page 62.
1 Introduction
Preparing Your Clamp Meter
1 Open the battery cover. Loosen the screw with a suitable
Phillips screwdriver and remove the battery cover as shown in Figure 1-1.
2 Insert the batteries. Observe the proper battery polarity.
The terminal ends of each battery are indicated inside the battery compartment.
3 Close the battery cover. Place the battery cover back in
its original position and tighten the screw.
Figure 1-1 Installing the batteries
The battery level indicator in the lower left- hand corner of the display indicates the relative condition of the batteries.
Table 1- 1 describes the various battery levels the indicator
represents.
4 U1190A Series User’s Guide
Tab l e 1 - 1 Battery level indicator
WARNING
Indication Battery capacity
Full capacity
2/3 capacity
1/3 capacity
Introduction 1
Preparing Your Clamp Meter
(Flashing periodically)
[1] Batteries change advised. Always use the specified battery type listed in the
“Product Characteristics” on page 62.
Almost empty
[1]
To avoid false readings, which could lead to possible electric shock or personal injury, replace the batteries as soon as the low battery indicator appears. Do not discharge the batteries by shorting the batteries or reversing the polarity of the batteries.
U1190A Series User’s Guide 5
1 Introduction
Preparing Your Clamp Meter

Turning on your clamp meter

To power ON your clamp meter, turn the rotary switch from the OFF position to any other position.
Figure 1-2 Powering on the clamp meter
To power OFF your clamp meter, turn the rotary switch to the OFF position.
6 U1190A Series User’s Guide

Automatic Power-Off (APO)

NOTE
Your clamp meter automatically turns off if the rotary switch is not moved or a key is not pressed for 15 minutes (default). The clamp meter will beep thrice before it powers off. Pressing any key or turning the rotary switch to a new position will turn the clamp meter back on after it is powered off automatically.
The symbol is shown on the bottom left of the display when the automatic power-off function is enabled.
Follow the steps below to change the timer period or completely disable the automatic power-off.
1 Press and hold while powering on the clamp meter to
enter the Setup menu.
2 The automatic power- off (A #) timer period is the first
Setup item shown.
3 Press to make changes to the A # value.
Press or to change the timer period (from A 01 to A 99 minutes) or to completely disable the automatic power-off function (AoFF).
4 Press to save the changes, or press to discard
the changes and proceed to the next Setup item.
5 Cycle the clamp meter’s power to exit the Setup menu.
Introduction 1
Preparing Your Clamp Meter

Enabling the backlight

If viewing the display becomes difficult in low- light conditions, press (on the U1192A/U1193A/U1194A models) or (on the U1191A model) to activate the LCD backlight.
Press / again to deactivate the LCD backlight.
To conserve battery life, a user-adjustable timer controls how long the backlight stays on. The default timer period is 15 seconds.
U1190A Series User’s Guide 7
1 Introduction
WARNING
NOTE
Preparing Your Clamp Meter
Follow the steps below to change the timer period or completely disable the backlight timer.
1 Press and hold while powering on the clamp meter to
enter the Setup menu.
2 Press again. The backlight (b #) timer period is the
second Setup item shown.
3 Press to make changes to the b # value.
Press or to change the timer period (from b 01 to b 99 seconds) or to completely disable the backlight timer function (boFF).
4 Press to save the changes, or press to discard
the changes and proceed to the next Setup item.
5 Cycle the clamp meter’s power to exit the Setup menu.

Enabling the flashlight

This feature is applicable for U1192A, U1193A, and U1194A models only.
8 U1190A Series User’s Guide
If you are using the clamp meter in dark places, press and hold for more than 1 second to activate the LED flashlight for greater visibility on your test points. This is not applicable to the U1191A model.
Press for more than 1 second to deactivate the LED flashlight.
VISION ADVISORY CLAIM
It is advised that you do not look directly into the light source of the LED flashlight. As with any source of bright light, prolonged exposure can damage the eye.
To conserve battery life, a user-adjustable timer can be set to control how long the flashlight stays on. This function is disabled by default.
Preparing Your Clamp Meter
WARNING
Follow the steps below to change the timer period or completely disable the flashlight timer.
1 Press and hold while powering on the clamp meter to
enter the Setup menu.
2 Press twice. The f lashlight (t #) timer period is the
third Setup item shown.
3 Press to make changes to the t # value.
Press or to change the timer period (from t 01 to t 99 seconds) or to completely disable the flashlight timer function (toFF).
4 Press to save the changes, or press to discard
the changes and proceed to the next Setup item.
5 Cycle the clamp meter’s power to exit the Setup menu.

Alerts and warnings during measurement

Voltage alert
Introduction 1
U1190A Series User’s Guide 9
For your own safety, please do not ignore the voltage alert. When the clamp meter cautions you with a voltage alert, you are advised to take note of the existence of high voltage and pay closer attention when performing measurements.
Your clamp meter provides a voltage alert for voltage measurements. The clamp meter starts beeping periodically once the measured voltage exceeds the alert value (regardless of polarity) set.
Hazardous voltage indication
The clamp meter will also display the hazardous voltage ( ) symbol as an early precaution when the measured voltage is equal to or greater than 30 V in all voltage measurement modes.
1 Introduction
+
Preparing Your Clamp Meter

Power-on options

Some options can be selected only while you turn the clamp meter on. These power- on options are listed in the table below.
To select a power- on option, press and hold the specified key in Table 1- 2 while turning the rotary switch from the
OFF position to any other position.
Tab l e 1 - 2 Power-on options
Key Description
Tests the LCD.
All annunciators are displayed in the LCD for 10 seconds. Cycle the clamp meter’s power to exit this mode, or wait 10 seconds for the clamp meter to return to normal operation.
Checks the firmware version.
The clamp meter’s firmware version will be shown on the primary display. Cycle the clamp meter’s power to exit this mode.
Enters the clamp meter’s Setup menu.
See the following topics for more information on each respective Setup menu item.
“Automatic Power-Off (APO)” on page 7
“Enabling the backlight” on page 7
“Enabling the flashlight” on page 8
“Changing the continuity visual alert” on page 37
Cycle the clamp meter’s power to exit the Setup menu.
Enters the unit selection menu for temperature measurements (U1194A only).
See “Changing the default temperature unit” on page 46 for more information. Cycle the clamp meter’s power to exit this menu.
10 U1190A Series User’s Guide

Your Clamp Meter in Brief

77.14 mm
77.14 mm

Dimensions

Front view
Introduction 1
Your Clamp Meter in Brief
U1190A Series User’s Guide 11
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