Amprobe AM-100 User Manual

USER'S
MANUAL

AM-100
AM-105 TRMS
AM-110 TRMS

Digital
Multimeters

1

1) SAFETY

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. The meter is intended only for indoor use.

The meter (all versions) is protected, against the users, by double insulation per CSA
C22.2 No. 1010-1-92, EN61010-1(1995) and IEC61010-1(1995) to CAT II 1000V &
CAT III 600V.

Protection-reinforced CE version Terminals (to COM) ratings:

V : Category II 1000 Volts AC & DC, and Category III 600 Volts AC & DC.
A / mAµA : Category III 500 Volts AC and 300 Volts DC.

PER IEC61010 OVERVOLTAGE INSTALLATION CATEGORY

OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II

Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II is energy-consuming equipment to be
supplied from the fixed installation.
Note – Examples include household, office, and laboratory appliances.

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.

2

WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or
moisture. 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. Do not touch test lead tips or the circuit being
tested while power is applied to the circuit being measured. Keep your fingers behind
the finger guards of the test leads during measurement. 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 measure any current that
exceeds the current rating of the protection fuse. Do not attempt a current
measurement to any circuit where the open circuit voltage is above the protection fuse
voltage rating. Suspected open circuit voltage should be checked with voltage
functions. Never attempt a voltage measurement with the test lead inserted into the

µA/mA or A input jack. Only replace the blown fuse with the proper rating as specified
in this manual.

CAUTION
Disconnect the test leads from the test points before changing functions. Always set
the instrument to the highest range and work downward for an unknown value when
using manual ranging mode.

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

2) CENELEC DIRECTIVES

The instruments conform to CENELEC Low-voltage directive 73/23/EEC and
Electromagnetic compatibility directive 89/336/EEC

3

3) PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

This user's manual uses only representative model for illustrations. Please refer
specification details for function availability to each model.

1) 3-3/4 digits 4000
counts LCD display

2) Push-buttons for
special functions &
features

3) Selector to turn the
Power On or Off and
select a function

4) Input Jack (+) for 10A
(20A for 30sec) current
function

5) Input Jack (+) for all
functions EXCEPT current

(

A, mA, A) function

µ

6) Common (Ground
reference) Input Jack (-)
for all functions

7) Input Jack (+) for
milli-amp and micro-amp
functions

4) OPERATION
DC Voltage, AC Voltage, & Hz Frequency functions

4

Note:

1) AC 400.0mV range selection is by RANGE button manually, and is specified from
AC 10mV (AC 40mV for True RMS models AM-105 & AM-110) and up.

2) DC 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 and adapters. The non-zero display reading is normal when
the meter inputs are open circuit, which will not affect actual measurement accuracy.
Open input is actually a floating condition, which is not a zero-volt-input condition. The
meter will show zero or close to zero reading when the inputs are shorted.

5

Ω Resistance, and

Defaults at Ω. Press SELECT button momentarily to select

Continuity functions

Continuity function
which is convenient for checking wiring connections and operation of switches. A
continuous beep tone indicates a complete wire.

CAUTION

Using Resistance, Continuity, Diode or Capacitance function in 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.

6

Diode test,

Defaults at Ω. Press SELECT button momentarily 2 times to select

Capacitance functions

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).

Defaults at Ω. Press
function. Relative zero

SELECT

button momentarily 3 times to select

Capacitance

mode can be used to zero out the parasitic capacitance of
the leads and the internal protection circuitry of the meter when measuring low
capacitance in the order of Pico Farad (pF).

CAUTION

Discharge capacitors before making any measurement. Large value capacitors should
be discharged through an appropriate resistance load

µA, mA, and A Current functions

Default at DC. Press SELECT button momentarily to select AC.

7

CAUTION

When measuring a 3-phase system, special attention should be taken to the
phase-to-phase voltage which is significantly higher than the phase-to-earth voltage.
To avoid exceeding the voltage rating of the protection fuse(s) accidentally, always
consider the phase-to-phase voltage as the working voltage for the protection fuse(s).

Beep-Jack™ Input Warning

The meter beeps to warn the user against possible damage to the meter due to
improper connections to the µA, mA, or A input jacks when other function (like voltage
function) is selected.

Temperature function (AM-110 only)

Be sure to insert the banana plug type-K temperature bead probe Bkp60 (Optional
purchase) with correct

polarities. Defaults at degree C (Celsius). Press
SELECT button momentarily to select degree F (Fahrenheit). You can also use a plug
adapter (Optional purchase) with banana pins to type-K socket to adapt other type-K
standard mini plug temperature probes (refer to www.amprobe.com).

8

Relative zero

Relative zero

mode

mode allows the user to offset the meter consecutive measurements
with the displaying reading as the reference value. The display will now show readings
relative to the stored reference value. That is, display = reading - stored value. Press
the

button momentarily to activate or to exit relative zero mode.

