Gossen Metrawatt M242A User guide

Operating Instructions

SECULIFEHITAM HITMD

METRAHIT X-TRA OUTDOOR TECH PRO BASE

TRMS Digital Multimeter

3-349-352-03

13/5.17

Standard Equipment Contact Persons

1kHz

1kHz

1kHz

1kHz

1kHz

1kHz

1kHz

1kHz

Standard Equipment

1multimeter
1 measurement cable set
2 batteries
1 abbreviated operating instructions
– Detailed operating instructions for download from our website

at www.gossenmetrawatt.com

1 DAkkS calibration certificate

Function SECULIFE

V AC / Hz TRMS
(Ri  9 M)

V AC TRMS
(Ri = 1 M)

V AC+DC TRMS
(Ri  9 M)

V DC (  9 M) 
... 1 MHz 5 V AC ———

HITAM/HIT

M687A/M687B M240A/M240O

&Filter&Filter& Filter&Filter

&Filter&Filter& Filter&Filter

Duty cycle as % ———

Hz (V AC) ... 100 kHz ... 100 kHz ... 100 kHz ... 100 kHz ... 100 kHz

Bandwidth V AC

A AC / Hz TRMS

A AC+DC TRMS —

A DC —

15 Hz ... 20 kHz 15 Hz ... 20 kHz 15 Hz ... 10 kHz 15 Hz ... 10 kHz

100 A

1/10/100 mA

1 A / 10 (16)

Fuse 10 A/1000 V 10 A/1000 V 10 A/1000 V 10 A/1000 V —
Transformation

factor

A AC / Hz
TRMS

A AC+DC TRM

S

METRAHIT
X-

TRA

MD

OUTDOOR







100 A

1/10/100 mA
1 A / 10 (16)

A

——  — 

——

——

METRAHIT

/

T

ECH

M243A M242A M241A

10/100 mA

1 A / 10 (16)

A

A

mV/A
mA/A

mV/A
mA/A

METRAHIT
P

RO

1 A / 10 (16)

A

—

—

METRA HIT

B

ASE



—

15 Hz ... 1 kHz

—

mV/A

Ri = 1 M

mV/A

Ri = 1 M

Function SECULIFE

A DC

Hz (A AC) ... 30 kHz ... 30 kHz ... 30 kHz ... 30 kHz ... 30 kHz

HITAM/HIT

M687A/M687B M240A/M240O

METRAHIT
X-

TRA

MD

OUTDOOR

——

METRAHIT

/

T

ECH

M243A M242A M241A

mV/A
mA/A

METRAHIT
P

RO

—

METRA HIT

B

ASE

mV/A

Ri = 1 M

Resistance 
Continuity 

Diode ... 5,1 V 
Temperature TC (K) 

Temperature RTD

———

Capacitance ——

MIN/MAX/data hold 

4 MBit memory

1)

———

IR Interface ———
Power pack

adapter socket
Protection

Antimicrobial
properties

Measuring category 600 V CAT III

Rubber holster ———

Measurement cable set

DAkkS calibr. certificate
Hygiene Expertise — /  ————

1)

For 15,400 measured values, sampling rate adjustable from 0.1 second to 9 hours

———

IP65

/ —————

300 V CAT IV

KS17-2AMB/

KS17-2

X-TRA: IP52

OUTDOOR: IP65

1000 V CAT II I

600 V CAT IV

KS17-2 KS17-2 KS17-2 KS17-2



IP52 IP52 IP52

1000 V CAT II I

600 V CAT IV

1000 V CAT II I

600 V CAT IV

1000 V CAT II I

600 V CAT IV

2 GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH

Contact Persons

Accessories (sensors, plug inserts, adapters, consumable materials)

The accessories available for your instrument are checked for
compliance with currently valid safety regulations at regular
intervals, and are expanded as required for new applications.
Currently up-to-date accessories which are suitable for your
measuring instrument are listed at the following web address
along with photo, order number, description and, depending
upon the scope of the respective accessory, data sheet and
operating instructions:
www.gossenmetrawatt.com

See also chapter 10 on page 66.

Product Support

Technical Queries
(use, operation, software registration)

If required please contact:

GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH

Product Support Hotline

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail [e-mail]

Software Enabling for METRAwin 10

GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH

Front Office

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]

GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH 3

Standard Equipment Contact Persons

Recalibration Service

We calibrate and recalibrate all instruments supplied by GMC-I
Messtechnik GmbH, as well as other manufacturers, at our
service center, for example after one year within the framework of
your test equipment monitoring program, as well as prior to use
etc.

Repair and Replacement Parts Service
Calibration Laboratory* and Rental Instrument Service

If required please contact:

GMC-I Service GmbH
Service Center
Thomas-Mann-Str. 20
90471 Nürnberg, Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
www.gmci-service.com

This address is only valid in Germany. Please contact our
representatives or subsidiaries for service in other countries.

