Model: 8600, 8601, 8602, 8610, 8612, 8614, 8616
Programmable DC Electronic Loads
USER MANUAL
Safety Summary
The following safety precautions apply to both operating and maintenance personnel and must
be followed during all phases of operation, service, and repair of this instrument.
Before applying power to this instrument:
Read and understand the safety and operational information in this manual.
Apply all the listed safety precautions.
Verify that the voltage selector at the line power cord input is set to the correct line
voltage. Operating the instrument at an incorrect line voltage will void the warranty.
Make all connections to the instrument before applying power.
Do not operate the instrument in ways not specified by this manual or by B&K Precision.
Failure to comply with these precautions or with warnings elsewhere in this manual violates the
safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. B&K Precision
assumes no liability for a customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.
Category rating
The IEC 61010 standard defines safety category ratings that specify the amount of electrical
energy available and the voltage impulses that may occur on electrical conductors associated
with these category ratings. The category rating is a Roman numeral of I, II, III, or IV. This rating
is also accompanied by a maximum voltage of the circuit to be tested, which defines the voltage
impulses expected and required insulation clearances. These categories are:
Category I (CAT I): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are not intended to
be connected to the mains supply. The voltages in the environment are typically derived from a
limited-energy transformer or a battery.
Category II (CAT II): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are meant to be
connected to the mains supply at a standard wall outlet or similar sources. Example
measurement environments are portable tools and household appliances.
Category III (CAT III): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are meant to be
connected to the mains installation of a building. Examples are measurements inside a
building's circuit breaker panel or the wiring of permanently-installed motors.
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Category IV (CAT IV): Measurement instruments whose measurement inputs are meant to be
connected to the primary power entering a building or other outdoor wiring.
Do not use this instrument in an electrical environment with a higher category rating than what
is specified in this manual for this instrument.
You must ensure that each accessory you use with this instrument has a category rating equal
to or higher than the instrument's category rating to maintain the instrument's category rating.
Failure to do so will lower the category rating of the measuring system.
Electrical Power
This instrument is intended to be powered from a CATEGORY II mains power environment. The
mains power should be 120 V RMS or 240 V RMS. Use only the power cord supplied with the
instrument and ensure it is appropriate for your country of use.
Ground the Instrument
To minimize shock hazard, the instrument chassis and cabinet must be connected to an
electrical safety ground. This instrument is grounded through the ground conductor of the
supplied, three-conductor AC line power cable. The power cable must be plugged into an
approved three-conductor electrical outlet. The power jack and mating plug of the power cable
meet IEC safety standards.
Do not alter or defeat the ground connection. Without the safety ground connection, all
accessible conductive parts (including control knobs) may provide an electric shock. Failure to
use a properly-grounded approved outlet and the recommended three-conductor AC line
power cable may result in injury or death.
Unless otherwise stated, a ground connection on the instrument's front or rear panel is for a
reference of potential only and is not to be used as a safety ground.
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Do not operate in an explosive or flammable atmosphere
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable gases or vapors, fumes, or finelydivided particulates.
The instrument is designed to be used in office-type indoor environments. Do not operate the
instrument
In the presence of noxious, corrosive, or flammable fumes, gases, vapors, chemicals, or
finely-divided particulates.
In relative humidity conditions outside the instrument's specifications.
In environments where there is a danger of any liquid being spilled on the instrument or
where any liquid can condense on the instrument.
In air temperatures exceeding the specified operating temperatures.
In atmospheric pressures outside the specified altitude limits or where the surrounding
gas is not air.
In environments with restricted cooling air flow, even if the air temperatures are within
specifications.
In direct sunlight.
This instrument is intended to be used in an indoor pollution degree 2 environment. The
operating temperature range is 0 °C to 40 °C and the operating humidity range is ≤ 95% relative
humidity with no condensation allowed.
Measurements made by this instrument may be outside specifications if the instrument is used
in non-office-type environments. Such environments may include rapid temperature or
humidity changes, sunlight, vibration and/or mechanical shocks, acoustic noise, electrical noise,
strong electric fields, or strong magnetic fields.
Do not operate instrument if damaged
If the instrument is damaged, appears to be damaged, or if any liquid,
chemical, or other material gets on or inside the instrument, remove the instrument's power
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cord, remove the instrument from service, label it as not to be operated, and return the
instrument to B&K Precision for repair. Notify B&K Precision of the nature of any contamination
of the instrument.
Clean the instrument only as instructed
Do not clean the instrument, its switches, or its terminals with contact cleaners, abrasives,
lubricants, solvents, acids/bases, or other such chemicals. Clean the instrument only with a
clean dry lint-free cloth or as instructed in this manual.
