PCE Instruments PCE-DC 25, PCE-DCS-250 Users guide

© PCE Instruments

PCE-DC 25 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: 10 May 2024

v1.0

English

© PCE Instruments

Contents

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

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

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

4 Device description ................................................................................ 4

4.1 Display description ........................................................................................................... 6

5 Making a measurement ........................................................................ 6

5.1 Carry out direct current / alternating current measurements ............................................. 7

5.2 Inrush current measurement ............................................................................................ 8

5.3 Carry out DC voltage / AC voltage measurements ........................................................... 9

5.4 Voltage measurement with low internal resistance of the device .....................................11

5.5 Capacitance, resistor, continuity, diode measurement .....................................................12

5.6 Temperature measurement .............................................................................................13

5.7 Current measurement with additional current clamp ........................................................13

5.8 Non-contact voltage measurement (NCV) .......................................................................14

6 Set measurement range ..................................................................... 14

7 Hold measured value .......................................................................... 15

8 Highest and lowest measured value ................................................. 15

9 Set measured value in relation .......................................................... 16

10 Determine peak values (PEAK) .......................................................... 16

11 Menu ..................................................................................................... 17

11.1 General settings (Setup) .................................................................................................17

11.2 Saved individual measured values (Measurement) .........................................................17

11.3 Data logger (Recording) ..................................................................................................18

12 Inserting/replacing batteries .............................................................. 18

13 Torch .................................................................................................... 18

14 Bluetooth connection ......................................................................... 19

15 Contact ................................................................................................. 19

16 Disposal ............................................................................................... 19

© 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.

• No voltage must be applied to the meter when the resistor function is selected.

• Switch off the meter when not in use.

• Select the measuring task before connecting the test leads to the meter.

• The rotary selector switch must not be moved during a measurement.

• When measuring current, the voltage applied must not exceed 600 V AC/DC.

• Before replacing the batteries, the test leads must be removed and the meter must be

switched off.

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.

© PCE Instruments

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2 Specifications

DC voltage

Measurement range

Resolution

Accuracy

600.0 mV DC

0.1 mV DC

±(0.5 % + 8 digits)

6.000 V DC

0.001 V DC

±(1.5 % + 5 digits)

60.00 V DC

0.01 V DC

±(1.5 % + 5 digits)

600.0 V DC

0.1 V DC

±(1.5 % + 5 digits)

1000 V DC

1 V DC

±(1.5 % + 5 digits)

Input impedance: >10 MΩ
Overvoltage protection: 1000 V AC/DC

Alternating voltage

6,000 V AC

0.001 V AC

±(1.5 % + 5 digits)

60.00 V AC

0.01 V AC

±(1.5 % + 5 digits)

600.0 V AC

0.1 V AC

±(1.5 % + 5 digits)

1000 V AC

1 V AC

±(1.5 % + 5 digits)

Peak value (PEAK) accuracy: ±10 %, peak value (PEAK) response time: 1 ms,
Input impedance: >10 MΩ, overvoltage protection: 1000 V AC/DC
The accuracy refers to a measurement range of 10 ... 100 % for a sine wave.

Low-pass filter (LowZ) (50 ... 400 Hz)

6.000 V AC

0.001 V AC

±(3.0 % + 40 digits)

60.00 V AC

0.01 V AC

±(3.0 % + 40 digits)

300.0 V AC

0,1 V

±(3.0 % + 40 digits)

Input impedance<300 kΩ, overvoltage protection: 1000 V AC/DC
The accuracy refers to a measurement range of 10 ... 100 % for a sine wave.

AC with DC voltage (50 ... 400 Hz)

6.000 V AC

0.001 V AC

±(2.5 % + 20 digits)

60.00 V AC

0.01 V AC

±(2.5 % + 20 digits)

600.0 V AC

0.1 V AC

±(2.5 % + 20 digits)

1000 V AC

1 V AC

±(2.5 % + 20 digits)

Input impedance>10 MΩ

Direct current

600.0 A DC

0.1 A DC

±(2.5 % + 5 digits)

1000 A DC

1 A DC

±(2.8 % + 5 digits)

Overvoltage protection: 1000 A DC

Alternating current (50 ... 60 Hz)

600.0 A AC

0.1 A AC

±(2.5 % + 5 digits)

1000 A AC

1 A AC

±(2.8 % + 5 digits)

Overload protection: 1000 A AC/DC

Flexible current clamp (50 ... 400 Hz)

30.00 A AC

0.01 A AC

±(3.0 % + 5 digits)

300.0 A AC

0.1 A AC

±(3.0 % + 5 digits)

3000 A AC

1 A AC

±(3.0 % + 5 digits)

Overload protection: 3000 A AC/DC
The accuracy refers to a measurement range of 10 ... 100 % for a sine wave.

