TPI 293 User Manual

293

Digital Clamp-on
Meter Amp Plus

Instruction Manual

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. INTRODUCTION

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

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

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

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

C. TECHNICAL DATA

1. Features and Benefits..................7

2. Product Applications ..................8

3. Specifications..............................9

D. MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES

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

2. Step by Step Procedures: ........15

E. ACCESSORIES ................................26

F. MAINTENANCE ................................27

G. TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE ..........28

3

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Congratulations!!

Thank you for purchasing TPI products. The
Amp Plus 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 293 is a clamp-on plus DMM with True RMS
capabilities. The 293 offers measurements in all
basic electrical functions, plus:

• True RMS Provides accurate and dependable

readings of non-linear loads.

• Bar Graph When measuring frequency, bar

graph indicates current level.

• TRIM Mode Smooths out unstable readings.

• Peak Mode For start-up and inrush currents.

• Sleep Mode Preserves battery life.

• Data Hold Holds the reading on the display for

easy viewing.

The 293 comes complete with the following accessories:

Carrying Pouch
Test Lead Set
Instruction Manual
Battery

4

3. EC Declaration of Conformity

This is to certify that TPI Model 293 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
EN 61010-1 1993 Safety Standard
EN 61010-2-031 1995 Safety Standard
EN 61010-2-032 1995 Safety Standard

To ensure conformity with these standard, 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, it’s 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 influence by these emissions.

CAUTION: 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.

5

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

ALWAYS

• Test the 293 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 the circuit
being measured.

• Disconnect power to circuit, then connect test leads to
the 293, 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

INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS

CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

REFER TO INSTRUCTION MANUAL

GROUND

DOUBLE INSULATION

EITHER DC OR AC

!

7

C. TECHNICAL DATA

1. Features and Benefits

Agency UL Listed to U.S. and Canadian

Safety Standards. Meets CE and
IEC 1010.

True RMS Needed to accurately measure non-

sinusoidal AC voltage and current
waveforms found on many controls
and circuits.

4000 Count Improves the resolution on all

functions and ranges.

Data Hold Maintains the reading on the

display for hard to reads areas.

Peak Mode Measure the inrush current of

motors, relays and solenoids.

Trim Mode Averages the readings for more sta-

ble output on LCD.

Sleep Mode Automatically powers down after

10 minutes of inactivity.

Frequency Measures the frequency of the

current being measured.

Dual Display When measuring frequency, the bar

graph indicates the current level.

Bar Graph Shows rapidly changing input

signals that the normal display
will not.

8

2. Product Applications

Perform the following tests and/or measurements with
the 293 and the appropriate function:

HV

AC/R
ACA • Heat anticipator current in thermostats.
ACV • Line voltage.
ACV or DCV • Control circuit voltage.
OHMS • Heating element resistance (continuity).
OHMS • Compressor winding resistance.
OHMS • Contactor and relay coil resistance.
ACA • Motor and compressor start up current.
OHMS • Continuity of wiring.
Hz/FREQ • Frequency on control and line voltages.
REC • Record min/max voltage of controls

and line voltages.

ALL • Bar graph to indicate rapid fluctuations.

ELECTRICAL
ACV • Measure line voltage.
ACA • Measure line current.
OHMS • Continuity of circuit breakers.
DCV • Voltage of direct drive DC motors.
ACA • Start up current of motors, relays,

contactors and transformers.

ELECTRONIC
ACV • Measure power supply voltage.
ACA • Measure power supply current.
OHMS • Continuity of circuit breakers and fuses.

!

9

3. Specifications

IEC 1010 Over Voltage:

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

a. DCV

Range Resolution Accuracy Impedance

40V 0.01V ±0.75% of reading, 10MΩ

400V 0.1V ±3 digits

600V 1V

b1. ACV (45Hz to 60Hz)

Range Resolution Accuracy Impedance

40V 0.01V ±1.0% of reading, 10MΩ

400V 0.1V ±3 digits

600V 1V

b2. ACV (20Hz to 45Hz, 60Hz to 1KHz)

Range Resolution Accuracy Impedance

40V 0.01V ±2.5% of reading, 10MΩ

400V 0.1V ±3 digits

600V 1V

UL 3111-1

*Warning: Test Leads. Use only correct type and

overvoltage category rating.

