Megger DCM1500S User Manual

DCM1500S

Digital Clamp Meter

User Guide

This document is copyright of:

Megger Limited, Archcliffe Road, Dover, Kent CT17 9EN. ENGLAND

T [phone] F [phone] www.megger.com

Megger Ltd reserves the right to alter the specification of its products from time to time
without notice. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information
contained within this document it is not warranted or represented by Megger Ltd. to be a
complete and up - to - date description.

For Patent information about this instrument refer to the following web site:

megger.com/patents

DCM1500S User Guide

2

www.megger.com

This manual supersedes all previous issues of this manual. Please ensure that you are
using the most recent issue of this document. Destroy any copies that are of an older
issue.

Declaration of Conformity

Hereby, Megger Instruments Limited declares that radio equipment manufactured by
Megger Instruments Limited described in this user guide is in compliance with Directive
2014/53/EU. Other equipment manufactured by Megger Instruments Limited described
in this user guide is in compliance with Directives 2014/30/EU and 2014/35/EU where they
apply.

The full text of Megger Instruments EU declarations of conformity are available at the
following internet address

megger.com/company/about-us/eu-dofc

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

3

Safety Information

G

Understand and follow the operating instructions carefully.

WARNING

G

Identify hazardous conditions and actions that could cause BODILY HARM or DEATH

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

 Personal protective equipment should be used if there are ACCESSIBLE

HAZARDOUS LIVE PARTS in the installation where measurement is to be carried
out.

 Remove test leads from meter before opening the battery door or meter case.

 Use the meter only as specified in this manual; otherwise, the protection provided

by the meter may be impaired.

 Always use the proper input terminals, switch position, and range for

measurements.

 Verify the meters operation by measuring a known voltage. If in doubt, have the

meter calibrated.

 Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on the meter, between

terminals or between any terminal and earth.

 Use caution with voltages above 30 V AC rms, 42 V AC peak, or 60 V DC. These

voltages pose a shock hazard.

 To avoid false readings that can lead to electric shock and injury, replace the

battery as soon as the low battery indicator blinks.

 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 vapour.

 To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock do not expose this product to rain or

moisture.

 Probe assemblies to be used for MAINS measurements shall be RATED as

appropriate for MEASUREMENT CATEGORY III or IV according to EN 61010­031 and shall have a voltage RATING of at least the voltage of the circuit to be
measured.

DCM1500S User Guide

4

www.megger.com

Safety Information

G

■ DO NOT USE the test leads if the internal white insulation layer is exposed.

■ DO NOT USE the test leads above maximum ratings of CAT Environment or

voltage and current that are indicated on the probe and probe tip guard.

■ Do not apply a current with a frequency that is higher than the frequency

response range speci󰘰ed in the Electrical Speci󰘰cations section.

■ Do not apply or remove the clamp or test leads on or around uninsulated

hazardous live conductors where a potential to cause electric shock, electrical

burns or arc 󰘱ash exists.

CAUTION

G

 Disconnect the test leads from the test points before changing the position of the

function rotary switch.

 Never connect a source of voltage with the function rotary switch in Ω,

position.

 Do not expose the meter to extremes of temperature or high humidity.

and

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

5

Symbols as marked on the Meter and Instruction manual

Risk of electric shock

See instruction manual

DC measurement

AC measurement

Both direct and alternating current

Equipment protected by double or reinforced insulation

Battery

Earth

Conforms to EU directives

Conforms to UKCA directives

Application around and removal from hazardous live conductors

Do not discard this product or throw away

Bluetooth®

CATIV

Measurement category IV: Equipment connected between the origin of the low-voltage
mains supply outside the building and the consumer unit.

CATIII

Measurement category III: Equipment connected between the consumer unit and the
electrical outlets.

CATII

Measurement category II: Equipment connected between the electrical outlets and the
user’s equipment.

Unsafe Voltage

G

 To alert you to the presence of a potentially hazardous voltage, when the tester

detects a voltage ≥30 V or a voltage overload (OL) in V, mV, PV. The V symbol is
displayed.

