Amprobe AM-510 User Manual

AM-510

Commercial / Residential
Multimeter

Users Manual

99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176

Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431

Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com

AM-510

Commercial / Residential
Multimeter

Users Manual

July 2011, Rev.1
©2011 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 1 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 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).

AM-510

Commercial / Residential Multimeter

1

2

3

6

4

5

10

9

Flash light

1

LCD Display

2

Function Buttons

3

Input Terminal for voltage, frequency, diode,

7

capacitance, resistance and continuity measurement

COM (return) terminal for all measurements

8

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

9

measurement

10

Input Terminal for AC/DC A measurement to10A

Flash light Button

4

Rotary Switch

5

SELECT Button

6

7

8

Screen Display

5

4
3

2

1

10
11
12
13

76 8 9

The Meter selects the range with best resolution

1

Negative reading

2

Alternate Current

3

Low battery indicator

4

Data hold

5

Diode test

6

Continuity test

7

Relative zero mode

8

Non-Contact Voltage

9

Measurement units
Duty Cycle
Measurement unit for voltage
Battery Test

10

11

12
13

AM-510

Commercial / Residential Multimeter

CONTENTS

SYMBOL .................................................................................................................2

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

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION .............................................................................3

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

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

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

Measuring AC and DC Current .........................................................................7

Measuring Resistance .......................................................................................8

Measuring Continuity .......................................................................................9

Measuring Diode ...............................................................................................9

Measuring Capacitance ....................................................................................10

Measuring Frequency .......................................................................................10

Non-Contact Voltage Sensing ..........................................................................11

Battery Test ........................................................................................................12

SPECIFICATION .......................................................................................................12

MAINTENANCE ......................................................................................................17

BATTERY AND FUSE REPLACEMENT .....................................................................18

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.

61010.1-0.92 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

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, 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.

2

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 specied 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 ngers behind the nger guards.

• Remove test leads from the Meter before opening the Meter case or
battery door.

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

Your shipping carton should include:
1 AM-510 Multimeter
1 Pair of test leads
1 9V (6F22) battery (installed)
1 Users manual
If any of the items are damaged or missing, return the complete package to

the place of purchase for an exchange.

3

FEATURES

The digital multimeter designed for advanced residential applications. Rewire
an electrical panel, install heated oors or new light fixtures, troubleshoot and
repair home appliances, electrical sockets and automotive electrical problems
with this easy-to-use multimeter. The AM-510 features a built-in ashlight
to see wires in the dark, a kick stand, and probe holder to give you the
“third-hand” you need while taking measurements and non-contact voltage
detection for quick go-no-go checks without the need for an additional tool.
Compact yet tough, this multimeter is built to last through all your electrical
projects.

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

• Frequency, Capacitance, Duty Cycle for troubleshooting applications

• Special Functions:

- Non-contact Voltage Detection

- Audible continuity

- Diode Test

• Backlit LCD display

• Events:

- Data hold

- Relative zero mode

• Built in work light (ashlight)

• Built in test leads storage and “third hand” probe holder

• Auto and Manual ranging

• 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

V







Hz Frequency measurement

% Duty cycle

NCV Non-contact voltage

mA A

μA

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

Resistance measurement
Voltage measurement of diode PN junction

Continuity measurement
Capacitance measurement

9V For measurement of dry batteries of not exceeding 15Vdc

1.5V For measurement of dry batteries of not exceeding 2Vdc
AC or DC current measurement (use SELECT button for

switching to AC or DC).

Rotary Switch Positions

Button Measurement Function

SELECT

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

5

HOLD /

Press

REL

RANGE

Hz / %

to enable the function when at relevant rotary switch function.

Display freezes present reading / press 2 sec to turn on
LCD backlight.

Relative zero mode
Manual or Auto range switching. The default setting

is Auto ranging, press to switch to manual ranging
(selectable resolutions). Press for 2 sec to return to auto
ranging.

Frequency / Duty Cycle. Press to turn on Frequency
measurement mode; press again for duty cycle
measurement.

Flash light

Auto Power OFF

Auto power off: approx. 30 minutes.
When the Meter is in auto power off mode, press any button to resume
normal operation.

Measuring AC and DC Voltage

To avoid personal injury or damage to the Meter, do not apply voltage

higher than 600V.

Auto Range
/Manual Range

6

Measuring AC and DC Current

Press SELECT button to select AC or 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 600V.

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. For current range from 8-10A, do not measure current for more than 20
minutes. Wait for 10 minutes before taking another measurement

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

AC/DC

RL

Auto Range
/Manual Range

RL

7

AC/DC

RL

Auto Range
/Manual Range

RL

Measuring Resistance

Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors

before testing resistance.

R

Note:
On a higher resistance measurement (>1M), the measurement may take a
few seconds to get stable reading.
Over range or open circuit indication: OL

8

Measuring Continuity

Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors

before testing continuity.

R 1 0

R 150

Measuring Diode

Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors

before testing diode.

D

9

Measuring Capacitance

Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors

before testing capacitance.

Auto Range

C

Measuring Frequency

Press Hz/% button to select Frequency / Duty Cycle measurement function.

To avoid personal injury or damage to the Meter, do not apply voltage

higher than 600V.

Auto Range

10

Non-Contact Voltage Sensing



1. To avoid personal injury or damage to the Meter, do not test on

un-insulated high voltage wires.

2. Buzzer will sound when detecting voltage higher than AC 90V. Screen

displays“OL”.

3. Do not test on hazardous live wires higher than AC 600V.

0

9

11

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.

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 600V fast-fuse, ( 6×32)mm
Fuse for 10A input: 10A H 600V fast-fuse, ( 6×32)mm.