DAkkS Calibration laboratory for measured electrical quantities,
D-K-15080-01-01, accredited in accordance with
DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025

Competent Partner

GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH is certified in accordance with
DIN EN ISO 9001.

Our DAkkS calibration laboratory is accredited by the Deutsche
Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (National accreditation body for the
Federal Republic of Germany) in accordance with DIN EN ISO/
IEC 17025 under registration number D-K-15080-01-01.

We offer a complete range of expertise in the field of metrology:
from test reports and factory calibration certificates, right on up to
DAkkS calibration certificates.

Our spectrum of offerings is rounded out with free test equipment
management.

As a full service calibration laboratory, we can calibrate instru­ments from other manufacturers as well.

Accredited quantities: direct voltage, direct current value, direct current
resistance, alternating voltage, alternating current value, AC active
power, AC apparent power, DC power, capacitance, frequency,
temperature

4 GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH

Contact Persons

GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH 5

Table of Contents

Contents Page Contents Page

1 Safety Features and Precautions ....................................... 8

1.1 Use for Intended Purpose ................................................................10

1.2 Meanings of Danger Symbols ..........................................................10

1.3 Meanings of Acoustic Warning Signals ............................................10

2

Operating Overview – Connections, Keys, Rotary Switch, Symbols . 12

3 Initial Start-Up .................................................................. 16

3.1 Inserting Batteries or Rechargeable Batteries ...................................16

3.2 Activation .......................................................................................16

3.3 Setting the Operating Parameters ....................................................16

3.4 Switching the Instrument Off ...........................................................17

4 Control Functions ............................................................. 18

4.1 Selecting Measuring Functions and Measuring Ranges .....................18

4.1.1 Automatic Range Selection .............................................................18

4.1.2 Manual Measuring Range Selection .................................................18

4.1.3 Quick Measurements ......................................................................19

4.2 Zero Offset / Relative Measurements ...............................................19

4.3 Display (LCD) .................................................................................20

4.3.1 Digital Display ................................................................................20

4.3.2 Analog Display ...............................................................................20

4.4 Measured Value Storage: DATA (auto-hold / compare) ......................21

4.4.1 Saving Minimum and Maximum Values – MIN/MAX Function ............22

4.5 Measurement Data Recording (METRAHIT X-

SECULIFEHITAM/MD only) ...............................................................23

TRA/OUTDOOR and

5 Measurements ................................................................. 26

5.1 Voltage Measurement ....................................................................26

5.1.1 Direct and Pulsating Voltage Measurement, V DC and V (DC+AC) ..... 27

5.1.2 Alternating Voltage Measurement with 1 M
and Frequency Measurement with Selectable Low-Pass Filter
(METRAHIT X-

TRA/OUTDOOR/TECH/PRO/SECULIFEHITAM/MD only) ...... 28

5.1.3 Alternating Voltage and Frequency Measurement V AC and Hz
with Selectable Low-Pass Filter
(METRAHIT X-

TRA/OUTDOOR/TECH/PRO/SECULIFEHITAM/MD only) ...... 30

5.1.4 Frequency and Duty Cycle Measurements
(METRAHIT X-

TRA/OUTDOOR/SECULIFEHITAM/MD only) ..................... 32

5.2 Resistance Measurement, 

5.3 Continuity Test .............................................................................. 34

5.4 Diode Testing with a Constant Current of 1 mA ...............................35

5.5 Temperature Measurement ............................................................36

5.5.1 Measurement with Thermocouples, Temp TC ..................................36

5.5.2 Measurement with Resistance Thermometers
(METRAHIT X-

TRA/OUTDOOR/SECULIFEHITAM/MD only) ..................... 37

5.6 Capacitance Measurement
(

METRAHIT X-TRA/OUTDOOR/SECULIFEHITAM/MD

only) .......................................................................................................... 38

5.7 Current Measurement ....................................................................39

5.7.1 Direct and Pulsating Current Measurement, Direct Connection,
A DC and A (DC+AC)
(METRAHIT X-

TRA/OUTDOOR/TECH/PRO only) .....................................40

5.7.2 Alternating Current and Frequency Measurement,
Direct Connection, A AC and Hz
(METRAHIT X-

5.7.3

Direct and Pulsating Current Measurement with Clip-On Current Sensor,
A DC and A (DC+AC) (

