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Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech EX530 True RMS Autoranging Multimeter.
This meter measures AC/DC Voltage, AC/DC Current, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency
(electrical & electronic), Duty Cycle, Diode Test, and Continuity plus Thermocouple
Temperature. It features a waterproof, rugged design for heavy duty use. 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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EX530 V3.3 4/29/07
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:
2. USE EXTREME CAUTION when working with high voltages.
3. DO NOT measure voltage if the voltage on the "COM" input jack exceeds 600V 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.
6. ALWAYS turn off the power and disconnect the test leads before opening the covers to
replace the fuse or batteries.
10A 1000V fast acting fuse (20A for 30 seconds
max every 15 minutes)
1000VDC/AC rms
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.
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX 781.665.0780 - TestEquipmentDepot.com
3
EX530 V3.3 4/29/07
Controls and Jacks
1. 40,000 count LCD display
2. REL button
3. RANGE button
4. MODE button
5. Function switch
6. mA, µA and 10A input jacks
7. COM input jack
8. Positive input jack
9. HOLD and
(Backlight) button
10. PEAK button
11. MAX/MIN 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
Ω Ohms PEAK Peak Hold
Hz Hertz (frequency) V Volts
% Percent (duty ratio) REL Relative
AC Alternating current AUTO Autoranging
DC Direct current HOLD Display hold
ºF Degrees Fahrenheit ºC Degrees Centigrade
MAX Maximum MIN Minimum
-9
) (capacitance)
-6
) (amps, cap)
-3
) (volts, amps)
3
) (ohms)
6
) (ohms)
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX 781.665.0780 - TestEquipmentDepot.com
4
EX530 V3.3 4/29/07
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 green 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 green 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 display.
5. Press the MODE button to indicate “Hz”.
6. Read the frequency in the display.
7. Press the MODE button again to indicate “%”.
8. Read the % of duty cycle in the display.
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EX530 V3.3 4/29/07
DC/AC MILLIVOLT MEASUREMENTS
CAUTION: Do not measure DC/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 green mV DC-AC 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. Press the MODE button to select “DC” or “AC” millivolts.
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 voltage in the display.
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 6000µA DC, set the function
switch to the yellow µA position and insert the red test lead
banana plug into the µA/mA jack.
3. For current measurements up to 600mA DC, set the function
switch to the yellow 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 yellow 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.
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX 781.665.0780 - TestEquipmentDepot.com
6
EX530 V3.3 4/29/07
AC CURRENT (FREQUENCY, DUTY CYCLE) 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 6000µA AC, set the function
switch to the yellow µA position and insert the red test lead
banana plug into the µA/mA jack.
3. For current measurements up to 600mA AC, set the function
switch to the yellow mA position and insert the red test lead
banana plug into the µA/mA jack.
4. For current measurements up to 20A AC, set the function switch
to the yellow 10A/HZ/% position and insert the red test lead
banana plug into the 10A jack.
5. Press the MODE button to indicate “AC” 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 neutral side of the circuit.
Touch the red test probe tip to the “hot” side of the circuit.
8. Apply power to the circuit.
9. Read the current in the display.
10. Press and hold the MODE button to indicate “Hz”.
11. Read the frequency in the display.
12. Momentarily press the MODE button again to indicate “%”.
13. Read the % duty cycle in the display.
14. Press and hold the MODE button to return to current measurement.
RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect power to the unit under test and
discharge all capacitors before taking any resistance measurements. Remove the
batteries and unplug the line cords.
1. Set the function switch to the green Ω position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative
COM jack.
Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive Ω jack.
3. Press the MODE button to indicate “Ω” on the display.
4. Touch the test probe tips across the circuit or part under test.
It is best to disconnect one side of the part under test so the
rest of the circuit will not interfere with the resistance reading.
5. Read the resistance in the display.
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EX530 V3.3 4/29/07
CONTINUITY CHECK
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, never measure continuity on circuits or wires that
have voltage on them.
1. Set the function switch to the green
Ω position.
2. Insert the black lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive Ω jack.
3. Press the MODE button to indicate“ "and “Ω” on the display
4. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit or wire you wish to
check.
5. If the resistance is less than approximately 35Ω, the audible
signal will sound. If the circuit is open, the display will indicate
“OL”.