!

10

c. ACA

Range Res. Accuracy Freq. Response

40A 0.01A ±2% of reading, ±20 digits 45Hz to 60Hz

±4% of reading, ±20 digits 30Hz to 45Hz

±4% of reading, ±20 digits 60Hz to 1KHz
400A 0.1A ±2% of reading, ±10 digits 45Hz to 60Hz
700A 1A ±5% of reading, ±10 digits 30Hz to 45Hz

±5% of reading, ±10 digits 60Hz to 1KHz

e. OHM (Resistance, )

Range Res. Accuracy Overload

Protection

400 0.1 ±1% of reading, ±10 digits 600V DC or

4k 0.001k ±1% of reading, ±3 digits AC Peak

40k 0.01k

f. Continuity Buzzer

Test Voltage Threshold Over Load Protection

3V < 100 (100 digits) 600 V DC or Peak AC

g. Diode Test

Test Voltage Max Test Current Over Load Protection

3V Approx. 2.5mA 600 V DC or Peak AC

*Warning: Test Leads. Use only correct type and

overvoltage category rating.

!

11

h. Frequency

Range Res. Accuracy Overload

Protection

1KHz 0.1Hz ±0.2% of reading, 600V DC or

10KHz 0.001KHz ±3 digits AC Peak

h. General Specifications

Max. Volt. between 600V
any Input and Ground

Display Type 4,000 Count, 4 times per

second update

Operating Temp. -10° to 45°C (14° to 113°F)

Storage Temp. -20° to 55°C (-4° to 131°F)

Relative Humidity 0% to 80% (0° - 35°C/32° - 95°F)

0% to 70% (35° - 50°C/95° - 122°F)

Power Supply 9 Volt Battery

Battery Life 80 hrs. Alkaline

Size (H x L x W) 40mm x 190mm x 65mm

(1.5in x 7.25in x 2.5in)

Weight 315g (11.1oz)

12

D. MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES

1. Controls and Functions:

Push Buttons

TRIM Activates TRIM, PEAK and HDR

functions (Except on Frequency

Range).

FUNC Toggles between AC and DC volts,

amps and Ω or functions.

RNG Activates manual ranging. Hold in

for 2 seconds to return to

autorange.

HOLD Holds the reading on the display

until the button is pushed a

second time.

13

1. Controls and Functions (cont.):

Rotary Switch

OFF Turns the 293 completely off.

V Used to measure AC and DC volts.

ΩΩ

Used to measure resistance and
use the continuity buzzer.

Used to measure diodes.

FRQ Used to measure the frequency of

the current through the jaws.

A Used to measure AC amps.

OFF Turns the 293 completely off.

Input Jacks

COM Black test lead connection for

ACV, DCV, Ω, Continuity Buzzer
and Diode Test functions.

V/

ΩΩ

Red test lead connection for all
ACV, DCV, Ω, Continuity Buzzer
and Diode Test functions.

14

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 shown on page 15 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 293.

!

15

2. Step by Step Procedures:

a. Measuring DC Volts

WARNING!

Do not attempt to make a voltage measurement of
more than 600V or of a voltage level that is unknown.

Instrument set-up:

FUNC. BLACK RED MIN MAXI

TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING

V COM V/Ω 0.01V 600V

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/ΩΩinput jack.

4. Set rotary switch to the V range.

5. Push FUNC button so AC does not show on LCD.

6. Connect test leads to circuit to be measured.

7. Reconnect power to circuit to be measured.

8. Read the voltage on the 293.

Optional Modes

• TRIM: Push TRIM button to stabilize

reading.

