Amprobe AM-520, AM-530, AM-520-EUR, AM-530-EUR Users Manual

AM-520

HVAC Multimeter

AM-530

True-rms Electrical
Contractor
Multimeter

AM-520-EUR
AM-530-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-520

HVAC Multimeter

AM-530

True-rms Electrical Contractor
Multimeter

AM-520-EUR / AM-530-EUR

Digital Multimeter

Users Manual

11/2012, Rev.2
©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-520 HVAC Multimeter
AM-530 True-rms Electrical Contractor Multimeter
AM-520-EUR / AM-530-EUR Digital Multimeter

1

2

3

6

4

5

10

9

Flash light

1

LCD Display

2

Function Buttons

3

Input Terminal for voltage, diode, capacitance,

7

Resistance, continuity and temperature measurement

COM (return) terminal for all measurements

8

Input Terminal for AC/DC mA/uA measurement

9

10

Input Terminal for AC/DC A measurement to10A

Flash light Button

4

Rotary Switch

5

SELECT Button

6

7

8

Screen Display

6 8 7

9
2
5
3
4

16

1

The Meter selects the range with best resolution

1

Direct Current

2

Negative reading

3

Alternate Current

4

Low battery indicator

5

Data hold

6

Diode test

7

Continuity test

8

Relative zero mode

9

10

Non-Contact Voltage

11

Measurement units for Resistance

12

Measurement units for Frequency

13

Measurement units for Voltage

14

Measurement units for Current

15

Measurement units for Capacitance

16

Auto Power Off

17

Maximum / minimum reading memory

18

Measurement unit for Temperature

19

Analog bar graph display

10 13 14 1517

18
12
11

19

AM-520 HVAC Multimeter
AM-530 True-rms Electrical Contractor Multimeter
AM-520-EUR / AM-530-EUR Digital 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

Measuring Temperature °C /°F .........................................................................11

Non-Contact Voltage Sensing ..........................................................................12

SPECIFICATION .......................................................................................................13

MAINTENANCE ......................................................................................................16

BATTERY AND FUSE REPLACEMENT .....................................................................17

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

Measurement Category II (CAT II) iis for measurements performed on circuit
directly connected to low voltage installation. Examples are measurements on
household appliances, portable tools and similar equipments.



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.

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

Your shipping carton should include:
1 AM-520 or AM-530 or AM-520-EUR or AM-530-EUR
1 Pair of test leads
1 Temperature probe
1 Velcro strap
1 9V (6F22) 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.

3

FEATURES

AM-520 / AM-520-EUR is designed for HVAC applications with key functions
such as temperature, micro amps used for flame sensor troubleshooting, as
well as and capacitance to check the motor startup capacitors. The AM-520 /
AM-520-EUR measures a complete range of electrical parameters and features
a built in flashlight, a “third hand” probe holder and VoltTect non-contact
voltage detection. Safety rated to CAT III 600V.

AM-530 / AM-530-EUR is the fully-featured multimeter of choice for the
professional electrical contractor. Measure and verify presence of voltage in
order to connect equipment or to perform repairs, run new wiring, check
continuity of electrical connections, identify blown fuses, troubleshoot motors
or check transformers. The AM-530 / AM-530-EUR features Truerms sensing
to accurately measure voltage on systems affected by harmonics, a built in
flashlight to detect wire colors in the dark, a “third hand” probe holder and
non-contact voltage detection. Safety rated to CAT III 600V.

• Measurements: Voltage up to 600VAC and 600VDC, AC/DC current,
Resistance, Frequency, Capacitance, Temperature.

• Frequency, Capacitance, Duty Cycle for troubleshooting applications

• Special Functions:

- Non-contact Voltage Detection

- Audible continuity

- Diode Test

• Backlit LCD display with analog bar graph

• Events:

- Data hold

- MAX / MIN Memory

- Relative zero mode

• Built in work light (flashlight)

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

• Auto and Manual ranging

• Auto power off

• Low battery warning

• Velcro strap to hang a meter

• 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
°C °F Temperature measurement
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

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

Function Buttons

Button Measurement Function

SELECT

HOLD /

Switching AC or DC. Press the yellow SELECT button to select
alternate measurement functions on the rotary switch.

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

5

REL

RANGE

MAX/MIN Maximum / minimum reading memory.

Press

to enable the function when at relevant rotary switch function.

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.

Flash light

Auto Power OFF

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

Measuring AC and DC Voltage

Press SELECT button to select AC/DC voltage measurement function.

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

voltage higher than 600Vac and 600Vdc.

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 AC 600V or DC 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.

7

RL

RL

Measuring Resistance

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

before testing resistance.

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.

Measuring Diode

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

before testing diode.

9

Measuring Capacitance

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

before testing capacitance.

Measuring Frequency

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

voltage higher than 600V.

10

Measuring Temperature °C / °F



1. To avoid personal injury or damage to the Meter, do not apply
thetemperature probe to any live conductive parts.

2. Temperature sensor K type (nickel-chromium/nichrosi) thermocouple is
suitable for temperature measurement below 230°C (446°F).

Measurement steps:

Step 1: Turn the rotary switch to °C or °F position. The display will show “OL”.
Step 2: Connect the temperature probe (K type) to the Meter and to the

surface to be measured.

