PCE Instruments PCE-DC 50 Users guide

© PCE Instruments

PCE-DC 50 AC / DC Clamp Meter

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: 17 January 2022

v1.0

English

© PCE Instruments

Contents

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

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

3 Delivery scope ....................................................................................... 4

4 System description ............................................................................... 5

5 Operation ............................................................................................... 6

5.1 Preparation ...................................................................................................................... 6

5.2 Shutter for input sockets ................................................................................................... 7

5.3 Non-contact voltage detection .......................................................................................... 7

5.4 Current measurement AC / DC ......................................................................................... 7

5.5 Voltage measurement AC / DC ........................................................................................ 8

5.6 Resistance measurement, continuity and diode test ......................................................... 8

5.7 Capacitance measurement ............................................................................................... 9

5.8 Frequency and duty cycle................................................................................................. 9

5.9 µA current measurement AC / DC .................................................................................... 9

5.10 Temperature measurement .............................................................................................. 9

6 Function setting .................................................................................. 10

6.1 Freeze measured value ...................................................................................................10

6.2 MIN / MAX .......................................................................................................................10

6.3 Hold peak value ..............................................................................................................10

6.4 Set measurement range ..................................................................................................10

6.5 Display backlight .............................................................................................................10

6.6 Measuring spot illumination .............................................................................................10

6.7 Bluetooth connection ................................................................................................ .......10

6.8 Automatic power off.........................................................................................................11

7 Maintenance and cleaning ................................................................. 11

7.1 Cleaning ..........................................................................................................................11

7.2 Battery replacement ........................................................................................................11

7.3 Fuse replacement ...........................................................................................................11

8 Warranty ............................................................................................... 12

9 Disposal ............................................................................................... 12

© 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. Never touch live components
when measuring. There is a danger to life.

• Never touch the bare measuring tips, otherwise electric shocks may occur.

• Before each measurement, make sure that the correct measurement range is set and

that the test leads are connected correctly.

• Resistance, capacitance and temperature measurements as well as diode tests (if
applicable) may only be carried out in a voltage-free state.

• Before replacing the batteries or the fuses, all test leads must be removed from the
meter.

• 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.

General warning sign

Non-observance can cause damage to the device and injuries to the
user.

Warning: electrical voltage

Non-observance can cause electric shock.

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

Current measurement AC/DC (current clamp)
Measurement range

Resolution

Accuracy

0.00 ... 50.00 A

10 mA

±2.5 % + 5 digits

0.0 ... 1000.0 A

0.1 A

±2.5 % + 5 digits

For AC current measurement, the accuracies refer to 50 ... 60 Hz and 5 ... 100 % of the
measurement range.

Current measurement AC/DC (test leads)
Measurement range

Resolution

Accuracy

0.00 ... 500.00 µA

0.01 µA
DC: ±(1.0 % + 6 digits)

AC: ±(1.5 % + 30 digits)

0.0 ... 5000.0 µA

0.1 µA
DC: ±(1.0 % + 6 digits)

AC: ±(1.5 % + 30 digits)

Voltage measurement AC/DC

Measurement range

Resolution

Accuracy

0.00 ... 500.00 mV

0.01 mV

DC: ±(0.1 % + 3 digits)

0.0000 ... 5.0000 V

0.0001 V

AC: ±(1.0 % + 30 digits)

0.000 ... 50.000 V

0.001 V

0.00 ... 500.00 V

0.01 V

0.0 ... 600.0 V

0.1 V

For AC voltage measurement, the accuracies refer to 50 ... 1000 Hz and 5 ... 100 % of the
measurement range.

© PCE Instruments

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Resistance measurement

Measurement range

Resolution

Accuracy

0.00 ... 500.00 Ω

0.01 Ω

±(1.0 % + 9 digits)

0.0000 ... 5.0000 kΩ

0.0001 kΩ

±(1.0 % + 5 digits)

0.000 ... 50.000 kΩ

0.001 kΩ

±(1.0 % + 5 digits)

0.00 ... 500.00 kΩ

0.01 kΩ

±(1.0 % + 5 digits)

0.0000 ... 5.0000 MΩ

0.0001 MΩ

±(2.0 % + 10 digits)

0.000 ... 50.000 MΩ

0.001 MΩ

±(3.0 % + 10 digits)

Capacity measurement

Measurement range

Resolution

Accuracy

0.00 ... 500.00 nF

0.01 nF

±(3.5 % + 40 digits)