Backlighted display

Press the SELECT button for 1 second or more to turn on or off the display backlight
function.

Manual or Auto-ranging

Press the
will remain in the range it was in, the LCD symbol

RANGE

button momentarily to select manual-ranging mode, and the meter

turns off. Press the button
momentarily again to step through the ranges. Press and hold the button for 1 second
or more to resume auto-ranging mode.
Note: Manual ranging mode feature is not available in Hz & Cx functions.

HOLD

9

The hold feature freezes the display for later view. Press the HOLD

button

momentarily to activate or to exit the hold feature.

MAX

The max feature compares and displays the measured maximum value as fast as
25ms in a single range, and with automatic up range capability. Press the MAX
button for 1 second or more to activate or to exit the max feature in the voltage or
current functions.

Sleep Mode

The meter will enter a low power consumption sleep mode automatically to extend
battery life after approximately 30 minutes of no rotary-switch or push button
operations. To wake up the meter from sleep mode, press any buttons momentarily or
turn the rotary-switch to an adjacent position. Always set the rotary-switch to the OFF
position manually when the meter is not in use.

5) 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.

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

Trouble Shooting

If the instrument fails to operate, check batteries and test leads etc., and replace as
necessary. Double check operating procedure as described in this user’s manual.

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

10

Battery and Fuse replacement

Battery use:

Standard 1.5V AAA Size (NEDA 24A or IEC LR03) battery X 2

Protection-reinforced CE Version fuses:

Fuse (FS1) for µAmA current input: 0.63A/500V, IR 200kA, F fuse (FA-6x32/.63);
Fuse (FS2) for A current input: 12.5A/500V, IR 20kA, F fuse (FA-12.5A/500V);

Battery replacement:

Loosen the 2 screws from the battery access door of the case bottom. Lift the battery
access door and thus the battery compartment up. Replace the battery. Re-fasten the
screws.

Fuse replacement:

Loosen the 4 screws from the case bottom. Lift the end of the case bottom nearest the
input jacks until it unsnaps from the case top. Replace the blown fuse(s) and/or the
battery. Replace the case bottom, and ensure that all the gaskets are properly seated
and the two snaps on the case top (near the LCD side) are engaged. Re-fasten the
screws.

6) Specifications
General Specifications

11

Display :

3-3/4 digits 4000 counts LCD display

Polarity : Automatic
Update Rate : 3 per second nominal

Operating Temperature : 0°C to 40°C
Relative Humidity :

Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperature up to 31°C

decreasing linearly to 50% relative humidity at 40°C

Altitude: Operating below 2000m
Pollution degree: 2
Storage Temperature:

-20

O

C to 60

Temperature Coefficient: nominal 0.15 x (specified accuracy)/

O

28

C -40OC), or otherwise specified

O

C, < 80% R.H. (with battery removed)

O

C @(0OC -18OC or

Sensing: Average sensing for AM-100. True RMS for AM-105 TRMS & AM-110 TRMS
Safety: The meter (all versions) is protected, against the users, by double insulation

per CSA C22.2 No. 1010-1-92, EN61010-1(1995) and IEC61010-1(1995) to CAT II
1000V & CAT III 600V.

Protection-reinforced CE Terminals (to COM) ratings:

V : Category II 1000 Volts AC & DC, and Category III 600 Volts AC & DC.
A / mAµA : Category III 500 Volts AC and 300 Volts DC.

Overload Protections:

Protection-reinforced CE:

µA & mA : 0.63A/500V, IR200kA, F Fuse;
A: 12.5A/500V, IR20kA, F Fuse;
V: 1050Vrms, 1450Vpeak;
Ω, & Others: 600VDC/VAC rms

Transient protection: 6.5kV (1.2/50µs surge)
Power Supply: 1.5V AAA Size (NEDA 24A or IEC LR03) battery X 2
Power Consumption: 3.2 mA typical
Low Battery: Below approx. 2.4V
E.M.C.: Meets EN61326(1997, 1998/A1), EN61000-4-2(1995), and

EN61000-4-3(1996)

In an RF field of 3V/m:

Capacitance function is not specified

AC 4.000V range: Total Accuracy = Specified Accuracy + 700 digits
AC 400.0µA range: Total Accuracy = Specified Accuracy + 300 digits

Other function ranges: Total Accuracy = Specified Accuracy + 40 digits

Performance above 3V/m is not specified

12

Sleep Mode Timing: Idle for 30 minutes
Sleep Mode Consumption: 300µA typical for AM100; 360µA typical for AM-105

TRMS & AM-110 TRMS

Dimension: L193mm X W97mm X H46
Weight: 370 gm
Special Features: 25ms Max Hold; Data Hold; Relative zero mode; Beep-jack™ input

warning; Back-lighted display (AM-110 TRMS only)

Accessories: Test leads (pair), batteries installed, user's manual

Electrical Specifications

Accuracy is ±(% reading digits + number of digits) or otherwise specified, at 23

O

C & less than 75% R.H.

1)

Models AM-105 TRMS & AM-110 TRMS True RMS accuracy of ACV & ACA is

O

C ±5

specified from 5 % (10% for AC400.0mV range) to 100 % of range, or otherwise
specified. Maximum Crest Factor < 1.75 : 1 at full scale & < 3.5 : 1 at half scale, and
with frequency components within the specified frequency bandwidth for non-sinusoidal
waveforms

DC Voltage

RANGE Accuracy

400.0 mV 0.3% + 4d

4.000V, 40.00V,

0.5% + 3d

400.0V
1000V 1.0% + 4d
NMRR: >50dB @ 50/60Hz
CMRR: >120dB @ DC, 50/60Hz, Rs=1kΩ
Input Impedance: 10MΩ, 30pF nominal
(1000MΩ for 400.0mV range)

AC Voltage

RANGE Accuracy

1)

50Hz -- 500Hz

400.0mV* 4.0% + 5d

4.000V, 40.00V,

1.5% + 5d

400.0V
1000V 4.0% + 5d

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

Type-K Temperature (AM-110 TRMS)

RANGE Accuracy*

-20 OC TO 300 OC 2% + 3 OC

-4 OF TO 572 OF 2% + 6 OF
*Type-K thermocouple range & accuracy

not included

*Selection by RANGE button manually,
and is specified from AC 10mV (AC
40mV for True RMS models AM-105
TRMS AM-110 TRMS) and up

Max Hold (Voltage & Current)

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

13

DC Current

RANGE Accuracy Burden

Voltage

400.0µA
4000µA

2.0% + 5d

1.2% + 3d

0.15mV/µA

0.15mV/µA

40.00mA 2.0% + 5d 3.3mV/mA

400.0mA 1.2% + 3d 3.3mV/mA

4.000A 2.0% + 5d 0.03V/A

10.00A* 1.2% + 3d 0.03V/A
*10A continuous, 20A for 30 second max

with 5 minutes cool down interval

AC Current

RANGE Accuracy

1)

Burden

Voltage

Capacitance

RANGE* Accuracy**

500.0nF, 5.000µF,

50.00µF, 500.0µF,

3.5%*** + 6d

3000µF
*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

Hz Frequency

50Hz -- 500Hz

400.0µA
4000µA

2.0% + 6d

1.5% + 4d

0.15mV/µA

0.15mV/µA

40.00mA 2.0% + 6d 3.3mV/mA

RANGE* Accuracy**

50.00Hz, 500.0Hz,

5.000kHz,

50.00kHz,

500.0kHz,

400.0mA 1.7% + 4d 3.3mV/mA

1.000MHz

4.000A 2.0% + 6d 0.03V/A

10.00A* 1.8% + 4d 0.03V/A

*Additional 5.000Hz range accuracy &
sensitivity are not specified

*10A continuous, 20A for 30 second max

**Accuracy is specified at < 20VAC rms

with 5 minutes cool down interval

Ohms

RANGE Accuracy

400.0Ω

4.000kΩ, 40.00kΩ,

0.8% + 6d

0.6% + 4d

Input Signal: Square wave with duty
cycle > 40% & < 70%; or Sine wave Vrms
AC
Sensitivity:
10Hz--20Hz : > Sine 0.9Vrms;
20Hz--500kHz: > 2.6Vp; or Sine 1.9Vrms;

400.0kΩ

500kHz--1MHz: > 4.2Vp; or Sine 3Vrms

4.000MΩ

1.0% + 4d
Update Rate: 2 per second nominal

40.00MΩ

2.0% + 4d

0.5%+4d

Open Circuit Voltage : 0.4VDC typical

Audible Continuity Tester

Audible threshold : between 10Ω and
120Ω

Diode Tester

Open Circuit
Voltage

Test Current

(Typical)

< 1.6 VDC 0.25mA

LIMITED WARRANTY

Congratulations! Your new instrument has been quality 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 our company.

Your instrument has a limited warranty against defective materials and/or workmanship
for one year from the date of purchase provided that, in the opinion of the factory, the
instrument has not been tampered with or taken apart.

Should your instrument fail due to defective materials, and/or workmanship
during this one year period, a no charge repair or replacement will be made to
the original purchaser. Please have your dated bill of sale, which must identify
the instrument model number and serial number and call the number listed
below:

Repair Department
ATP – Amprobe, TIF, Promax
Miramar, FL
Phone: [phone]

800-327-5060
Fax: [phone]
Website: www.amprobe.com

Please obtain an RMA number before returning product for repair.

Outside the U.S.A. the local representative will assist you. Above limited warranty
covers repair and replacement of instrument only and no other obligation is stated or
implied.

P/N: 7M1C-0671-0000