Amprobe ACD-14-FX User Manual

ACD-14 FX
ACD-14 TRMS FX

User Manual

• Bedienungshandbuch

• Mode d’emploi

• Manuale d’Uso

• Manual de uso

• Bruksanvisning

ACD-14 FX
ACD-14 TRMS FX

Owner’s Manual

Limited Warranty and Limitation of Liability
Your Amprobe product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for 1 year from
the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover fuses, disposable batteries or damage from
accident, neglect, misuse, alteration, contamination, or abnormal conditions of operation or
handling. Resellers are not authorized to extend any other warranty on Amprobe’s behalf.
To obtain service during the warranty period, return the product with proof of purchase to
an authorized Amprobe Test Tools Service Center or to an Amprobe dealer or distributor. See
Repair Section for details. THIS WARRANTY IS YOUR ONLY REMEDY. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES ­WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STAUTORY - INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY, ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED. MANUFACTURER
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
OR LOSSES, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY. Since some states or countries do not allow
the exclusion or limitation of an implied warranty or of incidental or consequential damages,
this limitation of liability may not apply to you.

Repair

All test tools returned for warranty or non-warranty repair or for calibration should be accom­panied by the following: your name, company’s name, address, telephone number, and proof of
purchase. Additionally, please include a brief description of the problem or the service request­ed and include the test leads with the meter. Non-warranty repair or replacement charges
should be remitted in the form of a check, a money order, credit card with expiration date, or a
purchase order made payable to Amprobe® Test Tools.

In-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – All Countries

Please read the warranty statement and check your battery before requesting repair. During the
warranty period any defective test tool can be returned to your Amprobe® Test Tools distribu­tor for an exchange for the same or like product. Please check the “Where to Buy” section on
www.amprobe.com for a list of distributors near you. Additionally, in the United States and
Canada In-Warranty repair and replacement units can also be sent to a Amprobe® Test Tools
Service Center (see address below).

Non-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – US and Canada

Non-warranty repairs in the United States and Canada should be sent to a Amprobe® Test Tools
Service Center. Call Amprobe® Test Tools or inquire at your point of purchase for current repair
and replacement rates.

In USA In Canada

Amprobe Test Tools Amprobe Test Tools
Everett, WA 98203 Mississauga, ON L4Z 1X9
Tel: 877-AMPROBE (267-7623) Tel: [phone]

Non-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – Europe

European non-warranty units can be replaced by your Amprobe® Test Tools distributor for a
nominal charge. Please check the “Where to Buy” section on www.amprobe.com for a list of
distributors near you.

European Correspondence Address*

Amprobe® Test Tools Europe
P.O. Box 1186
5602 BD Eindhoven
The Netherlands
*(Correspondence only – no repair or replacement available from this address. European
customers please contact your distributor.)

1

ACD-14 FX

ACD-14 TRMS FX

Contents:

Safety Regulations ..............................................................................................................................3

Product Description ............................................................................................................................5

Operation ............................................................................................................................................6

Maintenance ......................................................................................................................................12

Specifications .....................................................................................................................................14

2

Congratulations! Your new instrument has been crafted according to quality standards
and contains quality components and workmanship. It has been inspected for proper
operation of all of its functions and tested by qualified factory technicians according to
the long-established standards of Amprobe.

Safety Regulations

This manual contains information and warnings that must be followed for operating
the instrument safely and maintaining the instrument in a safe operating condition. If
the instrument is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection
provided by the instrument may be impaired.

OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III: Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III is equipment in
fixed installations.

Note – Examples include switches in the fixed installation and some equipment for
industrial use with permanent connection to the fixed installation.

TERMS IN THIS MANUAL

WARNING: Identifies conditions and actions that could result in serious injury or

even death to the user.

CAUTION: Identifies conditions and actions that could cause damage or

malfunction in the instrument.

3

WARNING:

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or moisture.
The meter is intended only for indoor use.