0.0 ... 5000.0 nF

0.1 nF

±(3.5 % + 10 digits)

0.00 ... 50.00 µF

0.01 nF

±(3.5 % + 10 digits)

0.0 ... 500.0 µF

0.1 µF

±(3.5 % + 10 digits)

0.000 ... 5.000 mF

0.001 mF

±(2.0 % + 10 digits)

Frequency measurement

Measurement range

Resolution

Accuracy

0.000 ... 50.000 Hz

0.001 Hz

0.00 ... 500.00 Hz

0.01 Hz

0.0000 ... 5.000 kHz

0.0001 kHz

0.000 ... 50.000 kHz

0.001 kHz

±(0.3 % + 2 digits)

0.00 ... 50.00 kHz

0.01 kHz

0.0000 ... 5.0000 MHz

0.0001

0.000 ... 10.000 MHz

0.001

Duty cycle

Measurement range

Resolution

Accuracy

5 % ... 95 %

0.10 %

±(1 % + 2 digits)

Pulse width: 100 µs ... 100 ms

Frequency: 10 Hz ... 10 kHz

Temperature

Measurement range

Resolution

Accuracy (of rdg.)

-100 °C ... 1000 °C

0.1

±(1 % + 2.5 °C)

© PCE Instruments

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General technical specifications of the clamp meter PCE-DC 50

Maximum cable diameter

max. 48 mm

Display

two-line, 50,000 digits

Continuity test
50 ohms

<50 mA

Diode test

0.3 mA

2.8 V DC

Battery indicator

battery icon when battery level is low

Overrange

OL when measurement range exceeded

Sampling rate

2 Hz

Peak detection

>1 ms

Thermocouple

Type K

Fuse

500 mA ceramic, fast-acting

AC bandwidth (AC A / AC V)

50 Hz ... 400 Hz

AC measurement

True RMS

Operating conditions
5 °C ... 40 °C / 41 ... 104°F

max. 80 % RH at 31 °C

Storage conditions

-20 °C ... 60 °C / -4 ... 140°F

max. 80 % RH

Power supply

9 V block battery

Automatic power off

after approx. 30 minutes

Interface

Bluetooth

Dimensions (W x H x D)

230 x 76 x 40 mm / 9 x 3 x 1.6“

Weight

315 g

Safety

IEC 1010-1(2001): EN 61010-1(2001)

CAT III 600 V

CAT II 1000 V

Pollution degree 2

3 Delivery scope

1 x PCE-DC 50 clamp meter, 1 x test lead set, 1 x carrying case, 1 x PC software, 1 x
Bluetooth adaptor, 2 x K-type thermocouple, 1 x 9 V block battery

© PCE Instruments

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4 System description

①

Current clamp

⑨

Illumination of measuring location

②

Opening lever current clamp

⑩

Indicator non-contact voltage
detection

③

HOLD key / display backlight

⑪

ZERO key / illumination

④

MODE / Bluetooth key

⑫

Function rotary switch

⑤

Display

⑬

MAX / MIN key

⑥

Sockets for K-type thermocouple

⑭

RANGE / PEAK key

⑦

Sockets for test lead

⑮

Shutter for input sockets

⑧

Sensor non-contact voltage detection

© PCE Instruments

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Icon

Description

Icon

Description

HOLD

Freeze measured value

Ω

Resistance

Automatic power off

A

Ampere (current)

AUTO

Automatic measurement range
adjustment

F

Farad (capacity)

Show peak value

Hz

Hertz (frequency)

DC

Direct current

%

Duty cycle

AC

Alternating current

°F and °C

Temperature unit

MAX

Maximum value

T1, T2, T1­T2

Temperature input 1 and 2 /
difference

MIN

Minimum value

n, m,μ, M, k

Measured value sign

Battery low

Continuity test

ZERO

Zeroing DC and capacitance

Diode test

mV or V

milli-volts or volts

5 Operation

5.1 Preparation

• Unpack the meter completely.

• Remove the protective foils if necessary.

• Insert a battery as described in chapter 7.2.2.

© PCE Instruments

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5.2 Shutter for input sockets

The shutter prevents the simultaneous connection of the test leads for the multimeter function
and the connection of the thermocouples for temperature measurement. Slide the switch upwards
to use the multimeter function. To use the temperature measurement function, slide the switch
down.

Attention!

The shutter is a safety feature that prevents dangerous contact voltages. The meter must not be
operated if the shutter is defective.