DCM1500S User Guide

6

www.megger.com

Features

 6000 Count LCD display

 Backlight

 VoltSeek (Non-Contact Voltage Detection)

 True RMS reading on AC

 Data logger (up to 4000 sample values)

 Manual save mode

 Bluetooth® communication

 Torch turns on when clamp jaws open

 1500 A AC/DC current measurement

 DC voltage measurement up to 2000 V using the PVHV lead set

 AV voltage measurement up to 1500 V using the PVHV lead set

 600 kΩ Resistance measurement / continuity beeper

 Frequency counter

 Capacitance/Diode test

 °C/°F Temperature function

 Inrush current

 DCA auto-zeroing button

 Max/Min hold

 Smart hold

 High frequency noise rejection filter

 Auto power off (APO)

 CAT IV 600 V/CAT III 1000 V safety standard

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

7

Unpacking and Inspection

Upon removing your new Solar/PV Clamp Meter from its packing, you should have the
following items:

 Megger DCM1500S Solar/PV Clamp Meter

 Test lead set (one black, one red)

 Test probes (one black, one red)

 Crocodile clips (one black, one red)

 TP100 Temperature probe

 Megger PVHV1 Lead set (4mm plugs)

 Megger PVHV2 Lead set (MC4 PV plugs)

 User Manual

 Carry case

 Batteries

DCM1500S User Guide

8

www.megger.com

The Meter Description

Function Button

1 JAW

2 VoltSeek LED

3 Push button

4 Trigger

5 Rotary switch to turn the instrument On / Off and select a function

6 6,000 count LCD display

7 Positive input terminal

8 Common (earth reference) input terminal

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

9

Making Basic Measurements

Preparation and Caution Before Measurement

Observe the rules of G Warnings and G Cautions.

G

CAUTION

G

When connecting the test leads to the DUT (Device Under Test) connect the common test
lead before connecting the live test lead. When removing the test leads remove the live
test lead before removing the common test lead.

Measuring Voltage

Turn the switch to select the measuring function.

DCM1500S User Guide

10

www.megger.com

Measuring PV Voltage

PV String

Turn the switch and press the Function button to select AC/DC mode

CAUTION

G

This function is only available with the dedicated PVHV test lead sets.

The PVHV test leads are designed for use in environments that are not directly
connected to the mains. Always select correct AC/DC mode to perform any high voltage
measurement.

The meter will flash this symbol
voltage is different and/or dangerous.

and the correct mode symbol (AC/DC) if the input

F

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

11

Measuring Current

CAT IV 600 V

G

CAT III 1000 V

Fixed barrier hand guard

Do not hold the meter

G

across the 󰄈xed barrier

Turn the switch and press the Function button to select AC/DC/Hz mode.

Note: The torch will turn on when the jaw is opened.

DCM1500S User Guide

12

www.megger.com

Measuring Resistance/Continuity/Capacitance/Diode

Turn the switch and press the Function button to select the measuring function

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

13

Measuring Temperature °C / °F

Function

button

K Type

Temperature

Probe

Vent / Pipe

Turn the switch and press the Function button to select °C / °F mode.

DCM1500S User Guide

14

www.megger.com

Measuring µA

(Example)

Flame sensor

Control
module

Turn the switch and press the Function button to select AC/DC mode.

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

15

Using the Function Button

Switch

Position

Function

Press the Function button to change the function for each rotary switch position.

DCM1500S User Guide

16

www.megger.com

Measuring Frequency

Backlight

Function

button

Press

> 2 sec

2 sec

Press Function button for over 2 seconds to turn Backlight on or off.

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

17

MIN/MAX

Press

>2 sec to exit
the MIN/MAX
mode

The MIN/MAX mode records the min and max input values.

When the input goes below the recorded min value or above the recorded max value, the
meter beeps and records the new value. Press Hold button to pause the recording.