To avoid electrical shock hazard, observe the proper safety precautions when working
with voltages above 60 VDC or 30 VAC rms. These voltage levels pose a potential shock
hazard to the user.

Inspect test leads, connectors, and probes for damaged insulation or exposed metal
before using the instrument. If any defects are found, replace them immediately.

Do not touch test lead tips or the circuit being tested while power is applied to the circuit
being measured. To avoid accidental short circuit of bare (un-insulated) hazardous live
conductors or bus bars, switch them off before insertion and removal of the current
clamp jaws. Contact with the conductor could result in electric shock.

Keep your hands/fingers behind the hand/finger barriers that indicate the limits of safe
access of the meter and the test leads during measurement.

CAUTION:

Disconnect the test leads from the test points before changing meter functions.

INTERNATIONAL ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS

Caution! Refer to the explanation in this Manual

Caution! Risk of electric shock

Earth (Ground)

Double Insulation or Reinforced insulation

Fuse

AC--Alternating Current

DC--Direct Current

Conformity symbol, the instrument complies with the valid directives. It complies
with the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and the Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC)
with their valid standards.

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. [Note: Canadian and US.]

4

Product Description

Note: Please refer to Specification Section for function details.

1) Clamp Jaw for AC current magnetic field
pick up

2) Hand/Finger Barrier to indicate the
limits of safe access of the meter during
measurement

3) Power ON/OFF buttons for ACA current
function and MAX/Hold features

4) Push-button for frequency selection

5) Input Jack for all functions EXCEPT
clamp-on ACA current function

6) Common (Ground reference) Input Jack
for all functions EXCEPT clamp-on ACA
current function

7) Slide-switch Selector to turn the lower
display ON/OFF and to Select functions

8) Lower Display: for Input Jack functions

3-3/4 digits 4000 counts LCD

9) Upper Display: for ACA current Clamp-on

3-3/4 digits 4000 counts LCD

10) Jaw trigger for opening the ACA current
clamp jaw

5

Operation

DC Voltage, AC Voltage, Hz Frequency functions

Inputs are made through the test lead terminals. Move the slide-switch to the “V”
position. The unit defaults at DC voltage. Press SELECT button momentarily to select AC

voltage.

To activate the Hz Frequency function, press the Hz button momentarily.

Note: 400.0mV range is designed with 1000MΩ high input impedance for least current
drain in measuring small signals, and can cope better with most commercially available
voltage output transducers/adapters. The non-zero display reading is normal when the
meter inputs are open circuit, which will not affect actual measurement accuracy. The
meter will show close to zero reading when the inputs are shorted. Open input is actually
a floating condition, which is not a zero-volt-input condition.

6

Note: Hz input sensitivity varies automatically with function range selected while
activating the Hz function. Lowest range has the highest sensitivity, and the highest
range has the lowest sensitivity. Activating the Hz function WHILE measuring the specific
function signal (auto ranging) can automatically select the best sensitivity range to
avoid electrical noise that may cause unstable Hz reading. However, if the Hz reading
shows zero due to insufficient sensitivity, activate the Hz function BEFORE measuring the
specific function signal. The meter is then in the lowest range and can select the highest
sensitivity range.

Ω Resistance, and Continuity functions

Inputs are made through the test leads terminals. Move the slide-switch to the “Ω”

position. The unit defaults at Ω. Press SELECT button momentarily to select

Continuity function, which is convenient for checking wiring connections and operation

of switches. A continuous beep tone indicates a complete wire circuit.

7

Diode test function

Inputs are made through the test lead terminals. Move the slide-switch to the “Ω”

position. The unit defaults at Ω. Press SELECT button momentarily 2 times to select

Diode test function.

Normal forward voltage drop (forward biased) for a good silicon diode is between

0.400V to 0.900V. A reading higher than that indicates a leaky diode (defective). A zero

reading indicates a shorted diode (defective).

An OL indicates an open diode (defective). Reverse the test leads connections (reverse

biased) across the diode. The digital display shows OL if the diode is good. Any other

readings indicate the diode is resistive or shorted (defective).

Capacitance function

Inputs are made through the test leads terminals. Move the slide-switch to the “Ω”

position. The unit defaults at Ω. Press SELECT button momentarily 3 times to select

Capacitance function.

CAUTION

Measuring Resistance, Continuity, Diode or Capacitance function on a live circuit will
produce false results and may damage the instrument. In many cases the suspected
component must be disconnected from the circuit to obtain an accurate measurement

reading.

8

ACA Current clamp-on function

Inputs are made through the clamp on jaws for non-invasive ACA current measurements.

Press the OFF push button momentarily to power on and off the separate ACA function
(upper) display. The MAX HOLD push button can also be used to power on this function.
This twin ACA function display can be used simultaneously with voltage measurements or
any of the other slide-switch functions (lower display) or it can be used alone.

CAUTION

Clamp the jaws around only one single conductor of a circuit for load current
measurement. Enclosing more than one conductor of a circuit will result in differential
current (like identifying leakage current) measurement.

9

Make sure the jaws are completely closed, or else it will introduce measurement errors.

Strong Electro-magnetic field environments such as high-current transformers, motors
and conductors may affect measurement accuracy.

Temperature function

Insert the banana plug type-K temperature bead probe (TPK-59), observing the proper
+ - polarities. Move the slide-switch to the “°F/°C” position. The unit defaults at degree C
(Celsius). Press SELECT button momentarily to select degree F (Fahrenheit).

µA Current function

Inputs are made through the test leads terminals. Move the slide-switch to the “µA”
position. The unit defaults at DC. Press SELECT button momentarily to select AC.

You can select the Hz function by momentarily pressing the Hz button.

10

Application notes:

The DC µA function is designed especially for HVAC/R flame sensor applications. The

0.1µA resolution is useful for identifying the minute current changes in flame detector
applications. Flame signal current check should indicate steady flame signal of at least
2µA for a rectification type, 1.5µA for an ultraviolet type, or 8µA for self-checking
systems. If a flame signal current with inadequate strength or fluctuation beyond 10%,
check the following to avoid the risk of unwanted flame relay dropout:

For gas or oil flames (Minipeeper):

• Low supply voltage

• Detector location

• Defective detector wiring

• Dirty viewing windows

• Faulty Minipeeper

For oil flames (Photocell):

• Detector location & wiring

• Smoky flame or poorly adjusted air shutter

• Faulty Photocell

• Temperature over 165°F (74°C) at photocell

For gas flames (Flame Rod):

• Ignition interference (A flame signal current difference with the ignition
both on and off greater than 0.5µA indicates the presence of ignition
interference)

• Insufficient ground (must be at least 4 times the detector area)

• Flame lifting off burner head (ground), or not continuously in contact with
the flame rod

• Temperature in excess of 600°F (316°C) at the flame electrode insulator,
causing short to ground.

HOLD

The hold feature freezes the upper ACA display for later viewing. Press the HOLD button
momentarily to activate or exit this feature.

MAX

The Max feature compares and displays the measured maximum value (on the upper ACA
display) as fast as 25ms with auto-ranging capability. Press the MAX button for 1 second

or more to activate or exit this feature.

11

Auto-ranging

When there is more than one measuring range under a selected meter function, the LED
annunciator “a” turns on in the upper left corner. The meter will automatically switch to
the best resolution range when making measurements. No manual ranging selection is
required.

Auto Power Off (APO)

When the meter is on, the Auto Power Off (APO) feature will switch the meter into a
sleep mode automatically to extend battery life after approximately 30 minutes of the
last front panel activity. To wake up the meter from APO, press the buttons momentarily
or move the slide-switch to the OFF position and then back on again. Always set the
slide-switch to the OFF position manually when the meter is not in use.