5.3 Non-contact voltage detection

• Turn the function rotary switch to any position.

• Place the tip on the conductor to be tested. In case of multi-core conductors, run the tip

along the conductor to exclude false measurements due to twisted conductors.

• If voltage is present, the indicator for non-contact voltage detection permanently glows
in red.

5.4 Current measurement AC / DC

Remove all test leads from the meter before making measurements with the clamp.

• Turn the rotary function switch to the 1000 A AC/DC position.

• Use the MODE key to select between AC and DC.

• Open the measuring clamp, enclose the conductor to be

measured and close the clamp completely.

• If the read value is below 50 A, turn the rotary switch to 50 A
AC/DC to improve the resolution.

5.4.1 Zeroing DC

With this function, you can set the measured value display to zero.

• As described in chapter 5.4, select current measurement DC.

• Press the "ZERO" key on the right side of the meter.

• The display should now show 0000. A slight jump of the last digit is normal.

© PCE Instruments

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5.5 Voltage measurement AC / DC

Do not make a voltage measurement while a motor is being switched on or off in
the circuit. This can cause voltage peaks and damage the meter.

• Slide the cover of the input sockets upwards.

• Set the rotary switch to position V.

• Use the MODE key to select between AC and DC.

• Plug the test leads into the measuring input sockets (black to COM and

red to V).

• Touch the measuring spots with the measuring tips.

• Read the measured value in the display.

5.6 Resistance measurement, continuity and diode test

Disconnect the circuits / components to be measured from the power supply.

5.6.1 Resistance

• Slide the cover of the input sockets upwards.

• Set the rotary switch to position Ω.

• Plug the test leads into the measuring input sockets (black to COM and

red to Ω).

• Touch the measuring spots with the measuring tips.

• Read the measured value in the display.

5.6.2 Continuity test

• Slide the cover of the input sockets upwards.

• Set the rotary switch to position Ω.

• Press the MODE key repeatedly until the continuity test icon appears on the

display.

• Plug the test leads into the measuring input sockets (black to COM and red to Ω).

• Touch the measuring points with the measuring tips.

• An acoustic signal sounds if the resistance is <50 Ω.

5.6.3 Diode test

• Slide the cover of the input sockets upwards.

• Set the rotary switch to position Ω.

• Press the MODE key repeatedly until the diode test icon appears on the display.

• Plug the test leads into the measuring input sockets (black to COM and red to Ω).

• Touch the measuring spots with the measuring tips and write down the measured value.

• Swap the polarity.

• Now compare this reading to the first reading.

Evaluate the measurement as follows: If "OL" is displayed in both measurements, the diode is
defective. If "OL" is displayed in one measurement and typical values of e. g. 0.400 V ... 1.800 V
are displayed in the second measurement, the diode is working. If voltage values are displayed
in both measurements, the diode is defective. In this case, the diode generates a short circuit.

© PCE Instruments

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5.7 Capacitance measurement

• Slide the cover of the input sockets upwards.

• Set the rotary switch to position Ω.

• Press the MODE key repeatedly until "F" appears on the display.

• Plug the test leads into the measuring input sockets (black to COM and red

to Ω).

• Touch the measuring spots with the measuring tips.

• Read the measured value.

The stabilisation of the measured value can take several seconds for larger measured
values.

5.8 Frequency and duty cycle

• Slide the cover of the input sockets upwards.

• Set the rotary switch to position Hz.

• Plug the test leads into the measuring input sockets black to COM and

red to CAP).

• Touch the measuring spots with the measuring tips.

Read the measured values in the display (frequency in the middle / duty cycle at
the bottom).

5.9 µA current measurement AC / DC

• Slide the cover of the input sockets upwards.

• Set the rotary switch to position µA.

• Use the MODE key to select AC or DC.

• Plug the test leads into the measuring input sockets (black to COM and

red to µA).

• Touch the measuring spots with the measuring tips.

• Read the measured value in the display.

5.10 Temperature measurement

• Slide the cover of the input sockets downwards.

• Set the rotary switch to position Temp.

• Use the MODE key to select °C or °F.

• Plug the thermocouple(s) into the measuring input sockets.

• Place it/them at the desired measuring spots.

• Read the measured value in the display.

