Universal Enterprise DM384 Installation Manual

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DM384

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Introduction

The DM384 gives you advanced troubleshooting technology for
challenging tasks. It has numerous high-end features like MIN / M A X
capture for unattended measurement monitoring, capacitance for
checking run/start capacitors, and frequency for quick verification of
g e n e rators, inverters, and control circuit operation. The large LCD display
has an electro luminescent backlight for easy viewing at a distance.

The DM384’s combination of dura b i l i ty, visibility, and functionality are
s p e c i f i cally tailored to meet the expanding needs of today’s HVAC/R
technicians, plant maintenance professionals, appliance technicians, and
electrician's. The DM384 is handheld, and battery powered. It is designed
and tested to IEC 1010-1 (EN 61010-1) standards, the EMC directive and
other safety standards. It is rated to measure up to 1000 volts in a CAT- II
environment and up to 600 volts AC and DC in a CAT- I II environment.

Features include

• 750 volts AC and 1000 Volts DC

• 10 Amps AC and DC

• .01 µA DC resolution for flame safeguard circuit testing

• Frequency to 40 MHz

• Capacitance to 40,000 microfarad

• Resistance to 40 Megohms

• Analog bar graph

• Continuity

• Diode check function

• Autoranging

• Large backlit LCD display

• Low battery indicator

Safety Notes

Before using this meter, read all safety information carefully. In
this manual the word "WARNING" is used to indicate conditions
or actions that may pose physical hazards to the user. The word
"CAUTION" is used to indicate conditions or actions that may
damage this instrument.

• Do not attempt to measure any voltage that exceeds the
ca t e g o ry b ased rating of this meter

• Do not attempt to use this meter if either the meter or the test
leads have been damaged. Turn it in for repair at a qualified
repair facility

• Ensure meter leads are fully seated by making a quick continuity
check of the leads prior to making voltage measurements

• Keep your fingers away from the test lead’s metal probe
contacts when making measurements. Always grip the leads behind
the finger guards molded into the probes

• Use a current clamp adapter when measuring current that may
exceed 10 amps. See the accessories in UEi’s full-line ca t a l o g

• Do not open the meter to replace batteries or fuses while the
probes are connected

WARNING!

Exceeding the specified limits of this meter is dangerous and can
expose the user to serious or possibly fatal injury.

• Voltages above 60 volts DC or 25 volts AC may constitute a
serious shock hazard

• Always turn off power to a circuit (or assembly) under test
before cutting, unsoldering, or breaking the current path ­Even small amounts of current can be dangerous

• Always disconnect the live test lead before disconnecting the
common test lead from a circuit

• In the event of electrical shock, ALWAYS bring the victim to
the emergency room for evaluation, regardless of the victim’s
apparent recovery - Electrical shock can cause an unstable heart
rhythm that may need medical attention

• Higher voltages and currents require greater awareness of

physical safety hazards - Before connecting the test leads; turn
off power to the circuit under test; set the meter to the desired
function and range; connect the test leads to the meter first, then
to the circuit under test. Reapply power

• If any of the following indications occur during testing, turn

off the power source to the circuit under test:

• Arcing

• Flame

• Smoke

• Extreme Heat

• Smell of Burning Materials

• Discoloration or Melting of Components

CAUTION!

Do not attempt to re m ove the meter leads from the circuit under test.
The leads, the meter, or the circuit under test may have degraded to
the point that they no longer provide protection from the voltage and
c u r ren t applied. If any of these erroneous re a d i n gs are observed,
disconnect power immediately and recheck all settings and connections.

International Symbols

DM384-MAN P. 1

LCD Display Functional Description

1. The main numerical display indicates measured numerical values.

2. The Auto Power Off icon indicates that the sleep mode function

is active.

3. The DC icon indicates the meter is reading DC voltage or current.

4. Indicates a negative polarity measurement. (Applicable to

DC functions).

5. Indicates the meter is reading AC voltage or current.

6. The Low Battery icon indicates the battery is low and must be

changed immediately.

7. The HOLD icon indicates that the “HOLD” button has been

pressed and the display is no longer updating numerical data.

8. The Autoranging icon indicates that the meter is in the

autoranging mode and will automatically select the range that
offers the best resolution for the signal being measured.

9. The MAX icon indicates that the “MIN/MAX” button has been

pressed (once) and the meter is displaying the maximum value
reached, from the time the record mode was selected.

10. The MIN icon indicates that the “MIN/MAX” button has been

pressed (a second time) and the meter is displaying the minimum
value reached, from the time the record mode was selected.

NOTE: If both MIN and MAX are displayed and flashing, then
recording is active while real-time measurements are displayed.

C o n t rols and Indicators

1. Digital Display: Readings are displayed on a digital, 4000
count display, along with the appropriate polarity indication and

range and function enunciators (icons). The decimal point moves
a u t o m a t i cal ly in the autoranging mode and remains in place when
recording or when the range is manually selected.

2. Power Push-button: Used to turn the power to the meter on
or off.

3. MIN/MAX Push-button: Causes the meter to record and display
the maximum or minimum value of any function selected. The word
“ M IN” or “MAX” appears in the upper right of the LCD. This feature
resets when the selector is moved or the meter is cycled off.

