Fluke 116 Operating Manual

PN 2538688
July 2006, Rev. 1, 2/07

© 2006, 2007 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in China
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.

116

True-rms Multimeter

Users Manual

®

LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

This Fluke product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for three
years from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover fuses, disposable bat­teries, or damage from accident, neglect, misuse, alteration, contamination, or abnor­mal conditions of operation or handling. Resellers are not authorized to extend any
other warranty on Fluke’s behalf. To obtain service during the warranty period, contact
your nearest Fluke authorized service center to obtain return authorization information,
then send the product to that Service Center with a description of the problem.

THIS WARRANTY IS YOUR ONLY REMEDY. NO OTHER WARRANTIES, SUCH AS
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. FLUKE
IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUEN­TIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY. Since
some states or countries do not allow the exclusion or limitation of an implied warranty
or of incidental or consequential damages, this limitation of liability may not apply to
you.

Fluke Corporation
P.O. Box 9090
Everett, WA 98206-9090
U.S.A.

11/99

Fluke Europe B.V.
P.O. Box 1186
5602 BD Eindhoven
The Netherlands

True-rms Multimeter

Introduction

The Fluke Model 116, is a battery-powered, true-rms
multimeter (hereafter "the Meter") with a 6000-count
display and a bar graph.

This meter meets CAT III IEC 61010-1 2
standards. The IEC 61010-1 2nd Edition safety standard
defines four measurement categories (CAT I to IV)
based on the magnitude of danger from transient
impulses. CAT III meters are designed to protect
against transients in fixed-equipment installations at the
distribution level.

nd

Edition

Contacting Fluke

To contact Fluke, call:

USA: 1-888-99-FLUKE (1-888-993-5853)
Canada: 1-800-36-FLUKE (1-800-363-5853)
Europe: [phone]
Japan: [phone]
Singapore [phone]

Anywhere in the world: [phone]

Visit Fluke's web site at www.fluke.com
Register your Meter at register.fluke.com

Unsafe Voltage

To alert you to the presence of a potentially
hazardous voltage, the Y symbol is displayed when
the Meter measures a voltage ≥30 V or a voltage
overload (OL) condition. When making frequency
measurements >1 kHz, the Y symbol is unspecified.

.

.

1

116

Users Manual

Safety Information

A "XWWarning" statement identifies hazardous conditions and actions that could cause bodily harm or death.
A "WCaution" statement identifies conditions and actions that could damage the Meter or the equipment under test.

To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, follow these guidelines:

• Use the Meter only as specified in this manual or the protection provided by the Meter might

be impaired.

• Do not use the Meter or test leads if they appear damaged, or if the Meter is not operating

properly.

• Always use proper terminals, switch position, and range for measurements.

• Verify the Meter's operation by measuring a known voltage. If in doubt, have the Meter

serviced.

• Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on Meter, between terminals or

between any terminal and earth ground.

• Use caution with voltages above 30 V ac rms, 42 V ac peak, or 60 V dc. These voltages pose

a shock hazard.

• Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing

resistance, continuity, diodes, or capacitance.

• Do not use the Meter around explosive gas or vapor.

• When using test leads or probes, keep your fingers behind the finger guards.

• Only use test leads that have the same voltage, category, and amperage ratings as the meter

and that have been approved by a safety agency.

• Remove test leads from Meter before opening the battery door or Meter case.

2

True-rms Multimeter
Safety Information

• Comply with local and national safety requirements when working in hazardous locations.

• Use proper protective equipment, as required by local or national authorities when working

in hazardous areas.

• Avoid working alone.

• Use only the replacement fuse specified or the protection may be impaired.

• Check the test leads for continuity before use. Do not use if the readings are high or noisy.

• Do not use the Auto Volts function to measure voltages in circuits that could be damaged by
this function’s low input impedance (≈3 kΩ).

Symbols

B AC (Alternating Current) N Battery (Low battery when shown on display.)
F DC (Direct Current) T Double Insulated

X Hazardous voltage W Important Information; Refer to manual

J Earth ground

Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal waste. Contact Fluke or a qualified recycler for

~

disposal.

D

AC and DC

3

116

Users Manual

Display

5

4

3

2

1

14

13

No. Symbol Meaning

A s The Meter function is set to Continuity.
B R The Meter function is set to Diode Test
C O Input is a negative value.
D

E K Display hold enabled. Display freezes present reading.