• HOLD: Freezes the reading on the LCD.

• RANGE: Manually ranges the instrument.

!

16

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 17. 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.

!

17

b. Measuring AC Volts

WARNING!

Do not attempt to make a voltage measurement of
more than 600V or of a voltage level that is unknown.

Instrument set-up:

FUNC. BLACK RED MIN MAX

TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING

V COM V/Ω 0.01V 600V

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/ΩΩinput jack.

4. Set the rotary switch to the V function.

5. Press the FUNC button until AC is on LCD.

6. Connect test leads to circuit to be measured.

7. Reconnect power to circuit to be measured.

8. Read the voltage on the 293.

Optional Modes

• TRIM: Push TRIM button to stabilize reading.

• HOLD: Freezes the reading on the LCD.

• RANGE: Manually ranges the instrument.

• PEAK: Measures the peak voltage.

!

18

c. Measuring AC Amps

CAUTION!

Do not attempt to make a current measurement with
the test leads. The 293 measures the current by
clamping the jaw around one conductor (wire).
Clamping around more than one wire will result in
erroneous readings.

Instrument set-up:

FUNC. BLACK RED MIN MAX

TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING

A NOT USED NOT USED 0.01A 700A

Measurement Procedure:

1. Disconnect power to circuit to be measured.

2. Set rotary switch to A function.

3. Clamp the jaws around one conductor of the circuit
to be measured.

4. Reconnect power to circuit to be measured.

5. Read the current on the 293.

Optional Modes

• TRIM: Push TRIM button to stabilize reading.

• HOLD: Freezes the reading on the LCD.

• RANGE: Manually ranges the instrument.

• PEAK: Measures the peak amperage.

19

Application Notes

When measuring AC Amps of a motor there
are two types of measurements that can be
made, running current and in-rush or start-up
current. Start-up current will usually be much
higher than running current.

Set up the meter following the steps under
“Measurement Procedure” on page 20, and
then proceed with the following:

• Clamp the meter around a single wire
and reconnect power to the device. Read
the current displayed on the meter. This
is the running current of the motor.

• Disconnect power to the motor and put
the meter in PEAK HOLD mode.
Reconnect the power and read
the current displayed on the
meter. This is the in-rush or
start-up current
of the motor.

20

Application Notes (Resistance)

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

Set up meter following steps under
“Measurement Procedure” on page 20, and
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).

!

21

d. Measuring Resistance

WARNING!

Do not attempt to make resistance measurements with
circuit energized. For best results, remove the resistor
completely from 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.

Instrument set-up:

FUNC. BLACK RED MIN MAX

TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING

Ω COM V/Ω 0.1Ω 39.99KΩ

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 V/Ω input jack.

4. Set the rotary switch to the Ω function.

5. Connect test leads to circuit to be measured.

6. Read the resistance value on the 293.

Optional Modes

• HOLD: Freezes the reading on the LCD.

• RANGE: Manually ranges the instrument.

• TRIM: Push TRIM button to stabalize reading.

!

22

e. Continuity Buzzer

WARNING!

Do not attempt to make continuity measurements with
circuit energized.

Instrument set-up:

FUNC. BLACK RED MIN MAX

TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING

Ω COM V/Ω 0.001KΩ 4.000KΩ

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 V/ΩΩinput jack.

4. Set the rotary switch to the ΩΩfunction.

5. Press the FUNC button until is on the LCD.

6. Connect test leads to circuit to be measured.

7. Listen for the buzzer to confirm continuity.

Optional Modes

• HOLD: Freezes the reading on the LCD.

• TRIM: Push TRIM button to stabalize reading.

!

23

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:

FUNC. BLACK RED MIN MAX

TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING

COM V/Ω 0.001V 2.000V

Measurement Procedure:

1. Disconnect power to circuit to be measured.

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

3. Plug red test lead into the V/Ωinput jack.

4. Set the rotary switch to the function.

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 0.5 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.