TRA/OUTDOOR/TECH/PRO/SECULIFEHITAM/MD only) ...... 41

METRAHIT TECH

Load Resistance

W

and

METRAHIT BASE

and

METRAHIT TECH

only) ..... 42

6 GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH

Table of Contents

Contents Page Contents Page

5.7.4 Alternating Current Measurement with Clip-On Current Sensor,

A AC and Hz (METRAHIT T
Direct, Pulsating and Current Measurement

5.7.5

Transformer A DC, A (DC+AC), A AC and Hz (METRAHIT T

ECH and METRAHIT BASE only) ...............43

with Clip-On Current

ECH only) . 44

6 Device and Measuring Parameters ................................... 46

6.1 Paths to the Various Parameters .................................................... 47

6.2 List of All Parameters .................................................................... 47

6.3 Querying Parameters – InFo Menu (as moving letters) ...................... 48

6.4 Entering Parameters – SETUP Menu ............................................... 48

6.5 Default Settings ............................................................................. 50

7 Interface Operation (METRA HIT X-TRA/OUTDOOR/

SECULIFEHIT

7.1 Activating the Interface ................................................................... 52

7.2 Configuring Interface Parameters .................................................... 53

AM/MD only) ................................................... 52

8 Technical Data ................................................................54

9 Maintenance and Calibration ............................................ 62

9.1 Displays – Error Messages ............................................................ 62

9.2 Batteries ....................................................................................... 62

9.3

Fuse (

METRAHIT X-TRA/OUTDOOR, METRAHIT TECH, METRAHIT PRO

SECULIFEHITAM/MD

and

9.4 Housing Maintenance .................................................................... 64

9.5 Return and Environmentally Sound Disposal ....................................64

9.6 Recalibration ................................................................................. 65

9.7 Manufacturer’s Guarantee .............................................................. 65

only) .............................................................63

10 Accessories ....................................................................... 66

10.1 General ......................................................................................... 66

10.2 Technical Data for Measurement Cables ......................................... 66

10.3 NA X-TRA Power Pack (not included) .............................................. 66

Interface Accessories for

10.4

SECULIFEHITAM/MD

METRAHIT X-TRA/OUTDOOR

(not included) ..................................................... 67

and

11 Index ................................................................................. 68

GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH 7

Safety Precautions

1 Safety Features and Precautions

You have selected an instrument which provides you with a high
level of safety.

This instrument fulfills the requirements of applicable EU guide­lines and national regulations. We confirm this with the CE mark­ing. The relevant declaration of conformity can be obtained from
GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH.

The TRMS digital multimeter has been manufactured and tested
in accordance with the following safety regulations:
IEC 61010–1:2010/DIN EN 61 010–1:2011/VDE 0411–1:2011.
When used for its intended purpose (see page 10), safety of the
operator, as well as that of the instrument, is assured. Their safety
is however not guaranteed, if the instrument is used improperly or
handled carelessly.

In order to maintain flawless technical safety conditions, and to assure
safe use, it is imperative that you read the operating instructions
thoroughly and carefully before placing your instrument into service,
and that you follow all instructions contained therein.

The multimeter is equipped with an automatic socket blocking
mechanism for your safety, and in order to safeguard your
instrument. This mechanism is linked to the rotary switch and only
allows access to those jacks which are actually required for the
selected function. It also prevents the user from turning the rotary
switch to impermissible functions after the measurement cables
have already been plugged in.

Measuring Categories and their Significance per IEC 61010-1

CAT Definition

Measurements in electrical circuits

I

which are not directly connected to the mains:

for example electrical systems in motor vehicles and aircraft, batteries etc.

Measurements in electrical circuits

II

which are electrically connected to the low-voltage mains:

with plugs, e.g. at home, in the office or laboratory etc.

Measurements in building installations:

III

stationary power consumers, distributor terminals, devices connected
permanently to the distributor

Measurements at power sources for low-voltage installations:

IV

meters, mains terminals, primary overvoltage protection devices

The measuring category and the maximum rated voltage which
are printed on the device apply to your measuring instrument, for
example 1000 V CAT I I I.

For the application of measuring cables see page 66.

Observe the following safety precautions:

• The multimeter may not be used in potentially explosive

atmospheres.

• The multimeter may only be operated by persons who are ca-

pable of recognizing contact hazards and taking the appropriate
safety precautions. Contact hazards according to standard
exist anywhere, where voltages of greater than 33 V RMS or
70 V DC may occur. Avoid working alone when taking meas­urements which involve contact hazards. Be certain that a sec­ond person is present.

• Maximum allowable voltage between the voltage measuring

terminals, and between all connections and earth is 1000 V for
measuring category III, or 600 V for measuring category IV.

Exception SECULIFE HIT

AM/HITMD: 600 V CAT III and 300 V CAT IV.

8 GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH

Safety Precautions

• Be prepared for the occurrence of unexpected voltages at
devices under test (e.g. defective devices). For example,
capacitors may be dangerously charged.

• Make certain that the measurement cables are in flawless
condition, e.g. no damage to insulation, no interruptions in
cables or plugs etc.

• No measurements may be made with this instrument in
electrical circuits with corona discharge (high-voltage).

• Special care is required when measurements are made in HF
electrical circuits. Dangerous pulsating voltages may be pres­ent.

• Measurements under moist ambient conditions are not
permitted.

• Be absolutely certain that the measuring ranges are not
overloaded beyond their allowable capacities. Limit values are
included in chapter 8, “Technical Data”, in the table entitled
“Measuring Functions and Measuring Ranges” in the “Over­load Capacity” column.