Y

X Unsafe voltage. Measured input voltage ≥ 30 V, or voltage overload condition

(OL).

6

12

15

7

11

4

9

16

8

10

eeo02f.eps

True-rms Multimeter
Display

No. Symbol Meaning

F M

VWX

G LoZ The Meter is measuring voltage or capacitiance with a low input impedance.
H nµ°F°C mVµA

MkΩ kHz

I DC AC Direct current or alternating current
J N Battery low warning.
K 610000 mV Indicates the Meter’s range selection.
L (Bar graph) Analog display.
M Auto Volts

Auto

Manual

N + Bar graph polarity
O 0L W The input is too large for the selected range.
P 0PEn Thermocouple missing or defective when Temperature function is selected.

MIN MAX AVG mode enabled.
Maximum, minimum, average or present reading displayed

Measurement units.

The Meter is in the Auto Volts function.
Auto ranging. The Meter selects the range for best resolution.
Manual ranging. User sets the Meter’s range.

5

116

Users Manual

Terminals

COM

1

No. Description

A Common (return) terminal for all measurements.

Input terminal for measuring voltage, continuity, resistance, capacitance, frequency, temperature,

B

microamps and testing diodes..

Error Messages

bAtt Battery must be replaced before the Meter will operate.

CAL Err Calibration required. Meter calibration is required before the Meter will operate.

EEPr Err Internal error. The Meter must be repaired before it will operate.

F11Err Internal error. The Meter must be repaired before it will operate.

+

2

edy01f.eps

6

True-rms Multimeter
Rotary Switch Positions

Rotary Switch Positions

Switch Position Measurement Function

x

e

Hz (button)

D

l

Ω

s

y

R

S

$

Note: All ac functions and Auto-V LoZ are true-rms. AC voltage is ac-coupled. Auto-V LoZ, AC mV and AC μA
are dc coupled.

Automatically selects ac or dc volts based on the sensed input with a low impedance
input.

AC voltage from 0.06 to 600 V.
Frequency from 5 Hz to 50 kHz.

DC voltage from 0.001 V to 600 V.
AC voltage from 6.0 to 600 mV, dc-coupled.

DC voltage from 0.1 to 600 mV.
Ohms from 0.1 Ω to 40 MΩ.

Continuity beeper turns on at <20 Ω and turns off at >250 Ω.
Temperature from -40 °C to 400 °C (-40 °F to 752 °F) with K-type thermocouple
Diode Test. Displays OL above 2.0 V.
Farads from 1 nF to 9999 μF.
DC current from 0.1 to 600 μA. AC current from 6.0 to 600 μA. DC-coupled.

7

116

Users Manual

Battery Saver ("Sleep Mode")

The Meter automatically enters "Sleep mode" and blanks
the display if there is no function change, range change or
button press for 20 minutes. Pressing any button or
turning the rotary switch awakens the Meter. To disable the
Sleep mode, hold down the g
Meter on. The Sleep mode is always disabled in the MIN
MAX AVG mode.

MIN MAX AVG Recording Mode

The MIN MAX AVG recording mode captures the minimum
and maximum input values (ignoring overloads), and
calculates a running average of all readings. When a new
high or low is detected, the Meter beeps.

• Put the Meter in the desired measurement function and

range.

• Press p to enter MIN MAX AVG mode.

• Mand MAX are displayed and the highest

reading detected since entering MIN MAX AVG is
displayed.

• Press p to step through the low (MIN), average

(AVG), and present readings.

• To pause MIN MAX AVG recording without erasing

stored values, press f. K is displayed.

• To resume MIN MAX AVG recording, press fagain.

• To exit and erase stored readings, press p for at

least one second or turn the rotary switch.

button while turning the

8

Display HOLD

To avoid electric shock, when Display
HOLD is activated, be aware that the
display will not change when you
apply a different voltage.

In the Display HOLD mode, the Meter freezes the display.

1. Press fto activate Display HOLD. (K is
displayed.)

2. To exit and return to normal operation, press f or
turn the rotary switch.

Backlight

Q to toggle the backlight on and off. The backlight

Press
automatically turns off after 40 seconds. To disable
backlight auto-off, hold down Q while turning the Meter
on.

