Model 1201
Compact Digital
MultiMeter
Instruction Manual
1. Introduction
The Triplett Model 1201 multimeter is a 3 1/2 digit, handheld digital multimeter with automatic power off and a backlit LCD display. Using a Large
Scale Integration (LSI) integrated circuit, the multimeter is designed for
stability and accuracy. The resilient outer molded cover provides additional
protection from the occasional fall, and the threaded probe tips and screw
on insulated clips provide for secure, hands-off measurements. The meter
can measure AC and DC voltage, DC current, resistance, temperature, and
forward diode voltage drop. It can also perform an audible continuity test,
and test both 1.5V and 9V batteries.
4-2 Do not use with the battery cover removed.
4-3 Always set the rotary switch to the correct position for measurement.
4-4 Do not exceed the input limits.
4-5 Do not change the rotary switch setting when the leads are connected to
an energized circuit.
4-6 Use caution when measuring voltages higher than 60V DC or 30V AC.
4-7 Replace fuse with fuse of the same rating.
4-8 To conserve battery life, always turn the meter off when measurements
are completed.
5. General Characteristics
5-1 Max Voltage between input terminal and Earth Ground: CAT III 600V
5-2 Over-range Indication: display “1” or “-1” for the most signicant digit
5-3 Low Battery Indication: is displayed
5-4 Maximum LCD Display: 1999 (3 ½ digits)
5-5 Manual range selection
5-6 Auto Power Off: The meter will switch to standby mode when it has
been on for approximately 20 minutes. Press the “POWER” button twice
to power on the meter again
5-7 Fuse protection: Fast acting 200mA/500V
5-8 Power supply: 9V battery (6F22 or NEDA 1604)
5-9 Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C (relative humidity <85%)
5-10 Storage Temperature: -10°C to 50°C (relative humidity <85%)
5-11 Dimension: 150x106x36mm
5-12 Weight: approx. 250g (including battery)
6. Measurement Specications
Accuracy is specied from 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F) with relative
humidity below 70%.
2. Product Features
1) Test lead holder.
2) Continuity test indicator (red LED).
3) LCD display with (Low Battery) and DH (Hold) annunciators.
4) POWER Button: Press the Power Button to turn the unit on or off.
5) LIGHT Button: Press the “LIGHT” button to turn on the LCD backlight.
The backlight will be automatically turned off after approximately 30
seconds.
5) DISPLAY HOLD Button: Press the “HOLD” key to lock the present value
on the display. The “DH” sign will appear on the display while the hold
function is active. Press it again to exit and resume normal display
updating.
7) Rotary Switch: Use this switch to select test functions and ranges.
8) COM: COM and Temperature “-” Input Jack.
9) 10A: 10A Input Jack, unfused.
10) VΩmA: V/mA/BATT/ and Temperature “+” Input Jack, fused at
200mA, 500V
11) Meter case
12) Protective molded cover
3. Safety Information
3-1 The meter is designed according to IEC-1010 concerning electronic
measuring instruments with an over-voltage category level of 600V
(CAT III) and pollution level 2. DO NOT USE THIS METER FOR CAT
IV APPLICATIONS.
3-2 Follow all safety and operating instructions to ensure that the meter is
used safely and is kept in good operating condition.
3-3 Safety symbols:
Important safety information, refer to the operating manual.
Dangerous voltage may be present.
Double insulation (protection Class II)
4. Cautions and Warnings
4-1 To maintain product safety, use the provided test leads. Damaged test
leads should be replaced with the same model or test leads with the
same electrical specications.
DC Voltage
Range Resolution
2V 1mV
20V 10mV
200V 100mV
600V 1V
Impedance: 10MΩ
Overload protection: 600V DC or AC
AC Voltage
Range Resolution
200V 100mV
600V 1V
Impedance: 4.5MΩ
Overload protection: 600V DC or AC rms
Frequency Range: 40 to 400Hz
Response: Average, calibrated equivalent to RMS of sine wave
DC Current
Range Resolution
200μA 0.1μA
2mA 1μA
20mA 10μA
200mA 100μA
10A 10mA
Overload protection: Fast Acting 200mA / 500V fuse
10A input is not fuse protected. Apply no more than 10A for less than 10 seconds
Resistance
Range Resolution
200Ω 0.1Ω
2kΩ 1Ω
20kΩ 10Ω
200kΩ 100Ω
2MΩ 1kΩ
Overload protection: 500V AC / DC
Temperature
AccuracyRange
-4~302°F ± ( 5°F+ 2 digits )
°F
Thermocouple: NiCr-NiSi K-type (supplied)
Overload protection: Fast Acting 200mA / 500V fuse
302~1832°F
± ( 3% of rdg + 3 digits )
Accuracy
±(0.5% of rdg + 2 digits)
±(0.8% of rdg + 2 digits)
Accuracy
±(1.5% of rdg + 5 digits)
Accuracy
±(1.2% of rdg + 2 digits)
±(2.0% of rdg + 3 digits)
Accuracy
±(1.0% of rdg + 3 digits)
±(1.0% of rdg + 2 digits)
±(1.5% of rdg + 3 digits)
Resolution
1°F
Battery test
Range Accuracy Load current Resolution
±(5.0% of rdg+ 5 digits)
Overload protection: Fast Acting 200mA / 500V fuse
Diode test
Range Description Resolution
Forward voltage drop of
diode
Overload protection: 500V AC / DC
Test Current: Approximately 1mA
Open Circuit Voltage: Approximately 3V
Continuity test
Range Description Function
0 to 2000Ω Buzzer sounds if resis-
Overload protection: 500V AC / DC
Open circuit voltage: Approximately 3V
Approx. 50mA
Approx. 10mA
tance is less than 50Ω
1mV
10mV
1mV
7. Operating Instructions
7-1 Before Operation
7-1-1 Check battery. If the battery voltage is low, the symbol will appear
on the LCD display. Replace by removing the (2) screws in the rear
panel and lifting the battery cover up.
