Cat. No.
22-21 8
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
8-Range Multitester
FEATURES
Your Radio Shack 8-Range Multitester is a perfect addit ion to
your workshop. It is designed with a precision meter movement to avoid m echani cal shock damage. Thi s comp act-si zed
pocket meter accurately measures AC and DC voltages, DC
current, and r esistance.
It also passes the critical safety test required by Underwriters
Laboratories for test equipment, and its 2000 ohm/volt sensitivity ensures an accurate reading.
©
1995 Tandy Corporation.
Radio Shack is a registered trademark used by Tandy Corporation.
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All Rights Reserved.
Cautions:
• Read this manual complet ely before you use the meter.
• If you are not familiar with meters and testing procedures, we suggest that you read a book about the subject, such as “Using Your Meter” (Radio Shack Cat. No.
62-2039).
Note: You need one AA battery (not supplied) to power your
multitester.
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A WORD ABOUT SAFETY
We have taken every p rec aution in desi gning this m eter to ensure that i t is as safe a s possible. But safe operation d epends
on you, the operator. We recommend that you follow these
simple safety rules:
• Never apply voltages to the meter that exceed the limits
given in the specifications. Never apply more than 1000V
DC or AC between any input terminals, or between an
input termin al and ground.
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• Use extreme caution when you work with voltages above
40V. Always disconnect power from the circuit you are
measuring before you connect test probes to high-voltage points.
• Never connect the test probes to a source of voltage
when you select the Rx1K W or 150mA DC function.
• Always discharge filter capacitors in the power supply of
the circuit under test before you attach test probes.
• Always turn off power and disconnect the test leads
before you replace the batteries.
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• Never operate the meter unless the battery cover is in
place and fully closed.
• Because many AC/DC sets have a potentially hot chassis, be sure the top of your workbench and the floor
underneath it are made of non-conductive materials.
The multitester is fully calibrated and tested. Under normal
use, no further adjustment should be necessary. If the meter
should requi re repair, do not try to adjust it yourself. Take it to
your nearest Radio Shack st ore. Ser vice by unauthor ized pe rsonnel voids the warranty.
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WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTIO N IN USE OF THIS DEVICE. IMPROPER USE OF THIS DEVICE CAN RESULT IN
INJURY OR DEATH. FOLLOW ALL SAFEGUARDS SUGGESTED IN THE OWNER’S MANUAL IN ADDITION TO
NORMAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN DEALING WITH
ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS. DO NOT USE THIS DEVICE IF
YOU ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS
AND TESTING PROCEDURES. NOT FOR COMMERCIAL
OR INDUSTRIAL USE.
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SPECIFICATIONS
Ranges
AC Voltage ........ .. ...................... ............ .... 15V, 150V, 1000V
DC Voltage ... ..................................... .. ...... 15V, 150V, 1000V
DC Current .......... ........... .. .............. ............................150 mA
Resistance ..... .. ............ ............100K ohm (Center 3.5K ohm)
Accuracy
DC..............................................................± 3% of Full Scale
AC ............................................................. ± 4% of Full Scale
Resistance .....................................± 3% at Full Scale Length
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Sensitivity
AC Voltage .......................................................2000 ohm/Volt
DC Voltage ......................................................2000 ohm/Volt
Operating Temperature.........................32–109.4°F (0–43°C)
Storage Temperature ......................... –4–140°F (–20–60°C)
Power R e qu i re m e n ts ...... ....... ... .. ....... ... ............... .. .. ..1.5 Volts
Dime nsio ns...... ... .. ........ .. ............... .. .. 3
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/8 ¥ 21/2 ¥ 11/4 Inches
(98 ¥ 64 ¥ 32 mm) (HWD)
Weight...... ....... ....... ...... ....... ....... ....... ..Approx. 3.7 oz. (105 g)
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SPECIAL PANEL MARKINGS
We have added special markings to the panel to remind you
of the meter’s measurement limitations and important safety
precautions.
!
Follow the operating instructions given in this
owner’s manual.
500V
MAX
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To avoid electric shock or damage to the meter,
do not connect t he g round te rminal to any so urc e
of more than 500 volts with respect to earth
ground.
Be extra carefu l when you ta ke measur ements fo r
high voltage. Do not touch the meter’s test probe
ends.
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INSTALLING A BATTERY
Your meter uses on e AA battery f or power. We r ecommend an
alkaline battery, such as Radio Shack Cat. No. 23- 552/557.
WARNINGS:
• TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK, DISCONNECT BOTH
TEST LEADS FROM ANY EQUIPMENT BEFORE YOU
REMOVE THE BATTER Y.
• DO NOT OPERATE THE METER UNTIL YOU
REPLACE THE BATTERY AND CLOSE THE BACK
COVER.
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Follow these steps to ins tal l the battery.
OFF
1. Set the function selector to
and remove the test
leads from all tes t ci rcuits.
2. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw on the
back of the meter.
3. Remove the back of the meter.
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4. Replace the weak battery with a fresh one, following the
correct polarity (+ and –).
5. Replace the back and secure it wit h the screw.
Note: If you cannot adj ust the p oin ter to “0” on th e scale whe n
you measure resistance (see “Measuring Resistance”), it is
time to replace the battery.
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REPLACING THE FUSE
Your meter is protected by a 315 mA fuse.
WARNINGS:
• TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK, DISCONNECT BOTH
TEST LEADS FROM ANY EQUIPMENT BEFORE YOU
REMOVE THE FUSE.
• DO NOT OPERATE THE METER UNTIL YOU
REPLACE THE FUSE AND CLOSE THE BACK
COVER.
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CAUTION: FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST
FIRE OR OTHER HAZARD, REPLACE THE FUSE ONLY
WITH A 315 mA, 250 V, 5 X 20 MM MINIATURE FUSE (CAT.
NO. 270-1046).
Follow these steps to replace the fuse.
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1. Set the function selector to
OFF
and remove the test
leads from all tes t ci rcuits.
2. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw on the
back of the meter.
3. Remove the back of the meter.
4. Replace the blown fuse with a new one.
5. Replace the back and secure it with the screw.
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OPERATION
Cautions:
• Use only the same type of test leads that are supplied
with your meter. These test leads are rated for 1000
volts. Replacements are available at your local Radio
Shack store .
• When the meter is not in
use, always leave the
function selector set to
OFF
.
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Warnings:
• Do not try to measure any voltage over the meter’s rat-
ing. Use extreme care when you use these high-voltage
ranges.
• Never connect the probe you plug into the negative
terminal to a source of voltage more than 500 V. Doing
so can create a serious sh ock hazard.
(–)
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MAKING ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS
For the most accurat e readi ng, the te mperatur e should be between 43°F and 74°F (6°C and 23°C) with an 80% maximum
relativ e h u mid ity.
Keep the meter lying flat on a non-metallic surface. Also, use
a range setti ng that res ults in a readi ng in the uppe r third of th e
meter scale.
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For exact readi ngs, look at the scale fr om the point where the
pointer and its reflection in the mirror come together.
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Zero Adjustment
If the pointer does not normally rest exactly over 0 at the left
side of the
center of the tester face to bring the pointer to zero.
ACV/DC.VMA
scale, adjust the plastic screw in the
MEASURING VOLTAGE
WARNING:
GREATER THAN 1000 VOLTS DC OR AC, YOU MIGHT
DAMAGE YOUR METER AND EXPOSE YOURSELF TO A
SEVERE SHOCK HAZARD.
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IF YOU ATTEMPT TO MEASURE A VOLTAGE
Measuring High Voltages
When you measure vol tage i n a high- volta ge circ uit, do not tr y
to position both probes at once. Clamp one of the probes to
the circuit’s neutral or ground lead using a Radio Shack insulated slip-on alligator clip (Cat. No. 270-354). Then probe for
voltages with the othe r probe. This hel ps prev ent you f rom ac cidentally touching a hot wire.
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Note: In AC wiring circuits, the ground lead is usually a bare,
green, or white lead and the hot wire is usually red, black, or
blue. In DC wiring circuits, the ground lead is usually a black
lead; the hot wire is usually red.
WARNING: NEVER CLAMP ONTO A HOT WIRE. IF YOU
CLAMP TO A HOT WIRE AND TOUCH THE OTHER
PROBE, YOU COULD RECEIVE AN ELECTRIC SHOCK.
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Measuring DC Voltage
WARNING:
ABOVE 1000 VOLTS DC, YOU MIGHT DAMAGE YOUR
METER AND EXPOSE YOURSELF TO A SEVERE SHOCK
HAZARD.
IF YOU ATTEMPT TO M EASURE A VOLTAGE
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Follow these steps to measure DC voltage.
DC V
1. Set the function select or to one of the
Note:
If you are not certain about the voltage level, start
positions.
with the 1000 DC V range. Then try the next lowest
range until the reading appears in the upper third of the
meter scale.
2. Connect the test probes to the circuit.
3. Read the voltage on the scale.
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Measuring AC Voltage
WARNING:
GREATER THAN 1000 VOLTS AC, YOU MIGHT DAMAGE
THE METER AND EXPOSE YOURSELF TO A SEVERE
SHOCK HAZARD.
IF YOU ATTEMPT TO M EASURE A VOLTAGE
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Follow these steps to measure AC voltage.
AC.V
1. Set the function select or to one of the
Note:
If you are not certain about the voltage level, start
positions.
with the 1000 AC V range. Then try the next lowest
range until the reading appears in the upper third of the
meter scale.