• The multimeter may only be operated with installed batteries or
rechargeable batteries. Dangerous currents and voltages are
otherwise not indicated, and the instrument may be damaged.

• The instrument may not be operated if the fuse cover or the
battery compartment lid has been removed, or if its housing is
open.

• The input for the current measuring range is equipped with a
fuse link (exception: METRAHIT B

ASE).

Maximum permissible voltage for the measuring circuit (= rated
voltage of the fuse) is 1000 V AC/DC.
Use specified fuses only (see page 59)! The fuse must have a

breaking capacity of at least 30 kA.

Opening of Equipment / Repair

The equipment may be opened only by authorized service per­sonnel to ensure the safe and correct operation of the equipment
and to keep the warranty valid.

Even original spare parts may be installed only by authorized ser­vice personnel.

In case the equipment was opened by unauthorized personnel,
no warranty regarding personal safety, measurement accuracy,
conformity with applicable safety measures or any consequential
damage is granted by the manufacturer.

Repair and Parts Replacement

When the instrument is opened, voltage conducting parts may be
exposed. The instrument must be disconnected from the measur­ing circuit before the performance of repairs or the replacement of
parts. If repair of a live open instrument is required, it may only be
carried out by trained personnel who are familiar with the dangers
involved.

Defects and Extraordinary Strains

If it may be assumed that the instrument can no longer be
operated safely, it must be removed from service and secured
against unintentional use.
Safe operation can no longer be relied upon:

• If the device demonstrates visible damage

• If the instrument no longer functions, or if malfunctioning
occurs

• After long periods of storage under unfavorable conditions,
e.g. humidity, dust or extreme temperature (see “Ambient Con­ditions” on page 60)

GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH 9

Safety Precautions

!

1.1 Use for Intended Purpose

• The respective multimeter is a portable device which can be
held in the hand during the performance of measurements.

• Only those types of measurements described in chapter 5 may
be performed with the measuring instrument.

• The measuring instrument, including measurement cables and
plug-on test probes, may only be utilized within the specified
measuring category (see page 59 and the table on page 8
regarding significance).

• Overload limits may not be exceeded. See technical data on
page 54 for overload values and overload limits.

• Measurements may only be performed under the specified
ambient conditions. See page 60 regarding operating temper­ature range and relative humidity.

• The measuring instrument may only be used in accordance
with the specified degree of protection (IP code) (see page 60).

1.2 Meanings of Danger Symbols

Warning concerning a point of danger
(attention: observe documentation!)

Warning concerning dangerous voltage at the measurement
input: U > 55 V AC or U > 70 V DC

1.3 Meanings of Acoustic Warning Signals

Voltage warning: > 1000 V (intermittent acoustic signal)

Current warning: > 10 A (intermittent acoustic signal)

Current warning: > 16 A (continuous acoustic signal)

10 GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH

Safety Precautions

GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH 11

Operating Overview – Connections, Keys, Rotary Switch, Symbols

* METRA HIT BASE: Current measurement by means of clip-on current sensor with

voltage output only

1

3

4

16

5

6

9

*

*



chapter 4.3

chapter 3
chapter 5

chapter 7

chapter 6



chapter 3

ff.

chapter 3

14

12



chapter 4.1

10

2



chapter 4.1.2

15

8

12

15

chapter 4.1 

chapter 4.4

chapter 6

chapter 3

chapter 3.1



7



chapter 1.2

chapter 6

max. 1000 V ! / SECULIFE HITAM & MD: max. 600 V !

2

Operating Overview – Connections, Keys, Rotary Switch, Symbols

1 Display (LCD) (see page 13 for significance of symbols)
2 MAN / AUTO shift key for manual/automatic measuring range selection

 Increase parameter values

Operating mode menu:

3

ON / OFF | LIGHT

key for switching device and display illumination on and off

Select individual menu entries against direction of flow

4 FUNC | ENTER multifunction key

Operating mode menu: Acknowledge entry (ENTER)



Increase measuring range or move decimal point to the right (MAN function)

5
6

Rotary switch

for measuring functions, (see page 15 for significance of symbols)
7 DAkkS calibration mark
8 Connector socket for ground
9 Connector socket for current measurement with automatic blocking

10 Connector socket for voltage, resistance, temperature, diode

capacitance measurement (

METRAHIT X-

TRA/OUTDOOR

,

METRAHIT TECH and

SECULIFEHITAM/MD only) with automatic blocking

11 DATA / MIN / MAX

Key for freezing, comparing and deleting measured value, and for Min/Max

 Decrease values

Operating mode menu: Select individual menu entries in direction of flow

12 MEASURE | SETUP

Key for switching back and forth between measuring and menu function

13 ZERO | ESC

Key for zero balancing
Operating mode menu: Exit current menu level and

return to a higher level,
exit parameters configuration
without saving data

14 Decrease measuring range or move decimal point to the left (MAN function)
15 Connector for power pack (METRAHIT X-TRA/OUTDOOR & HITAM/MD only)
16 Infrared interface (METRAHIT X-TRA/OUTDOOR & SECULIFEHITAM/MD only)

