PCE Instruments PCE-186 CB Users guide

© PCE Instruments

PCE-186 CB Cable Detector

User Manual

User manuals in various languages (français,

italiano, español, português, nederlands, türk, polski,

русский, 中文) can be found by using our

product search on: www.pce-instruments.com

Last change: 2 December 2019

v1.0

English

Contents

1 Safety notes ........................................................................................... 1

2 Specifications ........................................................................................ 2

3 Amplifier Probe ..................................................................................... 3

3.1 Features ........................................................................................................................... 3

3.2 Instructions ....................................................................................................................... 3

3.3 Maintenance .................................................................................................................... 4

4 Tone Generator / DMM .......................................................................... 4

4.1 Tone Generator Features ................................................................................................. 4

4.2 Tone Generator Instructions ............................................................................................. 5

4.3 DMM Features ................................................................................................................. 7

5 Instrument Layout ................................................................................. 8

6 Button Functions .................................................................................. 8

7 Measurement ......................................................................................... 9

7.1 Voltage measurement ...................................................................................................... 9

7.2 Resistance Measurement ................................................................................................10

7.3 Continuity Check .............................................................................................................11

7.4 Diode Measurement ........................................................................................................12

8 Maintenance ........................................................................................ 12

8.1 Battery Replacement .......................................................................................................12

8.2 Cleaning and Storage ......................................................................................................12

9 Contact ............................................................................................... 14

10 Disposal ............................................................................................... 14

© PCE Instruments

© PCE Instruments

1

1 Safety notes

Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The
device may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel.
Damage or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual are excluded from our liability and
not covered by our warranty.

• The device must only be used as described in this instruction manual. If used otherwise,
this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.

• The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature, relative
humidity, …) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose
the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or moisture.

• Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.

• The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.

• Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.

• You must not make any technical changes to the device.

• The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner,

no abrasives or solvents.

• The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.

• Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not

use the device.

• Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.

• The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under

any circumstances.

• Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to
the user.

•

Please observe the International Electrical Symbols listed below:

Meter is protected throughout by double insulation or reinforced insulation

Warning! Risk of electric shock

Caution! Refer to this manual before using the meter
AC - Alternating current

DC - Direct current

We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of

business.
If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments. The contact details can be found at

the end of this manual.

© PCE Instruments

2

2 Specifications

AC voltage measurement

Measuring range

Resolution

Accuracies

400 mV

0.1 mV

± 1% + 5 Dgt

4V

1 m V

± 1% + 5 Dgt

40V

10 mV

± 1% + 5 Dgt

400V

100 mV

± 1% + 5 Dgt

750V

1V

± 1% + 5 Dgt

DC

Measuring range

Resolution

Accuracies

400 mV

0.1 mV

± 0.5% + 3 Dgt

4V

1 mV

± 0.5% + 3 Dgt

40V

10 mV

± 0.5% + 3 Dgt

400V

100 mV

± 0.5% + 3 Dgt

750V

1V

± 0.5% + 3 Dgt

Resistance

Measuring range

Resolution

Accuracies

400 Ω

0.1 Ω

± 1.2% + 3 Dgt

4 kΩ

1 Ω

± 1.2% + 3 Dgt

40 kΩ

10 Ω

± 1.2% + 3 Dgt

400 kΩ

100 Ω

± 1.2% + 3 Dgt

4 MΩ

1 kΩ

± 1.2% + 3 Dgt

40 MΩ

10 kΩ

± 2.0% + 4 Dgt

Input impedance

10 MΩ

Overvoltage protection

500V DC

Continuity test

Measuring range

Beep

400 Ω

> 25 Ω

Line detection

By beep

Beep switchable
Slowly pulsating tone

Fast pulsating tone

Locating depth

Max. 50 cm

Connections

RJ-11 plug, coconut clamps

Power supply receiver

9V block battery

Power supply transmitter
9V block battery (transmitter function)

2 x 1.5V AAA (voltmeter)

Environmental conditions

0 ... 50°C / 32 ... 122°F, 5 ... 95% rh

Weight transmitter

About 265 g / < 1 lb

Weight receiver

About 89 g / < 1 lb

© PCE Instruments

3

3 Amplifier Probe

Figure 1

Figure 2

3.1 Features

•

The Amplifier Probe is designed to identify and trace wires or cables within a group

without damaging the insulation.