Resistance

600.0 Ω

0.1 Ω

±(1.0 % + 10 digits)

6.000 kΩ

0.001 kΩ

±(1.5 % + 5 digits)

60.00 kΩ

0.01 kΩ

±(1.5 % + 5 digits)

600.0 kΩ

0.1 kΩ

±(1.5 % + 5 digits)

6.000 MΩ

0.001 MΩ

±(2.5 % + 5 digits)

60.00 MΩ

0.01 MΩ

±(3.5 % + 10 digits)

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Overvoltage protection1000 V AC/DC

Continuity test

Signal tone: <50 Ω
Overvoltage protection: 1000 V AC/DC

Diode test

Test current: <1.5 mA
Maximum voltage with open circuit: 3.3 V DC

Frequency measurement

9.999 Hz ... 99.99 kHz

0.01 ... 10 Hz

±(1.2 % + 5 digits)

Overvoltage protection: 1000 V AC/DC
Sensitivity >5 Vrms with a duty cycle of 20 ... 80 %

Duty cycle

10,0 ... 90,0 %

0.1 %

±(1.2 % + 8 digits)

Pulse range: 40 Hz ... 10 kHz
Pulse amplitude: ±5 V (0.1 ... 100 ms)

Capacity

60.00 nF

0.01 nF

±(4.0 % + 20 digits)

600.0 nF

0.1 nF

±(3.0 % + 8 digits)

6.000 µF

0.001 µF

±(3.0 % + 8 digits)

60.00 µF

0.01 µF

±(3.0 % + 8 digits)

600.0 µF

0.1 µF

±(3.0 % + 8 digits)

6000 µF

1 µF

±(5.0 % + 8 digits)

60.00 mF

0.01 mF

±(5.0 % + 20 digits)

100.0 mF

0.1 mF

±(5.0 % + 20 digits)

Overvoltage protection1000 AC/DC

Temperature measurement (K-type thermocouple)

-40 ... 600,0 °C

0.1 °C

±(1.5 % + 5 digits)

600 ... 1000 °C

1 °C

±(1.5 % + 5 digits)

-40 ... 600,0 °F

0.1 °F

±(1.5 % + 9 digits)

600 ... 1800 °F

1 °F

±(1.5 % + 9 digits)

Overvoltage protection: 1000 V AC/DC
The accuracy refers to the meter without temperature probe.
Specifications based on a stable ambient condition of ±1 °C.
The measured value rises by 2 °C during prolonged measurement.

Further specifications

Current clamp aperture

34 mm / 1.3 "

NCV

>150 V AC

Display

LC colour display

Display when meas. range is exceeded

"OL" (Overload)

Measuring rate

3 measured values per second

Interface

Bluetooth

Operating conditions

5 ... 40 °C / 41 ... 104 °F
<80 % RH, non-condensing at
31 °C / 87 °F linearly decreasing to 50 % RH,
non-condensing at 40 °C / 104 °F

Storage conditions

-20 ... 40 °C / -4 ... 140 °F <80 % RH
non-condensing

Maximum working height

2000 m / 7000 ft

Power supply

3 x 1.5 V AAA battery

Automatic power off

off, 15, 30, 45, 60 minutes

Dimensions

250 x 80 x 40 mm / 9.8 x 3.1 x 1.5"

Weight

365 g / 12.8 oz

© PCE Instruments

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3 Delivery scope

1 x clamp meter PCE-DC 25
1 x pair of test leads
1 x K-type thermocouple
1 x thermocouple adaptor
3 x 1.5 V AAA battery
1 x transport bag
1 x user manual

4 Device description

© PCE Instruments

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No.

Description

1

Current clamp

2

Indicator for non-contact voltage measurement (NCV)

3

Switch for opening the current clamp

4

Key to exit the menu, for inrush current measurement and to set the measured value
in relation

5

Display

6

Key for switching the sub-functions (Mode) and for switching to measurement on a
frequency inverter (VFD)

7

Key for setting the measurement range

8

Menu key

9

Rotary selector switch

10

Key for switching on the torch and freezing the displayed measured value

11

Battery compartment cover

12

Earth connection for test leads (-)

13

Measuring input for test leads (+)

14

Torch

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4.1 Display description

No.