12 GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH

and

Symbols Used in the Digital Display 1 Battery level indicator

1 2910

12

14

15

15
16

20 17

22

23

765

1921

8

3

12

18

24

4

Battery full

Battery OK

Battery weak

Battery (almost) dead, U < 1.8 V

METRAHIT X-TRA/OUTDOOR and SECULIFEHITAM/MD:

Active data transmission to /  from multimeter

IR interface in stand-by mode
(ready to receive starting commands)

Battery level indicator

Interface indicator

Operating Overview – Connections, Keys, Rotary Switch, Symbols

2 ON: continuous operation (automatic shutdown deactivated)
3 MAN: manual measuring range selection is active
4 Digital display with decimal point and polarity display
5 max/min: Min/Max value storage
6 DATA: display memory, “freeze” measured value
7 STORE: memory mode active, with METRAHIT X-

SECULIFEHIT

AM/MD only

TRA/OUTDOOR and

8 ISO: no function here
9 Transformation factor (current clip factor),

with METRAHIT B

ASE and METRAHIT TECH only

10 IR: infrared interface display, with METRAHIT X-TRA/OUTDOOR and

SECULIFEHITAM/MD only

11 Scale for analog display
12 Pointer for analog display (bar graph – pointer)

depending upon setting in SET menu for the A.diSP parameter

Triangle appears: indicates overranging
13 Diode measurement selected
14 Selected type of current
15 TRMS measurement
16 Pt100(0): selected platinum resistance thermometer with

automatic recognition of Pt100/Pt1000,

with METRAHIT X-

TRA/OUTDOOR and SECULIFEHITAM/MD only

17 Type K: temperature measurement with type K (NiCr-Ni) thermocouple
18 sec (seconds): unit of time
19 REL: relative measurement with reference to offset
20 Unit of measure
21 ZERO: zero balancing active

22 Warning regarding dangerous voltage: U > 55 V AC or U > 70 V DC

23 Continuity test with acoustic signal is active
24 h (hours): unit of time

GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH 13

Operating Overview – Connections, Keys, Rotary Switch, Symbols

1kHz

1kHz

1kHz

1kHz

V

ACDCVAC

2

V

DC

2

+=

A

AAA

Symbols of Rotary Switch Positions

Switch

V~ 0/4 V~ AC TRMS Alternating voltage, TRMS AC, full bandwidth 
Hz (V) 1 Hz ~ AC Voltage frequency, full bandwidth 
V~ 2 V Fil ~ AC TRMS Alternating voltage, TRMS AC, with low-pass (1 kHz) —
Hz (V) 3 Hz Fil ~ AC Voltage frequency, with low-pass (1 kHz) —
V~ 1 M
V~ 1 V Fil ~ AC TRMS Alternating voltage, TRMS AC, up to 1 kHz, input 1 M—
Hz (V) 2 Hz Fil ~ AC Voltage frequency, up to 1 kHz, input 1 M—
Hz (V) 1 M
V 0/2 V DC Direct voltage 
V 1 V DC AC TRMS Pulsating voltage, TRMS ( ) 
MHz 0/2 MHz (High) frequency @ 5 V~  ———
% 1 % Duty cycle @ 5 V~  ———



Temp TC 0/2
Temp RT D 1 C Pt100/1000 Temperature with resistance thermometer Pt100/Pt1000  ———

A 0/2 A DC Direct current value —
A 1 A DC AC TRMS Pulsating current value, TRMS AC DC —
A~ 0/2 A~ AC TRMS Alternating current value, TRMS AC —
Hz (A) 1 Hz ~ AC Current frequency —

Hz ( ) 1 Hz ~ AC Current frequency —  — 

FUNC

Display Measuring Function

METRAHIT X-

UTDOOR

O

SECULIFEHIT

AM/MD

TRA

METRAHIT T

ECH

METRAHIT PROMETRAHIT B

ASE

 0/4 V~ AC TRMS Alternating voltage, TRMS AC, full bandwidth, input 1 M—

 3 Hz ~ AC Voltage frequency, full bandwidth, input 1 M—

—  (Direct current) resistance 
0/2  Continuity testing with acoustic signal 

1

— nF Capacitance ——

0/2 A DC Direct current value with AC DC clip-on current sensor 1 V:1/10/100/

1 A DC AC TRMS

0/2 A~ AC TRMS

V DC Diode voltage 

C Typ-K

Temperature thermocouple Type K 

1000 A
Pulsating current value, TRMS, with AC DC clip-on current sensor, see above

Alternating current strength, TRMS, with clip-on current sensor, see above

—  — 

—  — 
—  — 

14 GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH

Operating Overview – Connections, Keys, Rotary Switch, Symbols

!