•

Works with any Tone Generator to identify wires.

•

Volume control for increased sensitivity and adjustable to suit work environment.

•

Recessed ON/OFF button prevents battery drain.

•

Power supply is from any 9V battery with a life of approximately 100 hours.

•

An audio jack is provided for a headset.

3.2 Instructions

•

Connecting the tone generator.

In terminated working cables:
Connect one test lead to a terminated wire and the other test lead to earth or equipment
ground (See figure 2).
In unterminated or non-working cables:
Connect one test lead to an unterminated wire and the other test lead to another
unterminated wire.

© PCE Instruments

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•

Depress the round on/off spring-loaded button on the amplifier probe.

The volume control switch can be adjusted to suit the environment. Volume can be
increased to overcome noise, or decreased to reduce interference.

•

Touch the tip of the amplifier probe to the insulation of each suspect conductor.

•

Reception of tone will be loudest on the subject wire.

•

An audio jack is provided for headset.

3.3 Maintenance

The amplifier probe is maintenance free, except for battery replacement. Remove the screw from
the battery compartment, replace the 9 V battery and reassemble.
Warranty limited solely to repair or replacement; no warranty of merchantability, fitness for a
particular purpose or consequential damages.

4 Tone Generator / DMM

Figure 3 Figure 4

4.1 Tone Generator Features

•

Red and black test leads with a standard 4 conductor modular cord and plug.

•

A 3-position toggle switch controls the modes of operation and two bi- coloured LEDs

display the line polarity for Lines 1 and 2.

•

The tone and continuity (cont.) test functions only apply to Line 1.

•

A tone selection push button is located on the front panel for choosing either a fast dual

alternating tone or a slow dual alternating tone directly.

CAUTION: DO NOT CONNECT TO AN ACTIVE AC CIRCUIT EXCEEDING 24 V IN THIS
MODE.

© PCE Instruments

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4.2 Tone Generator Instructions

All of the following tests can be performed by using the red and black test leads or the modular
plug.
NOTE: When using the modular test plug, the polarity test function applies to
Lines 1 and 2. The continuity and tone functions ONLY apply to Line 1.

• POLARITY TEST: IDENTIFYING TIP & RING (SWITCH TO "OFF")

1. Connect the RED test lead to the side of one line and the BLACK lead to the
side of another line.

2. The LED will glow "GREEN" when you connect the RED test lead to the
RING SIDE of the line.

3. The LED will glow "RED" when you connect the RED test lead to the TIP
SIDE of the line.

• IDENTIFYING LINE CONDITION (SWITCH TO "OFF")

1. Connect the RED test lead to the RING SIDE of the line and the BLACK to
the TIP.

2. Watch the LED:

▪ A BRIGHT "GREEN" LED indicates a CLEAR line.
▪ A DIM "GREEN" LED indicates a BUSY line.
▪ A BRIGHTLY FLICKERING "GREEN and RED" LED indicates a

RINGING line.

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• VERIFYING LINES (SWITCH TO "OFF" THEN "CONT")

1. Dial the line to be verified.

2. While the line is ringing, connect the RED lead to the RING SIDE of the line

and the BLACK to the TIP.

3. In the "OFF" position, the indicator lamp will flicker "RED and GREEN" when
the test leads are connected to the subject pair.

4. If you switch the test set to "CONT", it will terminate the call on the subject
line.

• SENDING TONE (SWITCH TO "TONE")

CAUTION: DO NOT CONNECT TO ANY ACTIVE AC CIRCUIT EXCEEDING 24V IN THIS MODE.