Description

1

Indicator for active automatic power off

2

Indicator for active key sound

3

Indicator for active Bluetooth function

4

Displayed measurement range is selected automatically or manually

5

Display of the current time

6

Battery status display

7

Unit 8 Measured value

9

Measured value as bar chart

10

Virtual keys

5 Making a measurement

To carry out a measurement, always set the device to your measurement task before connecting
it to your test specimen.

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5.1 Carry out direct current / alternating current measurements

To carry out a direct current / alternating current measurement with the permanently installed
current clamp, set the rotary selector switch to 600 A or 1000 A to carry out a current
measurement up to a maximum of 600 or 1000 A. Use the MODE key to switch between
alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). Now open the current clamp and enclose the
cable to be measured. Make sure that there is only one live wire inside the current clamp at any
one time. Otherwise, a measurement will not be possible.
The measured value is put in relation with the REL key.

Incorrect Correct

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5.2 Inrush current measurement

To carry out an inrush current measurement with the permanently installed current clamp, set the
rotary selector switch to 600 A or 1000 A to carry out an inrush current measurement up to a
maximum of 600 or 1000 A. Then press the INRUSH key for 2 seconds. Inrush appears on the
display. Now open the current clamp and enclose the cable to be measured. Make sure that there
is only one live wire inside the current clamp at any one time. Otherwise, a measurement will not
be possible. Now switch on your test object. The inrush current is shown on the display.

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5.3 Carry out DC voltage / AC voltage measurements

To perform a DC / AC voltage measurement, set the rotary selector switch to . Use the
MODE key to switch between DC and AC voltage. Then connect the test leads to the device. You
can then connect the test leads to the test object.

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5.3.1 Measure AC voltage with DC voltage component

To perform an AC voltage measurement with a DC voltage component, press the MODE key
repeatedly until the symbol for V AC + DC is displayed.

5.3.2 Frequency measurement / duty cycle

To carry out a frequency measurement / determine the duty cycle of an AC voltage, first press
the MENU key for two seconds to switch the virtual keys. You can then use the MODE key to
switch between the frequency measurement and the duty cycle.

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5.3.3 Voltage measurement on a frequency inverter (VFD)

To carry out a voltage measurement on a frequency inverter (VFD), set the rotary selector switch

to . Set the measurement to AC voltage by repeatedly pressing the MODE key. Now press
and hold the MODE key for at least two seconds to switch to frequency converter mode (VFD).
You can then carry out your measurement.

5.4 Voltage measurement with low internal resistance of the device

To carry out a voltage measurement with a low internal resistance of the device, first set the rotary
selector switch to V AC LoZ. Then connect the test leads to the meter. You can then connect the
test leads to the device you want to test.

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5.5 Capacitance, resistor, continuity, diode measurement

To determine the capacitance, measure the resistor, check the continuity or test a diode, set the

rotary selector switch to . The MODE key can now be used to select between the
individual functions. Then connect the test leads to the meter. The measurement can now be
carried out.
Note: Before the capacitance measurement is carried out, it must be ensured that the capacitor
is discharged. After the measurement, the capacitor is charged. If the resistance is <50 Ω during
the continuity test, this is signalled by a sound.

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5.6 Temperature measurement

To carry out a temperature measurement, set the rotary
selector switch to TEMP °C °F. Then connect the thermocouple
adaptor to the meter. A K-type thermocouple can then be
connected. The temperature value can be read directly. The
MODE key can be used to switch between the temperature
units °C and °F.

5.7 Current measurement with additional current clamp

To carry out a current measurement with an additional current clamp, set the rotary selector switch

to . Connect the optional current clamp to the device. Now set the measurement range using
the RANGE key. This must always be the same as the measurement range on the optional current
clamp. You can then carry out the measurement.
Note: Only AC voltage measurement is possible with this function.

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5.8 Non-contact voltage measurement (NCV)

To carry out a non-contact voltage measurement (NCV), the meter only
needs to be switched on. Then bring the tip of the current clamp into contact
with the test object, for example a socket or a connecting cable. If an AC
voltage is present, this is signalled by the signal lamp.
Note: The measurement result can be influenced by distances from the live
cable and partitions, such as a housing. This function therefore does not
guarantee the absence of voltage.

6 Set measurement range

To set the measurement range, press the RANGE key. To activate automatic mode, press and
hold the RANGE key for two seconds. In automatic mode, the measurement range is set
automatically. This function is not available when measuring diodes, continuity, duty cycle,
temperature and current.