11

Non-Contact Voltage Sensing

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

2. Buzzer will sound and screen will display “OL” when sensing AC voltage
between 90V and 600V

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

4. Before and after hazardous voltage measurements, test the Meter by
approaching to a known source such as a line AC voltage or outlet to
determine proper operation. See below figure.

Measuring distance
8mm

Buzzer will sound when the detected voltage is ≥90V, and the buzzer will be
on.The distances between the wire and the meter should be ≤8mm.



At NCV mode, LCD will display OL. No test lead connection are required for
NCV measurement.

12

SPECIFICATION

Ambient temperature: 73.4°F ±9 (23°C ±5°C); 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: F1 fuse, 0.5A H 1000V fast-fuse, (6.3×32)mm
 Fuse for 10A input: F2 fuse, 11A H 1000V fast-fuse, (10×38)mm

Maximum display: Digital 3999 counts, updates 3/sec. Frequency: 9999 counts.
Analog pointer display: 41 segments, updates 30 times/sec.
Over-range indication: OL
Range: Automatic and Manual
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: 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

400.0mV 0.1mV ± (0.8%+3LSD)

4.000V 1mV

± (0.8%+1LSD)40.00V 10mV

400.0V 100mV

600V 1V ±(1.0%+3LSD)

Input impedance: About 10M ;
(Input impedance is ≤3G except DC 400mV range)
Overload protection: ±600V

13

2. AC Voltage Measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

400.0mV 0.1mV ±(1.2%+3LSD)

4.000V 1mV

±(1.0%+3LSD)40.00V 10mV

400.0V 100mV

600V 1V ±(1.2%+3LSD)

Note: Manual range only for 400.0mV range.
Input impedance: Around 10MΩ
Frequency response: 45Hz ~ 400Hz

AM-520 / AM-520-EUR : Average sensing, rms indication.
AM-530 / AM-530-EUR: True RMS.

Overload protection: 600Vrms

3. Resistance Measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

400.0Ω 0.1Ω ±(1.2%+2LSD)

4.000kΩ 1Ω

±(1.0%+2LSD)40.00kΩ 10Ω

400.0kΩ 100Ω

4.000MΩ 1kΩ ±(1.2%+2LSD)

40.00MΩ 10kΩ ±(1.5%+5LSD)

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

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

4. : Circuit ON/OFF : Diode measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

Open circuit voltage is around 0.5V.

0.1Ω

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

14



Overload protection: 600V

1mV

Display range is 0V to 2.0V. Normal voltage is around

0.5V to 0.8V for silicon PN junction.

5. Capacitance Measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

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

400.0nF 100pF

4.000μF 1nF

40.00μF 10nF ±(3%+5LSD)

400.0μF 100nF ±(4%+5LSD)

4000μF 1μF For reference only

Overload protection: 600V

±(3%+5LSD) under REL status

6. Frequency Measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

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

Overload protection: 600Vrms

7. DC Current Measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

400.0μA 0.1μA

μA

mA

Overload protection:
mA /µA range:F1 fuse, 0.5A H 1000V fast-fuse, (
10 A range:F2 fuse, 11A H 1000V fast-fuse, ( 10×38)mm

4000μA 1μA

40.00mA 10μA

400.0mA 0.1mA

4.000A 1mA

A

10.00A 10mA

±(1.0%+2LSD)

±(1.2%+3LSD)

6.3×32)mm

15

8. AC Current Measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

400.0μA 0.1μA

μA

mA

Frequency response: 45Hz ~ 400Hz

AM-520 / AM-520-EUR : Average sensing, rms indication.
AM-530 / AM-530-EUR: True RMS.

Overload protection:
mA /µA range:F1 fuse, 0.5A H 1000V fast-fuse, (
10 A range:F2 fuse, 11A H 1000V fast-fuse, ( 10×38)mm

4000μA 1μA

40.00mA 10μA

400.0mA 0.1mA

A

4.000A 1mA

10.00A 10mA

±(1.2%+3LSD)

±(1.5%+3LSD)

6.3×32)mm

9. Temperature Measurement

Range Resolution Accuracy

-40 – 0°C

>0 – 100°C ±(1.2%+3 LSD)

>100 – 1000°C ±(2.5%+2 LSD)

-40 – 32°F

>32 – 212°F ±(1.8%+6 LSD)

>212 – 1832°F ±(2.5%+4 LSD)

Overload protection: 600V
K type (nickel-chromium/nichrosi) thermocouple must be used for temperature
measurement.

0.1°C @ < 400°C

≥ 400°C

1°C @

0.1°F @ < 752°F

≥ 752°F

1°F @

±(10%+4 LSD)

±(20%+6 LSD)

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: short-circuit /V/Ω/Hz terminal and mA/μA terminal.

Resistance reading ≤ 1MΩ: 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: short-circuit /V/Ω/Hz terminal and A terminal.

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

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
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 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 1000V fast-fuse, (
10 A input terminal: F2 fuse, 11A H 1000V fast-fuse, ( 10×38)mm

18

6.3×32)mm

F1

F2

9V battery

19