DCM1500S User Guide

18

www.megger.com

Volt Seek

Sensor position

Volt Seek

2 sec

Do not hold
across this line
when sensing the
hazardous voltage

Press MIN/MAX button for over 2 seconds to enter/exit Volt Seek mode. Press MIN/MAX
button to switch from high to low sensitivity.

WARNING

G

The Volt Seek LED indicates the electric field. If the Volt Seek LED is not on, voltage could
still be present.

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

19

Smart Hold

The meter will beep continuously, and the display will flash if the measured signal is larger
than the display reading by 50 counts.

DCA ZERO

Remove the clamp from the conductor before performing DCA ZERO.

Press the HOLD button for over 2 seconds to compensate for any residual magnetism.

Press

> 2 sec

Press

> 2 sec

DCM1500S User Guide

20

www.megger.com

High Frequency Rejection Filter (HFR)

The High Frequency Rejection (HFR) mode uses a low pass filter when taking AC
measurements. The cut-off frequency (-3 dB point) of the low pass filter is 800 Hz.

Press

WARNING

F

Hazardous voltages may still be present when the LCD reading is very low in HFR mode.
Verify the voltage again without HFR mode activated.

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

21

INRUSH

When using the inrush current mode, select a suitable measurement range before pressing
the HFR/INRUSH button and triggering the inrush current measurement feature.

Motor O󰓐

Press

> 2 sec

Inrush

2 sec

Motor On Time

Trigger

Point

Detecting

Press

> 2 sec

Inrush

2 sec

The current is > trigger level

DCM1500S User Guide

22

www.megger.com

Auto Power Off

After user speci󰄈ed time

with no operation (Note Time

Setting of Auto Power O󰓐)

Wake up the meter by turning the switch or pressing any button.

Time Setting of Auto Power Off

Function

Button

Function

Button

Press and hold the function button whilst turning the meter on, the meter beeps 3 times
prior to APO (Auto Power Off) activating.

Release the function button and press it again to select the desired time. The auto power
off time can be set to 5 mins,10 mins, 20 mins, or disabled (OFF).

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

23

Testing LCD Display

Turn on the meter while keeping HOLD button pressed.

DCM1500S User Guide

24

www.megger.com

Function of LOG Button

Press

Press the Bluetooth® button while powering-up to select the Logger mode,
Manual Saving mode or Clear the memory.

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

25

Data Logger

The meter can store up to 4000 data entries in internal memory.

Press the Bluetooth® button for more than 2 seconds to activate data logger mode.
The meter will enter time interval setting mode. Press the Bluetooth® button again to
select the desired sample interval. This can be set to 1, 5, 10, 30 or 60 seconds.

Time interval setting mode

Press

> 2 sec

PressPress

Press

Start to record automatically after
2 seconds without operation

LOG icon 󰄉ashes

while logging

CAUTION

G

All stored data is cleared at the start of each data log or when Clr (Clear) or Save
(Manual Saving) is selected. Data can be downloaded and saved for analysis by the
Megger Link App.

DCM1500S User Guide

26

www.megger.com

Manual Saving Mode

Flash

Press

> 2 sec

To save a reading

Show stored reading

amount for 2 seconds

If Manual Saving is selected, readings can be stored by pressing the Hold/Zero button
when in Log mode. The sample location is displayed on each button press.

CAUTION

G

All stored data is saved until switching to data logger mode or executing the clear
function.

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

27

Bluetooth®

The meter uses Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) V4.0 wireless technology to transfer the real­time reading and the stored data. The open-air communication range is up to 10 meters.

Download the “Megger Link” App. Turn on the Bluetooth function of the meter by
pressing the Bluetooth button and open the Megger Link App to connect the DCM.
The Bluetooth icon of the meter will flash whilst connecting and remain on the LCD once
the connection is established.

QR Code for the Megger Link App
on the Google Play Store

DCM1500S User Guide

28

QR Code for the Megger Link App
on the Apple App Store

www.megger.com

Default Temperature Units Setting

OR

Press and hold the MIN/MAX button whilst turning the meter on to select °C or °F.