5 V / 600 mA

Serial number

Registration number
Date of calibraion (year – month)

German Accrediation Body GmbH – Calibration lab

XY123

2012-07

D-K-

15080-01-01

User Interface Symbols in the Following Chapters

 ...  Scroll through main menu

 ...  Scroll through sub-menu

  Select decimal point

 Increase/decrease value

time Sub-menu/parameter (7-segment font)

1nFo Main menu (7-segment font, boldface)

Symbols on the Device

Warning concerning a point of danger
(attention: observe documentation!)

Ground

CAT III / IV Measuring category I I I or I V device, see also

“Measuring Categories and their Significance per IEC
61010-1” on page 8

Continuous, doubled or reinforced insulation

Position of the infrared interface, window on the top of
the instrument (METRAHIT X-
SECULIFEHITAM/MD only)

Position of the power pack connector socket,
see also chapter 3.1
(METRAHIT X-

TRA/OUTDOOR and SECULIFEHITAM/MD

only)

Fuse for current measuring ranges, see chapter 9.3
(not METRAHIT B

ASE)

The device may not be disposed of with the trash.
Further information regarding the WEEE mark can be
accessed on the Internet at www.gossenmetrawatt.com
under the search term WEEE (see also chapter 9.5).

Calibration seal (blue seal):

see also “Recalibration” on page 65.

TRA/OUTDOOR and

Indicates EC conformity

GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH 15

Initial Start-Up – Setup

Attention!

!

Note

3 Initial Start-Up

3.1 Inserting Batteries or Rechargeable Batteries

Be certain to refer to chapter 9.2 regarding correct battery
installation.

Momentary battery voltage can be queried in the Info menu (see
chapter 6.3).

Display Illumination

After the instrument has been switched on, background illumina­tion can be activated by briefly pressing the ON / OFF | LIGHT key. Il­lumination is switched back off by once again pressing the same
key, or automatically after approximately 1 minute.

Switching the Instrument On via PC (METRAHIT X-

TRA/OUTDOOR

/AM/MD only)

The multimeter is switched on after transmission of a data block
from the PC, assuming the “irStb ” has been set to “ir on ”

Disconnect the instrument from the measuring circuit be­fore opening the battery compartment lid in order to re-

(see chapter 6.4).
However, we recommend using the power saving mode: “ir off ”.

place the batteries.

Operation with the Power Pack
(accessory for METRAHIT X-

TRA and SECULIFEHITAM/MD, not included, see

chapter 10.3)

Installed batteries are disconnected electronically if the NA X-TRA
power pack is used, and need not be removed from the
instrument.
If rechargeable batteries are used, they must be recharged

Electrical discharge and high frequency interference may
cause incorrect displays to appear, and may disable the
measuring sequence.
Disconnect the device from the measuring circuit. Switch the
instrument off and back on again in order to reset. If the
problem persists, briefly dislodge the battery from the
connector contacts (see also chapter 9.2).

externally.
If the external power supply is switched off, the device is
automatically switched to battery operation without interruption.

3.2 Activation

Switching the Instrument On Manually

➭ Press the ON / OFF | LIGHT key until the display appears.

Power-up is acknowledged with a brief acoustic signal. As
long as the key is held depressed, all of the segments at the
liquid crystal display (LCD) are illuminated.
The LCD is depicted on page 13.
The instrument is ready for use as soon as the key is released.

16 GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH

3.3 Setting the Operating Parameters

Setting Time and Date

See the “t iME ” and “dAtE ” parameter in chapter 6.4.

Display Modes for the Analog Display

Selection can be made from two different display modes
(see “A.diSP ” parameter in chapter 6.4).

Display Modes for the Digital Display

Selection can be made from two different display modes
(see “0.diSP ” parameter in chapter 6.4).

ON / OFF

LIGHT

FUNC

ENTER

ON / OFF

LIGHT

Auto-Range

8.8.8.8.8

Illumination On

000.00

ON / OFF

LIGHT

Illumination Off

000.00

ON / OFF

LIGHT

0ff

ON / OFF

LIGHT

Long
(1 s)

3.4 Switching the Instrument Off

Switching the Instrument Off Manually

➭ Press the ON / OFF | LIGHT key until 0FF appears at the display.

Shutdown is acknowledged with a brief acoustic signal.

Automatic Shutdown

The instrument is switched off automatically if the measured value
remains unchanged for a long period of time (maximum measured
value fluctuation of approx. 0.8% of the measuring range per min­ute, or 1C or 1  F per minute), and if none of the keys or the ro­tary switch have been activated before a selected period of time
in minutes has elapsed (see “APoFF ” parameter on page 49.)
Shutdown is acknowledged with a brief acoustic signal.
Exceptions include:
Transmission and memory mode operation, continuous operation
and whenever a dangerous voltage is applied to the input (U > 55
V AC or U > 70 V DC).