24

g. Measuring Frequency

CAUTION!

Do not attempt to make frequency measurements with
test leads. The 293 measures the frequency by clamp­ing the jaw around one conductor (wire). Clamping
around more than one wire will result in erroneous read­ings.

Instrument set-up:

FUNC BLACK RED MIN MAX

TEST LEAD TEST LEAD READING READING

FREQ NOT USED NOT USED 0.5Hz 10KHz

Measurement Procedure:

1. Disconnect power to circuit to be measured.

2. Set the rotary switch to the FREQ function.

3. Clamp the jaws around one conductor of the circuit
to be measured.

4. Reconnect power to circuit to be measured.

5. Read the frequency on the 293.

Note:

The current of the frequency being measured is
displayed on the bar graph.

Optional Modes:

• HOLD: Freezes the reading on the LCD.

• RANGE: Manually ranges the instrument.

25

h. Data Hold

Press the HOLD button at any time on any function
to freeze the reading on the LCD display. This
function is very useful when measuring in locations
where the display is difficult to read.

i. Trim

(Average sensing mode for ACV, ACA, OHM, Diode
and Continuity.)

Press the TRIM button when measuring unstable
signals to stabilize the reading. The 293 will aver­age the measured value approximately every 1.25
seconds to obtain a clearer picture of the current
or voltage being measured.

j. Peak Mode

1. Set the 293 to the ACA function.

2. Push the RNG button and select the desired
measurement range.

3. Push the TRIM button until PEAK shows on LCD.

4. Allow the LCD to stabilize to zero.

5. Clamp the jaws around a single conductor to the
device to be measured.

6. Apply power to the device under test.

7. Read the PEAK current on the LCD immediately
after the test.

26

k. Disable Sleep Mode

1. Set the 293 to the OFF position.

2. Push and hold down the HOLD button while

turning the rotary switch to the desired function.

3. Release the HOLD button.

4. Check the LCD to see if the HOLD function is

activated. If “H” is on the display, push the HOLD
button to deactivate the DATA HOLD mode.

5. Sleep mode is now deactivated.

Standard Accessories Part No.

9 Volt Alkaline Battery A009A
Test Lead Set A040
Soft Carrying Pouch A200

Optional Accessories

Part No.

Deluxe Test Lead Set SDK1C
IEC 1010 Deluxe Test Lead Kit TLS2000BC
Hard Carrying Case A201

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

E. ACCESSORIES*

27

F. MAINTENANCE

1. Battery Replacement: The 293 will display a bat-

tery symbol 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 293.

b. Loosen the screw from the back of the

293 battery cover.

c. Remove the battery compartment cover.
d. Remove old battery and replace with new battery,

observing the correct polarity.

e. Reassemble the instrument in reverse

order from above.

2. Cleaning your 293:

Use a mild detergent and slightly damp cloth to
clean the surfaces of the 293.

28

WARRANTY

Please refer to product warranty card for
warranty statement.

G. TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

Problem Probable 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

AC Volts do not read

• Very weak battery that will
not turn on the low battery
indicator on the LCD

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

2 Newcourt Business Park
Perry Road
Harlow, Essex CM18 7PR
England
Tel: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

L293M • 12/1/97
copyright © 1997 Test Products International, Inc.

Func. Range Res.

DCV 40V 0.01V

400V 0.1V
600V 1V

ACV 40V 0.01V

400V 0.1V
600V 1V

ACA 40A 0.01A

400A 0.1A
700A 1A

OHM 400Ω 0.1Ω

4kΩ 0.001kΩ
40kΩ 0.01kΩ

Frequency 1KHz 0.1Hz

10KHz 0.001KHz

Continuity Test Voltage Max Test Current

3V < 100Ω (100 digits)

Diode Test T

est Voltage Threshold

3V Approx. 2.5mA

293 SPECIFICATIONS

±0.75% Basic DCV Accuracy (also see pages 9-11)

Test Products International, Inc.