Thank you for purchasing TPI brand products. The meter is
easy to use and is built to last. It is backed by a 3 year
limited warranty. Please remember to complete and return
your product warranty registration card.
2. Product Description
The 133 is a hand held manual ranging DMM. It features
extra large numerals on the LCD, and Data Hold for all
functions and ranges. The 133 is an affordable choice
offering measurements in all of the basic electrical
functions.
The 133 comes complete with the following:
133 Instrument
Rubber Boot (133NB does not include boot)
Test Lead Set
Instruction Manual
Battery
32
3. EC Declaration of Conformity
This is to certify that model 133 conforms to the protection
requirements of the council directive 89/336/EEC, in the
approximation of laws of the member states relating to
Electromagnetic compatibility and 73/23/EEC, The Low
Voltage Directive by application of the following standards:
EN 50081-11992 Emissions Standard
EN 50082-11992 Immunity Standard
EN61010-11993 Safety Standard
EN61010-2-031 1995 Safety Standard
To ensure conformity with these standards, this instrument
must be operated in accordance with the instructions and
specifications given in this manual.
CAUTION:
Even though this instrument complies with the
immunity standards, the accuracy can be affected by strong radio emissions not covered in the
above standards. Sources such as hand held
radio transceivers, radio and TV transmitters,
vehicle radios and cellular phones generate
electromagnetic radiation that could be induced
into the test leads of this instrument. Care
should be taken to avoid such situations or
alternatively, check to make sure that the instrument is not being influenced by these emissions.
B. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
WARNING: Please follow manufacturers test pro-
!
cedures whenever possible. Do not attempt to
measure unknown voltages or components until a
complete understanding of the circuit is obtained.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WAYS
AL
• Test the 133 before using it to make sure it is
operating properly.
• Inspect the test leads before using to make sure
there are no breaks or shorts.
• Double check all connections before testing.
• Have someone check on you periodically if
working alone.
• Have a complete understanding of circuit being
measured.
• Disconnect power to circuit, then connect test leads
to the 133, then to circuit being measured.
NEVER
• Attempt to measure unknown high voltages.
• Attempt to measure current with the meter in parallel
to the circuit.
• Connect the test leads to a live circuit before
setting up the instrument.
• Touch any exposed metal part of the test lead
assembly.
54
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS
!
CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
AC (ALTERNATING CURRENT)
DC (DIRECT CURRENT)
REFER TO INSTRUCTION MANUAL
GROUND
FUSE
DOUBLE INSULATION
ON/OFF, PUSH BUTTON SWITCH
C. TECHNICAL DATA
1. Features and Benefits
SafetyMeets CE and IEC 1010 requirements.
UL Listed to U.S. and Canadian Safety
Standards.
Large LCDEasy to read at all angles and the
majority of lighting levels.
Rubber BootAdded protection when the instrument
is dropped. (133NB does not include
boot.)
Multi-functionMeasure all electrical characteristics
with one meter.
2. Product Applications
Perform the following tests and/or measurements
with the TPI 133 and the appropriate function:
HVAC/R
FUNCTION
DCmV• Thermocouples in furnaces or gas
applications.
ACA• Heat anticipator current in thermostats.
ACV• Line voltage.
ACV or DCV• Control circuit voltage.
DCµA• Flame safeguard control current.
OHMS• Heating element resistance (continuity).
OHMS• Compressor winding resistance.
OHMS• Contactor and relay coil resistance.
OHMS• Continuity of wiring.
DCmV• Temperature with optional temperature
adapter (A310).
ELECTRICAL
FUNCTION
ACV• Measure line voltage.
OHMS• Continuity of circuit breakers.
DCV• Voltage of direct drive DC motors.
76
3. Specifications
IEC 1010 Over Voltage:
CAT II - 1000V
CAT III - 600V
Pollution Degree 2
UL 3111-1
a. DCV
RangeResolutionAccuracyImpedance
200mV0.1mV±0.5% of reading, 10M
2V0.001V±2 digits
20V0.01V
200V0.1V
1000V1V
b. ACV (45Hz to 450Hz)
RangeResolutionAccuracyImpedance
200mV0.1mV±1.2% of reading, 10M
±3 digits
2V0.001V±0.8% of reading,
20V0.01V±3 digits
200V0.1V
750V1V
c. DCA
RangeResolutionAccuracyOverload
200µA0.1µA±0.5% of reading, Fuse*
2mA0.001mA±1 digitF600V, 2A, 31CM
20mA0.01mA
200mA0.1mA±1.2% of reading,
2A0.001A±1 digit
10A0.01A ±2% of reading, Fuse*
±5 digits F600V, 10A, 31CM
*Warning: Use only correct size, voltage and current rated fuses.