Not for critical applications
This instrument is not authorized for use in contact with the human body or for use as a
component in a life-support device or system.
Do not touch live circuits
Instrument covers must not be removed by operating personnel. Component replacement and
internal adjustments must be made by qualified service-trained maintenance personnel who
are aware of the hazards involved when the instrument's covers and shields are removed.
Under certain conditions, even with the power cord removed, dangerous voltages may exist
when the covers are removed. To avoid injuries, always disconnect the power cord from the
instrument, disconnect all other connections (for example, test leads, computer interface
cables, etc.), discharge all circuits, and verify there are no hazardous voltages present on any
conductors by measurements with a properly-operating voltage-sensing device before touching
any internal parts. Verify the voltage-sensing device is working properly before and after
making the measurements by testing with known-operating voltage sources and test for both
DC and AC voltages. Do not attempt any service or adjustment unless another person capable of
rendering first aid and resuscitation is present.
Do not insert any object into an instrument's ventilation openings or other openings.
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Hazardous voltages may be present in unexpected locations in circuitry being tested when a
fault condition in the circuit exists.
Fuse replacement
Fuse replacement must be done by qualified service-trained maintenance personnel who are
aware of the instrument's fuse requirements and safe replacement procedures. Disconnect the
instrument from the power line before replacing fuses. Replace fuses only with new fuses of
the fuse types, voltage ratings, and current ratings specified in this manual or on the back of the
instrument. Failure to do so may damage the instrument, lead to a safety hazard, or cause a fire.
Failure to use the specified fuses will void the warranty.
Servicing
Do not substitute parts that are not approved by B&K Precision or modify this instrument.
Return the instrument to B&K Precision for service and repair to ensure that safety and
performance features are maintained.
Cooling fans
This instrument contains one or more cooling fans. For continued safe operation of the
instrument, the air inlet and exhaust openings for these fans must not be blocked nor must
accumulated dust or other debris be allowed to reduce air flow. Maintain at least 25 mm
clearance around the sides of the instrument that contain air inlet and exhaust ports. If
mounted in a rack, position power devices in the rack above the instrument to minimize
instrument heating while rack mounted. Do not continue to operate the instrument if you
cannot verify the fan is operating (note some fans may have intermittent duty cycles). Do not
insert any object into the fan's inlet or outlet.
Do not short-circuit batteries
When using a DC load to discharge a battery, do not exceed the battery manufacturer's
specified maximum rate of discharge.
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Use correctly sized wires
To connect the load to the power supply, use a wire diameter large enough to handle the
maximum continuous output short-circuit current of the power supply without the wire
overheating.
For continued safe use of the instrument
Do not place heavy objects on the instrument.
Do not obstruct cooling air flow to the instrument.
Do not place a hot soldering iron on the instrument.
Do not pull the instrument with the power cord, connected probe, or connected test
lead.
Do not move the instrument when a probe is connected to a circuit being tested.
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Compliance Statements
This product is subject to Directive 2002/96/EC of the
European Parliament and the Council of the European Union
on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) , and
in jurisdictions adopting that Directive, is marked as being
put on the market after August 13, 2005, and should not be
disposed of as unsorted municipal waste. Please utilize your
local WEEE collection facilities in the disposition of this
product and otherwise observe all applicable requirements.
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and
other European countries with separate collection systems)
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CE Declaration of Conformity
The instrument meets the requirements of 2006/95/EC Low Voltage Directive and 2004/108/EC
Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive with the following standards.
Low Voltage Directive
- EN61010-1: 2001
EMC Directive
- EN 61000-3-2: 2006
- EN 61000-3-3: 1995+A1: 2001+A2: 2005
- EN 61000-4-2 / -3 / -4 / -5 / -6 / -11
- EN 61326-1: 2006
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Safety Symbols
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Chassis (earth ground) symbol.
On (Power)
Off (Power)
On (Power). This is the In position of the power switch
when instrument is ON.
Off (Power). This is the Out position of the power
switch when instrument is OFF.
DANGER indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
Safety instructions (or equivalent) signs indicate specific safetyrelated instructions or procedures.