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

29

Low Battery and Battery Replacement

Replace the battery as soon as the low battery indicator appears to avoid false readings.
Refer to the following figure to replace the batteries

CAUTION

G

Remove test leads from meter before opening the battery cover or meter case.

DCM1500S User Guide

30

www.megger.com

Specifications

General Specifications

Display count:

Overrange display:

Measurement frequency :

Maximum Conductor Size of
JAW:

Dimensions (W x H x D):

Weight (approx.):

Low Batteries Indication

Power requirements :

Battery life :

Environmental Conditions

Indoor Use Only

Pollution degree:

Maximum Operating Altitude:

Operating Temperature &
Relative Humidity :

Storage temperature :

Vibration:

Drop Protection :

Safety :

6,000 counts.

«OL» or «-OL»

3 times per second

42mm diameter

62 x 254 x 41 mm

480 g (including battery)

If battery voltage drops below the operating
voltage, will flash.

AA size battery x 2 (R6, LR6, 15D, 15A)

Approximately 200 hours (based on Alkaline
batteries without using the backlight).

2

2,000m (6562 ft)

-10°C ~ 10°C,

-10°C ~ 30°C, ≤80% RH.
30°C ~ 40°C, ≤75% RH.
40°C ~ 50°C, ≤45% RH.

-20 to +60°C, 0 to 80% RH.
(batteries not fitted)

Random Vibration per MIL-PRF-28800F
Class 2

1.2 m (4 ft) drop to hardwood on concrete
floor

EN 61010-1, EN 61010-2-032,
EN 61010-2-033 for CAT III 1000 V, CAT IV
600 V, EN 61326-1

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

31

Electrical Specifications

Accuracy is given as ± (% of reading + counts of least significant digit) at 23°C ± 5°C,
with relative humidity less than 80% and is specified for 1 year after calibration.

Temperature coefficient:

AC Function :

0.1 x (Specified accuracy) / °C,
< 18 °C, > 28 °C

 ACV and ACA specifications are AC coupled,

true RMS.

 Accuracy is unspecified for a Square Wave.

 For non-sinusoidal waveforms, Additional

Accuracy by Crest Factor (C.F.):
Add 3.0% for C.F. 1.0 ~ 2.0
Add 5.0% for C.F. 2.0 ~ 2.5
Add 7.0% for C.F. 2.5 ~ 3.0

 Max. Crest Factor of Input Signal:

3.0 @ 3000 counts

2.0 @ 4500 counts

1.5 @ 6000 counts

 Frequency Response is specified for sine

waveform. LCD displays 0 counts when the
reading < 20 counts.

DC mV

Range OL Reading Resolution Accuracy

600.0 mV 660.0 mV 0.1 mV ± (0.7% + 5D)

Input Impedance :

Overload Protection:

10 MΩ

AC/DC 1,000 V

DC Voltage

Range OL Reading Resolution Accuracy

600.0 V 660.0 V 0.1 V

1000 V 1100 V 1 V

Input Impedance :

Overload Protection:

DCM1500S User Guide

32

10 MΩ

AC/DC 1,000 V

± (0.7% + 2D)

www.megger.com

AC Voltage

Range OL Reading Resolution Accuracy

600.0 V 660.0 V 0.1 V

1000 V 1100 V 1 V

± (1.0% + 5D)

Input Impedance :

Frequency Response :

Overload Protection :

10MΩ // less than 100pF

45 ~ 400Hz (Sine Wave)

AC/DC 1,000 V

PV DC Voltage (using PVHV1 or PVHV2 lead set)

Range OL Reading Resolution Accuracy

600.0 V 660.0 V 0.1 V

2000 V 2200 V 1 V

Input Impedance :

Overload Protection :

10MΩ

AC/DC 1,000 V

± (2.0% + 5D)

PV AC Voltage (using PVHV1 or PVHV2 lead set)

Range OL Reading Resolution Accuracy

600.0 V 660.0 V 0.1 V

1500 V 1600 V 1 V

Input Impedance :

Frequency Response :

Overload Protection :