2. Connect the test probes to the circuit.
3. Read the voltage on the scale.
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Measuring 3-Phase AC Voltage
This meter is primarily designed to measure household AC
voltages and is not intended for commercial or industrial use.
If you want to measure 3-phase, line-to-line voltages, please
note the following:
• Because of the dangers inherent in the measurement of
three-phase ci rcuits, we strongly recom m end against the
use of this meter for such appl ications.
• If you choose to make the measurements, use extreme
care. The actual voltage can be greater than the circuit’s
rated voltage (li ne-to-ground).
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To determine t he li ne-to -li ne vol tage, mul tipl y the rated l ine-toground voltage by 1.732. For example, if the rated voltage is
600 volts, the line-to-line voltage would be:
600 Volts x 1.732 = 1039.2 Volts
In this example, the voltage exceeds the meter’s range and
should not be measured.
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Measuring AC Voltage on a DC Source Bias
WARNING:
ON A DC SOURCE BIAS.
When an AC voltage has been super impo sed on a DC source
bias, you cannot take ordinary measurements. The readings
wander on the scale and are not accurate.
However, if you know the approxi mate AC voltage and it does
not exceed 30 volts AC, you can measure it by connecting a
0.1 mF, 100-volt polyester f ilm capaci tor in ser ies with the pos -
itive (+) voltag e source and the meter’s red probe.
NEVER MEASURE MORE THAN 30 VOLTS AC
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MEASURING DC CURRENT
WARNING:
SOURCE OF UNKNOWN VOLTAGE WHEN YOU HAVE SET
THE FUNCTION SELECTOR TO THE 150 mA DC POSITION.
1. Set the function select or to
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NEVER CONNECT THE TEST LEADS TO A
150 mA DC
.
2. Break the electrical path for the circuit in which you want
to measure current. Then connect the black test probe to
the negative side and the red test probe to the positive
side of the circuit . Read the results on the scale.
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MEASURING RESISTANCE
WARNINGS:
• NEVER CONNECT THE TEST LEADS TO A SOURCE
OF VOLTAGE WHEN YOU HAVE SET THE FUNCTION
SELECTOR TO THE
• BE SURE THAT THE CIRCUIT UNDER TEST HAS ALL
POWER REMOVED AND THAT ANY ASSOCIATED
CAPACITORS ARE FULLY DISCHARGED BEFORE
YOU MAKE A RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT.
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Rx1K
W POSITION.
1. Disconnect power from the circuit you are testing. Then
unplug the power cord and remo ve any batteries.
W
2. Set the function selector to
together and adjust the
pointer to the “
” position on the scale.
0
Rx1K
OHMS ADJ
. Touch the probes
. contro l to bring the
3. Touch the probes across the circuit or component you
are testing. Read the results on the scale.
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Notes:
• When you measure the resistance of a component in a
circuit, disconnect one side of the component you are
testing. This prevents other components in the circuit
from interfering with the reading.
• When you try to identify cathode and anode ends or the
type of tran sistor (PNP or NPN), the act ual polarity of the
meter’s voltage is the opposite of the polarity suggested
by the test probes’ color. The red test probe is the negative source, a nd the bl ack test probe is positive.
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MAINTENANCE
Your Radio Shack 8- Range Multites ter i s an e xample of supe rior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will
help you care for the met e r so you can enjoy it for years.
• Keep the meter dry . I f it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately.
Liquids might con tain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits.
• Use and store the meter only in normal temperature
environments. Temperature extremes can shorten the
life of electronic devices, damage batteries, and distort
or melt plastic p arts.
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• Handle the meter gently and carefully. Dropping it can
damage the circuit boards and can cause it to work
improperly.
• Keep the meter away from dust and dirt, which can
cause premature wear of parts.
• Wipe the meter with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it
looking new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong detergents to clean the meter.
• Use only a fresh battery of the recommended size and
type. Always remove an old or weak battery. It can leak
chemicals that can destroy electronic circuits.
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Modifying or tampering with the meter’s internal components
can cause a malfunction and might invalidate its warranty. If
your meter is not performing as it should, take it to your local
Radio Shack store for assistance.
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9/94
bring your
ected to misuse or
Radio Shack store. Warrant
s from date of purchase from Radio
e for parts and labor. Simpl
ainst defects for 90 da
as proof of purchase date to an
RADIO SHACK LIMITED WARRANTY
e.
-owned stores and authorized Radio Shack franchisees and dealers.
to the purchaser.
not appl
ma
s
RADIO SHACK
We Service What We Sell
A Division of Tandy Corporation
Within this period, we will repair it without char
This product is warranted a
Radio Shack sales slip
does not cover transportation costs. Nor does it cover a product sub
Shack compan
accidental dama
or exclusion
s
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RADIO SHACK MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRAN-
TIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURA-
TION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN. Some states
do not permit limitation or exclusion of implied warranties; therefore, the aforesaid limita-
tion
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to
state.
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