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Table of Contents
Safety Summary ................................................................................................... i
Compliance Statements ............................................................................................................. vii
CE Declaration of Conformity.................................................................................................... viii
1 General Information ..................................................................................... 1
1.1 Product Overview ........................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Package Contents ............................................................................................................ 2
1.3 Product Dimensions ........................................................................................................ 2
1.4 Rackmount Installation ................................................................................................... 6
1.5 Front Panel Overview ...................................................................................................... 7
Front Panel Description ........................................................................................................... 8
1.6 Rear Panel Overview ....................................................................................................... 9
Rear Panel Description .......................................................................................................... 10
1.7 Display Overview ........................................................................................................... 10
Display Description ................................................................................................................ 11
2 Getting Started ........................................................................................... 12
2.1 Input Power and Fuse Requirements ............................................................................ 12
Input Power ........................................................................................................................... 12
Fuse Requirements ................................................................................................................ 13
Fuse Replacement ................................................................................................................. 13
2.2 Input Connections ......................................................................................................... 14
2.3 Preliminary Check ......................................................................................................... 15
Self-test Errors ....................................................................................................................... 15
Input Check ............................................................................................................................ 16
Check Model and Firmware Version ..................................................................................... 17
3 Front Panel Operation ................................................................................ 18
3.1 Menu Options ............................................................................................................... 18
System Menu ......................................................................................................................... 18
Config Menu .......................................................................................................................... 18
How to Navigate the Menu ................................................................................................... 19
3.2 Configure Operation Modes (CC/CV/CR/CW) ............................................................... 20
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Constant Current (CC) Mode ................................................................................................. 20
Constant Voltage (CV) Mode ................................................................................................. 23
Constant Resistance (CR) Mode ............................................................................................ 24
Constant Power (CW) Mode .................................................................................................. 25
Setting CC, CV, CR, CW Mode ................................................................................................ 27
3.3 SYSTEM Menu ............................................................................................................... 27
Restore Factory Default Settings ........................................................................................... 28
Configure Power-On State ..................................................................................................... 29
Load On Knob ........................................................................................................................ 29
Configure Trigger Source ....................................................................................................... 30
Save/Recall Instrument Settings ........................................................................................... 31
Display Input On Timer .......................................................................................................... 34
Remote Interface Setup ......................................................................................................... 34
3.4 CONFIG Menu ............................................................................................................... 37
Von Operation ....................................................................................................................... 37
Configure Protection Settings ............................................................................................... 40
Configure Timed Input .......................................................................................................... 44
Measurement Configurations ............................................................................................... 44
CR LED Function .................................................................................................................... 46
Remote Sense ........................................................................................................................ 47
External Analog Control and Monitor ................................................................................... 48
3.5 Short Operation ............................................................................................................ 50
3.6 Transient Operation ...................................................................................................... 51
Continuous ............................................................................................................................ 51
Pulse ...................................................................................................................................... 52
Toggle .................................................................................................................................... 52
3.7 List Operation ................................................................................................................ 56
Configure List ........................................................................................................................ 57
Run List .................................................................................................................................. 59
3.8 Battery Test Function .................................................................................................... 60
3.9 Test Operations ............................................................................................................. 61
Automatic Test Function ........................................................................................................ 61
OCP Test Function .................................................................................................................. 71
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OPP Test Function .................................................................................................................. 74
3.10 Key Lock......................................................................................................................... 77
4 Remote Operation ...................................................................................... 78
4.1 Interface Connection..................................................................................................... 78
RS-232 ................................................................................................................................... 78
GPIB ....................................................................................................................................... 79
USBTMC ................................................................................................................................. 79
4.2 Remote Commands ....................................................................................................... 79
5 Troubleshooting Guide ............................................................................... 80
General .................................................................................................................................. 80
Remote Control ..................................................................................................................... 80
6 Specifications ............................................................................................. 81
Supplementary Characteristics ................................................................................................. 85
7 Calibration .................................................................................................. 87
Index ................................................................................................................. 88
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1 General Information
1.1 Product Overview
The 8600 Series DC Electronic Loads are versatile instruments used for static and dynamic
testing of DC power supplies, batteries, DC-to-DC converters, and battery chargers. Other
applications include fuel-cell and photovoltaic cell test.
The DC load can be used in one of the following operation modes: constant voltage (CV),
constant current (CC), constant resistance (CR), or constant power (CW). A wide range of
dynamic loading applications can be simulated through user-programmable slew rates, load
levels, duration, and conducting voltage. The DC load can be remotely programmed via the USB,
GPIB, or RS-232 serial interface. Versatile triggering options allow the dynamic load behavior to
be synchronized with other events.
A battery test mode is provided that will measure the ampere-hour (Ah) characteristic of a
battery. Shorts can be simulated by either the front panel or custom programming. The DC
source or other components can be protected from excessive voltage, current, or power, which
will cause the DC load to shut down if excessive levels or reverse polarity are detected.
