Multimeter with IR Thermometer

User's Guide
Multimeter with IR Thermometer
Extech EX230
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech EX230 Autoranging Multimeter. This meter measures
AC/DC Voltage, AC/DC Current, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency, Duty Cycle, Diode Test, and
Continuity plus non-contact InfraRed Temperature and contact thermocouple Temperature. Proper use
and care of this meter will provide many years of reliable service.
Safety
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.
WARNING
This WARNING symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
This CAUTION symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not
avoided, may result damage to the product.
MAX
600V
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 ground
exceeds (in this case) 600 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.
This symbol indicates that a device is protected throughout by double insulation or
reinforced insulation.
PER IEC1010 OVERVOLTAGE INSTALLATION CATEGORY
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY I
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY I is equipment for connection to circuits in which
measures are taken to limit the transient overvoltages to an appropriate low level.
Note – Examples include protected electronic circuits.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II is energy-consuming equipment to be supplied from
the fixed installation.
Note – Examples include household, office, and laboratory appliances.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III is equipment in fixed installations.
Note – Examples include switches in the fixed installation and some equipment for industrial use
with permanent connection to the fixed installation.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY IV
Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY IV is for use at the origin of the installation.
Note – Examples include electricity meters and primary over-current protection equipment
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CAUTIONS

Improper use of this meter can cause damage, shock, injury or death. Read and understand
this user manual before operating the meter.

Always remove the test leads before replacing the battery or fuses.

Inspect the condition of the test leads and the meter itself for any damage before operating the
meter.

Use great care when making measurements if the voltages are greater than 25 VAC rms or 35
VDC. These voltages are considered a shock hazard.

Warning! This is a Class A device. This device can cause interference in residential areas.

Always discharge capacitors and remove power from the device under test before performing
Diode, Resistance or Continuity tests.

Voltage checks on electrical outlets can be difficult and misleading because of the uncertainty
of connection to the recessed electrical contacts. Other means should be used to ensure that
the terminals are not "live".

If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided
by the equipment may be impaired.

This device must not be used by children. It contains hazardous objects as well as small parts
that the children could swallow.

Do not leave batteries and packing material lying around unattended; they can be dangerous
to children.

In the event that this device will be stored for an extended period of time, remove the batteries.

Expired or damaged batteries can be hazardous to skin. Use suitable hand gloves in such
cases.

Do not short-circuit the battery. Do not place the battery near a fire.
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This meter has been designed for safe use, but must be operated with caution. The rules listed below
must be carefully followed for safe operation.
1.
NEVER apply voltage or current to the meter that exceeds the specified maximum:
Input Protection Limits
Function
Maximum Input
V AC/DC, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency,
Temperature, Duty Cycle, Diode Test, Continuity
600 VDC/AC rms
μA or mA AC/DC
500mA fused
A AC/DC
10A fused
2.
USE EXTREME CAUTION when working with high voltages.
3.
DO NOT measure voltage if the voltage on the "COM" input jack exceeds 600V above earth
ground.
4.
NEVER connect the meter leads across a voltage source while the function switch is in the
current, resistance, or diode mode. Doing so can damage the meter.
5.
ALWAYS discharge filter capacitors in power supplies and disconnect the power when making
resistance or diode tests.
6.
ALWAYS turn off the power and disconnect the test leads before opening the covers to replace
the fuse or batteries.
7.
NEVER operate the meter unless the back cover and the battery and fuse covers are in place
and fastened securely.
8.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided
by the equipment may be impaired.
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Controls and Jacks
1. IR Thermometer
2
2. Laser Pointer
1
3. 4000 count LCD
4. MAX button
3
5. MODE button
4
5
6. FUNCTION switch
8
9
7. mA, µA and 10A input jacks
10
6
8. IR Thermometer button
11
12
9. HOLD button
7
10. RANGE button
11. Positive input jack
12. COM input jack
Note: Tilt stand, test lead holders, and battery compartment are on rear of unit.
Symbols and Enunciators
Continuity
n
µ
m
A
k
M

