Extech MN16 User guide

User's Guide

Autoranging Mini Multimeter

Model MN16

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech MN16 Autoranging Multimeter. This meter
measures AC/DC Voltage, AC/DC Current, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency, Diode Test,
and Continuity plus Thermocouple Temperature. It features a rugged design for heavy duty
use This meter is shipped fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide 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
600V

• Improper use of this meter can cause damage, shock, injury or death. Read and
understand this user manual before operating the meter.

• Always remove the test leads before replacing the battery or fuses.

• Inspect the condition of the test leads and the meter itself for any damage before

operating the meter. Repair or replace any damage before use.

• Use great care when making measurements if the voltages are greater than 25VAC
rms or 35VDC. These voltages are considered a shock hazard.

• Always discharge capacitors and remove power from the device under test before
performing Diode, Resistance or Continuity tests.

• Voltage checks on electrical outlets can be difficult and misleading because of the
uncertainty of connection to the recessed electrical contacts. Other means should
be used to ensure that the terminals are not "live".

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

• Disposal: Follow all legal stipulations regarding disposal of this device at the end of
its lifecycle

• This device is not a toy and is not intended for children. It contains hazardous
objects as well as small parts that the children could swallow. Should a child
swallow any part, contact a physician immediately.

• Do not leave batteries or packing material lying around, they can be dangerous for
children if they use them as toys.

• In the device is going to be unused for an extended period of time, remove the
batteries.

• Expired or damaged batteries can cause cauterization on contact with skin. Always,
use gloves when handling damaged batteries.

• See that the batteries are not short-circuited. Do not throw batteries into fire.

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) 600 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.

MN16-EU V1.3 7/08 2

Input Protection Limits

Function Maximum Input

V DC or V AC 600VDC/AC

mA AC/DC 400mA AC/DC

A AC/DC 10A AC/DC (20A for 30 sec max every 15 min)

Frequency, Resistance, Capacitance,
Diode Test, Continuity, Temperature

250VDC/AC

Controls and Jacks

1. 4,000 count LCD display

2. MODE button

3. HOLD button

4. Function switch

5. COM input jack

6. 10A input jack

7. V, Ω, CAP, Temp, Hz, μA and mA input jack

8. REL button

9. RANGE button

10. Battery compartment (rear)

Symbols and Annunciators

•))) Continuity
Diode test

n nano (10

Low Battery

µ micro (10
m milli (10
A Amps
k kilo (10
F Farads (capacitance)
M mega (10
Ω Ohms
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

-9

) (capacitance)

-6

) (amps)

-3

) (volts, amps)

3

) (ohms)

6

) (ohms)

MN16-EU V1.3 7/08 3

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 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.

MN16-EU V1.3 7/08 4