No p art o f this manu al may be re produce d in
any form or by any means (including electronic storage and retrieval or translation
into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agilent
Technologies, Inc. as governed by United
States and international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
U1251-90003
Edition
Tenth Edition, May 4, 2012
Printed in Malaysia
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
3501 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95052 USA
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
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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).
Warranty
The material contained in this document is provided “as is,” and is subject to being changed, without notice,
in future editions. Further, to the maximum extent permitted by 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.
Accessories Warranty
Agilent offers warranty for product’s accessories for up to 3 months from the end-user
acceptance date.
Standard Calibration Service
(optional)
Agilent offers an optional calibration service
contract for a period of 3 years from
end-user acceptance date.
Safety Notices
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like
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 like 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.
IIAgilent U1251A/U1252A User’s and Service Guide
Safety Symbols
CAT IV
600 V
The following symbols on the instrument and in the documentation indicate precautions which must be taken to
maintain safe operation of the instrument.
CAT III
1000 V
Category III 1000 V overvoltage protectionCategory IV 600 V overvoltage protection
Equipment protected throughout by
double insulation or reinforced
insulation
Caution, risk of danger (refer to this manual
for specific Warning or Caution information)
Earth (ground) terminal
Caution, risk of electric shock
Agilent U1251A/U1252A User’s and Service GuideIII
Safety Information
This meter is safety-certified in compliance with EN/IEC 61010-1:2001, UL 61010-1 Second Edition and CAN/CSA
22.2 61010-1 Second Edition, CAT III 1000 V/ CAT IV 600 V Overvoltage Protection, Pollution Degree II. Use with
standard or compatible test probes.
General Safety Information
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 of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies
assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.
IVAgilent U1251A/U1252A User’s and Service Guide
WARNING
• When working above 70 VDC, 33 VAC RMS or 46.7 V peak, exercise caution – such
range pose a shock hazard.
• Do not measure more than the rated voltage (as marked on the meter) between
terminals, or between terminal and earth ground.
• Double-check the meter’s operation by measuring a known voltage.
• For current measurement, turn off circuit power before connecting the meter to the
circuit. Always place the meter in series with the circuit.
• When connecting probes, always connect the common test probe first. When
disconnecting probes, always disconnect the live test probe first.
• Detach test probes from the meter before you open the battery cover.
• Do not use the meter with the battery cover or part of the cover removed or loose.
• Replace the battery as soon as the low battery indicator flashes on screen. This is
to avoid false readings, which may lead to possible electric shock or personal injury.
• Do not operate the product in an explosive atmosphere or in the presence of
flammable gases or fumes.
• Inspect the case for cracks or missing plastic. Pay extra attention to the insulation
surrounding the connectors. Do not use the meter if it is damaged.
• Inspect the test probes for damaged insulation or exposed metal, and check for
continuity. Do not use the test probe if it is damaged.
• Do not use any other AC charger adaptor apart from the one certified by Agilent with
this product.
• Do not use repaired fuses or short-circuited fuse-holders. For continued protection
against fire, replace the line fuses only with fuses of the same voltage and current
rating and recommended type.
• Do not service or perform adjustments alone. Under certain condition, hazardous
voltages may exist, even with the equipment switched off. To avoid dangerous electric
shock, service personnel must not attempt internal service or adjustment unless
another person, capable of rendering resuscitation or first aid, is present.
• Do not substitute parts or modify equipment to avoid the danger of introducing
additional hazards. Return the product to Agilent Technologies Sales and Service
Office for service and repair to ensure the safety features are maintained.
• Do not operate damaged equipment as the safety protection features built into this
product may have been impaired, either through physical damage, excessive
moisture, or any other reason. Remove power and do not use the product until safe
operation can be verified by service-trained personnel. If necessary, return the
product to Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office for service and repair to
ensure the safety features are maintained.
Agilent U1251A/U1252A User’s and Service GuideV
CAUTION
• Turn off the circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors in the circuit before
you perform resistance, continuity, diodes, or capacitance tests.
• Use the correct terminals, function, and range for your measurements.
• Never measure voltage when current measurement is selected.
• Use only recommended rechargeable battery. Ensure proper insertion of battery in the
meter, and follow the correct polarity.
