TPI 163 User Manual

163

Digital Multimeter

Instruction Manual

2 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

page

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Congratulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

2. Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

3. EC Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . .4

B. SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . .5

C. TECHNICAL DATA

1. Features and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

2. Product Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

2. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

D. MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES

1. Controls and Functions . . . . . . . . . .10

2. Step by Step Procedures:

a) Measuring DC Volts . . . . . . .12

b) Measuring AC Volts . . . . . . .15

c) Measuring DC Amps . . . . . .16

d) Measuring AC Amps . . . . . .17

e) Measuring Resistance . . . . .19

f) Measuring Diodes . . . . . . . .20

g) Continuity Buzzer . . . . . . . .21

h) Data Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

E. ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

F. MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

G. TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE . . . . . . . . . .23

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Congratulations!!

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 163 is a hand-held autoranging DMM. The 163
measures ACV, DCV, ACA, DCA, Resistance, Diodes and
Continuity.

The 163 also features:

• RANGE Allows the user to manually range the

163 instead of autoranging.

• Data Hold Holds the reading on the display for

easy viewing.

• Auto Off Preserves battery life.

The 163 comes complete with the following accessories:

Rubber Boot
Test Lead Set
Instruction Manual
Battery

4 5

3. EC Declaration of Conformity

This is to certify that model 163 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 50081-1 1992 Emissions Standard
EN 50082-1 1992 Immunity Standard
EN61010-1 1993 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
procedures whenever possible. Do not attempt to
measure unknown voltages or components until a
complete understanding of the circuit is obtained.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

AL

WAYS

• Test the 163 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 complete understanding of circuit being
measured.

• Disconnect power to circuit, then connect test
leads to the 163, 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.

6 7

INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS

CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

AC (ALTERNATING CURRENT)

DC (DIRECT CURRENT)

REFER TO INSTRUCTION MANUAL

GROUND

FUSE

DOUBLE INSULATION

C. TECHNICAL DATA

1. Features and Benefits

Safety Meets CE and IEC 1010 requirements.

UL Listed to U.S. and Canadian Safety
Standards.

Data Hold Holds the reading on the display.

Range Allows you to either manual range or

use auto range to select the
appropriate range.

Auto Off Preserves battery life. LCD shows oFF

when in this mode.

Large LCD Easy to read at all angles and the

majority of lighting levels.

Rubber Added protection when the
Boot instrument is dropped.

2. Product Applications

Perform the following tests and/or measurements
with the TPI 163 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).

ALL • Bar graph to indicate rapid fluctuations

in measurements.

ELECTRICAL

FUNCTION
ACV • Measure line voltage.

OHMS • Continuity of circuit breakers.

DCV • Voltage of direct drive DC motors.

8 9

3. Specifications

IEC 1010 Over Voltage:

CAT II - 1000V
CAT III - 600V
Pollution Degree 2

a. DCV

Range Resolution Accuracy Impedance

326mV 0.1mV ±0.5% of reading, 10MΩ

3.26V 0.001V ±2 digits

32.60V 0.01V ±1.0% of reading,
326V 0.1V ±2 digits
1000V 1V

b. ACV

Range Resolution Accuracy Impedance

3.26V 0.001V ±1.2% of reading, 10MΩ

32.6V 0.01V ±4 digits
326V 0.1V
750V 1V

c. DCA

Range Resolution Accuracy Overload Protection

326µA 0.1µA ±1% of reading, Fuse* (fast blow)
3260mA 0.001mA ±2 digits F600V, .5A, 31CM

32.6mA 0.01mA ±1.5% of reading,
326mA 0.1mA ±2 digits
10A 0.01A ±2% of reading, Fuse* (fast blow)

±2 digits F600V, 10A, 31CM

*Warning: Use only correct size, voltage and current rated fuses.
Test Leads: Use only correct type and overvoltage category rating.

UL 3111-1

Fuse* (fast blow)
3260mA 0.001mA ±2 digits F600V, .5A, 31CM

32.6mA 0.01mA ±1.5% of reading,
326mA 0.1mA ±2 digits
10A 0.01A ±2% of reading, Fuse* (fast blow)

±2 digits F600V, 10A, 31CM

d. ACA

Range Resolution Accuracy Overload Protection

326µA 0.1µA ±2% of reading, Fuse* (fast blow)
3260µA 1µA ±5 digits F600V, .5A, 31CM

32.60mA 0.01mA
326mA 0.1mA
10A 0.01A ±2.5% of reading, Fuse*

(fast blow)

±5 digits F600V, 10A, 31CM

e. OHM (Resistance, )

Range Resolution Accuracy Overload Protection

326Ω 0.1Ω ±1% of reading, 450V DC or

3.26kΩ 0.001kΩ ±2 digits AC Peak

32.6kΩ 0.01kΩ
326kΩ 0.1kΩ

3.26MΩ 0.001MΩ ±2% of reading, ±2 digits

32.6MΩ 0.01MΩ ±3.5% of reading, ±4 digits

f. Diode Test

Test Voltage Max Test Current Over Load Protection

3V Approx. 0.5mA 600 V DC or Peak AC

g. Continuity Buzzer

Test Voltage Threshold Over Load Protection

1.2V < 20Ω 600 V DC or Peak AC

h. General Specifications

Max. Volt. between 1000V
any Input and Ground

*Warning: Use only correct size, voltage and current rated fuses.

