Simpson 260 8XI User Manual

Simpson 260® Series 8XI

Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

About this Manual
To the best of our knowledge and at the time written, the information contained in
this document is technically correct and the procedures accurate and adequate
to operate this instrument in compliance with its original advertised specifica­tions.

Notes and Safety Information

This Operator’s Manual contains warning headings which alert the user to check
for hazardous conditions. These appear throughout this manual where appli­cable, and are defined below. To ensure the safety of operating performance of
this instrument, these instructions must be adhered to.
Warning, refer to accompanying documents.

!

Warning. Refer to accompanying documents

Caution, risk of electric shock.

!

This instrument is designed to prevent accidental shock to the operator when
properly used. However, no engineering design can render safe an instrument
whick is used carelessly. Therefore, this manual must be read carefully and com­pletely before making any measurements. Failure to follow directions can result
in ser ious or fatal accident.

Shock Hazard: As defined in American National Standard, C39.5, Safety
Requrements for Electrical and Electronic Measuring and Controlling Instrumen­tation, a shock hazard shall be considered to exist at any part involving a poten­tial in excess of 30 volts RMS (sine wave) or 42.4 volts DC or peak and where a
leakage current from that part to ground exceeds 0.5 milliampere, when mea­sured with an appropriate measuring instrument defined in Section 11.6.1 of
ANSI C 39.5.

Technical Assistance

SIMPSON ELECTRIC COMPANY offers assistance Monday through Friday
7:30 am to 5:00 pm Central Time by contacting Technical Support or
Customer Service at [phone].
Internet: http://www.simpsonelectric.com

Warranty and Returns

SIMPSON ELECTRIC COMPANY warrants each instrument and other ar ticles
manufactured by it to be free from defects in material and workmanship under
normal use and service, its obligation under this warranty being limited to making
good at its factory or other article of equipment which shall within one (1) year
after delivery of such instrument or other article of equipment to the original
purchaser be returned intact to it, or to one of its authorized service centers, with
transportation charges prepaid, and which its examination shall disclose to its
satisfaction to have been thus defective; this warranty being expressly in lieu of
all other warranties expressed or implied and of all other obligations or liabilities
on its part, and SIMPSON ELECTRIC COMPANY neither assumes nor autho­rizes any other persons to assume for it any other liability in connection with the
sales of its products.

This warranty shall not apply to any instrument or other article of equipment
which shall have been repaired or altered outside the SIMPSON ELECTRIC
COMPANY factory or author ized service centers, nor which has been subject to
misuse, negligence or accident, incorrect wiring by others, or installation or use
not in accord with instructions furnished by the manufacturer.

260® is a Registered Trademark of the Simpson Electric Company.

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NOTES:

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Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................ 7