Manual and Autoranging

The Meter has both Manual and Autorange modes.

• In the Autorange mode, the Meter selects the range with
the best resolution.

• In the Manual Range mode, you override Autorange and
select the range yourself.

XWWarning

True-rms Multimeter
Power-Up Options

When you turn the Meter on, it defaults to Autorange and
Auto is displayed.

1. To enter the Manual Range mode, press q.
Manual is displayed.

2. In the Manual Range mode, press qto increment the
range. After the highest range, the Meter wraps to the
lowest range.

Note

You cannot manually change the range in the
MIN MAX AVG or Display HOLD modes.

If you press qwhile in MIN MAX AVG or
Display Hold, the Meter beeps twice, indicating
an invalid operation, and the range does not
change.

3. To exit Manual Range, press q for at least 1 second
or turn the rotary switch. The Meter returns to
Autorange and Auto is displayed.

Power-Up Options

To select a Power-Up Option, hold down the button
indicated in the following table while turning the Meter on.

Power-Up Options are canceled when you turn the Meter
off and when sleep mode is activated.

Button Power-Up Options

f

p

q

g

Making Basic Measurements

The figures on the following pages show how to make
basic measurements.

When connecting the test leads to the circuit or device,
connect the common (COM) test lead before connecting
the live lead; when removing the test leads, remove the live
lead before removing the common test lead.

Turns on all display segments.
Disables beeper. bEEP is displayed when

enabled.

Enables low impedance capacitance
measurements. LCAP is displayed when
enabled. See page 14.

Disables automatic power-down ("Sleep
mode"). PoFF is displayed when enabled.

Disables auto backlight off. LoFF is

Q

displayed when enabled.

9

116

Users Manual

Measuring Resistance

XWWarning

To avoid electric shock, injury, or
damage to the Meter, disconnect
circuit power and discharge all high­voltage capacitors before testing
resistance, continuity, diodes, or
capacitance.

10

eeo04f.eps

Testing for Continuity

The continuity function works best as a fast,
convenient method to check for opens and
shorts. For maximum accuracy in making
resistance measurements, use the Meter’s
resistance (e) function.

Note

eeo06f.eps

True-rms Multimeter
Making Basic Measurements

Measuring AC and DC Voltage

Volts DC Volts AC

V

eeo03f.eps

Using Auto Volts Selection

With the function switch in the x position, the Meter
automatically selects a dc or ac voltage measurement
based on the input applied between the + and COM jacks.

This function also sets the Meter’s input impedance to
approximately 3 kΩ to reduce the possibility of false
readings due to ghost voltages.

Measuring AC and DC Millivolts

Millivolts DC Millivolts AC

With the function switch in the l position, the Meter
measures ac plus dc millivolts. Press g to switch the
Meter to dc millivolts.

DC

edy18f.eps

11

116

Users Manual

Measuring AC and DC Current

To avoid personal injury or damage to the
Meter:

• Never attempt to make an in-circuit

current measurement when the open­circuit potential to earth is > 600 V.

• Use the proper switch position and range

for your measurement.

WWarning

12

Flame

sensor

probe

Control
Module

eeo08f.eps

To measure flame rectification circuits:

1. Turn the function switch to

2. Connect the Meter between the flame sensor probe and
the control module.

3. Turn heating unit on and record μA measurement.

$.

True-rms Multimeter
Making Basic Measurements

Measuring Capacitance

eeo05f.eps

Measuring Temperature

To avoid risk of electric shock, do NOT
connect 80BK to live circuits.

RANGE

Thermocouple

XW Warning

80BK Type K

Probe

Vent

or

Pipe

eeo10f.eps

13

116

Users Manual

Measuring Frequency

XWWarning

To avoid electrical shock, disregard
the bar graph for frequencies >1 kHz.
If the frequency of the measured
signal is >1 kHz, the bar graph and Z
are unspecified.

AC Voltage Frequency

14

V

The Meter measures the frequency of a signal by counting
the number of times the signal crosses a trigger level each
second. The trigger level is 0 V for all ranges.