10MΩ

45 ~ 400Hz (Sine Wave)

AC/DC 1,000 V

± (2.0% + 5D)

AC/DC µA

Range OL Reading Resolution Accuracy

400.0 µA 440.0 µA 0.1 µA

4000 µA 4400 µA 1 µA

Input Impedance :

Frequency Response :

Overload Protection :

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

Approx. 2.2 kΩ

45 ~ 400Hz (Sine Wave)

AC/DC 1,000 V

± (1.0% + 3D)

33

AC/DC Current

Range OL Reading Resolution Accuracy

60.00 A 66.00 A 0.01 A

600.0 A 660.0 A 0.1 A

1500 A 1550 A 1 A

Add 10 digits to the accuracy when <5.0 A. Add 0.5% to the accuracy when >1000 A.
Add 1% to the accuracy when >100 Hz.

Frequency Response :

Overload Protection :

(Sine Wave) 45 ~ 400 Hz for ≤1000 A
45 ~ 65 Hz for >1000 A

AC/DC 1500 A

± (2.0% + 5D)

Frequency

Range OL Reading Resolution Accuracy

100.00 Hz 100.00 Hz 0.01 Hz

1000.0 Hz 1000.0 Hz 0.1 Hz

10.000 kHz 10.000 kHz 0.001 kHz

± (0.3% + 3D)

Minimum Sensitivity :

Minimum Frequency :

Overload Protection :

> 5 V (for ACV 1 Hz ~ 10 kHz)
> 8 A (for ACA 1 Hz ~ 1 kHz)

1 Hz

AC/DC 1000 V and 1500 A

HFR (High Frequency Rejection)

Available for ACV and ACA. Add ± 4% to specified accuracy of each function and each
range for 45 Hz to 200 Hz. Accuracy is unspecified for > 200 Hz.

Cut-off Frequency (-3 dB): 800 Hz

Inrush Current

Available for ACA and Flexible Current Probe. Trigger level: ≥50d.
Add ± 3% to specified accuracy of each function and each range.

DCM1500S User Guide

34

www.megger.com

Resistance

Range OL Reading Resolution Accuracy

600.0 Ω 660.0 Ω 0.1 Ω ± (0.9% + 5D)

6.000 kΩ 6.600 kΩ 0.001 kΩ

60.00 kΩ 66.00 kΩ 0.01 kΩ

600.0 kΩ 660.0 kΩ 0.1 kΩ

To obtain a more accurate reading, the lead resistance should be measured by
connecting the probes/clips together and the result deducted from any resistance
measurement taken.

Overload Protection :

AC/DC 1000 V

± (0.9% + 2D)

Continuity

Built-in buzzer sounds when measured resistance is less than 20Ω and the sound is off
when measured resistance is more than 200 Ω, between 20 Ω to 200 Ω the buzzer may
be either on or off.

Continuity Indicator :

Response Time of Buzzer :

Overload Protection :

2.7 kHz Tone Buzzer

< 100 ms

AC/DC 1000 V

Diode

Range OL Reading Resolution Accuracy

1.500 V 1.550 V 0.001 V ± (0.9% + 2D)

Open Circuit Voltage :

Overload Protection :

Approx. 1.8 V

AC/DC 1000 V

Capacitance

Range OL Reading Resolution Accuracy

100.0 µF 110.0 µF 0.1 µF

1000 µF 1100 µF 1 µF

Overload Protection :

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

AC/DC 1000 V

± (1.9% + 2D)

35

VoltSeek

Voltage Range of High

80 V ~ 1000 V (At the top edge of the jaw)

Sensitivity :

Voltage Range of Low

160 V ~ 1000 V (At the top edge of the jaw)

Sensitivity :

Temperature

Range OL Reading Resolution Accuracy

-40.0 °C – 400.0 °C 440.0 °C 0.1 °C ± (1% + 20D)

-40.0 °F – 752.0 °F 824.0 °F 0.1 °F ± (1% + 36D)

The accuracy does not include the accuracy of the thermocouple probe.
Accuracy specification assumes surrounding temperature stable to ±1 °C.
For surrounding temperature changes of ± 2 °C rated accuracy applies after 2 hours.