DIODE TEST
1. Set the function switch to the green Ω position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative
COM jack and the red test lead banana plug into the
positive V jack.
3. Press the MODE button to indicate “ “ and “V” on the
display.
4. Touch the test probes to the diode under test. Forward
voltage will typically indicate 0.400 to 0.700V. Reverse
voltage will indicate “OL”. Shorted devices will indicate
near 0V and an open device will indicate “OL” in both
polarities.
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
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8
EX530 V3.3 4/29/07
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS
1. Set the function switch to the green Temp position.
2. Insert the Temperature Probe into the input jacks, making sure
to observe the correct polarity.
3. Press the MODE button to indicate “ºF” or “ºC”
4. Touch the Temperature Probe head to the part whose
temperature you wish to measure. Keep the probe touching the
part under test until the reading stabilizes (about 30 seconds).
5. Read the temperature in the display.
Note: The temperature probe is fitted with a type K mini connector.
A mini connector to banana connector adaptor is supplied for
connection to the input banana jacks.
CAPACITANCE MEASUREMENTS
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect power to the unit under test and
discharge all capacitors before taking any capacitance measurements. Remove the
batteries and unplug the line cords.
1. Set the rotary function switch to the green CAP 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 test leads to the capacitor to be tested.
4. Read the capacitance value in the display
FREQUENCY (DUTY CYCLE) MEASUREMENTS (ELECTRONIC)
1. Set the rotary function switch to the green Hz/% position.
2. Insert the black lead banana plug into the negative COM jack
and the red test lead banana plug into the positive Hz jack.
3. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit under test.
4. Read the frequency on the display.
5. Press the MODE button to indicate “%”.
6. Read the % duty cycle in the display.
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EX530 V3.3 4/29/07
% 4 – 20mA MEASUREMENTS
1. Set up and connect as described for DC mA measurements.
2. Set the rotary function switch to the 4-20mA% position.
3. The meter will display loop current as a % with 0mA=-25%, 4mA=0%, 20mA=100%, and
24mA=125%.
AUTORANGING/MANUAL RANGE SELECTION
When the meter is first turned on, it automatically goes into AutoRanging. This
automatically selects the best range for the measurements being made and is generally
the best mode for most measurements. For measurement situations requiring that a range
be manually selected, perform the following:
1. Press the RANGE key. The “AUTO” display indicator will turn off.
2. Press the RANGE key to step through the available ranges until you select the range
you want.
3. To exit the Manual Ranging mode and return to Autoranging, press and hold the
RANGE key for 2 seconds.
Note: Manual ranging does not apply for the Temperature functions.
MAX/MIN
1. Press the MAX/MIN key to activate the MAX/MIN recording mode. The display icon
"MAX" will appear. The meter will display and hold the maximum reading and will update
only when a new “max” occurs.
2. Press the MAX/MIN key again and the display icon "MIN" will appear. The meter will
display and hold the minimum reading and will update only when a new “min” occurs.
3. To exit MAX/MIN mode press and hold the MAX/MIN key for 2 seconds.
RELATIVE MODE
The relative measurement feature allows you to make measurements relative to a stored
reference value. A reference voltage, current, etc. can be stored and measurements made
in comparison to that value. The displayed value is the difference between the reference
value and the measured value. Note: Relative mode does not operate in the 4-20mA
function.
1. Perform the measurement as described in the operating instructions.
2. Press the REL button to store the reading in the display and the "REL" indicator will
appear on the display.
3. The display will now indicate the difference between the stored value and the measured
value.
4. Press the REL button to exit the relative mode.
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX 781.665.0780 - TestEquipmentDepot.com
10
EX530 V3.3 4/29/07
DISPLAY BACKLIGHT
Press the HOLD/
automatically turn off after 10 seconds.
HOLD
The hold function freezes the reading in the display. Press the HOLD key momentarily to
activate or to exit the HOLD function.
PEAK HOLD
The Peak Hold function captures the peak AC voltage or current. The meter can capture
negative or positive peaks as fast as 1 millisecond in duration. Momentarily press the
PEAK button, “PEAK” and “MAX” will display. The meter will update the display each time
a higher positive peak occurs. Press the PEAK button again, “MIN” will display. The meter
will update the display each time a lower negative peak occurs. Press and hold the PEAK
button for more than 1 second to exit PEAK Hold mode. Auto Power Off feature will be
disabled automatically in this mode.