1. Connect the test leads to the pair, or attach one lead to ground and one lead

to either side of the line.(See figure 4)

2. A fast dual alternating tone or a slow dual alternating tone can be selected
from the tone selection push button.

3. Probe the suspected wires with the amplifier probe. Reception of tone will be
strongest on the subject wire. In case of ready access to bare conductors, a
handset or headphone may be used to receive the tone.

• TESTING CONTINUITY (SWITCH TO "CONT")

CAUTION: DO NOT CONNECT TO ANY ACTIVE AC OR DC CIRCUIT IN THIS MODE.

1. Connect the test leads to the subject pair.

2. Use "cont." position.

3. A bright "GREEN" light indicates continuity. The LED will not glow if the line

resistance exceeds 12kΩ.

• TESTING CONTINUITY USING TONE (SWITCH TO "TONE")

CAUTION: DO NOT CONNECT TO ANY ACTIVE AC OR DC CIRCUIT IN THIS MODE.

1. Connect the test leads to the subject pair.

2. Use a handset or headset at the remote end and touch the wire end(s) with

the clip lead(s).

3. Reception of tone is an indication of continuity.

• MODULAR TESTING

1. All above tests are available through the modular plug for line 1 only - red

and green wires.

• COAX TESTING

1. To test unterminated coax, connect red to outer shield and black to centre

conductor or red to outer shield and black to ground.

2. To test terminated coax, connect red to connector housing and black to
centre pin or red to connector housing and black to ground.

© PCE Instruments

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4.3 DMM Features

•

4000

counts LCD.

•

Full automatic measurement.

o

Voltage measurement.

o

Resistor measurement.

•

Range change function.

•

Select function.

•

Data Hold function.

•

Continuity check.

•

Diode measurement.

•

Low battery indication.

•

Input impedance: 10MΩ.

•

Safety Standard:

o

EN 61010-1 CAT III 600V

o

EN 61010-2-30

o

EN 61326-1

© PCE Instruments

8

5 Instrument Layout

① Function rotary switch ⑤ Hold Button
② LCD ⑥ COM Terminal
③ Select Button ⑦ "+" Terminal
④ Range Button

6 Button Functions

① Function rotary switch

The rotary switch selects the function.

② LCD

3999-count LCD with LOW BATTERY indication.

③ Select Button

For AC/DC function selection.
In the resistance + continuity + diode function, press the Select button to select
resistance, continuity or diode function.

④ Range Button

Press the Range button to select the manual range mode. In manual range mode, each
time press Range button (less than one second), the range increments and new value
is displayed. To exit the manual range mode and return to auto mode, press the RANGE
button (More than one second).

© PCE Instruments

9

⑤ HOLD Button

Press the HOLD button (HOLD annunciator turns on) makes the meter stop updating
the LCD display. This mode can be nested in most of the special modes. Enabling
HOLD function in automatic mode makes the meter switch to manual mode, but the full
scale range remains the same. Hold function can be cancelled by changing the
measurement mode, pressing range, or push HOLD again.

⑥ COM Terminal

This is the ground input terminal. Use the BLACK test lead to connect.

⑦ "+" Terminal

This is positive input terminal for voltage / ohm measurement. Use the RED test lead
to connect.

7 Measurement

7.1 Voltage measurement

•

Insert the BLACK test lead to COM and the RED test lead to the "+" terminal.

•

Switch to V function for ACV or DCV selection.

• Get the reading directly from the LCD.

ACV

© PCE Instruments

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7.2 Resistance Measurement

• Switch to OHM range and make sure there is no power in the circuit being measured.
Insert the BLACK test lead to the COM and the RED test lead to the "+" terminal.

• Connect the test leads to the circuit or device under test and get the reading directly
from the LCD.

DCV

Red

Black

© PCE Instruments

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7.3 Continuity Check

• Continuity check shares the same configuration with 400.0 Ω manual resistance
measurement mode, but with buzzer output to indicate continuity. The buzzer
generates a 2 kHz sound whenever the digit number less than 25 Ω.

•

Because the cycle time of measurement is only 50 ms, the least significant digit will not

display.

