Extech PRC50 Operating Manual

User Guide

Multifunction Process Calibrator

Model PRC50

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1 Introduction

This multifunction process calibrator is a handheld, battery-operated instrument that measures and sources electrical and

physical parameters.

Main Features:

z Measure: DC-voltage, DC-current, frequency and continuity

z Source: DC-voltage, DC-current, simulation transmitter, frequency and pulse

Additional features:

z Manual step source, auto-step and sweeping–step source

z Measure/source mA% display

z Wave-filter function

z Manual-hold function

2 Standard Accessories

Ensure that the package contains all of the accessories listed below. If items are damaged, please contact the vendor from

which the product was purchased.

z One (1) set of Industrial Test Leads

z One (1) set of Standard Test Leads

z One (1) set of Alligator clips

z User's Guide

z Two (2) Fuses 50mA/250V and 63mA/250V

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3 Safety Information

For the correct and safe use of the instrument, be sure to follow the cautionary notes stated in this manual whenever

handling the instrument. Extech Instruments shall not be held liable for any damage resulting from use of the instrument in a

manner other than prescribed in the cautionary notes.

Warning identifies conditions and actions that pose hazards to the user; a Caution identifies conditions and actions that

may damage the meter or the equipment under test.

Refer to Table 1 for the international electric symbols adopted by the calibrator.

Table 1 - International Electrical Symbols

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EARTH GROUND

Warning

To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury:

z Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on the calibrator, between terminals or between any terminal and

earth ground;

z Before use, verify the meter’s operation by measuring a known voltage;

z Follow all equipment safety procedures;

z Do not connect the probe of the test leads with any live power when the other end has been inserted into the current

jack;

z Do not use the meter if it is damaged. Before using the meter, inspect the case. Look for cracks or missing plastic. Pay

particular attention to the insulation surrounding the connectors;

z Select the proper function and range for the measurement;

z Make sure the battery door is closed and latched before operating the meter;

z Remove test leads from the meter before opening the battery door;

z Inspect the test leads for damaged insulation or exposed metal. Check test lead continuity. Replace damaged test leads

before using the meter;

z When using the probes, keep fingers behind the finger guards on the probes;

z Connect the common test lead before connecting the live test lead. When disconnecting test leads, disconnect the live

test lead first;

z Do not use the meter if it operates abnormally. Protection may be impaired. When in doubt, have the meter inspected;

z Do not operate this instrument in areas where inflammable or explosive gases or vapor exists. It is extremely hazardous

to use the instrument under such environments;

z Do not operate the meter near explosive gas, vapor, or dust;

z Use only four (4) AAA 1.5V batteries, properly installed in the meter case, to power the meter;

z Disconnect the test leads before changing source or measurement functions;

z When servicing the meter, use only specified replacement parts.

z To avoid false readings, which could lead to possible electric shock or personal injury, replace the batteries as soon as

the low battery indicator (

) appears.

WARNING

INFORMATION

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Caution

To avoid possible damage to meter or to equipment under test:

z Disconnect the power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing resistance or continuity.

z Use the proper jacks, functions, and ranges for the measurement or source operation in question.

4 Calibrator Description

Refer to Figure 1

1. LCD display

2. Digit up/down adjust buttons

3. Control keypad

4. Measurement terminals

5. Source terminals

Figure 1 – Meter Description

4.1 Measurement/ Source Terminals

Figure 2 shows the calibrator’s measurement /source terminals. Table 2 explains their use.

Figure 2 - Measurement/ Source Terminals

Table 2 - Measurement/ Source Terminals

Terminal Function

Measurement Signals（+）：DCmV、

Measurement Signals（+）：DCV、FREQ

Measurement Signals（+）：DCmA

Common (return ) （-） terminal for all measurement functions Source Signals：（-）DCmA Source Signals：(+) Simulate mA Source Signals：（+）DCmA LOOP Terminal：+24VDC Loop Power Terminal Common (return ) （-）terminal for source functions

Source Signals：（+）DCV、FREQ、PULSE

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4.2 Keys

Figure 3 lists the calibrator’s function keys and Table 3 explains their use.

8910

23 2425 26

Figure 3 – Calibrator Function Keys

Table 3 – Function Key Descriptions

No. Name Function

1~5 Source value set keys Increment source set point 6~10 Source value set keys Decrement source set point 11 12 13 Power key Switch ON/OFF power 14 Backlight Switch ON/OFF backlight 15 16

18 19 Key Select measurement continuity function 20 21 22 23

MODE key ON key

V Key PULSE Key

mA Key

FREQ Key

RANGE Key UNIT Key LOOP key ZERO Key

START Key

Key

25/100% Key

Mode key (press to change the function mode) Switch ON/OFF measurement/ source function

Select measurement/source DCV function Select source pulse function

Select measurement/source mA function

Select measurement/source FREQ function

Select measurement/source range; mA /percentage toggle key not used Switch ON/OFF 24V Loop power Set the source value to its default value;

In pulse source function, set the pulse value Source auto-pulse value;

Switch ON the mA auto-stepping or sweeping function; HOLD (freeze) the measured value;

In DCmA source function ,select the auto-wave type; In frequency or pulse source, set the frequency value.