Test Leads: Use only correct type and overvoltage category rating.
8
Protection
d. ACA
RangeResolutionAccuracyOverload Protection
200µA0.1µA±1% of reading, Fuse*
2mA0.001mA±3 digits
F600V, 2A, 31CM
20mA0.01mA
200mA0.1mA±1.8% of reading,
2A0.001A±3 digits
10A0.01A ± 3% of reading, ± 7 digitsFuse* F600V, 10A, 31CM
e. OHM (Resistance, )
RangeResolutionAccuracyOverload Protection
2000.1±0. 5% of reading,600V DC or
2k0.001k±1 digitAC Peak
20k0.01k
200k0.1k
2M0.001M
20M0.01M±1% of reading, ±2 digits
f. Diode Test
Test VoltageMax Test CurrentOver Load Protection
2.5VApprox. 1mA600 V DC or Peak AC
g. Continuity Buzzer
Test VoltageThresholdOver Load Protection
2.5V<100600 V DC or Peak AC
h. General Specifications
Power Supply9 Volt Battery
Battery Life560 hrs. Alkaline
Size (H x L x W)33mm x 86mm x 187mm
(1.3” x 3.4” x 7.4”)
Weight340g (12 oz)
*Warning: Use only correct size, voltage and current rated fuses.
Test Leads: Use only correct type and overvoltage category rating.
9
D. MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
1. Controls and Functions:
Push Buttons
Turns the 133 on and off.
Data-H Activates the Data Hold function.
Rotar
y Switch
DCVUsed for measurement of DC Volts. Select the
best range for the voltage to be measured.
ACVUsed for measurement of AC Volts. Select the
best range for the voltage to be measured.
DCAUsed for measurement of DC Amps. Select the
best range for the current to be measured.
ACAUsed for measurement of AC Amps. Select the
best range for the current to be measured.
OHMUsed for measurement of Resistance, Diode Test
and Continuity Buzzer. Select the best range for
the resistance to be measured.
Input Jacks
ARed test lead connection for current measure-
ments on the 2 and 10 ACA and DCA functions.
mAµARed test lead connection for current measure-
ment on the mA and µA DCA and ACA functions.
COMBlack test lead connection for all functions.
VRed test lead connection for OHM, DCV and ACV
functions.
10
2. Step by Step Procedures:
a. Measuring DC Volts
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to make a voltage measurement if
a test lead is plugged in the A or µmA input jack.
Instrument damage and/or personal injury may result.
!
ARNING!
W
Do not attempt to make a voltage measurement of more
than 1000V or of a voltage level that is unknown.
Instrument set-up:
FUNCTIONBLACK RED MINIMUMMAXIMUM
DCVCOMV0.1mV1000V
TEST LEADTEST LEADREADINGREADING
Measurement Procedure:
1.Disconnect power to circuit to be measured.
2.Plug black test lead into the COM input jack.
3Plug red test lead into V input jack.
4.Set the rotary switch on the 133 to the desired range
in the DCV function depending on the voltage to be
measured.
5.Connect test leads to circuit to be measured.
6.Reconnect power to circuit to be measured.
7.Read the voltage on the 133.
Application Notes
When measuring DC Voltage of a battery, the most accurate reading can be attained by testing the battery under
load. To accomplish this, follow steps 1 through 4 above
and the following (with the battery in holder and device
turned on):
• Connect the red test lead from the meter to the
positive (+) terminal of the battery.
• Connect the black test lead to the negative (-) terminal
of the battery.
• Reconnect power to the circuit and read the voltage on
the 133.
11
b. Measuring AC Volts
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to make a voltage measurement if a test lead is
plugged in the A or µmA input jack. Instrument damage and/or
personal injury may result.
!
ARNING!
W
Do not attempt to make a voltage measurement of more than
1000V or of a voltage level that is unknown.