Maximum display: Digital 3999 counts, updates 3/sec. Frequency: 4999 counts.
Over-range indication: OL
Range: Automatic
Altitude: Operating ≤ 2000m
Operating temperature: 0°C ~ +40°C (32°F ~ 104°F)

12

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: 9V, 6F22, NEDA1604 or equivalent
Low battery indication:
Dimensions (L x W x H): 182 mm x 90 mm x 45 mm (7.2 in x 3.5 in x 1.8 in)
Weight: Approx. 354g (0.78lb) with batteries installed

1. DC Voltage Measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

4.000V 1mV

±(0.8%+1dgt)40.00V 10mV

400.0V 100mV

600V 1V ±(1.0%+3dgt)

Input impedance: around 10MΩ; (Input impedance > 3GΩ for DC 400mV
range)

Overload protection: ±600V

2. AC Voltage Measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

400.0mV 0.1mV ±(1.2%+3dgt)

4.000V 1mV

±(1.0%+3dgt)40.00V 10mV

400.0V 100mV

600V 1V ±(1.2%+3dgt)

Note: 400.0mV range is available for manual range only.
Input impedance: around 10MΩ
Frequency response: 45Hz ~ 400Hz

Average sensing, rms indication.
Overload protection: 600Vrms

13

3. Resistance Measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

400.0Ω 0.1Ω ±(1.2%+2dgt)

4.000kΩ 1Ω

±(1.0%+2dgt)40.00kΩ 10Ω

400.0kΩ 100Ω

4.000MΩ 1kΩ ±(1.2%+2dgt)

40.00MΩ 10kΩ ±(1.5%+5dgt)

400Ω range: Measured value = (Measured display value) – (Short-circuiting
value of probe)

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

4. : Continuity : Diode measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

Open circuit voltage is around 0.5V.

0.1Ω



Overload protection: 600Vrms

1mV

Resistance >150Ω, buzzer will not sound.
Resistance ≤10Ω, buzzer will sound.

Open-circuit voltage is around 1.5V. Normal voltage is
around 0.5V to 0.8V for silicon PN junction.

5. Capacitance Measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

40.00nF 10pF ±(3%+10dgt) under REL status

400.0nF 100pF

4.000uF 1nF

40.00uF 10nF ±(3%+5dgt)

100.0uF 100nF ±(4%+5dgt)

Overload protection: 600Vrms

±(3%+5dgt) under REL status

14

6. Measurement of frequency/duty cycle

Range Resolution Accuracy

10Hz~10MHz 0.01Hz~0. 01MHz ±(0.1%+4dgt)

0.1%~99.9% 0.1% --

Overload protection: 600Vrm
Input amplitude: (DC level is 0.)
10Hz~1MHz: 300mV ≤ a ≤30Vrms
>1MHz~10MHz: 600mV ≤ a ≤30Vrms
Input amplitude and frequency response must meet following conditions when
reading frequency or duty cycle during AC voltage or current measurement

• Input amplitude ≥ Range × 30%

• Frequency response: ≤400Hz

7. Battery Test

Range Internal load resistance Accuracy

1.5V About 30Ω

9V About 1kΩ

Overload protection:

±(1.0%+3dgt)



F1 fuse, 0.5A H 600V fast-fuse, ( 6×32)mm
For 1.5V range: Load resistance is around 30Ω.
For 9V range: Load resistance is around 1kΩ

8. DC Current Measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

400.0μA 0.1μA

μA

mA

4000μA 1μA

40.00mA 10μA

400.0mA 0.1mA

4.000A 1mA

A

10.00A 10mA

±(1.0%+2dgt)

±(1.2%+3dgt)

15

Overload protection:



mA /μA input:

F1 fuse, 0.5A H 600V fast-fuse, ( 6×32)mm

10 A input:

F2 fuse, 10A H 600V fast-fuse, ( 6×32)mm

9. AC Current Measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

400.0μA 0.1μA

μA

mA

Frequency response: 45Hz ~ 400Hz
Average sensing, rms indication
Overload protection:

4000μA 1μA

40.00mA 10μA

400.0mA 0.1mA

4.000A 1mA

A

10.00A 10mA



mA /μA input:

F1 fuse, 0.5A H 600V fast-fuse, ( 6×32)mm

10 A input:

F2 fuse, 10A H 600V fast-fuse, ( 6×32)mm

±(1.2%+2dgt)

±(1.5%+3dgt)

16

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.

Quick check on 0.5A FUSE:

Step 1: Turn the rotary switch to Ω function.
Step 2: Connect test lead to /V/Ω/Hz terminal and mA/μA terminal.

Resistance reading ≤ 10MΩ: the fuse is OK
Resistance reading “OL”: the fuse is open. Replace the fuse as specified.

Quick check on 10A FUSE:

Step 1: Turn the rotary switch to Ω function.
Step 2: Connect test lead to /V/Ω/Hz terminal and mA/μA terminal.

Resistance reading ≤ 0.5Ω: the fuse is OK.
Resistance reading “OL”: the fuse is open. Replace the fuse as specified.

Auto Range
/Manual Range

17

Except for the replacement of the battery, repair of the meter should be
performed only by a Factory 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.

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
specied.

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 one 9V (6F22) or equivalent. The
battery cover provides the correct polarity fitting construction design.
Install the battery in the battery cover.

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

Battery: 9V (6F22) Battery or equivalent

Replacing FUSE 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 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 ratings:
mA /μA input terminal:

F1 fuse, 0.5A H 600V fast-fuse, (

10 A input terminal:

F2 fuse, 10A H 600V fast-fuse, ( 6×32)mm

6×32)mm

18

9V Battery

19