TPI Amp Plus Instruction Manual

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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

DCA 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 Threshold

3V < 100Ω (100 digits)

Diode Test Test Voltage Max Test Current

3V Approx. 2.5mA

296 SPECIFICATIONS ±0.75% Basic DCV Accuracy

Test Products International, Inc.

296

Digital Clamp-on Meter Amp Plus

Instruction Manual

Test Products International, Inc.

9615 SW Allen Blvd., Ste. 104 Beaverton, OR USA 97005 503-520-9197 • Fax: 503-520-1225 tpiusa@msn.com

Test Products International plc

2 Newcourt Business Park Perry Road Harlow, Essex CM18 7PR England Tel: 01279 439647 • Fax: 01279 450553

WARRANTY

Please refer to product warranty card for warranty statement.

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 ...... 13

2. Step by Step Procedures: .... 16

E. ACCESSORIES ................ 30

F. MAINTENANCE ................ 31

G. TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE .... 32

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

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 296 is a clamp-on plus DMM with True RMS and Harmonics capabilities. The 296 offers measurements in all basic electrical functions, plus:

• True RMS Provides accurate and dependable

readings of non-linear loads.

• HDR Mode Determines if a signal is clean or

distorted.

• 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 296 comes complete with the following accessories:

Carrying Pouch Instruction Manual Test Lead Set Battery

F. MAINTENANCE

1. Battery Replacement: The 296 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 296.

b. Loosen the screw from the back of the

296 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 296:

Use a mild detergent and slightly damp cloth to

clean the surfaces of the 296.

3. EC Declaration of Conformity

This is to certify that TPI Model 296 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.

E. ACCESSORIES*

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 are not approved from UL.

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 296 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 296, 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.

l. Disable Sleep Mode

1. Set the 296 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.

INTERNATIONAL SYMBOLS

CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

AC (ALTERNATION CURRENT)

DC (DIRECT CURRENT)

REFER TO INSTRUCTION MANUAL

GROUND DOUBLE INSULATION

EITHER DC OR AC

i. 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.

j. Trim

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

Press the TRIM button when measuring unstable signals to stabilize the reading. The 296 will average the measured value approximately every 1.25 seconds to obtain a clearer picture of the current or voltage being measured.

k. Peak Mode

1. Set the 296 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.

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-sinu-

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

HDR Mode Determines if a signal is clean or distorted.

Displays the harmonic distortion ratio on ACV and ACA at line voltage and 60 Hz.

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 stable out-

put on LCD.

Record Mode Records Min/Max and Average value of the

function being measured.

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.

h. Measuring Frequency

CAUTION!

Do not attempt to make frequency measurements with test leads. The 296 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 296.

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.

2. Product Applications

Perform the following tests and/or measurements with the 296 and the appropriate function:

HVAC/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. DCA • Current of direct drive DC motors. ACA • Start up current of motors, relays,

contactors and transformers.

ALL • Harmonics detection on line voltages.

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

g. 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/Ω input 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.

3. Specifications

IEC 1010 Over Voltage:

CAT II - 1000VDC, 600VAC CAT III - 600V Pollution Degree 2

※

INSTALLATION

Ⅰ·Ⅱ · Ⅲ

INSTALLATION CATEGORY(OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY)

Ⅰ

: Signal level, special equipment or parts of equipment, telecommunication, electronic etc., with smaller transient overvoltages

than INSTALLATION CATEGORY

Ⅱ

INSTALLATION CATEGORY(OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY)

Ⅱ

: Local level, appliances, PORTABLE EQUIPMENT etc., with smaller transient overvoltages than INSTALLATION

CATEGORY

Ⅲ

INSTALLATION CATEGORY(OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY)

Ⅲ

: Distribution level, fixed installation, with smaller transient overvoltages than

INSTALLATION CATEGORY

Ⅳ.

UL 3111-1

f. 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/Ω input jack.

4. Set the rotary switch to the Ω function.

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.

3. Specifications (cont.)

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

*Warning: Test Leads. Use only correct type and

overvoltage category rating.

e. 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 296.

Optional Modes

• HOLD: Freezes the reading on the LCD.

• RANGE: Manually ranges the instrument.

• TRIM: Push TRIM button to stabalize reading.

• REC: Record minimum, maximum and

average values.

3. Specifications (cont.)

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

d. DCA

Range Resolution Accuracy

40A 0.01A ±2% of reading, ±20 digits

400A 0.1A ±2% of reading, ±10 digits

700A 1A ±2% of reading, ±15 digits

e. OHM (Resistance,Ω)

Range Res. Accuracy Overload

Protection

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

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

40kΩ 0.01kΩ

f. Continuity Buzzer

Test Voltage Threshold Over Load Protection

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

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).

g. Diode Test

Test Voltage Max Test Current Over Load Protection

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

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)

Altitude operating 6,562ft. (2,000meter)

Non-operating 40,000Ft. (12,000meter)

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)

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.

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.

REC Activates the Min/Max/Record

mode. (Except on Frequency Range).

c. Measuring AC Amps

CAUTION!

Do not attempt to make a current measurement with the test leads. The 296 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 296.

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.

• HDR: Check the harmonic distortion ratio.

• REC: Record minimum, maximum and

average values.

1. Controls and Functions (cont.):

Rotary Switch

OFF Turns the 296 completely off.

V Used to measure AC and DC volts.

Ω 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 296 completely off.

Input Jacks

COM Black test lead connection for

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

V/Ω Red test lead connection for all

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

Application Notes

When measuring DC 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 18, 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.

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 296.

d. Measuring DC Amps

CAUTION!

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. Press the FUNC button to set to measure DCA.

4. Press and hold the HOLD button until LCD zero’s.

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

6. Reconnect power to circuit to be measured.

7. Read the current on the 296.

Optional Modes

• HOLD: Freezes the reading on the LCD.

• RANGE: Manually ranges the instrument.

• REC: Record minimum, maximum and

average values.

• TRIM: Push TRIM button to stabilize reading.

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/Ω input 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 296.

Optional Modes

• TRIM: Push TRIM button to stabilize

reading.

• HOLD: Freezes the reading on the LCD.

• RANGE: Manually ranges the instrument.

• REC: Record minimum, maximum and

average values.

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/Ω input 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 296.

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.

• REC: Record minimum, maximum and

average values.

• HDR: Check harmonic distortin ratio.

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.

TPI Amp Plus Instruction Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual