Amprobe AM-500, AM-500-EUR Users Manual

AM-500

Autoranging
Mulitmeter

AM-500-EUR

Digital
Multimeter

Users Manual

• Mode d’emploi

• Bedienungshandbuch

• Manuale d’uso

• Manual de uso

• Gebruikershandleiding

• Podręcznik użytkownika

• Användarhandbok

• Brukerhåndbok

• Käyttöohje

• Manual do utilizador

• Brugervejledning

AM-500

Autoranging Mulitmeter

AM-500-EUR

Digital Multimeter

Users Manual

8/2012, 4275548 A
©2012 Amprobe Test Tools.
All rights reserved. Printed in China

English

Limited Warranty and Limitation of Liability

Your Amprobe product will be free from defects in material and
workmanship for one year from the date of purchase, unless
local laws require otherwise. 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 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®.

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® 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®
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 an Amprobe® Service Center. Call Amprobe® or inquire at
your point of purchase for current repair and replacement rates.

In USA: In Canada:
Amprobe Amprobe
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®
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® Europe
Beha-Amprobe GmbH
In den Engematten 14
79286 Glottertal, Germany
Tel.: [phone] - 0
www.beha-amprobe.com
*(Correspondence only – no repair or replacement available from

this address. European customers please contact your distributor.)

AM-500 Autoranging Mulitmeter
AM-500-EUR DIY-PRO Digital Multimeter

4

7

8

1

32

5

6

1

LCD Display

2

SELECT Button

5

Input Terminal for voltage, diode, resistance and

continuity measurement

6

Input Terminal for battery test and AC/DC mA or μA

measurement

7

Input Terminal for AC/DC A measurement to10A

8

COM (return) terminal for all measurements

3

DATA HOLD Button

4

Rotary Switch

Screen Display

1 6 7

2
3

4

5

1

The Meter selects the range with best resolution

2

Direct Current

3

Alternate Current

4

Negative reading

5

Data hold

6

Diode test

7

Continuity test

8

Measurement units for resistance test

9

Measurement units for voltage test

10

Measurement units for current test

11

Low battery indicator

12

Battery Test

8

11
12

10

9

CONTENTS

SYMBOLS ............................................................................ 2

SAFETY INFORMATION ......................................................2

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION ..........................................4

FEATURES ............................................................................4

MAKING MEASUREMENT .................................................. 5

Rotary Switch Positions .................................................. 5

SELECT Button ................................................................ 6

DATA HOLD Button ........................................................ 6

Auto Power OFF ............................................................. 6

Measuring AC and DC Voltage ...................................... 6

Measuring Resistance .................................................... 7

Measuring Continuity .................................................... 7

Measuring Diode ............................................................ 8

Battery Test .....................................................................8

Measuring AC and DC Current ...................................... 9

SPECIFICATION ....................................................................10

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR .............................................14

BATTERY AND FUSE REPLACEMENT .................................. 15

1

SYMBOLS

Caution ! Risk of electric shock.



Caution! Refer to the explanation in this Manual



Alternating Current (AC)



Direct Current (DC)



The equipment is protected by double insulation



or reinforced insulation
Earth (Ground)



Audible tone



Battery
Complies with European Directives



Conforms to relevant Australian standards



Canadian Standards Association (NRTL/C)



Do not dispose of this product as unsorted



municipal waste. Contact a qualified recycler.



SAFETY INFORMATION

The Meter complies with:
IEC/EN 61010-1 3rd Edition, UL61010-1 2nd Ed. and CAN/
CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-04 + CSA Update No.1: 2008 to
Category III 600 Volts, Pollution degree 2
IEC/EN 61010-2-030
IEC/EN 61010-2-31 for test leads
EMC IEC/EN 61326-1

“This product has been tested to the requirements of
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1, second edition, including
Amendment 1, or a later version of the same standard
incorporating the same level of testing requirements”.

Measurement Category III (CAT III) is for measurements
performed in the building installation. Examples are
measurements on distribution boards, circuit- breakers,
wiring, including cables, bus-bars, junction boxes,

2

switches, socket-outlets in the fixed installation, and
equipment for industrial use and some other equipment,
for example, stationary motors with permanent
connection to the fixed installation.

CENELEC Directives

The instruments conform to CENELEC Low-voltage
directive 2006/95/EC and Electromagnetic compatibility
directive 2004/108/EC



Warning: Read Before Using

• To avoid possible electrical shock or personal injury,

follow these instructions and use the Meter only as
specified in this manual.

• Do not use the Meter or test leads if they appear

damaged, or if the Meter is not operating properly.
If in doubt, have the Meter serviced.

• Always use the proper function and range for

measurements.

• Before rotating the function range selection switch,

disconnect test probe from circuit under test.

• Verify the Meter’s operation by measuring on a
known voltage source.

• Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as
marked on the Meter, between the test probe or

between any test probe and earth ground.

• Use the Meter with caution for voltages above 30
Vac rms, 42 Vac peak, or 60 Vdc. These voltages pose
electrical shock hazards.

• Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-

voltage capacitors before testing resistance.

• Do not use the Meter around explosive gas or vapor.

• When using the test leads, keep your fingers behind

the finger guards.

• Remove test leads from the Meter before opening

the Meter case or battery door.

• if the meter is used in a manner not specified in

the users manual, the protection provided by the
equipment may be impaired

3

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

Your shipping carton should include:

1 AM-500 or AM-500-EUR Multimeter
1 Pair of test leads
2 1.5V alkaline AAA battery (installed)
1 Users manual
1 Carrying case
If any of the items are damaged or missing, return

the complete package to the place of purchase for an
exchange.

FEATURES

Easy to use digital multimeter designed for the
homeowner or DIY enthusiast. Install, troubleshoot or
repair light fixtures, fans, appliances, or automotive
electrical problems with easy and safety of a CAT III 600V
rated product. Check for voltage in electrical sockets,
extension cords, batteries and other electrical circuits. Let
the power of a professional Amprobe multimeter keep
you safe and help you solve all your electrical challenges.

• Measurements: Voltage up to 600V AC/DC, AC/DC

Current and Resistance

• Audible continuity

• Diode Test

• Data hold

• Auto power off

• Low battery warning

• Safety: CAT III 600V

4

MAKING MEASUREMENT



1. Use the proper function and range for
measurements.

2. To avoid possible electrical shock, personal injury or
damages to the Meter, disconnect circuit power and
discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing
resistance and diode.

3. Connecting test leads:

• Connect the common (COM) test lead to the circuit

before connecting the live lead.

• After measurement, remove live lead before

removing the common (COM) test lead from the
circuit.

4. Symbol “OL” is displayed on LCD when the
measurement is out of range.

Rotary Switch Positions

Switch Position Measurement Function

AC or DC voltage measurement (use
SELECT button for switching to AC
or DC).

Resistance measurement
Voltage measurement of diode PN

junction
Continuity measurement
For measurement of dry batteries of

9V

not exceeding 15Vdc
For measurement of dry batteries of

1.5V
not exceeding 2Vdc

AC or DC current measurement (use
SELECT button for switching to AC
or DC).

μA

V





mA A

5

Press to select altemate measurement

SELECT

Button

functions on the rotary switch.

DATA

Display freezes present reading

HOLD

SELECT Button

Press the yellow SELECT button to select alternate
measurement functions on the rotary switch.

DATA HOLD Button

Press DATA HOLD button to freeze present reading on
display. Press again to resume normal operation.

Auto Power OFF

Auto power off: approx. 15 minutes.
When the Meter is in auto power off mode, press SELECT
or DATA HOLD button to resume normal operation.

Measuring AC and DC Voltage

Press SELECT button to switch to DC voltage
measurement function.

Do not apply on a voltage source higher than

AC/DC 600V.

6

Measuring Resistance

Disconnect circuit power and discharge all

high-voltage capacitors before testing resistance.

Note: On a higher resistance measurement (>1MΩ), the
measurement may take a few seconds to get stable reading.

Measuring Continuity

Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-

voltage capacitors before testing continuity.

7

Measuring Diode

Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-

voltage capacitors before testing diode.

Battery Test

Applying a voltage source or incorrect battery type

under battery test may cause personal Injury or damage
to the Meter.
Battery 1.5V range is for dry battery not exceeding 2Vdc.
The resistance load is around 30Ω.
Battery 9V range is for dry battery not exceeding 15Vdc.
The resistance load is around 1KΩ.The resistance load is
around 1KΩ.

8

Measuring AC and DC Current

Press SELECT button for switching to DC current
measurement function.

To avoid personal injury or damage to the Meter:

1. Do not attempt to make an in-circuit current
measurement when the open-circuit potential to
earth ground exceeding 600 V.

2. Switch to proper function and range for your
measurement.

3. Do not place the test probe in parallel with a circuit
when the test leads are connected to the current
terminals.

4. Connect the test leads to the correct input A/mA μA
current terminal and to the circuit before powering
the circuit under test.

5. After measurement, switching OFF the circuit’s
power before removing test leads from the circuit.

or

for

for

For current range from 8-10A, do not measure current
for more than one (1) minute. Wait for 10 minutes
before taking another measurement.

9

SPECIFICATION

Ambient temperature: 23°C ±5°C (73.4°F ±9°F)
Relative temperature: ≤ 75%
Accuracy: ±(% of reading + digits)

Maximum voltage between input terminal and earth

ground: AC 600Vrms or DC 600V

Fuse for mA μA input:

0.5A H 660V fast-fuse, 6.3x32mm (AM-500)

0.5A H 700V fast-fuse, 6.3x32mm (AM-500-EUR)

Fuse for 10A input:

10A H 660V fast-fuse, 6.3x32mm (AM-500)
10A H 600V fast-fuse, 6x25mm (AM-500-EUR)

Maximum display: 1999, updates 2 to 3/sec

Over-range indication: OL
Range: Automatic
Altitude: Operating ≤ 2000m
Operating temperature: 0°C ~ +40°C (32°F ~ 104°F)
Relative humidity: 0°C ~ +30°C (32°F ~ 86°F) ≤ 75%; +30°C

~ +40°C (86°F ~ 104°F) ≤ 50%

Storage temperature: -10°C ~ +50°C (14°F ~ 122°F)
Electromagnetic compatibility: In an RF filed of 1V/m =

Specified accuracy ±5%

Battery: 2 x 1.5V AAA alkaline battery or equivalent
Low battery indication:

Dimensions (L x W x H): 150 mm x 83 mm x 40 mm (5.9 in
x 3.3 in x 1.6 in)

Weight: Approx. 290g (0.64lb) with batteries installed

10

1. DC Voltage Measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

200.0mV 0.1mV ±(0.8%+3dgt)

2.000V 1mV
±(0.8%+1dgt)20.00V 10mV

200.0V 100mV

600V 1V ±(1.0%+3dgt)

Input impedance: around 10M; (Input impedance > 3G
for DC 200mV range)
Overload protection: 600VDC or AC rms

2. AC Voltage Measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

2.000V 1mV
±(1.0%+3dgt)20.00V 10mV

200.0V 100mV

600V 1V ±(1.2%+3dgt)

Input impedance: around 10M
Frequency response: 45Hz ~ 400Hz
Overload protection: 600VDC or AC rms

3. Resistance Measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

200.0Ω 0.1Ω

2.000kΩ 1Ω

200.0kΩ 100Ω

2.000MΩ 1kΩ ±(1.2%+2dgt)

20.00MΩ 10kΩ ±(1.5%+5dgt)

±(1.2%+5dgt) at ≤5Ω
±(1.2%+3dgt) at >5Ω

±(1.0%+2dgt)20.00kΩ 10Ω

11

200Ω range: Measured value = (Measured display value)
– (Short-circuiting value of probe)

Open circuit voltage: around 0.5V
Overload protection: 600V

4. : Continuity : Diode measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

Open circuit voltage is around 0.5V.
Resistance >150Ω, buzzer will not

0.1Ω



Overload protection: 600V

1mV

sound.
Resistance ≤10Ω, buzzer will sound.

11 < Resistance < 150.........Not

Specified.
Open-circuit voltage is around 1.5V.

Normal voltage is around 0.5V to

0.8V for silicon PN junction.

5. Battery Test

Range Resolution Accuracy

1.5V

9V

Overload protection:

10mV ±(10%+3dgt)



F1 fuse, 0.5A H 660V fast-fuse, 6.3x32mm (AM-500)
F1 fuse, 0.5A H 700V fast-fuse, 6.3x32mm (AM-500-EUR)
For 1.5V range: Load resistance is around 30Ω.
For 9V range: Load resistance is around 1kΩ.

12

6. DC Current Measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

200.0μA 0.1μA

μA

2000μA 1μA

20.00mA 10μA

mA

200.0mA 0.1mA

2.000A 1mA

A

10.00A 10mA

Overload protection:

±(1.0%+2dgt)

±(1.2%+3dgt)



mA /μA input:

F1 fuse, 0.5A H 660V fast-fuse, 6.3x32mm (AM-500)
F1 fuse, 0.5A H 700V fast-fuse, 6.3x32mm (AM-500-EUR)

10 A input:

F2 fuse, 10A H 660V fast-fuse, 6.3x32mm (AM-500)
F2 fuse, 10A H 600V fast-fuse, 6x25mm (AM-500-EUR)

7. AC Current Measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

200.0μA 0.1μA

μA

2000μA 1μA

20.00mA 10μA

mA

200.0mA 0.1mA

2.000A 1mA

A

10.00A 10mA

Frequency response: 45Hz ~ 400Hz
Overload protection:

±(1.2%+2dgt)

±(1.5%+3dgt)



mA /μA input:

F1 fuse, 0.5A H 660V fast-fuse, 6.3x32mm (AM-500)
F1 fuse, 0.5A H 700V fast-fuse, 6.3x32mm (AM-500-EUR)

13

10 A input:

F2 fuse, 10A H 660V fast-fuse, 6.3x32mm (AM-500)
F2 fuse, 10A H 600V fast-fuse, 6x25mm (AM-500-EUR)

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

If the Meter fails to operate, check battery, test leads, etc.,
and replace as necessary.
Double check the followings:

1. Replace the fuse or battery if the meter does not
work.

2. Review the operating instructions for possible
mistakes in operating procedure.

Except for the replacement of the battery, repair of the
meter should be performed only by an Authorized Service
Center or by other qualified instrument service personnel.

The front panel and case can be cleaned with a mild
solution of detergent and water.
Apply sparingly with a soft cloth and allow to dry
completely before using. Do not use aromatic
hydrocarbons, Gasoline or chlorinated solvents for
cleaning.

14

BATTERY AND FUSE REPLACEMENT



WARNING

To avoid shock, injury, or damage to the Meter:

Disconnect test leads before opening case.
Use ONLY fuses with the amperage, interrupt,
voltage, and speed ratings specified.

Replacing BATTERY follow below steps:

1. Disconnect the test lead probe from measuring
circuit.

2. Turn the Meter to OFF position.

3. Remove the screws from the battery cover and
open the battery cover

4. Remove the batteries and replace with two

1.5V Alkaline Batteries (AAA) or equivalent. Pay
attention to the polarity signs.

5. Put the battery cover back and re-fasten the screw.

Battery: 1.5V Alkaline Batteries (AAA) or equivalent

15

Replacing FUSE follow below steps:

1. Disconnect the test lead probe from measuring

circuit.

2. Turn the Meter to OFF position and remove the

holster.

3. Remove the screws from the enclosure and open

the enclosure.

4. Remove the broken fuse and replace with new

specified fuse.

5. Put the enclosure back and re-fasten the screw.

Fuse:
mA /μA input:

F1 fuse, 0.5A H 660V fast-fuse,

6.3x32mm (AM-500)

F1 fuse, 0.5A H 700V fast-fuse, 6.3x32mm (AM-500-EUR)

10 A input:

F2 fuse, 10A H 660V fast-fuse, 6.3x32mm (AM-500)
F2 fuse, 10A H 600V fast-fuse, 6x25mm (AM-500-EUR)

F1

F2

16