7-1-2 The near the input jacks warns of limitations in the input voltage
and current. DO NOT EXCEED THESE LIMITS.
7-1-3 The rotary switch should be positioned to the proper function and
measurement range BEFORE connecting the test leads to the circuit.
4. If fuse blows, remove meter from circuit under test. Replace fuse by
removing the rear battery cover (2 screws) to access fuse.
7-5 Measuring Resistance
7-5-1 Connect the black test lead to COM jack and red lead to VΩmA jack.
7-5-2 Set the rotary switch to the desired Ω range position.
7-5-3 Connect the test leads across the resistance under measurement.
7-5-4 Read the resistance on the LCD.
NOTE:
1. DO NOT APPLY VOLTAGE WHEN MEASURING RESISTANCE.
2. If “1” or “-1” is displayed, it indicates over range. This means that the test
leads are not making connection to the circuit, or the resistance exceeds
the measurement ability of the selected range. Select a higher range to
obtain a measurement.
3. When measuring resistances above 1MΩ, the meter may take a few
seconds for the reading to stabilize.
4. When checking in-circuit resistance, be sure the circuit under test has all
power removed and that all capacitors have been fully discharged
7-6 Measuring Temperature
7-6-1 Set the rotary switch to the °F range position.
7-6-2 The LCD will show the present temperature of the meter.
7-6-3 To use the K-type thermocouple probe, connect the black banana plug
of the probe into the COM jack and the red banana plug to the VΩmA
jack.
7-6-4 The temperature of the thermocouple probe tip is displayed on the
LCD
7-6-5 The probe included with the meter can be used for measuring
temperature up to 482 °F. To accurately measure higher
temperatures, use a high temperature rated K-type probe.
NOTE:
1. Do not connect the thermocouple probe to a voltage source
7-2 Measuring DC Voltage
7-2-1 Connect the black test lead to COM jack and red lead to VΩmA jack.
7-2-2 Set the rotary switch to the desired “V ” range position.
7-2-3 Observing polarity, connect test leads across the circuit component(s)
under measurement and read the voltage from the LCD.
NOTE:
1. When the quantity to be measured is unknown, set the rotary switch to its
highest DC voltage range before connecting the test leads to the circuit.
2. When only “1” or “-1” is displayed, it indicates “over range”. Either select
a higher measurement range or do not continue to measure.
3. Although the meter may measure voltages higher than 600V, it may
be damaged or pose a shock hazard or other injury to the user.
4. Use caution when measuring high voltages (>60V DC or >30V AC).
7-3 Measuring AC Voltage
7-3-1 Connect the black test lead to COM jack and red lead to VΩmA jack.
7-3-2 Set the rotary switch to the desired “V ” range position.
7-3-3 Observing polarity, connect test leads across the circuit component(s)
under measurement and read the voltage from the LCD.
NOTE:
1. When the quantity to be measured is unknown, set the rotary switch to its
highest AC voltage range before connecting the test leads to the circuit.
2. When only “1” or “-1” is displayed, it indicates “over range”. Either select
a higher measurement range or do not continue to measure.
3. Although the meter may measure voltages higher than 600V, it may
be damaged or pose a shock hazard or other injury to the user.
4. Use caution when measuring high voltages (>60V DC or >30V AC).
7-4 Measuring DC Current
7-4-1 Connect the black test lead to COM jack and red lead to the VΩmA
jack for a maximum 200mA current. For a maximum 10A current,
move the red lead to the 10A jack.
7-4-2 Set the rotary switch to the desired “A ” range position.
7-4-3 Observing polarity, connect test leads in series with the load under
measurement.
7-4-4 Read current from the LCD.
NOTE:
1. When the quantity to be measured is unknown, set the rotary switch to
its highest position (200mA or 10A depending on the jack used) before
connecting test leads to the circuit.
2. When only “1” or “-1” is displayed, it indicates “over range”. Either select
a higher measurement range or do not continue to measure.
3. Current above 200mA on the VΩmA jack will blow the fuse. The 10A jack
is not fused. Do not apply more than 10A. Do not apply 10A for longer
than 10 seconds. Allow a 15 minute cooldown.