In mA source function, select 25% or 100% manual step output type; In pulse number mode, frequency source, set the amplitude value; Measure the average value.

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4.3 Display Screen

Figure 4 shows a typical display screen.

Figure 4 - LCD display

a. Measurement

b. Source

c. Measurement/Source frequency

d. Not used

e. Battery level indicator

f. Measurement/Source function ON

g. Source function OFF

h. Measurement/Source voltage

i. Measurement/Source current

j. Source pulse

k. 24V Loop Power Supply ON

l. Not used

m. Beeper for measurement continuity

n. Not used

o. Measured value HOLD

p. Measurement average value

q. Not used

r. Main numerical display

s. Unit of measure for main display

t. DCmA 25% or 100% manual step source

u. Start source number of pulses / DCmA auto-stepping or sweeping source function

v. 24V Loop Power Supply ON

w. DCmA auto-stepping or sweeping source

x. Unit of measure for secondary display

y. Secondary numerical display

abcd e

no p

wv y

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Source/Measurement Preparations

Precautions for Safe Use of the Instrument

z When using the instrument for the first time, be sure to read the instructions given in Section 4 “Precautions for Safe

Use of the Instrument.”

z Do not open the instrument’s case. Contact the vendor for service.

z In case of failure: Should the instrument begin to emit smoke, give off an unusual odor, or show any other anomaly,

immediately switch OFF the POWER. Also switch OFF power to the object under test that is connected to the input

terminals. Contact the vendor.

General Handling Precautions

z Before transporting the instrument, switch OFF power to the object under test, and then power off the meter. Finally,

detach all lead cables from the instrument. Use a dedicated carry case when transporting the instrument.

z Do not bring any electrified object close to the input terminals, since this may damage the internal circuitry.

z Do not apply any volatile chemical to the instrument’s case or operation panel. Do not leave the instrument in contact

with any product made of rubber or vinyl for a prolonged period. Be careful not to let a soldering iron or any other heat-

emitting object come into contact with the operation panel (panel is made of thermoplastic resin).

z Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe the outer surfaces of the instrument. Water that is allowed into the instrument can

result in malfunction.

z For handling precautions regarding the batteries, see “Installing or Replacing the Batteries”.

z Never use the instrument with the cover of the battery holder opened.

Environmental Requirements

Use the instrument in locations that meet the following environmental requirements:

z Ambient temperature range: 32 to 122

z Place the instrument on flat and level areas

Do not use the instrument in locations that are:

z Exposed to direct sunlight or close to any heat source.

z Exposed to frequent mechanical vibration.

z Close to an electrical noise source, such as high-voltage equipment or motive power sources.

z Close to any source of intensive electric or electromagnetic fields.

z Exposed to large amounts of grease fumes, hot steam, dust or corrosive gases.

z Exposed to unstable areas such as where a risk of explosion due to the presence of flammable gases exists.

Notes:

z Use the instrument under the following environmental conditions when precise measurements are required:

Ambient temperature range: 74

F (23oC) ±5o; ambient humidity range: 20 to 80% RH (non-condensing)

z When using the instrument within a temperature range of 32 to 64

based on the temperature coefficient shown in the “Specifications” section to the given accuracy rating.

z When using the instrument at an ambient humidity of 30% or lower, prevent electrostatic charges by using an anti-static

mat or other alternative means.

z Condensation may occur if the instrument is relocated from places with low temperature and humidity to places with

high temperature and humidity, or if the instrument experiences a sudden temperature change. In these cases, leave

the instrument under the given ambient temperature for at least one hour to ensure that the instrument is free from

condensation before using the instrument.

F (0 to 50oC); ambient humidity range: 20 to 80% RH; non-condensing.

F (0 to 18oC) or 82 to 122oF (28 to 50oC), add a value

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Indication of Battery Level

The battery replacement indicator shows the battery level in five stages.

Full battery:

The battery level is below 50% full:

The battery level is below 25% full:

Low battery:

The battery icon flashes in sequence when charging.

Note that the battery replacement indicator is driven by directly measuring the battery voltage when the calibrator is in actual

operation. Consequently, the indicator may read differently depending on the battery load condition (e.g., the load condition

of the source output or on/off state of the measurement function).

To replace batteries and/or fuses refer to Section 12 of this User Guide.

Switching Power ON

Press the Power key once to switch ON the calibrator. Press and hold the Power key for 2 seconds to switch it OFF.

Automatic Power OFF

When the calibrator is running on batteries and no key is pressed for approximately ten minutes, the calibrator switches OFF

automatically. The automatic power-off time can be programmed or set to the factory default state, see the “Global Settings”

section.

Switching the LCD Backlight ON and OFF

Press the backlight key to switch ON the backlight; press again to switch it OFF. Battery life is shortened by backlight

overuse.

Notes: The backlight automatically switches OFF after 10 seconds. The time can be programmed or reset to the factory

default condition, see the “Global Settings” section.

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