Amprobe VPC-20N User Manual

DIGITAL VOLTAGE &

CONTINUITY TESTER MODEL

VPC-20N

Instruction Manual

Safety Information

l Never use the tester if it or its test leads appear damaged.
l Never apply more than 600V DC or 600V AC rms. between any

terminal and earth ground

l When using the probes, keep your fingers behind the finger

guards on the probes.

l Turn off power to the circuit under test before cutting, unsoldering,

or breaking the circuit. Small amounts of current can be
dangerous.

l Use caution when working with voltages above 60V DC or 30V AC

rms. Such voltages pose a shock hazard.

Automatic Operation

The tester automatically turns on when you short the two test probes or
place the probes across a complete circuit.
When turned on, the tester powers up in continuity mode. If a DC or AC
voltage greater than about 4.0V is present across the inputs, the tester
switches to DC or AC voltage mode.
The tester automatically shuts down after approx. 4 minutes of
inactivity.

Continuity testing

Turn off circuit power before testing.
Beeper indicates shorts lasting 1 ms or longer.

SHORT 10KW OPEN

Measuring Voltage

Refer to Automatic Selection

DC Voltage (Volts DC>4.0V) AC Voltage (Volts DC>4.0V)
600V DC maximum 600VAC maximum

50Hz to 400Hz

12V DC 220V AC

Non-contact AC Voltage (NCV) detection operating instructions
WARNING: Risk of Electrocution. High-voltage circuit, both AC and

DC, are very dangerous and should be measured with great care.
WARNING: Risk of Electrocution. Before using to check for voltage
in an outlet, always test the Voltage Tester on a known live circuit to
verify that the Voltage Tester is working properly.
WARNING: Risk of Electrocution. Keep hands and fingers on the
body of the probe and away from the probe tip. Don’t touch
conductor.

1. To check for AC voltage, assure the bottle shaped protrusion of

the fixed probe, see figure below, is in close proximity to the hot
conductor. The LED in the fixed probe will illuminate.

2. To check for the presence of AC voltage at an outlet, using the

NCV LED, insert either probe tip into the outlet’s hot side. If the
black probe is used only the NCV LED will illuminate. If the fixed
probe is inserted not only will the NCV LED illuminate but some
of the LEDs on the front of the instrument will illuminate also. In
this application these LEDs won’t indicate the correct voltage
and should be ignored.

To check for the presence of AC electrical voltage in a conductor

or outlet:

1. Touch the bottle shaped protrusion of the probe tip to the hot

conductor, or insert the probe tip into all the outlet holes. The probe will

distinguish between hot and neutral.

2. If AC electrical voltage is present and this is the hot side, the non­contact probe LED will illuminate.

Specifications

Function

Range

Accuracy (%rdg. + digits)

V AC (50Hz~400Hz)

600V

+(2.9%+8)

V DC

600V

+(1.5%+2)

Continuity test: Audible threshold 0~10KW, Continuity beeper 2KHz.

Overload protection: AC/DC 600V

Dimension/wt.: 215x96.3x37.5mm/312g

Display: Large 1999 count LCD display with function and high voltage
warning indication.

Maximum Voltage Between any Terminal and Earth Ground:
600V DC; 600V AC RMS, Over-voltage Category III

Safety: UL Listed; 61010B-1: For use in Over-Voltage CAT III, 600V
environments

EMC Regulations: EN50081-1, EN50082-1
Pollution Degree: 2
For indoor use only.
Polarity: Automatic, (-) negative polarity indication.
Over-range: “1” mark indication

Low battery indication: The “BAT” is displayed when the battery voltage
drops below the operating level.

Measurement rate: 2 times per second, nominal
Continuity test: Audible threshold 0 -10KW, Continuity beeper 2KHz
Input Impedance: 400KW

Non-contact AC Voltage Sensitivity: 100 to 600V (50/60 Hz)

Non-contact AC Voltage detection distance: <0.5” of NCV sensor
Temperature: Operating: 5°C (41°F) to 40°C (104°F)

Storage:-30˚C to +60˚C

Altitude: Operating: 2,000m; Storage: 10,000m
Relative Humidity: 80% for Temperature up to 31˚C decreasing

linearly to 50% RH at 40˚C

Battery Type: AA (2); NEDA 15F or IEC R6

Replacing the Batteries

If the sign “BAT” appears on the LCD, it indicates that the batteries should be
replaced. Remove screws on the back cover and open the case. Replace the
exhausted batteries with new batteries. (AA (2); NEDA 15F or IEC R6)

Disconnect probes from Voltage
Do Not over-tighten screws 2xAA

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.

Miramar, FL

Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

www.Amprobe.com

P/N: ATP 0403D printed in China