A measured value overflow or unconnected temperature sensor is indicated in the
display by "OL". During the T1-T2 measurement, a missing sensor is signalled by ----- in the main
display.
With the RANGE key, you can choose between different types of displaying the measured values:

Key

Display

RANGE

Middle

Bottom

T1

T2

1 x

T2

T1

2 x

T1-T2

T1

3 x

T1- T2

T2

© PCE Instruments

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6 Function setting

6.1 Freeze measured value

• Press the HOLD kry to freeze the current readings on the display. HOLD" appears in
the display.

• Press again to return to measuring mode.

6.2 MIN / MAX

• Press the MAX / MIN key to activate the max/min memory. The display shows the
current and the maximum measured value.

• Press the MAX / MIN key again. The display shows the current and the minimum
measured value.

• Press the MAX / MIN key again. The display shows "Max / Min" and the current
measured value (only available for the measuring functions temperature and
frequency). The min and max values are saved in the background.

• Press and hold the MAX / MIN key to exit the function.

6.3 Hold peak value

With the hold peak function, you can display the max. and min. value of the sine wave in the V
AC measuring function.

• Press and hold the RANGE key to switch the function on or off.

6.4 Set measurement range

You can influence the measurement ranges for the measuring functions voltage, resistance,
capacitance, frequency and µA. The default setting is automatic measurement range change.

• Press the RANGE key repeatedly until the appropriate measurement range is set.

• Press and hold the RANGE key to return to automatic range selection.

6.5 Display backlight

Press and hold the HOLD key to turn the backlight on or off.
(Depending on the firmware version, the display backlight switches off automatically after 30
seconds.)

6.6 Measuring spot illumination

Press and hold the ZERO key to switch the measuring spot illumination on or off.

6.7 Bluetooth connection

Press and hold the MODE key to switch the Bluetooth connection on or off.
For use on the PC, download the PCE-DC 50 software from our download area:

https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/download-win_4.htm

Use the dongle from the delivery scope as the Bluetooth interface.
The "Meterbox Pro" app is available in app stores for connection to mobile devices.

© PCE Instruments

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6.8 Automatic power off

The automatic power off function switches the meter off after 30 minutes. To switch on again, turn
the rotary switch to the "OFF" position and then back to the desired measuring function.

6.8.1 Disable function

• When the meter is switched off, hold down the MODE key and switch on the meter with
the rotary switch.

• The display shows "APO d".

• Release the MODE key.

• The function is active until manual power off. The icon is hidden.

7 Maintenance and cleaning

Disconnect the meter from electrical circuits for maintenance and cleaning. Remove the test leads
or temperature probes from the meter.
If you do not use the instrument for more than 60 days, remove the batteries.

7.1 Cleaning

Wipe the meter regularly with a damp cloth.

7.2 Battery replacement

7.2.1 Battery indicator

Replace the battery as soon as the icon appears.

7.2.2 Replacing the battery

• Loosen the screw of the battery compartment cover.

• Open the battery compartment and remove the used battery.

• Connect a new battery (9 V block), observing correct polarity.

• Close the battery compartment and fasten the locking screw.

7.3 Fuse replacement

• Loosen the screw of the battery compartment cover.

• Open the battery compartment and replace the defective fuse. (500 mA, 660 V, fast-

acting)

• Close the battery compartment and fasten the locking screw.

© PCE Instruments

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8 Warranty

You can read our warranty terms in our General Business Terms which you can find here:

https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/terms.

9 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 re-use
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

13

PCE Instruments contact information

Germany France Spain

PCE Deutschland GmbH PCE Instruments France EURL PCE Ibérica S.L.
Im Langel 26 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

United Kingdom Italy Turkey

PCE Instruments UK Ltd PCE Italia s.r.l. PCE Teknik Cihazları Ltd.Şti.
Unit 11 Southpoint Business Park Via Pesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6 Halkalı Merkez Mah.
Ensign Way, Southampton 55010 Loc. Gragnano Pehlivan Sok. No.6/C
Hampshire Capannori (Lucca) 34303 Küçükçekmece - İstanbul
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF Italia Türkiye
Tel: [phone] Telefono: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone] Faks: 0212 705 53 93
[e-mail] [e-mail] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/english www.pce-instruments.com/italiano www.pce-instruments.com/turkish

The Netherlands United States of America

PCE Brookhuis B.V. PCE Americas Inc.
Institutenweg 15 1201 Jupiter Park Drive, Suite 8
7521 PH Enschede Jupiter / Palm Beach
Nederland 33458 FL
Telefoon: [phone] USA
[e-mail] Tel: [phone]
www.pce-instruments.com/dutch Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/us