1.1 General Description ........................................................................ 7

1.2 Overload Protection ........................................................................ 7

1.3 Internal Batteries ............................................................................. 7

1.4 Printed Circuit ................................................................................. 8

1.5 Case................................................................................................8

1.6 Adjust-A-Vue Handle ...................................................................... 8

1.7 Test Leads ....................................................................................... 8

1.8 Technical Data ................................................................................ 8

1.9 Definition of Accuracy ................................................................... 1 0

1.10 Safety Considerations .................................................................. 10

1.11 Audio Alarm .................................................................................. 10

1.12 Accessories...................................................................................10

1.13 Additional Accessories ................................................................. 1 1

1.13.1 Accessory DC High Voltage Probes .............................................. 11

1.13.2 Accessory AC High Voltage Probe ................................................ 11

1.13.3 Amp-Clamp Model 150-2 ............................................................... 11

2. INSTALLATION............................................................................. 12

2.1 Unpacking and Inspection ............................................................ 1 2

2.2 Warranty........................................................................................12

2.3 Shipping........................................................................................12

2.4 Power Source Requirements ........................................................ 12

2.5 Operating Position ........................................................................ 1 2

3. CONTR OLS, JA CKS AND INDICA T ORS...................................... 13

3.1 Front Panel Description ................................................................ 1 3

4. OPERATION ................................................................................ 14

4.2 Safety Precautions ........................................................................14

4.3 Polarity Reversing ......................................................................... 16

4.4 Measurement of Unknown Voltage or Current ............................16

4.5 Test Leads ....................................................................................16

4.6 DC Voltage Measurement.............................................................1 6

4.6.1 DC Voltage Measurement 0-250 mV Range ................................ 16

4.6.2 DC Voltage Measurement 0-2.5 Through 0.250V Range.............. 17

4.6.3 DC Voltage Measurement 0-500V Range ..................................... 17

4.6.4 DC Voltage Measurement 0-1000V Range ................................... 1 8

4.7 AC Voltage Measurement ............................................................ 1 9

4.7.1 AC Voltage Measurement 0-2.5 Through 0-250V Range............. 19

4.7.2 AC Voltage Measurement 0-500V Range...................................... 20

4.7.3 AC Voltage Measurement 0-1000 Range ...................................... 21

4.7 Output Voltage Measurement .......................................................21

4.8 Decibel Measurement (-20 to +50 dB) .........................................2 2

4.9 Direct Current Measurement ........................................................ 23

4.9.1 Direct Current Measurement 0-50µA Range ................................ 24

4.9.2 Direct Current Measurement 0-1mA through 0-500mA Range ... 24

4.9.3 Direct Current Measurement 0-10A Range .................................. 25

4.10 Zero Ohms Adjustment .................................................................25

4.11 Measuring Resistance .................................................................. 2 6

4.12 Resistance Measurement of Semiconductors .............................. 26

4.13 Continuity Tests .............................................................................27

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Contents, Continued

5 OPERA T OR SERVICING.............................................................. 28

5.1 Battery and Fuse Replacement .................................................... 2 8

5.2 Fuse Protection ............................................................................. 29

5.3 Care ..............................................................................................29

6 PARTS LIST AND SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM.................................. 3 0

6.1 Removing the Instrument Case. ...................................................3 0

6.2 Replacement Parts and Schematic Diagram ............................... 3 0

5

NOTES:

6

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 General Description

The Simpson Volt-Ohm-Milliammeter 260 Series 8XI, (hereafter referred to as the
260 or as the Instrument) is a rugged, accurate, compact, easy-to-use instrument
equipped with mirrored dial to eliminate parallax. The Instrument can be used to
make accurate measurements of AC and DC voltage, direct current, resistance,
decibels, and Output Voltage. The Output Voltage function is used for measuring
the AC component of a mixture of AC and DC voltage. This occurs primarily in
amplifier circuits.

New Features in the 260 are:

0 - 25V AC/DC Range
Continuity Test Alarm
I

ndividual Dual Jacks for the 500V AC/DC and 1000V AC/DC Ranges

High Impact Case (Yellow)

1.2 Overload Protection

No single protective device nor even a combination of devices as found in the
260 can fully protect a multi-purpose Instrument under all overload conditions.
Despite all the built-in protection provided, overloads severe enough to damage
the Instrument are possible when the Instrument is misused.

The fuse in the 260 affords maximum Instrument protection under overload con­ditions which might occur within the measuring capabilities of the Instrument,
however, the operator must exercise care to avoid severe overloads, particularly
when working in high voltage circuits.

Basic overload protection is provided by a small inexpensive, and easily obtain­able 3 AG type, 1 ampere, quick-blow fuse. This fuse is rated to interrupt circuit
voltages up to 250 volts. For maximum protection it is important to replace the 1A
fuse with the Littlefuse type 312001 only.

A supplemental high energy fuse is provided for additional protection from se­vere overloads. This fuse is rated for an interruption capacity of 10,000 amperes
up to 600 volts. (Littlefuse T ype BLS or Bussman Type BBS). If the Instrument fails
to indicate a reading, the 1 Amp or the 2 Amp fuse may be burned out. (Refer to
paragraph 5.2 for fuse replacement.) A 1 Amp spare fuse is furnished with each
Instrument. Fuses are located in the battery and fuse compartment.

NOTE: The 0-10A range is not fused. The shunt connects directly to the -10A and
+10A jacks.

T wo diodes connected across the meter mo vement affords protection to the mo ve­ment by circumventing excessive current around the movement in the event of an
overload.

1.3 Internal Batteries

There are two batteries in the ohmmeter circuits. One is a NEDA 13F size D cell
that furnishes 1.5-volts for the R X 1 and R X 100 ranges. A NEDA 1604A alkaline
battery furnishes 9-volts for the R X 10,000 range. The 1.5-volt D cell is held in
place with two spring clips which also serve as battery contacts. The polarity
symbols for the D cell are marked near the battery contacts. The 9-volt battery is
held in place with a spring clip, but contact is made with a separate connector that
is polarized. Always observe correct polarity when replacing the 1.5-volt D cell.

