Extech Instruments EX530 User Manual

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User's Guide

True RMS Industrial Multimeter

Extech EX530

EX530 V3.3 4/29/07

2

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.

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.

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

WARNING

CAUTION

MAX
1000V

EX530 V3.3 4/29/07

3

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

10A 1000V fast acting fuse (20A for 30 seconds

max every 15 minutes)
Frequency, Resistance, Capacitance,
Duty Cycle, Diode Test, Continuity

1000VDC/AC rms

Temperature 1000VDC/AC rms

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.

EX530 V3.3 4/29/07

4

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

-9

) (capacitance)

µ micro (10

-6

) (amps, cap)

m milli (10

-3

) (volts, amps)
A Amps
k kilo (10

3

) (ohms)
F Farads (capacitance)
M mega (10

6

) (ohms)
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

EX530 V3.3 4/29/07

5

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.