Instrument set-up:
FUNCTION BLACK RED MINIMUMMAXIMUM
ACVCOMV0.1mV750V
TEST LEADTEST LEADREADINGREADING
Application Notes
Disconnect power from the terminal
block, find the fuse or circuit breaker that
controls the block and turn it off.
Set up the meter following the steps
under “Measurement Procedure” on
page 13. Then proceed with the
following:
•Connect the red test lead to the hot side of the
block and the black lead to the neutral side of the
block. Reconnect power to the block and read the
voltage on the meter. The reading should be
approximately 110V to 130V.
•Disconnect power from the block and move the
red wire to ground. Reconnect power to the
block and read the voltage on the meter. Typically
less than 20V should exist from neutral to
ground. If 110V or above exists, the block may
be wired incorrectly.
b. Measuring AC Volts (cont.)
Measurement Procedure:
1. Disconnect power to circuit to be measured.
2. Plug black test lead into COM input jack.
3. Plug red test lead into V input jack.
4. Set the rotary switch on the 133 to the desired range
in the ACV function depending on the voltage to be
measured.
5. Connect test leads to circuit to be measured.
6. Reconnect power to circuit to be measured.
7. Read the voltage on the 133.
c. Measuring DC Amps
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to make a current measurement with the
test leads connected in parallel with the circuit to be
tested. Test leads must be connected in series with the
circuit.
!
WARNING!
Do not attempt to make a current measurement of circuits with more than 600V present. Instrument damage
and/or personal injury may result.
Instrument set-up:
FUNCTION BLACK RED MINIMUMMAXIMUM
TEST LEADTEST LEADREADINGREADING
DCACOMmAµA 0.1µA1.999A
(up to 2mA range)
DCACOMA0.01A10.00A
(10A range only)
1312
c. Measuring DC Amps (cont.)
Measurement Procedure:
1.Disconnect power to circuit to be measured.
2.Plug black test lead into the COM input jack.
3.Plug red test lead into mAµA or A input jack
depending on value of current to be measured.
4.Set the rotary switch on the 133 to the desired range
in the DCA function depending on the current to be
measured and the input jack the red test lead is
inserted into.
5.Connect test leads in series to circuit to be measured.
6.Reconnect power to circuit to be measured.
7.Read the current on the 133.
Application Notes
When measuring the DC current
of a flame controller, follow the
steps under “Measurement
Procedure” above and then proceed with the following:
•Set up the meter for making a mA measurement.
•Connect the meter to the
flame controller lead by
opening the circuit and
inserting the leads in series
with the circuit as shown in
the picture above.
d. Measuring AC Amps
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to make a current measurement with
the test leads connected in parallel with the circuit to be
tested. Test leads must be connected in series with
the circuit.
!
ARNING!
W
Do not attempt to make a current measurement of
circuits with more than 600V present. Instrument
damage and/or personal injury may result.
Instrument set-up:
FUNCTIONBLACK RED MINIMUMMAXIMUM
ACACOMmAµA0.1µA1.999A
(up to 2A range)
ACACOMA0.01A10.00A
(10A range only)
TEST LEADTEST LEADREADINGREADING
Measurement Procedure:
1.Disconnect power to circuit to be measured.
2. Plug black test lead into the COM input jack.
3.Plug red test lead into mAµA or A input jack
depending on value of current to be measured.
4.Set the rotary switch on the 133 to the desired range
in the ACA function depending on the current to be
measured and the input jack the red test lead is
inserted into.
5.Connect the test leads in series to the
circuit to be measured.
6.Reconnect power to circuit to be measured.
7.Read the current on the 133.
1514
Application Notes
When measuring resistance of a motor,
make sure the power is disconnected prior
to testing.
Set up the meter following steps under
“Measurement Procedure” on page 17, and
then proceed with the following:
•Connect the red test lead to one power
input line of the motor and the black
test lead to the other power input line
of the motor. In most applications if
the reading is OFL, the motor winding
is open.
•Connect the red test lead to the frame
of the motor and the black test lead to
the winding. In most applications if a
reading of 0 Ohms is displayed, the
winding is shorted to the motor frame
(ground).
e. Measuring Resistance
!
WARNING!
Do not attempt to make resistance measurements with
circuit energized. For best results, remove the resistor
completely from the circuit before attempting to
measure it.
NOTE:
To make accurate low ohm measurements, short the ends of
test leads together and record resistance reading. Deduct
this value from actual readings.
