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Digital Sound Level Meter
Model SL510
Additional User Manual Translations available at
USER MANUAL
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Introduction
Thank you for selecting the Extech Model SL510. The SL510 measures sound levels in decibels. This
device is shipped fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of reliable
service. Please visit our website ( ) to check for the latest version and translations
of this User Manual, Product Updates, Product Registration, and Customer Support.
Features
• Standard 0.5” microphone head
• A/C frequency weighting
• LCD with backlight
• Light weight, compact design
• Wristlet for convenient, one-handed operation
Safety
Please read the entire Quick Start and User Manual before operating this device. Use the meter
only as specified and do not attempt to service or open the meter housing. Do not allow children to
handle the meter or the windscreen. Please dispose of batteries and meter responsibly and in
accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
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Meter Description
1. Microphone with windscreen
2. LCD Display
3. ON-OFF button
4. LCD Backlight button and ▲ button
5. A/C weighting selection button
6. Hold button
7. Max/Min Record button
8. SET, Peak capture and ▼ button
9. Fast/Slow response selection button
Measurement Considerations
1. Wind blowing across the microphone increases the noise measurement. Use the supplied
windscreen to cover the microphone when applicable.
2. Calibrate the instrument before each use if possible. Especially if the meter has not been
used for a long period of time.
3. Do not store or operate the instrument in areas of high temperature or humidity.
4. Keep meter and microphone dry.
5. Avoid severe vibration.
6. Remove the battery when the meter is to be stored for long periods of time.
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Operation
1. Power the meter by pressing the power button. The meter will begin displaying sound
level readings. If the LCD does not switch on, check the batteries located in the rear battery
compartment.
2. Hold the meter in hand facing the microphone toward the source of the sound to be
measured.
3. View the measurement on the meter’s LCD
‘A’ and ‘C’ Frequency Weighting
Press the A/C button to select A or C frequency weighting. The A or C icon will appear in the
display to indicate the weighting selected.
With ‘A’ weighting selected, the frequency response of the meter is similar to the response of
the human ear. ‘A’ weighting is commonly used for environmental or hearing conservation
programs such as OSHA regulatory testing and noise ordinance law enforcement. ‘C’ weighting is
a much flatter response and is suitable for the sound level analysis of machines, engines, etc.
Most noise measurements are performed using 'A' Weighting and FAST Response.
‘FAST’ and ‘SLOW’ Time Weighting
Use the button to select FAST (125 ms) or SLOW (1 second) time weighting. The F or S icon
will appear in the display as selected.
Select FAST to capture noise peaks and noises that occur very quickly. Select the SLOW response
to monitor a sound source that has a consistent noise level or to average quickly changing levels.
Select FAST response for most applications.
Data Hold
To freeze a displayed reading, press the H button. The H icon will appear and the most recent
reading will appear in the display. Press the H button to exit the mode and return to normal
operation
Backlight
The LCD is equipped with backlighting for easier viewing, especially in dimly lit areas. Press the
backlight button to turn the backlight on. The backlight will automatically turn off after 10
seconds.
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Peak Hold
The Peak mode is used to capture and hold the peak sound level measurement.
1. Press the ▼ SET/PEAK button to enable the peak capture mode. The peak icon will
appear on the display.
2. The meter will now display the highest peak reading during the measurement period.
3. Press the ▼ SET/PEAK button to exit the peak capture mode
MAX-MIN Recording
In this mode, the meter records the maximum and minimum values over time.
Note: A/C, Fast/Slow, Hold and the Power buttons are not operational in the Record mode.
1. Short press the R button to enter the Record mode. The record icon will appear on the
display. The maximum and minimum values will be recorded and updated during the
measurement period.
2. Short press the R button to stop the Max-Min recording. The icon and the MAX value
that occurred during the recording period will be displayed.
3. Short press the R button to display the icon and the MIN value that occurred during the
recording measurement period.
4. Short press the H button to clear the memory and start a new max/min measurement
period.
5. Long press the R button to exit the record mode.
Auto Power OFF (APO)
In order to conserve battery life, the meter will automatically shut off after approximately 10
minutes of inactivity. The APO icon is active in the display when APO is selected.
To turn APO ON or OFF as the default condition:
1. Press and Hold the ▼ button for 2 seconds. The yes or no icon will appear:
2. Press the ▲ button to turn the APO ON (YES) or press the ▼ button to turn the APO OFF
(NO).
3. Press the R button to save the selection.
4. Short press the power button or wait approximately 10 seconds for the meter to return to
normal operation.
Note: APO is not operational in the Record mode.
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Calibration
To calibrate the SL510, an external calibrator that can provide a 94.0dB signal at 1 kHz is required.
1. Turn the meter ON
2. Put the meter in the ‘A’ weighting mode.
3. Put the meter in the ‘FAST response mode.
4. Place the microphone into the calibrator. Set the calibrator to
output a 1kHz sine wave @ 94dB.
5. When the reading is stable, simultaneously press and hold the A/C
and Fast/Slow buttons until a second lower dB display appears.
6. Press the ▼ or ▲ buttons to adjust the upper display to match the
calibrator output (94.0dB).
7. Press the R button to save the calibration and return to normal operation.
Maintenance
WARNING: To avoid electrical shock, disconnect the meter from any circuit and turn OFF
the meter before opening the case. Do not operate with an open case.
Battery Replacement
1. Power OFF the meter.
2. Remove the flat head screw that secures the battery compartment at the back of the
meter.
3. Open the battery compartment and replace the 3 AAA batteries observing correct polarity.
Re-assemble the meter before use
Safety: Please dispose of batteries responsibly; never dispose of batteries in a fire, batteries may
explode or leak. If the meter is not to be used for 60 days or more, remove the battery and store
separately.
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.
Disposal: Do not dispose of this instrument in household waste. The user is obligated to
take end-of-life devices to a designated collection point for the disposal of electrical and
electronic equipment.
Cleaning and Storage
Periodically wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent; do not use abrasives or
solvents.
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Specifications
Display Backlit LCD
Microphone 0.5” Electret condenser
Input Overload Display “----“
Measurement Range 35 to 130dB
Resolution 0.1dB
Frequency weighting ‘A’ and ‘C’ (selectable)
Accuracy / Resolution ± 1.0 dB @ 1kHz / 0.1dB
Frequency 31.5 to 8000 Hz
Response time Fast: 125 milliseconds / Slow: 1 second
Calibration source
required
Tripod mount On back of meter
Power 3 x 1.5V AAA batteries
Power Consumption Approx. 7.2mA DC
Automatic power off After approx. 10 minutes of inactivity
Operating temperature 0 to 50oC (32 to 122oF)
Operating humidity 10 to 80% RH
Storage temperature -10 to 60oC (14 to 140oF)
Storage humidity 10 to 75% RH
Dimensions/weight 167 x 57 x 25mm (6.6 x 2.3 x 1.1”) /146g (5.1oz)
±1dB high accuracy meets Class 2 standards (IEC 61672-2013 and ANSI/ASA
S1.4/Part 1
1KHz sine wave @ 94dB
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Typical A-Weighted Sound Levels
50HP Siren ( 100')
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
140
0
Jet takeoff (200')
dBA
Riveting machine
Chain saw
Subway (20')
Boiler room
Pneumatic drill (50')
Freight train (100' )
Vac uum cleaner (10')
Speech (1')
Large st o re
Large Office
Small of fice
Residence
Night res ident ial area
Whisper (5'0)
Sound studio
Threshold of hearing
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All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form
ISO-9001 Certified
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