Maintenance

WARNING

To avoid electrical shock, disconnect the meter from any circuit, remove the test leads
from the input jacks and turn OFF the meter BEFORE opening the case. Do NOT operate
with open case.

Trouble Shooting

If the instrument fails to operate, first check the batteries and test leads etc., and replace
as necessary. Double check the operating procedures as described in this User’s Manual.

If the instrument voltage-resistance input terminal is subjected to a high voltage
transient (e.g. lightning or switching surge) by accident or abnormal conditions of
operation, the series fusible resistors will be blown (become high impedance) like fuses
to protect the user and the instrument. Most measuring functions through this terminal
will then be an open circuit. A qualified technician should then replace the series fusible
resistors and the spark gaps. Refer to the LIMITED WARRANTY section for obtaining
warranty or repair service.

Cleaning and Storage

Periodically wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent; do not use abrasives
or solvents. If the meter is not to be used for periods of longer than 60 days, remove the
batteries and store them separately.

12

Battery replacement

The meter uses 2 standard 3V alkaline button batteries (ANSI/NEDA-5004LC, IEC-CR2030).

The lower battery is used for the slide-switch functions, and the upper battery is used for
the upper display ACA function separately.

Low Battery Indication: When the battery voltage drops below approx. 2.4V, a battery
symbol will appear in the upper right corner of the LCD display, indicating that the
battery needs replacing.

To replace the batteries, loosen the two screws from the case bottom and remove the
bottom case. Slide the battery out the side of the holder (see example below) and replace
with a new battery (observe polarity). Replace the bottom case. Note: Take care to insure
that the two (2) springs (located near the lower battery) line up with the speaker in the
rear cover.

Re-fasten the screws.

13

Specifications

General Specifications
Display: 3-3/4 digits 4000 counts, dual LCD displays
Update Rate: 3 per second nominal
Polarity: Automatic
Low Battery Indication: Below approx. 2.4V
Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Relative Humidity: Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures up to 31°C

(88° F) decreasing linearly to 50% relative humidity at 40°C (104° F)

Altitude: Operating below 2000m (6,562 ft)
Storage Temperature: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F), < 80% R.H. (with battery removed)
Temperature Coefficient: nominal 0.15 x (specified accuracy)/0°C - 18°C or 28°C - 40°C

(°F @ 32°F - 64°F or 82°F - 104°F, or otherwise specified

Sensing: Average sensing for ACD-14 FX; True RMS for ACD-14 TRMS FX
Power Supply: Two 3V alkaline button batteries (ANSI/NEDA-5004LC, IEC-CR2032).
Battery Life: 95 hours approx. (in DCV mode)
Power Consumption: 2.5 mA typical for ACD-14 FX;

2.9mA typical for ACD-14 TRMS FX

Low Battery Indication: Below approx. 2.4V (battery symbol appears in upper right)
Auto Power Off: After being idle for 30 minutes
APO Consumption:

ACD-14 FX: 0.8µA typical except 25µA typical for temperature function
ACD-14 TRMS FX: 10µA typical except 25µA typical for temperature function

Dimension: L 190mm X W 63mm X H 32mm (L 7.48” X W 2.48” X H 1.25”)
Weight: 204 g (0.450 Lb) approx.
Jaw opening & Conductor diameter: 26mm (1.02”) max
Safety: Category III 600 Volts AC & DC

CE Approved
UL Listed

Transient protection: 6.5kV (1.2/50µs surge) for all models
Pollution degree: 2
Overload Protections:

ACA Clamp-on jaws: AC 400A RMS continuous
“+” & “COM” terminals (all functions): 600VDC/VAC RMS

14

Standard Accessories:

Test leads (pair), banana plug style, bead Type-K Thermocouple, batteries, user’s manual,
& soft carrying case.