7

1.4 Printed Circuit

Most of the component parts are mounted on a printed circuit board which simpli­fies assembly and maintenance, thus extending the useful life of the Instrument.

1.5 Case

The case has an externally accessible battery and fuse compartment. Access to
the batteries and 1 amp fuse is obtained by unscrewing a single screw on the
back of the case and sliding out the compartment cover.

1.6 Adjust-A-Vue Handle

A carrying handle is attached to the Instrument case. The handle may be used to
support the Instrument in a convenient sloping position for easy viewing. The
case can also be placed in either a vertical or horizontal position. The horizontal
position is preferable for greater accuracy since the Instrument is calibrated in
this position.

1.7 Test Leads

Each Instrument is furnished with one pair (Catalog No. 00125) of probe type test
leads (one red and one black, each 48 inches long) for all applications of the
Instrument. These test leads ha ve elbo w prods on one end to connect the leads to
the recessed jacks on the Instrument front panel. The probe tips at the opposite
end have threaded shoulders to accept the screw-on insulated alligator clips
(furnished with the test leads) or the 5000 volt test probe(s) to extend the
Instrument’s AC or DC voltage range. The test leads and the insulated alligator
clips are rated for the voltage and current ranges available on the 260. Maximum
ratings are 1000V AC or DC or 10 DC amps. Do not exceed these ratings for the
test leads in any application.

1.8 Technical Data

1 . DC VOLTS:

Ranges: 0-1-2.5-10-25-50-250-500-1000V
Sensitivity: 20,000V per Volt

2. DC MILLIVOLTS:
Range: 0-250mV
Sensitivity: 20,000 per Volt

3 . AC V OLTS:

Ranges: 0-2.5-10-25-50-250-500-1000V
Sensitivity: 5,000V per Volt

4 . OUTPUT VOLT AGE

(AC):
Ranges: 0-2.5-10-25-50-250 (limited to 350V DC)

5. DC MICROAMPERES:
Range: 0-50µA
Voltage Drop: 250mV

Table 1-1. Technical Data

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6. DC MILLIAMPERES:
Ranges: 0-1-10-100-500 mA
Voltage Drop
(Approx.): 250 mV, 255 mV, 300 mV, 500 mV

7. DC AMPERES:
Range: 0-10A
Voltage Drop
(Approx.): 255 mV

NOTE: The 10A range is not internally fused.

8.

9. *ACCURACY:
DC Voltage Ranges: 2% of Full Scale
DC Current:
0-50 µA Range: 1.5% of Full Scale
Other Ranges: 2% of Full Scale
**AC Voltage Ranges: 3% of Full Scale
Frequency Response: Referenced to 100 Hz (Figures 4-4 and 4-8)
Resistance Ranges:
R X 1: 2.5° of Arc
R X 100: 2° of Arc
R X 10,000: 2° of Arc

10 DECIBELS:

Range: -20 to +10 dB, -8 to +22 dB, 0 to +30 dB,
Reference Level: With zero dB power level equal to 1 mW

11. BATTERIES:
Voltage: 1.5V, 9V
NEDA No.: 13F, 1604A

12. FUSE: F1 1A, 250V , type 3AG, quic k-acting Littlefuse Type

ecnatsiseR1XR001XR0001XR

egnaR0002-0  000,002-0  M02-0 

retneC

gnidaeR

21  0021  000,021 

nepOlanimoN
egatloVtiucriCV5.1V5.1V9

trohSlanimoN

tnerruCtiucriCAm521Am52.1Aµ57

+6 to +36 dB, +20 to +50 dB
across a 600V line.

312001, F2 2A, 600V Littlefuse Type BLS or 2A
600V, BussmanType BBS.

13. TEST LEADS: 1 red, 1 black, 48" long.

14. SIZE: 5 1/4” x 7" x 3 1/8" (13.34 x 17.78 x 7.94 cm)

9

15. WEIGHT: 2 1/2 lbs. (0.9331 kg)

16. ***RATED-CIRCUIT­TO-GROUND V OLT AGE: 1000 V AC/DC Max.