7-7 Battery Testing
7-7-1 Connect the black test lead to COM jack and red lead to VΩmA jack.
7-7-2 Set the rotary switch to the proper “ ” or “ ” range position to
test either a 1.5V or 9V battery.
7-7-3 Connect test leads to the + and - terminals of the battery under test
7-7-4 The LCD displays the battery’s voltage at the rated test current.
7-8 Diode Testing
7-8-1 Connect the black test lead to COM jack and red lead to VΩmA jack.
7-8-2 Set the rotary switch to the “ ” position.
7-8-3 Connect the red lead to the anode of the diode to be tested, and the
black lead to the cathode.
7-8-4 The diode’s forward voltage drop is displayed on the LCD.
NOTE:
1. The meter will display the approximate forward voltage drop of the diode.
2. If the leads are reversed or not connected, “1” (over range) should be
displayed
7-9 Continuity Testing
7-9-1 Connect the black test lead to COM jack and red lead to VΩmA jack.
7-9-2 Set the rotary switch to the “ ” position.
7-9-3 Connect the test leads to the two points of the circuit under test.
7-9-4 If there is continuity (resistance is lower than approximately 50Ω)
the built-in beeper will sound and the red LED indicator above the
LCD will illuminate.
NOTE:
1. Do not attempt this measurement on energized circuits.
2. If the leads are reversed, not connected, or connected to a resistance
more than approximately 2000Ω, “1” (over range) should be displayed
8. Battery Replacement
8-1 If the battery voltage drops below proper operation range the “ “
symbol will appear on the LCD display and the battery should be
changed.
8-2 Before attempting to remove the rear cover to replace the battery, be
certain the test leads have been disconnected from the circuit to avoid
electrical shock hazard. Power off the meter and remove the test leads
from the banana jacks. To access the battery cabinet, remove the (2)
screws in the rear cover and lift the cover.
8-3 Replace the old battery with the same type battery (9V 6F22 or NEDA
1604).
8-4 Replace the rear cover of the meter and reinstall the (2) screws.
9. Fuse replacement
9-1 To avoid electrical shock or injury, remove test leads from circuitry
before replacing the fuse.
9-2 Before attempting to remove the rear cover to replace the fuse, be
certain the test leads have been disconnected from the circuit. Power
off the meter and remove the test leads from the banana jacks. To
access the fuse holder, remove the (2) screws in the rear cover and lift
the cover.
9-3 Replace the old fuse only with the same type and rating: 6×30mm
200mA/500V fast fuse.
9-4 Replace the rear cover and reinstall the (2) screws.
10. Maintenance
10-1 Before attempting to remove the battery door or open the case, be
certain that test leads have been disconnected from energized circuitry
to avoid electric shock hazard.
10-2 Replace the test leads if the any wire is exposed, or if they become
damaged.
10-3 Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents to clean the meter.
10-4 Do not use the meter with the rear cover removed. Injury may result.
10-5 If the meter will not be used for more than 1 month, remove the battery
to avoid possible damage from battery leakage.
11. Accessories
1. Test Leads (2) (red, black): electric rating 1000V 10A
2. Clips (2) (red, black)
3. “K” type thermocouple probe (1)
4. Instruction Manual
5. Battery (9V 6F22)
6. Fuse, Fast Acting 200mA / 500V
Model 1201
Part Number: 1201
Made in China
84-906
10/14
Warranty
Triplett / Byte Brothers extends the following warranty to the original purchaser of these goods for use. Triplett warrants to the original purchaser for
use that the products sold by it will be free from defects in workmanship and
material for a period of (3) three years from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not apply to any of our products which have been
repaired or altered by unauthorized persons in any way or purchased from
unauthorized distributors so as, in our sole judgment, to injure their stability
or reliability, or which have been subject to misuse, abuse, misapplication,
negligence, accident or which have had the serial numbers altered, defaced,
or removed. Accessories, including batteries and fuses, are not covered by
this warranty.
To register a claim under the provisions of this warranty, please contact the
distributor from which you purchased the product from for warranty consideration.
ALL WARRANTIES IMPLIED BY LAW ARE HEREBY LIMITED TO A
PERIOD OF THREE YEARS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE, AND THE
PROVISIONS OF THE WARRANTY ARE EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ANY
OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED.
The purchaser agrees to assume all liability for any damages and bodily
injury which may result from the use or misuse of the product by the purchaser, his employees, or others, and the remedies provided for in this warranty are expressly in lieu of any other liability Triplett may have, including
incidental or consequential damages.
Some states (USA ONLY) do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may
not apply to you No representative of Triplett / Byte Brothers or any other
person is authorized to extend the liability of Triplett in connection with the
sale of its products beyond the terms hereof.
Triplett / Byte Brothers reserves the right to discontinue models at any time,
or change specications, price or design, without notice and without incurring any obligation.
This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may have other rights
which vary from state to state.
This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may have other rights
which vary from state to state.
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