Features:
CC/CV/CR/CW operating modes
High Resolution Display
Transient mode up to 25 kHz
List mode function
Measurement speed up to 50 kHz
Remote sense function
Built-in battery test function
OCP and OPP auto test function
CR-LED function
Store/recall up to 100 setups
RS232/USBTMC/GPIB interfaces
Analog current control and monitoring
Adjustable slew rate in CC mode
OVP/OCP/OPP/OTP and reverse voltage protection
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1.2 Package Contents
Please inspect the instrument mechanically and electrically upon receiving it. Unpack all items
from the shipping carton, and check for any obvious signs of physical damage that may have
occurred during transportation. Report any damage to the shipping agent immediately. Save
the original packing carton for possible future reshipment. Every instrument is shipped with the
following contents:
1x 8600 series DC Electronic load
1x User Manual
1x AC Power Cord
Certificate of Calibration
Test Report
Verify that all items above are included in the shipping container. If anything is missing, please
contact B&K Precision.
1.3 Product Dimensions
All models are designed to fit in a standard 19-inch rackmount. The dimensions are shown in
Figure 1 below.
2
Figure 1 – Front and Side View (Half-rack models)
3
Figure 2 - Front and Side View (Full-rack models)
4
Figure 3 - Rear View (Half-rack models)
Figure 4 - Rear View (Full-rack models)
5
1.4 Rackmount Installation
The instrument can be installed in a standard 19 inch rack. For half-rack models, the optional
rackmount kit IT-E151 is required (No rackmount kit required for full-rack models). Below is an
image of a half-rack model installed with the IT-E151 rackmount kit.
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1
2
3
4 5 6 7 9
10
12
14 8 13
11
15
Figure 5 – Front Panel (Half-rack models)
This rackmount kit will allow up to two half-rack models installed side by side, as shown below.
1.5 Front Panel Overview
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Power On/Off switch
Local button
Shift button
Numeric keypad
CC/OCP button
CW/OPP button
Enter/Recall settings button
Input On/Off and key lock button
CR button
CV/Setup button
Navigation arrow keys
Input terminal
Rotary knob
VFD display
ESC button
Recall button (Full-rack models)
Trig button (Full-rack models)
Pause button (Full-rack models)
1
11
4 5 6
7
9
10 8 15
3
13
14 2 16
17
18
19
20
1
2 3 4
5
6
7
8
14
12
13
9
10
11
15
Figure 6 - Front Panel (Full-rack models)
16
17
18
Front Panel Description
8
Trans button (Full-rack models)
List button (Full-rack models)
1
2 3 4 5 6
9 8 7
10
11
12
13
14
15
1 2 3 9 4
5
6
7
8
10
11
12
13
14
Figure 7 - Rear Panel (Half-rack models)
Figure 8 - Rear Panel (Full-rack models)
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20
1.6 Rear Panel Overview
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Cooling fan vent
Remote control port (not used)
RS232 Interface
Current Monitor BNC output
USB Interface
GPIB Interface
AC input receptacle
Fuse box
Line voltage selector
Voltage fault (VF) output terminal
Input On/Off (ON) control terminal
External trigger input terminals
External programming input terminals
Remote sense terminals
Input Terminal (Full-rack models)
80.000V
12.000A
0.0W
OFF CC CV CR CW Rmt Addr SRQ Error Trig Sense Prot Rear Auto
CC = 85.000 V
1
2
3
4
1 2 3
4 5 6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Rear Panel Description
1.7 Display Overview
Figure 9 – Display Screen
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Measured input voltage
Measured input power
Settings Display
Displays parameter settings such as CC, CV, CR, CW
Measured input current
OFF
Indicates input is disabled
CC
Indicates constant current (CC) operation
CV
Indicates constant voltage (CV) operation
CR
Indicates constant resistance (CR) operation
CW
Indicates constant power (CW) operation
Rmt
Indicates remote mode
Addr
Indicates remote communication activity
SRQ
SRQ service request indicator
Error
Indicates an error has occurred
Trig
Indicates waiting for trigger
Sense
Indicates remote sense enabled
Prot
Indicates protection trip for over voltage, over power, or over
current
Rear
Indicates external analog control is enabled.
Auto
Indicates voltage auto range is enabled.
*
Indicates key lock is enabled
Shift
Indicates shift mode (for access to secondary button
functions)
1 2 3
4
Display Description
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110 or 220 Switch
110
2 Getting Started
Before connecting and powering up the instrument, please review and go through the
instructions in this chapter.
2.1 Input Power and Fuse Requirements
Input Power
The load has a selectable AC input that accepts line voltage input within:
Voltage: 115 V (+/-10%) or 230 V (+/- 10 %)
Frequency: 47 Hz – 63 Hz
Use the line voltage selector switch in the back to switch between 110 V and 220 V operation.
Figure 10 - Line Voltage Switch Location
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Model
Fuse Specification (110 VAC)
Fuse Specification (220 VAC)
8600
T 1.25 A, 250 V
T 500 mA, 250 V
8601
T 1.25 A, 250 V
T 500 mA, 250 V
8602
T 1.25 A, 250 V
T 500 mA, 250 V
8610
T 3.15 A, 250 V
T 1.6 A, 250 V
8612
T 3.15 A, 250 V
T 1.6 A, 250 V
8614
T 3.15 A, 250 V
T 1.6 A, 250 V
8616
T 3.15 A, 250 V
T 1.6 A, 250 V
Disconnect all cables including the power cord from the instrument when changing the
instrument's line voltage. After changing the line voltage setting, ensure the instrument has
fuses of the proper ratings and types for the selected line voltage before applying line power.
Fuse Requirements
An AC input fuse is necessary when powering the instrument. Below is a table of the fuse
required for all models operating with either 110 VAC or 220 VAC input.
Table 1 - Fuse Requirements
Fuse Replacement
Follow the steps below to replace or check the fuse.
1. Locate the fuse box next to the AC input connector in the rear panel.
2. With a small flat blade screwdriver, insert into the fuse box slit to pull and slide out the
fuse box as indicated below.
3. Check and replace fuse (if necessary) for the desired line voltage operation.
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Fuse box slit
Fuse
box
Check/Remove Fuse
Figure 11 - Fuse Box
2.2 Input Connections
The main DC input terminal is a screw type binding post terminal located in the front panel. To
loosen, turn the terminal cap counter-clock wise.
Note: The screws on the terminals can be completely removed to allow for ring type adapters
(must be greater than 6mm in diameter).
Due to the high current rating of the DC load, proper wire sizes are necessary for safe
connectivity and to prevent wires from overheating.
Before connecting wires to the input terminals, turn OFF the load to avoid damage to the
instrument and the device under test (DUT). For safety, wires must have a wire gauge size
large enough to prevent overheating when the load operates at maximum rated current. It
will also minimize large voltage drops from resistances in the wires.
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System Selftest . . . .
. .
2.3 Preliminary Check
Complete the following steps to verify that the load is ready for use.
1. Verify AC Input Voltage
Verify and check to make sure proper AC voltages are available to power the instrument.
The AC voltage range must meet the acceptable specification as explained in “2.1 Input
Power and Fuse Requirements”.
Check to verify that the unit is configured to operate at the AC input voltage level of
the power source. If not, it will damage the unit and void its warranty.
2. Connect Power and Self Test
Connect AC power cord to the AC receptacle in the rear panel and press the power
switch to the |( ) ON position to turn ON the instrument. It will run through a self
test procedure with the screen shown below:
Self-test Errors
The following errors will be displayed if self-test did not complete successfully:
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Error Message on Display
Description
EEPROM FAILURE
The internal EEPROM is corrupted or damaged.
Config Data Lost
The last operation data within the EEPROM is lost.
Calibration Data Lost
Calibration data within the EEPROM is lost.
FactoryCal.Data Lost
Factory calibration data is lost.
MainframeInitialize Lost
The system settings within the EEPROM is lost.
Note: If the load is not drawing power from the DC power supply, check all load
protection limits and settings within the menu to verify that the load is configured
to allow drawing power at 5V, 0.500 A. Also, verify that the CC mode parameters
are setup to operate within the configured valid ranges by pressing ( )
and .
Table 2 - Self-test Messages
If any of these errors occur, please contact B&K Precision.
Input Check
Follow the steps below to check that the load is operating correctly. A DC power supply rated
for at least 5V and 1 A will be required to proceed with this check.
1. Power on the load. The display will show the OFF annunciator above the voltage display.
2. Connect the input terminal to a DC power supply and configure the supply to output 5 V
and current limit to 1 A.
3. Turn on the DC power supply’s output. Observe the load’s measured voltage display,
which should read close to or exactly 5.000V.
4. Press so that its back light turns on, and enter 0.500 A using the numeric
keypad. Press .
5. The display should show CC = 0.500A on the bottom right.
6. Press and its backlight will be lit. The OFF indicator will change to CC and the
measured current should now display a value close to 0.500 A.
7. This setup verifies that the load is drawing power correctly from the power supply.
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