Zico ZI-6940 Operating Instructions

MAX

FUSED

FUSED

every 15 min.

For 30sec.MAX

Ω

V

A

μ

MAX 20A

20A

MAX 400mA

mA

A

!

700V

MAX

F

C

COM

AUTO POWER OFF

20A

mA

μA

A

POWER

9V

A

BAT.

Ω

V

CAP

F

C

Hz

KMmV A

MODE

°°C F

AC

n

μ

HOLDREL

Ω

Hz%

FVAm

DC

MAX

OPERATING INSTRUCTION

ZI-6940

www.zicotech.com

DMM with Mechanical Protection

SAFETY INFORMATION

The following safety information must be observed to
insure maximum personal safety during the operation
at this meter:

 Do not use the meter if the meter or test leads

look damaged, or if you suspect that the meter is
not operating properly.

 Never ground yourself when taking electrical

measurements. Do not touch exposed metal pipes,
outlets, fixtures, etc., which might be at ground
potential. Keep your body isolated from ground
by using dry clothing, rubber shoes, rubber mats,
or any approved insulating material.

 Turn off power to the circuit under test before

cutting, unsoldering, or breaking the circuit.
Small amounts of current can be dangerous.

 Use caution when working above 60V dc or 30V

ac rms. such voltages pose a shock hazard.

 When using the probes, keep your fingers behind

the finger guards on the probes.

 Measuring voltage which exceeds the limits of

the multimeter may damage the meter and
expose the operator to a shock hazard. Always
recognize the meter voltage limits as stated on
the front of the meter.

 Never apply voltage or current to the meter that

exceeds the specified maximum:

SAFETY SYMBOLS

This symbol adjacent to another
symbol, terminal or operating device
indicates that the operator must refer
to an explanation in the Operating
Instructions to avoid personal injury
or damage to the meter.

This WARNING symbol indicates a
potentially hazardous situation, which
if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.

This CAUTION symbol indicates a
potentially hazardous situation, which
if not avoided, may result damage to
the product.

This symbol advises the user that the
terminal(s) so marked must not be
connected to a circuit point at which
the voltage with respect to earth

Input Limits

Function

Maximum Input

V DC or V AC

1000V DC, 700V
AC

mA DC/AC

400mA DC/AC

A DC/AC

20A DC/AC (30
seconds max every
15 minutes)

Frequency,
Resistance,
Capacitance, Diode
test, Continuity

250V DC/AC

Temperature

250V DC/AC

WARNING

CAUTION

MAX

5

6

9

10

CAP

μA

AUTO POWER OFF

A

μ

every 15 min.

For 30sec.MAX

MAX 20A

FUSED

20A

MAX 400mA

FUSED

Ω

mA

A

V

!

MAX

700V

C

F

20A

mA

MAX

COM

4

3

V

Ω

2

%

Hz

A

POWER

mV A

BAT.

A

9V

C

F

MODE

°C °F

REL

Ω

KM Hz

AC

DC

HOLD

FVAμm

n

8

7

MAX

1

ground exceeds (in this case) 500 VAC
or VDC.

This symbol adjacent to one or more
terminals identifies them as being
associated with ranges that may, in
normal use, be subjected to
particularly hazardous voltages. For
maximum safety, the meter and its test
leads should not be handled when
these terminals are energized.

CONTROLS AND JACKS

1. Large 4000 count Liquid Crystal Display

with symbolic signs.

2. Function switch

3. COM (negative) input jack.

4. Positive input jack for DC/AC Voltage, Hz , Ohms,

Diode, Continuity, Capacitance, Temperature (℃ or
℉) measurements

5. uA, mA, current (A) clamp positive input jack for

DC or AC measurements.

6. 20A (positive) input jack for 20A DC or

AC measurements.

7. Data Hold and Backlight pushbutton

8. Relative pushbutton Mode pushbutton.

9. Mode pushbutton

10. Power pushbutton.

SYMBOLS AND ANNUNCIATORS

Continuity

BAT Low Battery
Diode
DATA HOLD Data Hold
AUTO AutoRanging
AC Alternating Current or Voltage
DC Direct Current or Voltage

SPECIFICATIONS
The instrument complies with: EN61010-1.
Insulation: Class2, Double insulation.
Overvoltage category: CATII 1000V.
Display: 4000 counts LCD display with function

indication.

Polarity: Automatic, (-) negative polarity indication.
Overrange: “OL” mark indication.
Low battery indication: The “BAT” is displayed

when the battery voltage drops below the operating
level.

Measurement rate: 2 times per second, nominal.
Auto power off: Meter automatically shuts down

after approx. 30 minutes of inactivity.
Operating environment: 0 oC to 50 oC (32 oF to 122

o

F) at < 70 % relative humidity.

Storage temperature: -20 oC to 60 oC (-4 oF to 140
o

F) at < 80 % relative humidity.

For inside use, max height: 2000m
Pollution degree: 2
Power: One 9V battery , NEDA 1604, IEC 6F22.
Dimensions: 146 (H) x 66.2 (W) x 41.5 (D) mm
Weight: Approx.: 200g.

Accuracy is given at 18 oC to 28 oC (65 oF to 83 oF),
less than 70 % RH

DC Voltage (Auto-ranging)

Range

Resolution

Accuracy

400.0mV

0.1mV

+0.5% of rdg + 2 dgts

4.000V

1mV

+1.2% of rdg + 2 dgts

40.00V

10mV

400.0V

100mV

1000V

1V

+1.5% of rdg + 2 dgts

Input Impedance: 10M.
Maximum Input: 1000V dc or 700V ac rms.
AC Voltage (Auto-ranging)

Range

Resoluti
on

Accuracy

4.000V

1mV

+1.2% of rdg + 3 dgts

40.00V

10mV

+1.5% of rdg + 3 dgts

400.0V

100mV

700V

1V

+2.0% of rdg + 4 dgts

Input Impedance: 10M.
Frequency Range:50 to 400Hz
Maximum Input: 1000V dc or 700V ac rms.

DC Current (Auto-ranging for uA, mA ,A)

Range

Resolution

Accuracy

400.0uA

0.1uA

+1.0% of rdg + 3 dgts

4000uA

1uA

+1.5% of rdg + 3 dgts

40.00mA

10uA

400.0mA

100uA

4A

1mA

+2.5% of rdg + 5 dgts
20A

10mA

Overload Protection: 0.5A / 250V and 20A / 250V
Fuse.
Maximum Input: 400mA dc or 400mA ac rms on uA /
mA ranges, 20A dc or ac rms on 4A, 20A range.

AC Current (Auto-ranging for uA , mA, A)

Range

Resolution

Accuracy

400.0uA

0.1uA

+1.5% of rdg + 5 dgts

4000uA

1uA

+1.8% of rdg + 5 dgts

40.00mA

10uA

400.0mA

100uA

4A

1mA

+3.0% of rdg + 7 dgts
20A

10mA

Overload Protection: 0.5A / 250V and 20A / 250V
Fuse.
Frequency Range: 50 to 400 Hz
Maximum Input: 400mA dc or 400mA ac rms on uA /
mA ranges, 20A dc or ac rms on 4A, 20A range.

Resistance (Auto-ranging)

Range

Resolution

Accuracy

400.0

0.1

+1.2% of rdg + 4 dgts

4.000k

1

+1.0% of rdg + 2 dgts

40.00k

10

+1.2% of rdg + 2 dgts

400.0k

100

4.000M

1k

40.00M

10k

+2.0% of rdg + 3 dgts

Input Protection: 250V dc or 250V ac rms.
Capacitance (Auto-ranging)

Range

Resolution

Accuracy

40.00nF

10pF

+5.0% of rdg + 7 dgts

400.0nF

0.1nF

4.000uF

1nF

+3.0% of rdg + 5 dgts
+3.0% of rdg + 5 dgts

40.00uF

10nF

100.0uF

0.1uF

+5.0% of rdg + 5 dgts

Input Protection: 250V dc or 250V ac rms.