* Accuracies specified are for the 260 in a horizontal position.
** Responds to the average value of an AC current, and is calibrated to indicate
the RMS value of a pure sine wave.
*** Per ANSI C39.5 April 1974: The specified voltage with respect to ground,
which may be safely and continuously applied to the circuit of an Instrument.

1.9 Definition of Accuracy

The voltage and current accuracy of this Instrument is commonly expressed as a
percent of full scale. This should not be confused with accuracy of reading (indi­cation). For example, +2% of full scale on the 10V range allows an error of ±0.20V
at any point on the dial. This means that at full scale, the accuracy reading would
be ±2%, but at half scale it would be ± 4%. Theref ore , it is adv antageous to select
a range which gives the closest indication to full scale.

1.10 Safety Considerations

This Operator’s Manual contains cautions and warnings alerting the user to haz­ardous operating and service conditions. This information is flagged by CA UTION
or WARNING symbols where applicable, throughout this publication, and is de­fined on the inside front cover of this manual under Notes and Safety Information.
Adhere to these instruction in order to ensure the safety of operating and servic­ing personnel and to retain the operating conditions of the Instrument.

1.11 Audio Alarm

The 260 Audio Alarm transducer will emit an audio sound when the continuity of
a circuit being tested is completed.

!

No circuit continuity tests are to be made with electrical power “ON.” Turn “OFF”
all electrical power.

1.12 Accessories

Table 1-2. Items and Accessories Furnished with this Instrument

Quantity Description Number

1 Test Lead Set - one red and one black (48” long) 00125

each with combination probe tip and removable

rubber-sleeved alligator clip.
*1 1.5 Volt, D Cell, NEDA 13F
*1 9.0 Volt Cell, NEDA 1604A

2 1 Amp, 250V Fuse, Littlefuse Type #312001
1 2A, 600V Fuse, Littlefuse Type BLS (or Bussman

Type BBS)

1 Operator’s Manual 6-115021

* Batteries are standard items replaceable at local retail stores.

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1.13 Additional Accessories

Table 1-3. Additional Accessories

Description Catalog No.

Deluxe Case ............................................................................................. 00812

Vinyl Sheath Case ....................................................................................01818

Leatherette Ever-Redy Hard Case, Drop Front ...................................... 00805

5,000 Volt AC Probe 5 k/V .....................................................................00794

5,000 Volt DC Probe 20 k/V ...................................................................00795

10,000 Volt AC Probe 5 k/V ...................................................................00036

10,000 Volt DC Probe 20 k/V .................................................................00034

Model 150-2 Amp-Clamp ......................................................................... 00541

Model 151-2 Line Splitter......................................................................... 00544

!

High voltage probes and test prod adapters provide a convenient and economi­cal means of extending the voltage range of the 260. They are intended for high
voltage measurements in low power, consumer type products such as TV receiv­ers, oscilloscopes, burner ignition systems, etc. They are NOT intended for and
should NOT be used for measurements in high power circuitry such as power
substations or distribution centers, RF induction heaters or broadcast transmit­ters, x-ray equipment or other applications where an operator error may create a
dangerous condition.

1.13.1 Accessory DC High Voltage Probes

The DC high voltage probes are designed for use with the Simpson 260 or any
20,000 ohms per volt VOM having a 2.5 volt DC range and scale graduations
from 0-10 or multiple thereof for the 10 kV probe.
Accuracy: Probe Resistance 2%. DC high voltage test probes are available at
local electronic parts distributors.

1.13.2 Accessory AC High Voltage Probe

The 10,000 volts AC accessory probe is similar to the high voltage DC probes
with the following exceptions: The AC high voltage probe is designed to extend
the 260-8 AC voltage range . The probe can be used with the Simpson 260, 10 volt
AC range.

NOTE: Instructions are furnished with each high voltage probe.

1.13.3 Amp-Clamp Model 150-2

The Simpson Amp-Clamp Model 150-2 allows AC current measurements with­out breaking the circuit under test. The Amp-Clamp works as a transformer con­taining a split core for accommodating the conductor which carries the current
being measured. The current-carr ying conductor becomes the transformer pri­mary and a coil in the Amp-Clamp serves as the secondary winding. The Amp­Clamp output voltage is proportional to the current measured and can be applied
to the 260 as an AC voltage.

The Amp-Clamp has a range selector with 6 positions. Any of the following cur­rent ranges can be used with the 260: 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 or 250 amperes.

NOTE: Instructions are furnished with each Amp-Clamp.

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