Replacement Part Numbers:

Test Leads (pair): MTL-90B, Bead Type-K Thermocouple: TPK-59, Carrying Case: SV-U

Electrical Specifications

Accuracy is ±(% reading digits + number of digits) or otherwise specified, at 73°F ± 9°F
(23°C ± 5°C) & less than 75% R.H.
True RMS Model ACD-14 TRMS FX ACV, AcµA & ACA clamp-on accuracies are specified
from 5% to 100% of range or otherwise specified. Maximum Crest Factor are < 1.96 at
full scale & < 3.92 at half scale, and with frequency spectrums, besides fundamentals, fall
within the meter specified AC bandwidth for non-sinusoidal waveforms.

DC Voltage

RANGE Accuracy

400.0 mV 0.3% + 4d

4.000V, 40.00V, 400.0V 0.5% + 3d

600V 1.0% + 4d

NMRR: >50dB @ 50/60Hz
CMRR: >120dB @ DC, 50/60Hz, Rs=1kΩ
Input Impedance: 10MΩ, 30pF nominal
(1000MΩ for 400.0mV range)

Max Hold (where applicable)

Specified accuracy ± 50 digits for changes
> 25ms in duration

Type-K Temperature

RANGE Accuracy*

-20°C TO 300°C 2% + 3°C

-4°F TO 572°F 2% + 6°F

*Type-K thermocouple range & accuracy
not included

AC Voltage

RANGE Accuracy 1)

50Hz -- 500Hz

4.000V, 40.00V,

400.0V

600V 2.0% + 5d

1.5% + 5d

CMRR: >60dB @ DC to 60Hz, Rs=1kΩ

Input Impedance: 10MΩ, 30pF nominal

ACA Current (Clamp-on)

RANGE Accuracy

50Hz / 60Hz

40.00A 1.9% + 8d

400.0A 1.9% + 8d*

600A** unspecified

*Accuracy specified to 350A continuous,
and 400A for 60-second max with 5
minutes cool down interval

**Added range to indicate instantaneous
over-range current values

TRMS model ACD-14 TRMS FX accuracy is
specified from 10% to 100% of range.

15

DC µA

RANGE Accuracy

400.0µA 1.5% + 4d 2.8mV/µA

2000µA 1.2% + 3d 2.8mV/µA

Burden

Voltage

AC µA

RANGE Accuracy

50Hz -- 500Hz

400.0µA 2.0% + 5d 2.8mV/µA

2000µA 1.5% + 5d 2.8mV/µA

Burden

Voltage

Capacitance

RANGE* Accuracy**

500.0nF, 5.000µF,

50.00µF, 500.0µF,
3000µF

3.5%*** + 6d

*Additional 50.00nF range accuracy is not
specified

**Accuracies with film capacitor or better

***Specified with battery voltage above

2.8V (approximately half full battery).
Accuracy decreases gradually to 12%
at low battery warning voltage of
approximately 2.4V

Ohms

RANGE Accuracy

400.0Ω 0.8% + 6d

4.000kΩ, 40.00kΩ,

400.0kΩ

4.000MΩ 1.0% + 4d

40.00MΩ 2.0% + 4d

0.6% + 4d

Open Circuit Voltage: 0.4VDC typical

Audible Continuity Tester

Audible threshold: between 10Ω and
120Ω.

Diode Tester

Open Circuit

Voltage

< 1.6 VDC 0.25mA

Test Current

(Typical)

Hz Frequency

Function

400.0mV 300mV 10Hz --

4.000V 4V 5Hz --

40.00V 28V 5Hz --

400.0V 100V 5Hz --

600V 500V 5Hz -- 5kHz

400.0µA 500µA 10Hz --

2000µA 500µA 10Hz --

Display counts: 5000
Best resolution: 0.001Hz
Accuracy: 0.5%+4d

Sensitivity

(Sine RMS)

16

Range

2kHz

40kHz

100kHz

100kHz

30kHz

30kHz

17