Frequency (Auto-ranging)

Range

Resolution

Accuracy

9.999Hz

0.001Hz

+1.5% of rdg + 5 dgts

99.99Hz

0.01Hz

999.9Hz

0.1Hz

+1.2% of rdg + 3 dgts

9.999kHz

1Hz

99.99kHz

10Hz

999.9kHz

100Hz

9.999MHz

1kHz

+1.5% of rdg + 4 dgts

Sensitivity: 0.5V RMS min. while ≤1MHz ;
Sensitivity: >3V RMS while >1MHz ;
Overload protection: 250V dc or ac rms.

Duty Cycle

Range

Resolution

Accuracy

0.1%~99.9%

0.1%

+1.2% of rdg + 2 dgts

Pulse width: >100us, <100ms;
Frequency width: 5Hz – 150kHz
Sensitivity: >0.5V RMS
Overload protection: 250V dc or ac rms.

Clamp DC Current

Range

Resolution

Accuracy

400A

0.1A

+1.0% of rdg +3dgts

(meter only, Clamp-on
Adaptor accuracy not
included)

Sensor: Clamp-on Adaptor (Note: not provide)
Overload protection: 250V dc or ac rms..

Clamp AC Current

Range

Resolution

Accuracy

400A

0.1A

+1.5% of rdg +3dgts

(meter only, Clamp-on
Adaptor accuracy not
included)

Sensor: Clamp-on Adaptor (Note: not provide)

Frequency Range: 50 to 400 Hz

Overload protection: 250V dc or ac rms..

9V Battery test

Range

Resolution

Accuracy

9V

10mV

+1.0% of rdg +3dgts

Test current : 6mA
Overload protection: 250V dc or ac rms..

Temperature

Range

Resolution

Accuracy

-20oC~+760oC

1 oC

+3% of rdg +3dgts

-4 oF~+1400 oF

1oF

Sensor: Type K Thermocouple
Overload protection: 250V dc or ac rms..

Diode Test

Test current

Resolution

Accuracy

0.3mA
typical

1 mV

+10% of rdg + 5 dgts

Open circuit voltage: 1.5V dc typical
Overload protection: 250V dc or ac rms.

Audible continuity

Audible threshold: Less than50 Test current:
<0.3mA
Overload protection: 250V dc or ac rms.

OPERATION

WARNING: Risk of electrocution. High-voltage

circuits, both AC and DC, are very dangerous and
should be measured with great care.

1. ALWAYS turn the function switch to the OFF

position when the meter is not in use. This meter
has Auto OFF that automatically shuts the meter
OFF if 15 minutes elapse between uses.

2. If “OL” appears in the display during a

measurement, the value exceeds the range you have

selected. Change to a higher range.

NOTE: On some low AC and DC voltage ranges, with the
test leads not connected to a device, the display may show a
random, changing reading. This is normal and is caused by
the high-input sensitivity. The reading will stabilize and give
a proper measurement when connected to a circuit.

MODE BUTTON

To select DC/AC Voltage, Resistance/
Diode/Continuity or DC/AC current

DATA HOLD AND BACKLIGHT BUTTON

The Data Hold function allows the meter to "freeze" a
measurement for later reference.

1. Press the DATA HOLD button to “freeze” the reading

on the indicator. The indicator “HOLD” will be appear in

the display.

2. Press the DATA HOLD button to return to normal

operation.

3. Press the HOLD button for 2 seconds to BACKLIGHT

button it will turn on or off)

RELATIVE BUTTON

The relative measurement feature allows you to make
measurements relative to a stored reference value. A
reference voltage, current, etc. can be stored and
measurements made in comparison to that value. The
displayed value is the difference between the reference value
and the measured value.

1. Perform any measurement as described in the operating

instructions.

2. Press the RELATIVE button to store the reading in the

display and the "REL" indicator will appear on the
display.

3. The display will now indicate the difference between the

stored value and the measured value.

4. Press the RELATIVE button to return to normal

operation.

DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS

CAUTION: Do not measure DC voltages if a motor

on the circuit is being switched ON or OFF. Large
voltage surges may occur that can damage the meter.

1. Set the function switch to the V DC position (“mV” will

appear in the display).

2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative

(COM) jack and the red test lead banana plug into the
positive (V) jack.

3. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit under test. Be sure

to observe the correct polarity (red lead to positive, black
lead to negative).