1. Press g to turn the frequency measurement
function on and off. Frequency works with ac volts only.

2. In frequency, the bar graph and range annunciator
indicate the AC voltage present.

3. Select progressively lower ranges using manual ranging
for a stable reading.

Hz

Hz

edy09f.eps

Making Low Impedance Capacitance Measurements

For making capacitance measurements on cables with
ghost voltage, hold qwhile turning on the Meter to
switch the Meter into LoZ, (low input impedance)
Capacitance mode. In this mode, capacitance
measurements will have a lower accuracy and lower
dynamic range. This setting is not saved when the Meter is
turned off or goes into sleep mode.

True-rms Multimeter
Making Low Impedance Capacitance Measurements

Testing Diodes

Good Diode Good Diode

Forward Bias

Bad Diode Bad Diode

Open

Single
Beep

Reverse Bias

and

Shorted

eeo07f.eps

Measuring Current above 600

The millivolt and voltage function of the Meter can be used
with an optional mV/A output Current Probe to measure
currents that exceed the rating of the Meter. Make sure the
Meter has the correct function, AC or DC, selected for your
current probe. Refer to a Fluke catalog or contact your
local Fluke representative for compatible current clamps.

μ

A

eeo14f.eps

15

116

Users Manual

Using the Bargraph

The bar graph is like the needle on an analog meter. It has
an overload indicator (>) to the right and a polarity
indicator (+) to the left.

Because the bar graph updates much faster than the digital
display, the bar graph is useful for making peak and null
adjustments.

The bar graph is disabled when measuring capacitance and
temperature. In frequency, the bar graph and range
annunciator indicates the underlying voltage up to 1 kHz.

The number of segments indicates the measured value and
is relative to the full-scale value of the selected range.

In the 60 V range, for example (see below), the major
divisions on the scale represent 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 V. An
input of −30 V turns on the negative sign and the segments
up to the middle of the scale.

aej11f.eps

16

Maintenance

Maintenance of the Meter consists of replacing the battery
and cleaning the case.

Replacing the Battery

eeo11f.eps

True-rms Multimeter
Cleaning

XWWarning

To avoid shock, injury, or damage to
the Meter, remove test leads from the
Meter before opening the case or
battery door.

To remove the battery door for battery replacement:

1. Remove the test leads from the Meter.

2. Remove the battery door screw.

3. Use the finger recess to lift the door slightly.

4. Lift the door straight up to separate it from the case.

The battery fits inside the battery door, which is then
inserted into the case, bottom edge first, until it is fully
seated. Do not attempt to install the battery directly into the
case.

5. Install and tighten battery door screw.

Cleaning

Wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do
not use abrasives, isopropyl alcohol, or solvents to clean
the case top or lens/window. Dirt or moisture in the

terminals can affect readings.

17

116

Users Manual

General Specifications

Accuracy is specified for 1 year after calibration, at operating temperatures of 18 °C to 28 °C, with
relative humidity at 0 % to 90 %.
Extended specifications are available at www.Fluke.com.

Maximum voltage between any

terminal and earth ground.......................... 600 V

Surge Protection ......................................... 6 kV peak per IEC 61010-1600V CAT III,

Display ......................................................... Digital: 6,000 counts, updates 4/sec

...................................................................... Bar Graph: 33 segments, updates 32/sec

Temperature ................................................ Operating: -10 °C to + 50 °C

Storage: -40 °C to + 60 °C

Temperature Coefficient............................. 0.1 x (specified accuracy)/°C (<18 °C or >28 °C)

Operating Altitude....................................... 2,000 meters

Battery .......................................................... 9 Volt Alkaline, NEDA 1604A / IEC 6LR61

Battery Life .................................................. Alkaline: 400 hours typical, without backlight

Safety Compliances.................................... Complies with ANSI/ISA 82.02.01 (61010-1) 2004,

Certifications............................................... UL,

Pollution Degree 2

CAN/CSA-C22.2 No 61010-1-04, UL 6101B (2003) and
IEC/EN 61010-1 2nd Edition for measurement Category III,
600 V, Pollution Degree 2, EMC EN61326-1

P, CSA, TÜV, ; (N10140), VDE

18

True-rms Multimeter
General Specifications

IP Rating (dust and water protection) ............IP42

Table 1. Accuracy Specifications

Function Range Resolution

Accuracy

± ([% of Reading] + [Counts])