Overload Protection :

AC/DC 1000 V

Specification PVHV1 (4mm plugs) and PVHV2 (MC4) test leads

Input Impedance :

Overvoltage Category :

Pollution Degree :

Exposed probe tip length :

Environmental ratings :

Altitude :

Safety Standard :

10 MΩ

CAT II 1000 V AC ,1500 V DC CAT III 1000 V,
CAT IV 600 V.

2

Test probe: 18 mm to 3.5 mm
(0.70 inch to 0.14 inch)

-10 °C to 45 °C (-4 °F to 113 °F), 80% R.H.

2000 m (6,562 ft)

EN61010-031

Product manufactured in Taiwan

DCM1500S User Guide

36

www.megger.com

Maintenance

Do not attempt to repair this meter. It contains no user-serviceable parts. Repair or
servicing should only be performed by qualified personnel.

Cleaning

Periodically wipe the case with a dry cloth and detergent, do not use abrasives or solvents

WEEE Directive

The crossed out wheeled bin symbol on the instrument and on the batteries is a reminder
not to dispose of them with general waste at the end of their life. Megger is registered in
the UK as a Producer of Electrical and Electronic equipment. The registration No is; WEE/
DJ2235XR.

Users of Megger products in the UK may dispose of them at the end of their useful life by
contacting B2B Compliance at www.b2bcompliance.org.uk or by telephone on 01691

676124.

Users of Megger products in other regions should contact their local Megger office or
distributor.

Battery Disposal

The batteries in this product are classified as Portable Batteries under the Batteries
Directive. Please contact either Megger Ltd, your local Megger office or distributor for
instructions on the safe disposal of these batteries. Megger is registered in the UK as a
producer of batteries. The registration number is BPRN01235.

For further information see www.megger.com

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

37

Warranty (3 years)

This meter is warranted to the original purchaser against defects in material and
workmanship for 3 year from the date of purchase.

During this warranty period, the manufacturer will, at its option, replace or repair the
defective unit, subject to verification of the defect or malfunction.

This warranty does not cover fuses, disposable batteries, or damage from abuse, neglect,
accident, unauthorised repair, alteration, contamination, or abnormal conditions of
operation or handling.

Any implied warranties arising out of the sale of this product, including but not limited to
implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to
the above. The manufacturer shall not be liable for loss of use of the instrument or other
incidental or consequential damages, expenses, or economic loss, or for any claim or
claims for such damage, expense or economic loss. Some states or countries laws vary, so
the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.

Megger Limited
Archcliffe Road
Dover
Kent
CT17 9EN

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.megger.com

DCM1500S User Guide

38

www.megger.com

www.megger.com DCM1500S User Guide

39

Manufacturing sites

Megger Limited
Archcliffe Road
Dover
Kent
CT17 9EN
ENGLAND

T. [phone]
F. [phone]

Megger USA - Dallas
4545 West Davis Street
Dallas TX 75211-3422
USA

T. 800 723 2861 (USA only)
T. [phone]

F. [phone]
E. [e-mail]

Megger GmbH
Weststraße 59
52074 Aachen,
Germany

T. [phone]

Megger AB
Rinkebyvägen 19, Box 724,
SE-182 17
Danderyd

T. [phone]
E. [e-mail]

Megger USA - Valley Forge
Valley Forge Corporate
Center
2621 Van Buren Avenue
Norristown
Pennsylvania, 19403
USA

T. [phone]
F. [phone]

Megger USA - Fort Collins
4812 McMurry Avenue
Suite 100
Fort Collins CO 80525
USA

T. [phone]

This instrument is manufactured in Taiwan.

The company reserves the right to change the specification or design without prior notice.

Megger is a registered trademark

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG,
Inc and is used under licence.

Part No: DCM1500S_1013-357_UG_EN_V02

© Megger Limited 2020 www.megger.com