Instrument set-up:
FUNCTION BLACK RED MINIMUMMAXIMUM
OHMCOMV0.119.99M
TEST LEADTEST LEADREADINGREADING
Measurement Procedure:
1.Disconnect power to circuit to be measured.
2.Plug black test lead into the COM input jack.
3.Plug red test lead into the V input jack.
4.Set the rotary switch on the 133 to the desired range
in the OHM function depending on the voltage to be
measured.
5.Connect test leads to circuit to be measured.
6.Read the resistance value on the 133.
1716
f.Measuring Diodes
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to make diode measurements with circuit
energized. The only way to accurately test a diode is to
remove it completely from the circuit before attempting
to measure it.
Instrument set-up:
FUNCTIONBLACK RED MINIMUMMAXIMUM
OHM( )COMV0.001V2.000V
TEST LEADTEST LEADREADINGREADING
Measurement Procedure:
1.Disconnect power to the circuit to be
measured.
2.Plug the black test lead into the COM input jack.
3.Plug the red test lead into the V
input jack.
4.Set the rotary switch on the 133 to the position.
5.Connect the black test lead to the banded end of the
diode and the red test lead to the non-banded end
of the diode.
6.Reading on the display should be between 0.3
and 0.8 volts.
7.Reverse test lead connections in 5 above.
8.Reading on the display should be OFL (Overload).
NOTE: If diode reads 0 in both directions, diode is shorted. If diode reads OFL in both directions, diode is open.
g. Continuity Buzzer
!
W
ARNING!
Do not attempt to make continuity measurements with
circuit energized.
Instrument set-up:
FUNCTIONBLACK RED
OHM( )COMV
TEST LEADTEST LEAD
Measurement Procedure:
1.Disconnect power to the circuit to be measured.
2.Plug the black test lead into the COM input jack.
3.Plug the red test lead into the V input jack.
4.Set the rotary switch on the 133 to the position.
5.Connect the test leads to the circuit to be measured.
6.Listen for the buzzer to confirm continuity.
h. Data Hold
Press the DATA-H button at any time on any function or
range to freeze the reading on the LCD display. This function is very useful when measuring in locations where the
display is difficult to read.
1918
E. ACCESSORIES*
Standard AccessoriesPart No.
9V BatteryA009
Fuse, 2 AmpA102
Fuse, 10 AmpA110
Test Lead SetA040
Rubber Boot (133 only)A101
Optional AccessoriesPart No.
Deluxe Test Lead SetSDK1C
IEC 1010 Deluxe Test Lead KitTLS2000BC
Temperature AdapterA301
Boot HookA103
Soft Carrying CaseA100
*These accessories have not been evaluated by UL and are not
considered as part of the UL Listing of this product.
20
F. MAINTENANCE
1.Battery Replacement: The 133 will display BAT when
the internal 9 Volt battery needs replacement.
The battery is replaced as follows:
a.Disconnect and remove all test leads from live circuits
and from the 133.
b.Remove the 133 from its protective boot.
c.Remove the three screws from back of 133
housing.
d.Carefully pull apart front and rear instrument housing.
e.Remove old battery and replace it with new battery.
f.Reassemble instrument in reverse order from above.
2.Fuse Replacement: Both of the 133 “A” and “mAµA
input jacks are fuse protected. Use only Fast Blow,
600 Volt fuses with correct current ratings. Failure to
do so will void all warranties. If either do not function,
replace the fuse as follows:
a.Disconnect and remove all test leads from
live circuits and from the 133.
b.Remove the 133 from its protective boot.
c.Remove the three screws from the back of
the 133 housing.
d.Carefully pull apart the front and rear
instrument housing.
e.Remove the old fuse(s) and replace it
with new one(s).
f.Reassemble the instrument in reverse
order from above.
3.Cleaning your 133
Use a mild detergent and slightly damp cloth to clean
the surfaces of the 133.
21
G. TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
ProblemProbable Causes
Does not power up
• Dead or defective battery
• Broken wire from battery
snap to PCB
Won’t display current readings
• Open fuse
• Open test lead
• Improperly connected to
circuit under test
All functions except ohms read high
• Very weak battery that will
not turn on the low battery
indicator on the LCD
ACV do not read
• Very weak battery that will
not turn on the low battery
indicator on the LCD
22
WARRANTY
Please refer to product warranty card for
warranty statement.