DC millivolts 600.0 mV 0.1 mV 0.5 % + 2

DC Volts

6.000 V

60.00 V

600.0 V

0.001 V

0.01 V

0.1 V

0.5 % + 2

DC, 45 to 500 Hz 500 Hz to 1 kHz

Auto-V LoZ

[1]

True-rms 600.0 V 0.1 V

2.0 % + 3 4.0 % + 3
45 to 500 Hz 500 Hz to 1 kHz
AC millivolts

rms

AC Volts

[1]

True-

[1]

True-rms

600.0 mV 0.1 mV 1.0 % + 3 2.0 % + 3

6.000 V

60.00 V

600.0 V

0.001 V

0.01 V

0.1 V

1.0 % + 3 2.0 % + 3

19

116

Users Manual

Table 1 Accuracy Specifications (cont.)

Function Range Resolution

Continuity 600 Ω 1 Ω

Ohms

600.0 Ω

6.000 kΩ

60.00 kΩ

600.0 kΩ

6.000 MΩ

40.00 MΩ

0.1 Ω

0.001 kΩ

0.01 kΩ

0.1 kΩ

0.001 MΩ

0.01 MΩ

Beeper on < 20 Ω, off > 250 Ω;
detects opens or shorts of
500 μs or longer.

Accuracy

± ([% of Reading] + [Counts])

0.9 % + 2

0.9 % + 1

0.9 % + 1

0.9 % + 1

0.9 % + 1
5 % + 2

Diode test 2.000 V 0.001 V 0.9 % + 2

1000 nF

Capacitance

Lo-Z Capacitance 1 nF to 500 μF 10% + 2 typical

Temperature (Type K
Thermocouple)

10.00 μF

100.0 μF
9999 μF

-40 ºC to 400 ºC

-40 ºF to 752 ºF

1 nF

0.01 μF

0.1 μF
1 μF

0.1 ºC

0.2 ºF

1.9 % + 2

1.9 % + 2

1.9 % + 2

100 μF - 1000 μF: 1.9 % + 2

> 1000 μF: 5 % + 20

[2]

1 % + 10
1 % + 18

[2]

20

True-rms Multimeter
General Specifications

Table 1 Accuracy Specifications (cont.)

Function Range Resolution

AC μAmps True-rms
(45 Hz to 1 kHz)

[1]

600.0 μA 0.1 μA

Accuracy

± ([% of Reading] + [Counts])

1.5 % + 3

(2.5 % + 3 >500 Hz)

DC μAmps 600.0 μA 0.1 μA 1.0 % + 2

99.99 Hz

Hz (V input)

Notes:

[1] All AC ranges except Auto-V LoZ are specified from 1 % to 100% of range. Auto-V LoZ is specified from 0 V.

[2] Temperature uncertainty (accuracy) does not include the error of the thermocouple probe.
[3] Frequency is ac coupled and specified from 5 Hz to 50 kHz.

[3]

Because inputs below 1 % of range are not specified, it is normal for this and other true-rms meters to display non­zero readings when the test leads are disconnected from a circuit or are shorted together. For volts and μA, crest
factor of ≤3 at 4000 counts, decreasing linearly to 1.5 at full scale. AC volts is ac-coupled. Auto-V LoZ, AC mV, and
AC μA are dc-coupled.

999.9 Hz

9.999 kHz

50.00 kHz

0.01 Hz

0.1 Hz

0.001 kHz

0.01 kHz

0.1 % + 2

21

116

Users Manual

Table 2. Input Characteristics

Function

Volts AC >5 MΩ <100 pF >60 dB at dc, 50 or 60 Hz

Volts DC
Auto-V LoZ ~3 kΩ <500 pF >60 dB at dc, 50 or 60 Hz

Diode Test <2.7 V dc 2.000 V dc <1.2 mA

Input Impedance

(Nominal)

>10 MΩ <100 pF >100 dB at dc, 50 or 60 Hz >60 dB at 50 or 60

Open Circuit Test Voltage Full Scale Voltage

Common Mode Rejection Ratio

(1 kΩ Unbalanced)

To 6.0 MΩ 40 MΩ Ohms <2.7 V dc

<0.7 V dc <0.9 V dc

Normal Mode

Rejection

Hz

Short Circuit

Current

<350 μA

22