• Disconnect test leads from all the terminals during battery charging.
VIAgilent U1251A/U1252A User’s and Service 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/electronic product in
domestic household waste.
Agilent U1251A/U1252A User’s and Service GuideVII
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/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
Technologies, or visit: www.agilent.com/environment/product for more
information.
Agilent Technologies, through Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), offers free and convenient
battery recycling options in the U.S. and Canada. Contact RBRC at 877-2-RECYCLE (877.273.2925) or online at:
http://www.call2recycle.org/ for the nearest recycling location.
VIIIAgilent U1251A/U1252A User’s and Service Guide
In This Guide…
1Getting Started
This chapter contains information on the Agilent U1251A and U1252A
handheld multimeter front panel, rotary switch, keypad, display, terminals
and rear panel.
2Making Measurements
This chapter contains information on how to make measurements using
the U1251A and U1252A handheld digital multimeter.
3Functions and Features
This chapter contains information on the functions and features that are
available for the U1251A and U1252A digital multimeter.
4Changing The Default Setting
This chapter shows you how to change the default factory settings of the
U1251A and U1252A and other available setting options
5Maintenance
This chapter will go through how to troubleshoot the handheld digital
multimeter if any problems arise.
6Performance Tests and Calibration
This chapter contains the performance test and the adjustment procedure.
7Specifications
This chapter lists the product characteristics, specification assumptions
and the specifications of the U1251A and U1252A digital multimeters.
Agilent U1251A/U1252A User’s and Service GuideIX
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
NOTE
The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for this instrument is available on the
Web site. You can search the DoC by its product model or description.
If you are unable to search for the respective DoC, please contact your
local Agilent representative.
XAgilent U1251A/U1252A User’s and Service Guide
Contents
1Getting Started
Introducing the U12521A/U1252A Handheld Digital Multimeter2
Check the shipment3
Adjusting the tilt-stand4
The rear panel at a glance7
The keypad at a glance9
The display at a glance11
Selecting display with the Hz button16
Selecting display with the Dual button18
Selection display with the Shift button20
The terminals at a glance22
2Making Measurements
Understanding The Measurement Instructions24
III
Measuring Voltage24
Measuring AC voltage25
Measuring DC voltage26
Measuring Current27
µA & mA measurement27
Percentage scale of 4 mA to 20 mA29
A (ampere) measurement31
Frequency Counter32
Measuring Resistance, Conductance and Testing Continuity34
Testing the display115
Current terminal test116
Charge terminal alert test117
Test Considerations118
Calibration Security119
Performance Verification Tests120
Unsecuring the instrument for calibration128
Calibration process131
Using the front panel for adjustments132
Adjustments Consideration133
Valid adjustment input values134
Adjustment procedure135
Finishing the adjustment142
To read the calibration count142
Calibration errors143
7Specifications
Product Characteristics146
Measurement Category149
Measurement category definition149
Specification Assumptions150
Electrical Specifications151
DC Specifications151
AC Specifications153
AC+DC Specifications for U1252A155
Capacitance Specifications156
Temperature Specifications156
Frequency Specifications157
Duty Cycle and Pulse Width Specifications157
Frequency Sensitivity Specifications158
XVIAbbreviated Book Title Variable (Edit this)
Peak Hold Specifications159
Frequency Counter Specifications for U1252A160
Square Wave Output for U1252A161
Figure 3-8 Full Log 62
Figure 3-9 Interval (Automatic) logging mode operation 64
Figure 3-10 Log review mode operation 66
Figure 3-11 Frequency adjustment for square wave output 68
Figure 3-12 Pulse width adjustment for square wave output 69
Figure 3-13 Duty cycle adjustment for Square Wave 70
Figure 3-14 Cable connection for remote communication 71
Figure 4-1 Data hold/Refersh hold setup 77
Figure 4-2 Data logging setup 78