Test Leads: Use only correct type and overvoltage category rating.

10 11

Fuse Protection mA: 0.5Amp/600VAC A: 10Amp/600VAC
Display Type 3260 Count,with 34 segment bargraph

and low battery indication.

Operating Temp. -0° to 40°C (32° to 104°F)
Storage Temp. -10° to 50°C (14° to 122°F)
Relative Humidity 0% to 80%
Power Supply 2 each 1.5 Volt “AA” Batteries
Battery Life 200 hrs. Typical
Size (H x L x W) 33mm x 86mm x 187mm (1.3in x 3.4in x 7.4in)
Weight 340g (12oz)

D. MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES

1. Controls and Functions:

Push Buttons

RANGE Activates manual ranging. Hold in for 3 sec-

onds to return to autorange. Also selects
between continuity buzzer and diode test.

DATA-H Holds the reading on the display until the

button is pushed a second time.

Rotary Switch

OFF(O) Manually turns the 163 off.

10A Function for measuring DC Amps (A).

mA Function for measuring milliamps (mA) DC.

1 milliamp = 0.001 Amp

µA Function for measuring microamps (µA) DC.

1 microamp = 0.000001Amp

V Function for measuring DC Volts.

V Function for measuring AC Volts.

µA Function for measuring microamps (µA) AC.

1 microamp = 0.000001Amp

mA Function for measuring milliamps (mA) AC.

mA Function for measuring milliamps (mA) AC.

1 milliamp = 0.001Amp

10A Function for measuring AC Amps (A).

Function for using audible Continuity Buzzer.

Ω

Function for measuring Ohms (resistance)
and testing Diodes.

OFF (O) Manually turns the 163 off.

1. Controls and Functions: (cont.)

Input Jacks

12 13

A Red test lead connection for current

measurements on the 10A functions.

mAµA Red test lead connection for current

measurement on the mA and µA functions.

COM Black test lead connection for all functions.

V

Ω

Red test lead connection for all Volt, Ohm,
Diode and Continuity measurements.

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.

W

ARNING!
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 MINIMUM MAXIMUM

TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING

V COM VΩ 0.1mV 1000V

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 on page 12 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 163.

a. MEASURING DC VOLTS (cont.)

14 15

Application Notes

Disconnect power from the termi-

nal 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 15. 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.

Measurement Procedure:

1. Disconnect power to the circuit to be measured.

2. Plug the black test lead into the COM input jack.

3 Plug red test lead into the VΩ input jack.

4. Set rotary switch to the V range.

5. Connect the test leads to the circuit to be mea­sured.

6. Reconnect power to the circuit to be measured.

7. Read the voltage on the 163.

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.

W

ARNING!
Do not attempt to make a voltage measurement of
more than 750V or of a voltage level that is
unknown.

Instrument set-up:

FUNCTION BLACK RED MINIMUM MAXIMUM

TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING

V COM VΩ 0.001V 750V

16 17

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 VΩ input jack.

4. Set the rotary switch to the V function.

5. Connect the test leads to the circuit to be measured.

6. Reconnect power to the circuit to be measured.

7. Read the voltage on the 163.

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.

W

ARN

­ING!
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 MINIMUM MAXIMUM

TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING

µA COM mAµA 0.1µA 3260µA

Application Notes

When measuring the

DC current of a flame
controller, follow the steps under
“Measurement Procedure” below 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.

FUNCTION BLACK RED MINIMUM MAXIMUM

TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING

µA COM mAµA 0.1µA 3260µA

mA COM mAµA 0.01mA 326mA

10A COM A 0.01A 10.00A

Measurement Procedure:

1. Disconnect power to circuit to be measured.

2. Plug the black test lead into the COM input jack.

3. Plug the red test lead into the mAµA or A input jack

depending on the value of current to be measured.

4. Set the rotary switch to the µA, mA, or 10A function.

5. Connect test leads in series to circuit to be measured.

6. Reconnect power to the circuit to be measured.

7. Read the current on the 163.

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.

W

ARNING!
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 MINIMUM MAXIMUM

18 19

Application Notes

When measuring resistance of a motor,
make sure the power is disconnected prior
to testing.

Set up the meter following the steps under
“Measurement Procedure” on page 19, 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).

TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING

µA COM mAµA 0.1µA 3260µA

mA COM mAµA 0.01mA 326mA

10A COM A 0.01A 10.00A

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 mAµA or A input jack

depending on the value of current to be measured.

4. Set the rotary switch to the µA, mA or 10A function.

5. Connect test leads in series to circuit to be measured.

6. Reconnect power to the circuit to be measured.

7. Read the current on the 163.

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 the test leads together and record the
resistance reading. Deduct this value from actual
readings.

20 21

Instrument set-up:

FUNCTION BLACK RED MINIMUM MAXIMUM

TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING

Ω COM VΩ 0.1Ω 32.6M

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 VΩinput jack.

4. Set the rotary switch on the 163 to the Ωfunction.

5. Connect the test leads to the circuit to be measured.

6. Read the resistance value on the 163.

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:

FUNCTION BLACK RED MINIMUM MAXIMUM

TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING

COM VΩ 0.001V 2.000V

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 VΩ input jack.

4. Set the rotary switch to the function.

5. Press the Range/Diode/Continuity button

so that shows on the LCD.

6. 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.

7. Reading on the display should be between

0.3 and 0.8 volts.

8. Reverse test lead connections in 6 above.

9. 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:

FUNCTION BLACK RED

TEST LEAD TEST LEAD

COM VΩ

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 VΩ input jack.

4. Set the rotary switch to the function.

5. Press the Range/Diode/Continuity button so

that shows on the LCD.

6. Connect test leads to the circuit to be measured.

7. Listen for the buzzer to confirm continuity.

h. DATA HOLD

Press the Data Hold button at any time on any function or
range to freeze the reading on the LDC display. This func­tion is very useful when measuring in locations where the
display is difficult to read.

E. ACCESSORIES*

F. MAINTENANCE

1. Battery Replacement: The 163 will display BAT when the two inter-

nal 1.5 Volt “AA” batteries need replacement. Batteries are replaced as
follows:

a. Disconnect and remove all test leads from live circuits

and from the 163.
b. Remove 163 from protective boot.
c. Remove the three screws from back of housing.

22

Standard Accessories Part No.

2 Each 1.5 Volt “AA” Batteries A002
Fuse, 0.5 Amp A104
Fuse, 10 Amp A110
Test Lead Set A050
Rubber Boot A101

Optional Accessories Part No.

Deluxe Test Lead Set SDK1C
IEC 1010 Deluxe Test Lead Kit TLS2000BC
Temperature Adapter A301
Boot Hook A103

Soft Carrying Case A100

*These accessories have not been evaluated by UL and are not
considered as part of the UL Listing of this product.

d. Carefully pull apart front and rear instrument housing.
e. Remove old batteries and replace with new batteries.
f. Reassemble instrument in reverse order from above.

2. Fuse Replacement: Both the A and mAµA input jacks are fuse pro-

tected. 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 as follows:

a. Disconnect and remove all test leads from live

circuits and from the 163.

b. Remove 163 from protective boot.
c. Remove the three screws from back of housing.
d. Carefully pull apart the front and rear instrument housing.
e. Remove old fuse(s) and replace it with new fuse(s).
f. Reassemble instrument in reverse order from above.

3. Cleaning your 163

Use a mild detergent and a slightly damp cloth to
clean the surfaces of the 163.

G. TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

Problem

Probable Causes

Test Products International, Inc.

9615 SW Allen Blvd., Ste. 104

Beaverton, OR USA 97005

503-520-9197 • Fax: [phone] • [e-mail]

Test Products International plc

Longley House

Eas Park

Crawley, West Sussex RH10 6AP

England

Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

L163M • 10/28/02 copyright © 2002 Test Products International, Inc.

WARRANTY

Please refer to product warranty card for
warranty statement.

Test Products International, Inc.

L163M • 10/28/02 copyright © 2002 Test Products International, Inc.

163 SPECIFICATIONS

±0.5% Basic DCV Accuracy (also see pages 8-9)

Function Range Resolution

DCV 326mV 0.1mV

3.26V 0.001V

32.6V 0.01V
326V 0.1V
1000V 1V

ACV 3.26V 0.001V

32.6V 0.01V
326V 0.1V
750V 1V

DCA 326µA 0.1µA

3260mA 0.001mA

32.6mA 0.01mA
326mA 0.1mA
10A 0.01A

ACA 326µA 0.1µA

3260µA 1µA

32.6mA 0.01mA
326mA 0.1mA
10A 0.01A

OHM 326Ω 0.1Ω

3.26kΩ 0.001kΩ

32.6kΩ 0.01kΩ
326kΩ 0.1kΩ

3.26MΩ 0.001MΩ

32.6MΩ 0.01MΩ

Test Voltage Max. Test Current

Diode 3V Approx. 0.5mA

Test Voltage Threshold

Continuity 1.2V <20Ω