Disabling Automatic Shutdown

The instrument can be set to continuous operation.

➭ Simultaneously press the and keys to

this end.
The “Continuous On” function is indicated at by means of the

ON display to the right of the battery symbol.

The “Continuous On” setting can only be cancelled by changing the
respective parameter, and not by switching the instrument off
(see “APoFF ” on page 49).

Initial Start-Up – Setup

GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH 17

Control Functions

4 Control Functions

4.1 Selecting Measuring Functions and Measuring Ranges

The rotary switch is linked to the automatic socket blocking
mechanism, which only allows access to two connector jacks for
each function. Be certain to remove the appropriate plug from its
respective jack before switching to and from the “A” functions.
The socket blocking mechanism prevents the user from inadvert­ently turning the selector switch to impermissible functions after
the measurement cables have been plugged in to the instrument.

4.1.1 Automatic Range Selection

The multimeter is equipped with auto-ranging for all measuring
functions, except for temperature measurement, diode and
continuity testing, and the MHz measuring function. Auto-ranging
is active as soon as the instrument is switched on. The instrument
automatically selects the measuring range which allows for
highest possible resolution of the applied quantity. When the
instrument is switched to frequency measurement, the previously
selected voltage measuring range remains active.

The Auto-Ranging Function

The multimeter is switched automatically to the next higher range
at (11999 d + 1 d 01200 d), and to the next lower range at
(01100 d - 1 d  10990 d).

Exception, capacitance measurement:

The multimeter is switched automatically to the next higher range
at (1199 d + 1 d 0120 d), and to the next lower range at
(0110 d - 1 d  1099 d).

4.1.2 Manual Measuring Range Selection

Auto-ranging can be deactivated and measuring ranges can be
selected manually in accordance with the following table by
pressing the MAN / AUTO button.

The desired measuring range can then be selected with the

 scroll key.

 or

The instrument is automatically returned to range selection when
the MAN / AUTO key is pressed, the rotary switch is activated or the
instrument is switched off and back on again.

Overview: Auto-Ranging and Manual Range Selection

Function Display

MAN / AUTO

Range switching sequence for:

V: 100 mV*
Hz: 100 Hz

: 100 

10 M 40 M

A: METRA HIT X-

100A 1 mA 10 mA 100 mA 1A 10 A (16 A)

 or 

MAN / AUTO

* Via manual measuring range selection only

METRAHIT TECH:
10 mA

METRAHIT P

A:METRA HIT B

see chapter 5.7.3 ff

F: METRAHIT X-

METRAHIT T

10 nF 100 nF 1F 10F 100F 1000F

Return to automatic measuring range selection —

Manual mode active:

utilized measuring range is fixed



1 V 10 V 100 V 1000 V



1 kHz 10 kHz 100 kHz



1 k 10 k 100 k1 M

TRA/OUTDOOR and SECULIFEHITAM/MD:



100 mA 1A 10 A (16 A)

RO: 1A



10 A (16 A)

ASE and METRAHIT TECH:

TRA/OUTDOOR, SECULIFEHITAM/MD and

ECH:

MAN



MAN

18 GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH

Control Functions

Note

4.1.3 Quick Measurements

Measurements performed using a suitable fixed measuring range
are executed more quickly than those which utilize automatic
range selection. Quick measurement is made possible with the
following two functions:

• Manual measuring range selection, i.e. selection of the measuring
range with the best resolution (see chapter 4.1.2).

or

•With the DATA function (see chapter 4.4). In this way, the
appropriate measuring range is selected automatically after the
first measurement and the second measurement is executed
more quickly.

The selected measuring range remains active for the subsequent
series of measurements with these two functions.

4.2 Zero Offset / Relative Measurements

Depending upon deviation from the zero point, zero balancing or
a reference value for relative measurements can be stored to
memory:

Deviation from zero
– With short-circuited measurement cables for V, , A
– With open input for capacitance unit of measure F

0 to 200 digits ZERO REL

> 200 to 5000 digits REL

Display

The applicable reference or correction value is deducted
individually for the respective measuring function as an offset from
all subsequent measurements, and remains in memory until
deleted, or until the multimeter is switched off.

Zero balancing and reference value adjustment can be used for
auto-ranging, as well as for manual measuring range selection.

Zero Balancing

➭ Plug the measurement cables into the instrument and connect

the free ends to each other, except for capacitance
measurement in which case the ends of the cables are not
connected to each other.

➭ Briefly press the ZERO | ESC key.

The instrument acknowledges zero balancing with an acoustic
signal, and the “ZERO REL” symbol appears at the LCD. The
value measured at the moment the key is pressed serves as a
reference value.

➭ Zero balancing can be cleared by once again pressing the

ZERO | ESC key.