V
AC
DC
ºF
ºC
Hz
F
%
AUTO
HOLD
SCAN
Diode test
-9
nano (10 ) (amps, cap)
-6
micro (10 ) (amps, cap)
-3
milli (10 ) (volts, amps, cap)
Amps
3
kilo (10 ) (ohms, Hz)
6
mega (10 ) (ohms, Hz)
Ohms
Volts
Alternating current
Direct current
Degrees Fahrenheit
Degrees Centigrade
Frequency
Farad (Capacitance)
Duty Cycle
Autoranging
Display hold
IR temperature and laser active
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Operating Instructions
WARNING: Risk of electrocution. High-voltage circuits, both AC and DC, are extremely 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.
2. If “OL” appears in the display during a measurement, the value exceeds the range you have
selected. Change to a higher range.
AC/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. Rotate the function switch to the V position.
2. Press the MODE button to indicate “DC” or “AC” on the display.
3. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. Insert the red
test lead banana plug into the positive V jack.
4. 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.
5. Read the voltage in the display.
AC/DC CURRENT MEASUREMENTS
1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
2. Press the MODE button to indicate “DC” or “AC” on the display.
3. For current measurements up to 2000µA, set the function switch to the µA position
and insert the red test lead banana plug into the µA/mA jack.
4. For current measurements up to 200 mA DC, set the function switch to the mA
position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the µA/mA jack.
5. For current measurements up to 10A DC, set the function switch to the 10A position
and insert the red test lead banana plug into the 10A jack.
6. Connect the test leads in series with the circuit under test.
7. Apply power to the circuit.
8. Read the current in the display.
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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. Rotate the function switch to the Ω position.
2. Press the MODE button to indicate Ω on the display.
3. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive  jack.
4. Touch the test probe tips across the device under test.
5. Read the resistance in the display.
CAPACITANCE MEASUREMENTS
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect power to the unit under test and discharge all
capacitors before taking measurements. Remove the batteries and unplug the line cords.
1. Rotate the function switch to the CAP position.
2. Press the MODE button to indicate F units the display.
3. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive CAP jack.
4. Touch the test probe tips across the device under test.
5. Read the capacitance in the display.
FREQUENCY AND DUTY CYCLE MEASUREMENTS
1. Rotate the function switch to the Hz% position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
3. Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive Hz jack.
4. Use the MODE button to select Hz or % (Duty Cycle)
5. Touch the test probe tips across the device under test.
6. Read the frequency or duty cycle in the display.
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CONTACT TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS (THERMOCOUPLE PROBE)
1. Rotate the function switch to the °F or °C position.
2. Insert the temperature probe adaptor into the negative COM jack and the positive TEMP jack (the
adaptor is labeled plus + and minus -)
3. Touch the temperature probe tip to a surface or leave suspended in air.
4. Read the temperature in the display.
CONTINUITY CHECK
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, never measure continuity on circuits or wires that have a
voltage potential.
1. Rotate the function switch to the
2. Press the MODE button to indicate
position.
on the display.
3. Insert the black lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive
jack.
4. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit or wire you wish to check.
5. If the resistance is less than the continuity threshold, the audible signal will sound.
DIODE TEST
1. Rotate the function switch to the green
2. Press the MODE button to indicate “
position.
“ and “V” on the display.
3. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack and the red test
lead banana plug into the positive
jack.
4. Touch the test probes to the diode under test. Forward voltage will typically indicate
0.400 to 0.700V. Reverse voltage will indicate “OL”. Shorted devices will indicate
near 0V and an open device will indicate “OL” in both polarities.
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NON-CONTACT INFRARED TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS
1.
Rotate the function switch to the IR position. The upper right four digit temperature display will
switch on.
2.
Press the MODE button to select °F or °C.
3.
Aim the infrared sensor (top of meter) at the surface to be measured.
4.
Press and Hold the IRT
button to turn on the IR thermometer and laser pointer. The laser
