TPI 183A User Manual

183A

Digital Multimeter

Instruction Manual

2 3

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Congratulations!!

Thank you for purchasing TPI 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 183A is a hand-held autoranging DMM. The 183A measures ACV, DCV, ACA, DCA, Resistance, Frequency, Duty Cycle, Diodes, Capacitance, Temperature and Continuity.

The 183A also features:

• REC Records Min/Max readings during

specified measurement intervals.

• RANGE Allows the user to manually range the

183A instead of autoranging.

• HOLD Holds the reading on the display for

easy viewing.

• REL Displays the value as a difference to

a reference value

• AUTO OFF Preserves battery life.

The 183A comes complete with the following accessories:

183A Instrument Zippered Vinyl Carrying Case Rubber Boot Test Lead Set Instruction Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

3. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-11

D. MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES

1. Controls and Functions . . . . . . . . . . .12

a) Push Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . .12

b) Rotary Switch . . . . . . . . . . . .13

c) Input Jacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

d) Disable Auto Power Off . . . .13

2. Step by Step Procedures:

a) Measuring DC Volts . . . . . . .14

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

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

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

e) Measuring Resistance . . . . .18

f) Measuring Diodes . . . . . . . .19

g) Continuity Buzzer . . . . . . . . .20

h) Measuring Capacitance . . . .21

i) Measuring Frequency . . . . . .22

j) Measuring Temperature . . . .23

k) Record Mode . . . . . . . . . . . .24

l) Relative Mode . . . . . . . . . . .24

F. MAINTENANCE

1. Testing Fuses in Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . .25

2. Fuse Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

3. Battery Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

4. Cleaning Your Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

G. TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . .27

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.

Read instructions before operating:

Be sure these instructions accompany the tool when passed from one user to a new or inexperienced user.

Equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

WAYS

• Test the 183A 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 183A, 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.

3. EC Declaration of Conformity

This is to certify that model 183A 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:

EN61326 : 1997 + A1 + A2 : 2001 EN61010-1 :2001 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.

INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS

DANGEROUS VOLTAGE

AC (ALTERNATING CURRENT)

DC (DIRECT CURRENT)

REFER TO INSTRUCTION MANUAL

GROUND

FUSE

DOUBLE INSULATION

C. TECHNICAL DATA

1. Features and Benefits

Agency Approval Meets CE and IEC 61010-1 require-

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

Auto Power OFF Active when APO is on the left side of

the LCD display. Instrument automatically powers off after 15 minutes of inactivity. You must return the rotary switch to the OFF position to restart the meter.

Record Mode Records Min/Max values. Relative Mode Displays Range Allows you to either manual range or

use auto range to select the appropriate range.

3 Year Covered by a standard 3 year warranty. Warranty

2. Product Applications

Perform the following tests and/or measurements with the TPI 183A 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.

ELECTRICAL

ACV • Measure line voltage.

OHMS • Continuity of circuit breaker.

DCV • Voltage of direct drive DC motors.

AUTOMOTIVE

DCV • Battery and circuit voltage.

OHMS • Continuity of wires and fuses.

ACV • ABS brake sensors.

DCmA • Circuit current draw

3. Specifications

IEC 61010-1 Over Voltage:

CAT II - 1000V

CAT III - 600V

Pollution Degree 2

a. DCmV