Figure 4-3 Thermocouple type setup 79
Figure 4-4 Reference impedance for dBm measurement setup 80
Figure 4-5 Minimum frequency setup 81
Figure 4-6 Temperature unit setup 83
Figure 4-7 Auto power saving setup 85
Figure 4-8 % scale readout setup 86
Figure 4-9 Beep frequency setup 87
Figure 4-10 Backlit timer setup 88
Figure 4-11 Baud rate setup remote control 89
Figure 4-12 Parity check setup 90
Figure 4-13 Data bit setup for remote control 91
Figure 4-14 Echo mode setup for remote control 92
Figure 4-15 Print mode setup for remote control 93
Figure 4-16 Reset setup 94
Figure 5-1 9 V rectangular battery 97
Figure 5-2 Battery capacity display as trickle 100
Figure 5-3 Self-test 100
Figure 5-4 Charging mode 102
Figure 5-5 Charge end and trickle state 103
Figure 5-6 Battery charging procedure 104
Figure 5-7 Fuse replacement 107
Figure 6-1 LCD display 115
Figure 6-2 Input warning 116
Figure 6-3 Charge terminal alert 117
XAbbreviated Book Title Variable (Edit this)
List of Tables
Ta b l e 1 - 1Rotary switch description and functions 8
Ta b l e 1 - 2Keypad desciption and functions 9
Ta b l e 1 - 3General display symbols 12
Ta b l e 1 - 4Priamry display symbols 13
Ta b l e 1 - 5Secondary display symbols 14
Ta b l e 1 - 6Analog bar range and counts 15
Ta b l e 1 - 7Selecting display with the Hz button 16
Ta b l e 1 - 8Selecting display with the Dual button 18
Ta b l e 1 - 9Selecting display with the Shift button 20
Ta b l e 1 - 1 0Terminal connections for different measuring
functions 22
Ta b l e 2 - 1Numerical steps descriptions 24
Ta b l e 2 - 2Percentage scale and measurement range 29
Ta b l e 2 - 3Audible continuity measurement range 36
Ta b l e 4 - 1Available setting options in Setup mode 75
Ta b l e 5 - 1Battery voltage and corresponding percentage of charg-
es in standby and charging modes 100
Ta b l e 5 - 2 Error messages 101
Ta b l e 5 - 3Measurement readings for fuse checking 106
Ta b l e 5 - 4Fuse specifications 107
Ta b l e 5 - 5Basic troubleshooting procedures 108
Ta b l e 6 - 1Recommended Test Equipment 114
Ta b l e 6 - 2Performance verification test steps 121
Ta b l e 6 - 3Valid adjustment input values 134
Ta b l e 6 - 4Adjustment table 137
Ta b l e 7 - 1DC Accuracy ± (% of reading + Number of Least Signifi-
cant Digit) 151
Ta b l e 7 - 2U1251A accuracy specifications ± (% of reading + num-
ber of LSD) for true RMS AC voltage 153
Ta b l e 7 - 3U1251A accuracy specifications ± (% of reading + num-
ber of LSD) for true RMS AC current 153
Ta b l e 7 - 4U1252A accuracy specifications ± (% of reading + num-
ber of LSD) for true RMS AC voltage 154
Ta b l e 7 - 5U1252A accuracy specifications ± (% of reading + num-
ber of LSD) for true RMS AC current 154
Ta b l e 7 - 6U1252A true RMS ac+dc voltage specifications 155
II
Abbreviated Book Title Variable (Edit this)XI
II
Ta b l e 7 - 7U1252A true RMS ac+dc current specifications 155
Ta b l e 7 - 8Capacitance specifications 156
Ta b l e 7 - 9Temperature specifications 156
Ta b l e 7 - 1 0Frequency specifications 157
Ta b l e 7 - 1 1Duty cycle and pulse width specifications 157
Ta b l e 7 - 1 2Frequency sensitivity and trigger level specifications for
voltage measurements 158
Ta b l e 7 - 1 3Frequency sensitivity specifications for current
measurements 159
Ta b l e 7 - 1 4Peak hold specifications for dc voltage and current
measurements 159
Ta b l e 7 - 1 5Frequency counter (divide by 1) specifications 160
Ta b l e 7 - 1 6Frequency counter (divide by 100
specifications 160
Ta b l e 7 - 1 7Square wave output specifications 161
Ta b l e 7 - 1 8Display update rate (approximate) 162
Ta b l e 7 - 1 9Input Impedance 163
[4]
)
XIIAbbreviated Book Title Variable (Edit this)
Agilent U1251A and U1252A Handheld Digital Multimeter
User’s and Service Guide
1
Getting Started
Introducing the U12521A/U1252A Handheld Digital Multimeter 2
Check the shipment 3
Adjusting the tilt-stand 4
The front panel at a glance 6
The rear panel at a glance 7
The rotary switch at a glance 8
The keypad at a glance 9
The display at a glance 11
Selecting display with the Hz button 16
Selecting display with the Dual button 18
Selection display with the Shift button 20
The terminals at a glance 22
This chapter contains information on the Agilent U1251A
and U1252A handheld multimeter front panel, rotary switch,
keypad, display, terminals and rear panel.