Automatic mode Manual mode

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7 Hold measured value

To freeze the displayed measured value, press the HOLD key. This is located on the side. HOLD
appears on the display. Press it again to resume the measurement. The virtual SAVE key can be
used to save the displayed measured value and call it up again in the menu under Measurement.

.

8 Highest and lowest measured value

You can use this function to display the highest and lowest measured value of a measurement.
To activate this function, press and hold the MENU key for two seconds to switch the virtual keys.
Now press the virtual MAX key to activate this function. To cancel this function, press the key
again.
Note: When the function is disabled, the values are reset.

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9 Set measured value in relation

To set the measured value in relation, press the REL button. The displayed measured value is
put in relation to the currently measured value. To disable this function, press the key again.

10 Determine peak values (PEAK)

To determine the peak value of a measurement, first press and hold the MENU key for two
seconds to change the virtual keys. Now press the virtual PEAK key. The peak value and the
lowest value are recorded directly. To exit this function, press the key again.
Note: This function is only available for AC voltage to determine the peak-to-peak value. When
the function is disabled, the values are reset.

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11 Menu

To make system settings, first open the menu with the virtual MENU key. You can use the arrow
keys to change parameters and select between the individual menu items. Use the REL INRUSH
key to go back one level. Press the virtual Enter key to accept the parameter and open the menu
item.

Menu item

Description

Setup

General settings

Time/Date

Setting the date and time

Measurement

Calling up individual saved measured values in the data memory and
deleting them

Recording

Settings for recording measured values

Metre Info

The measuring device information can be read out here: hardware version,
firmware, free memory space

Factory Set

Use this function to reset the meter to its factory settings

Exit

Exit menu

11.1 General settings (Setup)

In the general settings, the key sound can be switched on and off, the Bluetooth interface can be
activated or deactivated, automatic power off and the time display (12 hours (A.M. / P.M.) / 24
hours) can be set.

11.2 Saved individual measured values (Measurement)

In this menu item, the individual saved measured values that were saved via the HOLD function
can be recalled and deleted. Recall Measurements can be used to open and delete individual
recordings. Delete Measurements can be used to delete all recordings simultaneously.

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11.3 Data logger (Recording)
To use the data logger function, go to the menu under Recording.

Menu item

Description

Start Recording

Starting the data logger function: after recording, the
recording must also be saved using the virtual SAVE key.
Before you start recording, the device must be set to the
measurement task.

Recall Recordings

The individual measurement files are displayed here. Press
the virtual Trend key to open the displayed measurement
file. Each individual measuring point can now be selected
and read out using the arrow keys. Press the virtual BACK
key to return.

Setup New Recordings

Settings for data recording.
Storage rate and recording time

Delete Recordings

Delete all recordings

12 Inserting/replacing batteries

To insert or replace the batteries, the device must be switched off and all test leads must be
disconnected from the meter. You can then open the battery compartment on the back and
insert 3 x 1.5 AAA batteries or replace them if they are discharged. After replacing the batteries,
you must close the battery compartment. You can now start making measurements with the
measuring device again.

13 Torch

To use the torch, press and hold the HOLD key when it is switched on. The torch switches on.
To switch the torch off again, press and hold the HOLD key again.

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14 Bluetooth connection

To establish a Bluetooth connection, first download the free "MeterBox Pro" app from the App
Store or Play Store. Then activate the Bluetooth connection of the clamp meter and your mobile
device. Then open the app and establish a connection to the meter via the app.
Note: The connection must not be established via the Bluetooth setting of your mobile end device.

Android

iOS

15 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.

16 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

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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 Mula, 8
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.
Trafford House Via Pesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6 Halkalı Merkez Mah.
Chester Rd, Old Trafford 55010 Loc. Gragnano Pehlivan Sok. No.6/C
Manchester M32 0RS Capannori (Lucca) 34303 Küçükçekmece - İstanbul
United Kingdom 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 Denmark

PCE Brookhuis B.V. PCE Americas Inc. PCE Instruments Denmark ApS
Institutenweg 15 1201 Jupiter Park Drive, Suite 8 Birk Centerpark 40
7521 PH Enschede Jupiter / Palm Beach 7400 Herning
Nederland 33458 FL Denmark
Telefoon: [phone] USA Tel.: [phone]
[e-mail] Tel: [phone] [e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/dutch Fax: [phone] www.pce-instruments.com/dansk
[e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/us