LOW BATTERY INDICATION
With a fresh battery installed, the battery icon with four lines above it will be displayed in
the lower right corner of the LCD. The lines will disappear as the battery is used. When the
icon appears alone in the display, the battery should be replaced.
AUTO POWER OFF
The auto off feature will turn the meter off after 15 minutes. To disable the auto power off
feature, hold down the MODE button and turn the meter on. “APO d” will appear in the
display. Turn the meter off and then on again to re-enable the auto power off feature.
key for >1 second to turn the backlight on. The backlight will
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
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11
EX530 V3.3 4/29/07
Maintenance
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads from any source of voltage
before removing the back cover or the battery or fuse covers.
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate your meter until the battery and fuse
covers are in place and fastened securely.
This MultiMeter is designed to provide years of dependable service, if the following care
instructions are performed:
1. KEEP THE METER DRY. If it gets wet, wipe it off.
2. USE AND STORE THE METER IN NORMAL TEMPERATURES. Temperature
extremes can shorten the life of the electronic parts and distort or melt plastic parts.
3. HANDLE THE METER GENTLY AND CAREFULLY. Dropping it can damage the
electronic parts or the case.
4. KEEP THE METER CLEAN. Wipe the case occasionally with a damp cloth. DO NOT
use chemicals, cleaning solvents, or detergents.
5. USE ONLY FRESH BATTERIES OF THE RECOMMENDED SIZE AND TYPE. Remove
old or weak batteries so they do not leak and damage the unit.
6. IF THE METER IS TO BE STORED FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, the batteries
should be removed to prevent damage to the unit.
BATTERY INSTALLATION
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads from any source of voltage
before removing the battery cover.
1. Turn power off and disconnect the test leads from the meter.
2. Open the rear battery cover by removing two screws (B) using a Phillips head
screwdriver.
3. Insert the battery into battery holder, observing the correct polarity.
4. Put the battery cover back in place. Secure with the screws.
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate the meter until the battery cover is in
place and fastened securely.
NOTE: If your meter does not work properly, check the fuses and batteries to make sure that
they are still good and that they are properly inserted.
A
A
B
B
A
12
F1 F2
EX530 V3.3 4/29/07
Specifications
Function Range Resolution Accuracy
DC Voltage
AC Voltage
All AC voltage ranges are specified from 5% of range to 100% of range
DC Current
AC Current
NOTE: Accuracy is stated at 65oF to 83oF (18oC to 28oC) and less than 75% RH.
400mV 0.01mV
4V 0.0001V
40V 0.001V
400V 0.01V
1000V 0.1V
50 to 1000Hz
400mV 0.01mV
4V 0.0001V
40V 0.001V
400V 0.01V
1000V 0.1V
400µA 0.01µA
4000µA 0.1µA
40mA 0.001mA
400mA 0.01mA
10A 0.001A
(20A: 30 sec max with reduced accuracy)
50 to 1000Hz
400µA 0.01µA
4000µA 0.1µA
40mA 0.001mA
400mA 0.01mA
10A
(20A: 30 sec max with reduced accuracy)
All AC voltage ranges are specified from 5% of range to 100% of range
0.001A
±(0.06% reading + 2 digits)
±(0.1% reading + 2 digits)
±(1.0% reading + 4 digits)
±(1.0% reading + 3 digits)
±(1.0% reading + 3 digits)
±(1.5% reading + 3 digits)
REPLACING THE FUSES
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads from any source of voltage
before removing the meter cover.
1. Disconnect the test leads from the meter.
2. Remove the protective rubber holster.
3. Remove the battery cover (two “B” screws) and the battery.
4. Remove the six “A” screws securing the rear cover.
5. Gently remove the old fuse and install the new fuse into the holder.
6. Always use a fuse of the proper size and value (0.5A/1000V fast blow for the 600mA
range [SIBA 70-172-40], 10A/1000V fast blow for the 20A range [SIBA 50-199-06]).
7. Replace and secure the rear cover, battery and battery cover.
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate your meter until the fuse cover is in
place and fastened securely.
14
EX530 V3.3 4/29/07
Function Range Resolution Accuracy
Resistance
Capacitance
Frequency
(electronic)
Frequency
(electrical)
Duty Cycle
Temp
(type-K)
Note: Accuracy specifications consist of two elements:
• (% reading) – This is the accuracy of the measurement circuit.
• (+ digits) – This is the accuracy of the analog to digital converter.
400Ω 0.01Ω ±(0.3% reading + 9 digits)
4kΩ 0.0001kΩ
40kΩ 0.001kΩ
400kΩ 0.01kΩ
4MΩ 0.0001MΩ
40MΩ 0.001MΩ ±(2.0% reading + 10 digits)
40nF 0.001nF
400nF 0.01nF
4µF 0.0001µF
40µF 0.001µF
400µF 0.01µF
4000µF 0.1µF
20mF 0.001mF
40mF 0.001mF unspecified
40Hz 0.001Hz
400Hz 0.01Hz
4kHz 0.0001kHz
40kHz 0.001kHz
400kHz 0.01kHz
4MHz 0.0001MHz
40MHz 0.001MHz
100MHz 0.01MHz Not specified
Sensitivity: 0.8V rms min. @ 20% to 80% duty cycle and <100kHz; 5Vrms min @ 20%
to 80% duty cycle and > 100kHz
40.00-400Hz 0.01Hz
Sensitivity: 15Vrms
0.1 to 99.90% 0.01%
Pulse width: 100µs - 100ms, Frequency: 5Hz to 150kHz
-50 to 1382°F 1°F
-45 to 750°C 1°C
-25 to 125% 0.01% ±50 digits 4-20mA%
0mA=-25%, 4mA=0%, 20mA=100%, 24mA=125%
.
±(0.3% reading + 4 digits)
±(3.5% reading + 40 digits)
±(3.5% reading + 10 digits)
±(5% reading + 10 digits)
±(0.1% reading + 1 digits)
±(0.5% reading)
±(1.2% reading + 2 digits)
±(1.0% reading + 4.5°F)
±(1.0% reading + 2.5°C)
(probe accuracy not included)
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
FAX 781.665.0780 - TestEquipmentDepot.com
15
EX530 V3.3 4/29/07
Enclosure Double molded, waterproof (IP67)
Shock (Drop Test) 6.5 feet(2 meters)
Diode Test Test current of 0.9mA maximum, open circuit voltage 2.8V DC
typical
Continuity CheckAudible signal will sound if the resistance is less than 35Ω
(approx.), test current <0.35mA
PEAK Captures peaks >1ms
Temperature Sensor Requires type K thermocouple
Input Impedance >10MΩ VDC & >3MΩ VAC
AC Response True rms
ACV Bandwidth 50Hz to 1000Hz
Crest Factor ≤3 at full scale up to 500V, decreasing linearly to ≤1.5 at 1000V
Display 40,000 count backlit liquid crystal with bargraph
Overrange indication “OL” is displayed
Auto Power Off 15 minutes (approximately) with disable feature
Polarity Automatic (no indication for positive); Minus (-) sign for negative
Measurement Rate 2 times per second, nominal
Low Battery Indication “ ” is displayed if battery voltage drops below operating voltage
Battery One 9 volt (NEDA 1604) battery
Fuses mA, µA ranges; 0.5A/1000V ceramic fast blow
A range; 10A/1000V ceramic fast blow
Operating Temperature 41ºF to 104ºF (5ºC to 40ºC)
Storage Temperature -4
o
F to 140oF (-20oC to 60oC)
Operating Humidity Max 80% up to 87ºF (31ºC) decreasing linearly to 50% at 104ºF
(40ºC)
Storage Humidity <80%
Operating Altitude 7000ft. (2000meters) maximum.
Weight 0.753lb (342g) (includes holster).
Size 7.36” x 3.2” x 2.0” (187 x 81 x 50mm) (includes holster)
Safety This meter is intended for origin of installation use and protected,
against the users, by double insulation per EN61010-1 and
IEC61010-1 2
III 1000V; Pollution Degree 2. The meter also meets UL 61010-1,