Agilent Technologies
1
1Getting Started Tutorial
Introducing the U12521A/U1252A Handheld Digital Multimeter
Key features of this digital multimeter:
• DC, AC, and AC + DC (U1252A only) voltage and current
measurements.
• True- RMS measurement for both AC voltage and current
• Rechargeable Ni- MH battery with built- in charging
capability (U1252A only)
• Ambient temperature on second display
• Battery capacity indicator
• Blue LED backlight
• Resistance measurement of up to 50 MΩ (for U1251A)
and 500 MΩ (for U1252A)
• Conductance measurement from 0.01 nS (100 GΩ)
• Capacitance measurement of up to 100 mF
• Frequency counter up of to 20 MHz (U1252A only)
•
The % scale readout for 4–20 mA or 0–20 mA measurement
• dBm with selectable reference impedance
• 1 ms Peak Hold to catch inrush voltage and current easily
• Temperature test with selectable 0
(without ambient temperature compensation).
• K- type (for U1251A) and J/K-types temperature
measurement (for U1252A)
• Frequency, duty cycle, and pulse width measurements
• Dynamic Recording for min, max, and average readings
• Data Hold with manual or auto trigger and Null mode
• Diode and audible continuity tests
• Square wave generator with selectable frequency, pulse
width and duty cycle (U1252A only)
• Agilent GUI Application Software (IR- USB cable sold
separately)
• Closed case calibration
°C compensation
~ 50 nS
2Agilent U1251A/U1252A User’s and Service Guide
Check the shipment
Getting Started Tutorial1
Verify that you have received the following items with your
multimeter:
• 9 V alkaline battery (for U1251A only)
• Soft carrying case
• 4 mm probes
• Test leads
• Alligator clips
• SMT grabbers
• Fine tips test probes
• Mini grabber (black only)
• Rechargeable 7.2 V battery (for U1252A only)
• Power cord & AC adapter (for U1252A only)
• Quick Start Guide
• CD containing the User’s Guide, application software and
instrument drivers
• Certificate of Calibration
Contact your nearest Agilent Sales Office if any of the above
are missing.
Inspect the shipping containing 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
multimeter needs to be returned.
Please refer to the Agilent Handheld Tools brochure
(5989- 7340EN) for the full and latest list of handheld
accessories available.
Agilent U1251A/U1252A User’s and Service Guide 3
1Getting Started Tutorial
Adjusting the tilt-stand
To adjust the meter to a 60° standing position, pull the
tilt- stand outwards to its maximum reach.
IR-USB cable
To P C (h ost )
Tilt-stand at 60 °
Figure 1-1 Tilt-stand at 60
To adjust the meter to a 30° standing position, bend the tip
of the stand so that it is parallel to the ground before
pulling the stand outwards to its maximum reach.
Figure 1-2 Tilt-stand at 30
4Agilent U1251A/U1252A User’s and Service Guide
°
IR-USB cable
To P C (h ost )
Tilt-stand at 30 °
°
Getting Started Tutorial1
3. Flip the tilt-stand over until
this side of the
stand is facing the device instead of
facing you.
2. Detach the tilt-stand
1. Extend the tilt-stand until its
maximum reach
4. Re-attach the tilt-stand to an
upright position
To adjust the meter to a hanging position follow the steps
shown in Figure 1- 3 below.