4. Read the voltage in the display. The display will

indicate the proper decimal point and value. If the
polarity is reversed, the display will show (-) minus
before the value.

5. Press the MODE button until “DC” appears in the

display.

AC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS

WARNING: Risk of Electrocution. The probe tips

may not be long enough to contact the live parts inside
some 240V outlets for appliances because the contacts
are recessed deep in the outlets. As a result, the reading
may show 0 volts when the outlet actually has voltage
on it. Make sure the probe tips are touching the metal
contacts inside the outlet before assuming that no
voltage is present.

CAUTION: Do not measure AC voltages if a motor
on the circuit is being switched ON or OFF. Large
voltage surges may occur that can damage the meter.

1. Set the function switch to the V AC position.

2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the

negative (COM) jack and the red test lead banana
plug into the positive (V) jack.

3. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit under test.

4. Read the voltage in the display. The display will

indicate the proper decimal point, value and
symbol (AC, V, etc.).

5. Press the MODE button until “AC” appears in the

display.

DC CURRENT MEASUREMENTS

CAUTION: Do not make current measurements on

the 10A scale for longer than 30 seconds. Exceeding 30
seconds may cause damage to the meter and/or the test
leads.

1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative

(COM) jack.

2. For current measurements up to 4000A DC, set the

function switch to the A position and insert the red test
lead banana plug into the (A) jack.

3. For current measurements up to 400mA DC, set the

function switch to the mA range and insert the red test
lead banana plug into the (mA) jack.

4. For current measurements up to 20A DC, set the

function switch to the A position and insert the red test
lead banana plug into the 10A jack.

5. Press the MODE button until “DC” appears in the

display.

6. Remove power from the circuit under test, then open up

the circuit at the point where you wish to measure
current.

7. Touch the black test probe tip to the negative side of the

circuit. Touch the red test probe tip to the positive side of
the circuit.

8. Apply power to the circuit.

9. Read the current in the display. The display will indicate

the proper decimal point, value and symbol.

AC CURRENT MEASUREMENTS

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not measure

AC current on any circuit whose voltage exceeds 250V
AC.

CAUTION: Do not make current measurements on
the 10A scale for longer than 30 seconds. Exceeding 30
seconds may cause damage to the meter and/or the test
leads.

1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative

(COM) jack.

2. For current measurements up to 4000A AC, set the

function switch to the A position and insert the red test
lead banana plug into the (A) jack.

3. For current measurements up to 400mA AC, set the

function switch to the mA range and insert the red test
lead banana plug into the (mA) jack.

4. For current measurements up to 20A AC, set the function

switch to the A position and insert the red test lead
banana plug into the 10A jack.

5. Press the MODE button until “AC” appears in the

display.

6. Remove power from the circuit under test, then open up

the circuit at the point where you wish to measure
current.

7. Touch the black test probe tip to the negative side of the

circuit. And touch the red test probe tip to the positive
side of the circuit.

8. Apply power to the circuit.

9. Read the current in the display. The display will

indicate the proper decimal point, value and
symbol.

RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect power

to the unit under test and discharge all capacitors before
taking any resistance measurements. Remove the
batteries and unplug the line cords.

1. Set the function switch to the  position.

2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative

(COM) jack and the red test lead banana plug into the
positive  jack.

3. Touch the test probe tips across the circuit or part under

test. It is best to disconnect one side of the part under test
so the rest of the circuit will not interfere with the
resistance reading.

4. Read the resistance in the display. The display will indicate

the proper decimal point, value and symbol.

CONTINUITY CHECK

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, never measure

continuity on circuits or wires that have voltage on
them.

1. Set the function switch to the position.

2. Insert the black lead banana plug into the negative (-)

jack (COM) and the red test lead banana plug into the
positive (+) jack ().

3. Press the button until the symbol appears

in the display.

4. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit or wire you wish

to check.

5. If the resistance is less than approximately 30, the

audible signal will sound. The display will also show the
actual resistance.

DIODE TEST

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not test any

diode that has voltage on it.

1. Set the function switch to position.

2. Press the button until the symbol appears
in the display.

3. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative (-)
jack (COM) and the red test lead banana plug into the
positive (+) jack ().

