Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech EX520 True RMS Autoranging Multimeter. This meter
measures AC/DC Voltage, AC/DC Current, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency (electrical &
electronic), Diode Test, and Continuity plus Thermocouple Temperature. It features a 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.
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.
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.
10A 1000V fast acting fuse (20A for 30 seconds max
every 15 minutes)
Note: Tilt stand and battery compartment are on rear of unit.
Symbols and Annunciators
Auto power off
•))) 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
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
MAX Maximum MIN Minimum
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.
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 ΩCAP position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. Insert the
red test lead banana plug into the positive jack.
3. Press the MODE button to indicate “"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.
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 CAP position.
2. Insert the black lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. Insert the
red test lead banana plug into the positive 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 35, 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 CAP 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.
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 ºC or ºF
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.
Note: The temperature range of the supplied thermocouple probe is -20 to 250°C (-4 to 482°F)
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 Ω 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. Press the MODE button to indicate “nF” on the display.
4. Touch the test leads to the capacitor to be tested.
5. The test may take up to 3 minutes or more for large capacitors to charge.
Wait until the readings settle before ending the test.
6. Read the capacitance value in the display
FREQUENCY/DUTY CYCLE MEASUREMENTS (ELECTRONIC)
1. Set the rotary function switch to the green “Hz %” position.
2. Press the Hz/% button to indicate “Hz” in the display.
3. Insert the black lead banana plug into the negative COM jack and the red test
lead banana plug into the positive Hz jack.
4. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit under test.
5. Read the frequency on the display.
6. Press the Hz/% button again to indicate “%” on the display.
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 available ranges until you select the desired range.
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 Capacitance and Frequency functions.
MAX/MIN
Note: When using the MAX/MIN function in Autoranging mode, the meter will “lock” into the range
that is displayed on the LCD when MAX/MIN is activated. If a MAX/Min reading exceeds that
range, an “OL” will be displayed. Select the desired range BEFORE entering MAX/MIN mode.
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.
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.
Note: The Relative function does not operate in the Frequency function.
DISPLAY BACKLIGHT
Press the HOLD key for >1 second to turn on or off the display backlight function. The backlight will
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.
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.
LOW BATTERY INDICATION
The icon will appear in the lower left conner of the display when the battery voltage becomes low.
Replace the battery when this appears.
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.
Disposal: Do not dispose of this instrument in household waste. The user is obligated to take end-oflife devices to a designated collection point for the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment.
Other Battery Safety Reminders
o Never dispose of batteries in a fire. Batteries may explode or leak.
Never mix battery types. Always install new batteries of the same type
Never dispose of used batteries or rechargeable batteries in household waste.
As consumers, users are legally required to take used batteries to appropriate
collection sites, the retail store where the batteries were purchased, or wherever
batteries are sold.
Diode Test Test current of 0.9mA maximum, open circuit voltage 2.8V DC typical
Continuity Check Audible signal will sound if the resistance is less than 100 (approx.), test
current <0.35mA
Temperature Sensor Requires type K thermocouple
Input Impedance >10MΩ VDC & >10MΩ VAC
AC Response True rms
ACV Bandwidth 40Hz to 1kHz
Crest Factor ≤3 at full scale up to 500V, decreasing linearly to ≤1.5 at 1000V
Display 6,000 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; 0.8A/1000V ceramic fast blow
A range; 10A/1000V ceramic fast blow
Operating Temperature 5C to 40C (41F to 104F)
Storage Temperature -20C to 60C (-4F to 140F)
Operating Humidity Max 80% up to 31C (87F) decreasing linearly to 50% at 40C (104F)
Storage Humidity <80%
Operating Altitude 2000 meters (7000ft) maximum.
Weight 342g (0.753lb) (includes holster).
Size 187 x 81 x 50mm (7.36” x 3.2” x 2.0”) (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
(2001) to Category IV 600V and Category III 1000V; Pollution Degree 2.
The meter also meets UL 61010-1, 2
61010-1 2
nd
Edition (2004), and UL 61010B-2-031, 1st Edition (2003)
nd
Edition (2004), CAN/CSA C22.2 No.
nd
Edition
Approvals UL CE
UL Listed The UL mark does not indicate that this product has been evaluated for the