© PCE Instruments

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7.4 Diode Measurement

• Diode measurement mode shares the same configuration with 4000 V manual voltage
measurement mode.

• If the test circuit is open or the voltage drop between the two ports of the device (diode)
under test are larger than 2 V, the LCD will show "OL".

• The buzzer generates a 2 kHz sound whenever the digit number is less than 0.25 V.
As the cycle time of measurement is only 50 ms, the least significant digit will not
display.

8 Maintenance

8.1 Battery Replacement

• Amplifier Probe: Adjust the volume control to at least 4 or 5 on the Amplifier Probe,
hold down the push button, and place the tip of the probe near a live conductor (i. e., a
110 V power cord). If no sound is generated, replace a 9 V battery inside the Amplifier
Probe.

• Tone Generator: Select the "Tone" switch on the Tone Generator. Adjust the volume
control to at least 4 or 5, hold down the push button, and place the tip of the probe to
the cables attached to the Tone Generator. If no tone is generated, replace a 9V battery
for the Tone Generator.

• Multimeter: Replace two AAA batteries with the " " symbol appears at the upper left
hand corner of the LCD.

8.2 Cleaning and Storage
WARNING: To avoid electrical shock or damage to the meter, do not get water inside the

case.

Periodically wipe the case with a damp cloth and detergent.

Diode

© PCE Instruments

13

Do not use abrasives or solvents.
If the meter is not used for over 60 days, remove the battery for storage.

9 Contact

If you have any questions, suggestions or technical problems, please do not hesitate to contact

us. You will find the relevant contact information at the end of this user manual.

10 Disposal

For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European
Parliament applies. Due to the contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as
household waste. They must be given to collection points designed for that purpose.

In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU we take our devices back. We either re­use them or give them to a recycling company which disposes of the devices in line with law.

For countries outside the EU, batteries and devices should be disposed of in accordance
with your local waste regulations.

If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

© PCE Instruments

14

© PCE Instruments

15

PCE Instruments contact information

Germany France Spain

PCE Deutschland GmbH PCE Instruments France EURL PCE Ibérica S.L.
Im Langel 4 23, rue de Strasbourg Calle Mayor, 53
D-59872 Meschede 67250 Soultz-Sous-Forets 02500 Tobarra (Albacete)
Deutschland France España
Tel.: [phone] Téléphone: [phone] Tel. : [phone]
Fax: [phone] Numéro de fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch www.pce-instruments.com/french www.pce-instruments.com/espanol

Germany United Kingdom Italy

PCE Produktions- und PCE Instruments UK Ltd PCE Italia s.r.l.
Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH Unit 11 Southpoint Business Park Via Pesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6
Im Langel 26 Ensign Way, Southampton 55010 Loc. Gragnano
D-59872 Meschede Hampshire Capannori (Lucca)
Deutschland United Kingdom, SO31 4RF Italia
Tel.: [phone] Tel: [phone] Telefono: [phone]
Fax: [phone] 9971 Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch www.pce-instruments.com/english www.pce-instruments.com/italiano

The Netherlands China Hong Kong

PCE Brookhuis B.V. PCE (Beijing) Technology Co., Limited PCE Instruments HK Ltd.
Institutenweg 15 1519 Room, 6 Building Unit J, 21/F., COS Centre
7521 PH Enschede Zhong Ang Times Plaza 56 Tsun Yip Street
Nederland No. 9 Mentougou Road, Tou Gou District Kwun Tong
Telefoon: [phone] 102300 Beijing, China Kowloon, Hong Kong
[e-mail] Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]
www.pce-instruments.com/dutch [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.cn www.pce-instruments.cn

United States of America Turkey

PCE Americas Inc. PCE Teknik Cihazları Ltd.Şti.
711 Commerce Way suite 8 Halkalı Merkez Mah.
Jupiter / Palm Beach Pehlivan Sok. No.6/C
33458 FL 34303 Küçükçekmece - İstanbul
USA Türkiye
Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Faks: 0212 705 53 93
[e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/us www.pce-instruments.com/turkish