4. Touch the test probe tips to the diode or

semiconductor junction you wish to test. Note the meter
reading

5. Reverse the probe polarity by switching probe position.
Note this reading.

6. The diode or junction can be evaluated as follows:
A. If one reading shows a value and the other reading

shows OL, the diode is good.
B. If both readings show OL, the device is open.
C. If both readings are very small or 0, the device is
shorted.

NOTE: The value indicated in the display during the diode
check is the forward voltage.

FREQUENCY MEASUREMENT

1. Set the function switch to the FREQ position.

2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative (-)
jack (COM) and the red test lead banana plug into the
positive (+) jack (F).

3. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit under test.

4. Read the frequency in the display. The digital reading
will indicate the proper decimal point, symbols (Hz, kHz)
and value.

CAPACITANCE MEASUREMENTS

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect power

to the unit under test and discharge all capacitors before
taking any capacitance measurements. Remove the
batteries and unplug the line cords.

1. Set the function switch to the CAP position. (“nF” and a
small value will appear in the display).

2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative (-)
jack (COM) and the red test lead banana plug into the
positive (+) jack (CAP).

3. Touch the test leads to the capacitor to be tested. The
display will indicate the proper decimal point, value and
symbol.

TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect both

test probes from any source of voltage before making a
temperature measurement.

1. If you wish to measure temperature in oF, set the function

switch to the oF range. If you wish to measure
temperature in oC, set the function switch to the oC
range.

2. Insert the Temperature Probe into the negative (-) jack

(COM) and the positive (+) jack (Temperature), making
sure to observe the correct polarity.

3. Touch the Temperature Probe head to the part whose

temperature you wish to measure. Keep the probe
touching the part under test until the reading stabilizes
(about 30 seconds).

4. Read the temperature in the display. The digital reading

will indicate the proper decimal point and value.

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, be sure the
thermocouple has been removed before changing to another
measurement function.

BATTERY TEST

1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative

COM jack and the red test lead banana plug into the
positive V jack.

2. Select the 9V BAT position using the function select

switch.

3. Connect the red test lead to the positive side of the 9V

battery and the black test lead to the negative side of the
9V battery.

4. Read the voltage in the display.

Good

Weak

Bad

9V battery:

>8.2V

7.2 to 8.2V

<7.2V

CLAMP CURRENT TEST

1. Insert the clamp –on adaptor black banana plug into the

negative COM jack and the clamp –on adaptor red
banana plug into the positive uA, mA. A jack.

2. Select the clamp current DC or AC position using the

function select switch.

3. Press the trigger to open jaw. Fully enclose one

conductor to be measured.

4. The meter LCD will display the reading.

REPLACING THE BATTERY

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test

leads from any source of voltage before removing the
battery door.

1. When the batteries become exhausted or drop below
the operating voltage, “BAT” will appear in the
right-hand side of the LCD display. The battery should
be replaced.

2. Follow instructions for installing battery. See the
Battery Installation section of this manual.

3. Dispose of the old battery properly.

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate your
meter until the battery door is in place and fastened
securely.

BATTERY INSTALLATION

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the
test leads from any source of voltage before
removing the battery door.

1. Disconnect the test leads from the meter.

2. Open the battery door by loosening the screw using a
Phillips head screwdriver.

3. Insert the battery into battery holder, observing the
correct polarity.

4. Put the battery door back in place. Secure with the two
screws.

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate the
meter until the battery door is in place and fastened
securely.

NOTE: If your meter does not work properly, check the
fuses and battery to make sure that they are still good and
that they are properly inserted.

REPLACING THE FUSES

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test

leads from any source of voltage before removing the fuse
door.

1. Disconnect the test leads from the meter and any item
under test.

2. Open the meter cover by loosening the screw on the cover

using a Phillips head screwdriver.

3. Remove the old fuse from its holder by gently pulling it
out.

3. Install the new fuse into the holder.

4. Always use a fuse of the proper size and value
(0.5A/250V fast blow for the 400mA range, 20A/250V
fast blow for the 10A range).

5. Put the cover . Insert the screw and tighten it securely.

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate your
meter until the meter cover is in place and fastened securely.