Agilent U1251A/U1252A User’s and Service Guide 5
Figure 1-3 Tilt-stand at hanging position
1Getting Started Tutorial
The front panel at a glance
Display
Keypad
Rotary switch
Te r m i n a l
Connectors
Figure 1-4 U1252A front panel
6Agilent U1251A/U1252A User’s and Service Guide
The rear panel at a glance
Getting Started Tutorial1
IR communication port
Tes t pr obe
holders
Tilt-stand
Battery access
cover
Figure 1-5 Rear panel
Agilent U1251A/U1252A User’s and Service Guide 7
1Getting Started Tutorial
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
The rotary switch at a glance
Figure 1-6 Rotary switch
Tab l e 1 - 1 Rotary switch description and functions
No.Description/Function
1Charge mode (U1252A only) or OFF
2AC voltage
3AC voltage, DC voltage or DC+AC voltage (U1252A only)
4DC mV, AC mV, AC+DC mV (U1252A only)
5Resistance (Ω), Continuity, and Conductance ( nS )
6Frequency counter (U1252A only) or Diode
7Capacitance or Temperature
8DC µA, AC µA, and AC+DC µA
8Agilent U1251A/U1252A User’s and Service Guide
9DC mA, DC current, AC mA, AC current, or AC+DC current
10Square-wave output, Duty cycle, or Pulse width output(for
U1252A) and OFF (for U1251A)
The keypad at a glance
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
The operation of each key is shown below. Pressing a key
illuminates a related symbol on the display and emits a beep
from the multimeter. Turning the rotary switch to another
position resets the current operation of the key.
Figure 1- 7 below shows the keypad of the U1252A. The ms%
(Pulse width/Duty cycle), Hz, and frequency counter
functions are only available on the U1252A.
Getting Started Tutorial1
Figure 1-7 U1252A keypad
Tab l e 1 - 2 Keypad desciption and functions
ButtonFunction when pressed for less than 1 secondFunction when pressed for more than 1 second
1 acts as a toggle switch to turn backlit ON/OFF.
Backlit automatically turns off after 30s (default)
2 freezes the measured value. In Data Hold
mode, press again to trigger hold of the next measured
value. In Refresh Hold mode, reading updates
automatically once reading is stable and count setting
is exceeded
3 saves displayed value as a reference to be
subtracted from subsequent measurements. Press
again to see the relative value that has been saved.
[1]
.
displays the battery capacity for 3 seconds.
[1]
.
enters Dynamic Recording mode. Press
again to scroll through Max, Min, Avg, and present
readings (indicated by MAXMINAVG on display).
enters 1 ms Peak Hold mode. Press
to scroll through Max and Min peak readings.
Agilent U1251A/U1252A User’s and Service Guide 9
1Getting Started Tutorial
ButtonFunction when pressed for less than 1 secondFunction when pressed for more than 1 second
4 scrolls through the measuring function(s) at a
particular rotary switch position.
enters Log Review mode. Press to
switch to manual or interval logging data. Press
orto view first or last logged data respectively.
Press orto scroll up or down logged data.
Press for more than 1 second to exit mode.
5 scrolls through available measuring ranges
(except when rotary switch is set at TEMP or at Hz [for
U1252A] position)
[2]
.
6scrolls through available dual-combination
displays (except when rotary switch is set at TEMP, Hz
or [for U1252A] position, or when meter is in
1 ms peak hold or dynamic recording mode)
[3]
.
7 enters Frequency Test mode for current or
voltage measurements. Press to scroll through
frequency (Hz), duty cycle (%) and pulse width (ms)
functions. In duty cycle (%) and pulse width (ms)
tests, press to switch to positive or negative
sets to Auto Range mode.
exits Hold, Null, Dynamic Recording, 1 ms
Peak Hold and dual display modes.
enters logging mode. In manual data logging,
press to log data manually into memory. In
automatic data logging, data logs automatically
[1]
.
Press for more than 1 second to exit auto data
logging mode.
pulse.
Notes for keypad descriptions and functions:
1 See Ta b l e 4 - 1 on page 75, “Available setting options in Setup mode,” for details of available options.
2 When rotary switch is at TEMP, press to switch to ºC or ºF display. When rotary switch is at Hz, press to
switch to division of signal frequency by 1 or 100.
3 When rotary switch is at TEMP, ETC is ON by default. You may press to disable ETC (Environment Temperature
Compensation), will appear on display. For pulse and duty cycle measurement, press to switch trigger slope
to positive or negative. When meter is in peak or dynamic-recording mode, press to restart 1 ms peak hold or
dynamic recording mode.
10Agilent U1251A/U1252A User’s and Service Guide
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