4. Hold Push-button: Freezes the reading presently on the digital
display, and displays the words “ DATA HOL D ” on the left side of
the LCD. To cancel data hold, press the “ DATA HOL D ” b u t t o n
again. This feature resets only when the push-button is pressed a
second time, not when the selector is moved.

5. Range and Backlight Push-button: Press briefly until a single
beep is heard (less than one second) to lock the meter in a range
or to step through ranges. To turn on or off the backlight, press
and hold for two seconds (illuminates shortly after the second beep
is heard).

6. Rotary Switch: A l l ows you to switch between any of the
functions or values indicated by the numbers, icons, and group
outlines printed around the rotating dial.

7. 10 Amp, Fused, Meter Lead Terminal: Use this input

terminal (port) when measuring amps greater than 400 mA,
but less than 10 Amps AC or DC. Use caution when selecting
a m p e r age measurements on the rotary dial. Remember
a m p e r age measurements are made in series with your circuit.

8. This Symbol Reminds the User to Follow Provided

Instructions: See “Caution” in the international symbol section
of this manual.

9. Microamp/Milliamp Input Terminal: The red test lead is

plugged into this terminal when measuring current (AC or DC)
in the 400 mA and below ra n g e .

10. Common Terminal: The black test lead is plugged into this

terminal, and supplies the ground or “low” reference for all
m e a s u r e m e n t s .

11. "Flash" Symbol: Warns operators that potentially dangerous

voltages may be present. Use caution when making
high-voltage measurements.

12. Multifunctional (Volts, Ohms, and Diode Test) Input

Terminal: Use the red test lead in this terminal for any of these
test functions.

13. Multifunctional Terminal Information: I n d i cates the

m aximum input values and ca t e g o ry r atings established
by IEC 1010 - 1 .

4

1

2

12

3

6

10

5

11

987

DM384-MAN P. 2

11. The Diode Symbol indicates that diode testing has been selected.

12.The Audible Continuity icon indicates that the continuity mode
has been selected.

13.The following symbols represent the type and value of
measurement being made:

NOTE: When “OL” is displayed, it indicates the value measured
exceeds the limits of the selected range, or exceeds the over-all
limits of the meter.

14.The Analog Bar-graph provides a fast responding (updates 20
times per second) volumetric indication of the input value. This
feature is designed to react like the analog display of a
needle-movement meter.

15.The Range Indicators identify the maximum value that can be
displayed, either numerically or by the bar-graph, in the presently
selected range.

16.The Negative-polarity indicator for the analog bar-graph appears
when the meter is reading a negative DC voltage or current.

DM384-MAN P. 3

Operating Instructions

Functional Description

The DM384 is designed to make basic electrical measurements quickly
and easily. Its autoranging functions are augmented by range and
function information that appears on the LCD display. Its extra large,
backlit numerical display is designed to be monitored from a distance,
while its fast responding analog bar-graph allows you to monitor rapidly
or constantly changing input signals.

This is a 4000 count, autoranging digital multimeter that employs high
input impedance (equal to or greater than 10 MΩ) to ensure accurate
measurement readings and circuit isolation for digital and analog
devices. The auto ranging feature can be over-ridden to allow manual
range selection. Minimum and maximum input values can be recorded
at the operator’s option. The input ports use standard four-millimeter
insulated-plug test leads (provided). Maximum measurement values are
1000 Volts (CAT II) or 600 V AC/DC (CAT III) and 10 amps AC or DC.

Meter Power

The DM384 is powered on and off using the push-button on the far left,
which is marked with the international on/off symbol ( ).

This instrument will automatically enter a sleep mode (commonly
referred to as “auto power-off”) when left on for more than 30 minutes
with no activity. To identify that the auto power-off function is active, an
icon appears (an “A” within a box) on the left side of the display along
with other on-screen information. Immediately prior to automatica l l y
shutting off, three sets of two beeps will sound at approximately
five-second intervals. After five more seconds, a final long duration
tone will sound as the display goes blank. If you do not want the meter
to turn off at this time, press the “RA NG/BACKL I GHT” push-button
before the final tone sounds to reset the 30-minute time-out counter.

When the auto power-off function takes effect the last value measured
is stored, allowing you to review that measurement upon reactivating
the meter. Press one of the three function buttons (other than power) to
reactivate the meter. The “HOLD” icon and the last measurement will
be displayed.

To disable the auto power-off function, allowing constant monitoring
or recording, press and hold down the “MIN/MAX” or
“RA NG/BACKL I GHT“ button while initially turning on the meter.
The auto power-off icon “ “ will no longer be visible.

NOTE: The sleep mode only reduces battery drain. Do not store your
meter without verifying that power is turned off at the switch.

Symbol Function or Value

Hz Hertz (frequency in cycles per second
ACV Volts AC
DCV Volts DC
DCmV Millivolts DC

Ohms and Audible Continuity
Diode Test Voltage Drop

Ω Ohms (resistance value)

Capacitance (in farads)
DC Direct Current (or voltage)
AC Alternating Current (or voltage)
µA Micro amps
mA Milliamps
10A Amps
M 1 Meg = 1,000,000 or (1 x 106)
K 1 Kilo = 1,000 or (1 x 103)
m 1 Milli = 0.001 or (1 x 10-3)
µ 1 Micro = 0.000001 or (1 x 10-6)
n 1 Nano = 0.000000001 or (1 x 10-9)

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A

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1516

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1