Extech EX540, EX542 Operating Manual

User's Guide

Wireless TRMS Multimeter

Model EX540

Introduction

This meter measures AC/DC Voltage, AC/DC Current, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency (electrical & electronic), Duty Cycle, Diode Test, and Continuity plus Thermocouple Temperature. It can store and recall data. It features a waterproof, rugged design for heavy duty use. This meter can transmit data wirelessly when linked to a PC. Proper use and care of this meter will provide many years of reliable service.

Safety

This symbol adjacent to another symbol, terminal or operating device indicates that the operator must refer to an explanation in the Operating Instructions to avoid personal injury or damage to the meter.

WARNING

CAUTION

MAX 1000V

PER IEC1010 OVERVOLTAGE INSTALLATION CATEGORY

OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY I

Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY I is equipment for connection to circuits in which measures are taken to limit the transient overvoltages to an appropriate low level.

Note – Examples include protected electronic circuits.

OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II

Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II is energy-consuming equipment to be supplied from the fixed installation.

Note – Examples include household, office, and laboratory appliances.

OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III

Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III is equipment in fixed installations.

Note – Examples include switches in the fixed installation and some equipment for industrial

use with permanent connection to the fixed installation.

OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY IV

Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY IV is for use at the origin of the installation.

Note – Examples include electricity meters and primary over-current protection equipment

This WARNING symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

This CAUTION symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not avoided, may result damage to the product.

This symbol advises the user that the terminal(s) so marked must not be connected to a circuit point at which the voltage with respect to earth ground exceeds (in this case) 1000 VAC or VDC.

This symbol adjacent to one or more terminals identifies them as being associated with ranges that may, in normal use, be subjected to particularly hazardous voltages. For maximum safety, the meter and its test leads should not be handled when these terminals are energized.

This symbol indicates that a device is protected throughout by double insulation or reinforced insulation.

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

This meter has been designed for safe use, but must be operated with caution. The rules listed below must be carefully followed for safe operation.

1. NEVER apply voltage or current to the meter that exceeds the specified maximum:

Input Protection Limits

Function Maximum Input

V DC or V AC 1000VDC/AC rms

mA AC/DC 500mA 1000V fast acting fuse

A AC/DC

Frequency, Resistance, Capacitance, Duty Cycle, Diode Test, Continuity

Temperature 1000VDC/AC rms

Surge Protection: 8kV peak per IEC 61010

2. USE EXTREME CAUTION when working with high voltages.

3. DO NOT measure voltage if the voltage on the "COM" input jack exceeds 1000V above earth ground.

4. NEVER connect the meter leads across a voltage source while the function switch is in the current, resistance, or diode mode. Doing so can damage the meter.

5. ALWAYS discharge filter capacitors in power supplies and disconnect the power when making resistance or diode tests.

10A 1000V fast acting fuse (20A for 30 seconds max every 15 minutes)

1000VDC/AC rms

6. ALWAYS turn off the power and disconnect the test leads before opening the covers to replace the fuse or batteries.

7. NEVER operate the meter unless the back cover and the battery and fuse covers are in place and fastened securely.

8. If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.

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Controls and Jacks

1. 40,000 count LCD display

2. STORE(<RECALL) button

3. MAX/MIN (_)button

4. MODE button

5. RANGE(SETUP) button

6. Function switch

7. mA, µA and 10A input jacks

3 4

8. COM input jack

9. Positive input jack

10.

Backlight button

11. EXIT(AC+DC) button

12. HOLD(PEAKHOLD>) button

13. REL(+) button

Note: Tilt stand and battery compartment are on rear of unit.

Symbols and Annunciators

•))) Continuity

Diode test

Battery status n nano (10 µ micro (10 m milli (10 A Amps k kilo (10 F Farads (capacitance)

M mega (10

-9

) (capacitance)

-6

) (amps, cap)

-3

) (volts, amps)

) (ohms)

) (ohms) RF transmitter active Ω Ohms PEAK Peak Hold Hz Hertz (frequency) V Volts % Percent (duty ratio)

Relative AC Alternating current AUTO Autoranging DC Direct current HOLD Display hold ºF Degrees Fahrenheit ºC Degrees Centigrade

MAX Maximum MIN Minimum N0. Serial number S second SET Set up parameter AC +DC Alternating current + Direct current TRMS Ture RMS STO Store RCL Recall AUTO Auto Range

Auto Power off enabled Backlight

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Operating Instructions

WARNING: Risk of electrocution. High-voltage circuits, both AC and DC, are very dangerous and should be measured with great care.

1. ALWAYS turn the function switch to the OFF position when the meter is not in use.

2. If “OL” appears in the display during a measurement, the value exceeds the range you have selected. Change to a higher range.

DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS

CAUTION: Do not measure DC voltages if a motor on the circuit is being switched ON or

OFF. Large voltage surges may occur that can damage the meter.

1. Set the function switch to the VDC position.

2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive V jack.

3. Touch the black test probe tip to the negative side of the circuit. Touch the red test probe tip to the positive side of the circuit.

4. Read the voltage in the display.

AC VOLTAGE (FREQUENCY, DUTY CYCLE) MEASUREMENTS

WARNING: Risk of Electrocution. The probe tips may not be long enough to contact the

live parts inside some 240V outlets for appliances because the contacts are recessed deep in the outlets. As a result, the reading may show 0 volts when the outlet actually has voltage on it. Make sure the probe tips are touching the metal contacts inside the outlet before assuming that no voltage is present.

CAUTION: Do not measure AC voltages if a motor on the circuit is being switched ON or OFF. Large voltage surges may occur that can damage the meter.

1. Set the function switch to the VAC/Hz/% position.

2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. Insert red test lead banana plug into the positive V jack.

3. Touch the black test probe tip to the neutral side of the circuit. Touch the red test probe tip to the “hot” side of the circuit.

4. Read the voltage in the main display and the frequency in the right auxiliary display

5. Press the MODE button to indicate “Hz”.

6. Read the frequency in the main display.

7. Press the MODE button again to indicate “%”.

8. Read the % of duty cycle in the main display.

9. With ACV in the main display, press EXIT for 2 seconds to measure AC+DC.

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mV VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS

CAUTION: Do not measure mV voltages if a motor on the circuit is being switched ON

or OFF. Large voltage surges may occur that can damage the meter.

1. Set the function switch to the mV position.

2. Press the MODE button to indicate “DC”.or ““AC ”, or in AC range press EXIT for two seconds and chose ”AC+DC”

3. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive V jack.

4. Touch the black test probe tip to the negative side of the circuit. Touch the red test probe tip to the positive side of the circuit.

5. Read the mV voltage in the main display.

6. With AC mV in the main display, press EXIT for 2 seconds to measure AC+DC.

DC CURRENT MEASUREMENTS

CAUTION: Do not make 20A current measurements for longer than 30 seconds.

Exceeding 30 seconds may cause damage to the meter and/or the test leads.

1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.

2. For current measurements up to 4000µA DC, set the function switch to the µA position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the µA/mA jack.

3. For current measurements up to 400mA DC, set the function switch to the mA position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the µA/mA jack.

4. For current measurements up to 20A DC, set the function switch to the 10A/HZ/% position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the 10A jack.

5. Press the MODE button to indicate “DC” on the display.

6. Remove power from the circuit under test, then open up the circuit at the point where you wish to measure current.

7. Touch the black test probe tip to the negative side of the circuit. Touch the red test probe tip to the positive side of the circuit.

8. Apply power to the circuit.

9. Read the current in the display.

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