As a result of TRMS measurement, the multimeter displays a
residual value of 1 to 30 digits with short-circuited measure­ment cables as the zero point for V AC / I AC or V(AC+DC) /
I (AC+DC) measurements (non-linearity of the TRMS con­verter). This has no influence on specified accuracy above
2% of the measuring range (or 3% in the mV range).

Setting the Reference Value

➭ Plug the measuring cables into the instrument and measure a

reference value (max. 5000 digits).

GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH 19

Control Functions

➭ Briefly press the ZERO | ESC key.

The instrument acknowledges storage of the reference value
with an acoustic signal, and the “ZERO REL” or the “REL”
symbol appears at the LCD. The value measured at the
moment the key is pressed serves as a reference value.

➭ The reference value can be cleared by once again pressing the

ZERO | ESC key.

Notes Regarding Relative Measurement

• Relative measurement effects the digital display only. The
analog display continues to read out the original measured
value.

• In the case of relative measurement,  / F or AC quantities
may also appear as negative values.

4.3 Display (LCD)

4.3.1 Digital Display

Measured Value, Unit of Measure, Type of Current, Polarity

4.3.2 Analog Display

Measured Value, Polarity

The analog display demonstrates the dynamic performance of a
moving-coil mechanism. This display is especially advantageous
for observing measured value fluctuation, and for balancing
procedures.

Two different display modes can be selected in the “SET ” menu
with the help of the “A.diSP ” parameter (see chapter 6.4):

• Bar graph

• Pointer: The current measured value is tracked in real-time.
The analog scale displays a negative range of 2 scale divisions for

the measurement of zero-frequency quantities, allowing for
precise observation of measured value fluctuation around zero. If
the measured value exceeds the negative range of 2 scale
divisions, polarity is reversed at the analog display.

Scaling of the analog scale is automatic. This is very helpful for

manual measuring range selection.
The measured value with decimal and plus or minus sign appears
at the digital display. The selected unit of measure and type of
current are displayed as well. A minus sign appears to the left of
the value during measurement of zero-frequency quantities, if the
plus pole of the measured quantity is applied to the “” input.

Overranging

Overranging in the positive range is displayed by means of the

right triangle symbol.
The “0.diSP ” parameter can be used to determine whether lead-

ing zeros will be appear or be suppressed at the measured value
display (see chapter 6.4).

Overranging

Refresh Rate

In the bar graph and pointer modes, the analog display is

refreshed 40 times per second.
If the upper range limit of 12,000 digits is exceeded “0L” (overload)
appears at the display.
Exceptions: “0L” appears as of 1200 digits for capacitance
measurement, and as of 5100 digits for diode testing.

20 GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH

Note

V, A, Hz

t [s]

100%

10%

Activated

Reactivated

Save

Save

10,000 digits

of measuring range

F, MHz, %

Control Functions

4.4 Measured Value Storage: DATA (auto-hold / compare)

An individual measured value can be automatically “frozen” with
the DATA function (auto-hold). This is useful, for example, when
contacting the measuring points with the test probes requires
your full attention. After the measuring signal has been applied
and the measured value has settled in in accordance with the
“condition” listed in the table below, the measured value is frozen
at the digital display and an acoustic signal is generated. The test
probes can now be removed from the measuring points, and the
measured value can be read from the digital display. If the
measuring signal falls below the value specified in the table, the
function is reactivated for storage of the next value.

Measured Value Comparison (DATA Compare)

If the currently frozen value deviates from the first saved value by
less than 100 digits, the acoustic signal is generated twice. If
deviation is greater than 100 digits, only a brief acoustic signal is
generated.

The DATA function has no effect on the analog display, at

DATA

Function

Press

DATA /

Min/Max

Activate Brief blinks Once

Save
(stabilized
measured

value)

Reactivate

1)

which the current measured value continues to appear.
However, when the digital display if “frozen”, the decimal
point is fixed as well (fixed measuring range, symbol: MAN).
The selected measuring range should not be manually
changed as long as the DATA function is active.

The DATA function is deactivated by pressing and holding the
DATA/MIN/MAX key (for approx. 1 second), when the measuring
function is changed or when the instrument is switched off and
back on again.

GMC-I Messtechnik GmbH 21

Change to

Min/Max

Brief See table in chapter 4.4.1

Exit Long

1)

Reactivation results from falling short of specified measured value limits.

2)

Two acoustic signals are generated the first time a measured value is
saved as a reference value. For subsequent data hold, two acoustic
signals are only generated if the currently frozen value deviates from the
first saved value by less than 100 digits.

Key: MV = measured value, R = measuring range

Condition Response from Instrument

Measuring

Function

V, A, F, Hz,

MHz, %



V, A, F, Hz,

MHz, %



Measuring

Signal

> 10%

of R

0L

< 10%

of R

= 0L

MV

Digital

Is dis­played

Stored

MV

Display

Is cleared Is cleared

DATA

Static

Blinks

Acoustic

Once

Twi ce

Twi ce

2)