pointer identifies the surface spot to be measured and “SCAN” will flash in the display.
5.
Read the temperature in the display.
6.
The area of the surface to be measured must be larger than the spot size as determined by the
distance to spot size values listed in the specification table.
7.
button to turn the IR thermometer and laser pointer off. “HOLD” and the
Release the IRT
final measured value will remain in the display.
WARNING: Do not directly view or direct the laser pointer at an eye. Low power visible lasers
do not normally present a hazard, but may present some potential for hazard if viewed directly for
extended periods of time.
IR Spot to Distance Diagram
The 4:1 spot to distance ratio determines the size of the measured surface area with respect to the
distance the meter is held away from the surface.
4”
2”
@ 24”
1”
@ 12
”
@ 6”
OFF
20mm
@ 120mm 40mm
@ 240mm 80mm
@ 480mm
IR Measurement Notes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The object under test should be larger than the spot (target) size calculated by the field of view
diagram.
If the surface of the object under test is covered with frost, oil, grime, etc., clean before taking
measurements.
If an object's surface is highly reflective, apply masking tape or flat black paint to the surface
before measuring.
The meter will not make measurements through glass steam, dust, and smoke.
To find a hot spot, aim the meter outside the area of interest then scan across (in an up and
down motion) until the hot spot is located.
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AUTORANGING/MANUAL RANGE SELECTION
When the meter is first switched on, it automatically enters the AutoRanging mode. This
automatically selects the best range for the measurements being made and is generally the best
mode for most measurements. For measurement situations requiring that a range be manually
selected, perform the following:
1. Press the RANGE button. The “AUTO” display indicator will turn off.
2. Press the RANGE key to step through the available ranges until the range desired is selected.
3. Press and hold the RANGE button for 2 seconds to exit manual ranging.
Note: Manual ranging does not apply to the Temperature, Diode and Continuity functions.
DISPLAY BACKLIGHT
Press and hold the IRT HOLD button for 2 seconds to turn the backlight on. The backlight will
automatically turn off after approximately 10 seconds or press and hold the button again for 2
seconds to manually turn it off.
HOLD
The HOLD function freezes the reading in the display. Press the HOLD button momentarily to
activate or to exit the HOLD function.
Note: The HOLD button does not function in the IR measurement mode.
AUTO SLEEP
If no button is pressed the auto sleep feature will place the meter in sleep mode after approximately
30 minutes of operation. If this happens, press any button to wake the meter or switch the meter to
OFF if it no longer in use.
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Maintenance
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads from any source of voltage before
removing the back cover or the battery or fuse covers.
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate the meter until the battery and fuse covers are
in place and fastened securely.
This MultiMeter is designed to provide years of dependable service, if the following care instructions
are followed:
1. KEEP THE METER DRY. If it gets wet, wipe it off.
2. USE AND STORE THE METER IN NORMAL TEMPERATURES. Temperature extremes can
shorten the life of the electronic parts and distort or melt plastic parts.
3. HANDLE THE METER GENTLY AND CAREFULLY. Dropping it can damage the electronic parts
or the case.
4. KEEP THE METER CLEAN. Wipe the case occasionally with a damp cloth. DO NOT use
chemicals, cleaning solvents, or detergents.
5. USE ONLY FRESH BATTERIES OF THE RECOMMENDED SIZE AND TYPE. Remove old or
weak batteries so they do not leak and damage the unit.
6. IF THE METER IS TO BE STORED FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, the batteries should be
removed to prevent damage to the unit.
BATTERY and FUSE Replacement
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads from any source of voltage before
removing the battery cover.
1. Turn power off and disconnect the test leads from the meter.
2. Open the rear battery/fuse compartment by removing the Phillips head screw on the lower rear of
the meter. .
3. Pull down on the cover to release the latch and then lift it off.
4. Remove the old battery or fuse and install a new one of the correct rating.
5. Place the battery/fuse cover back in place. Secure with the screw.
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate the meter until the battery cover is in place and
fastened securely.
NOTE: If the meter does not work properly, check the fuses and replace the battery to make sure that
they are still good and that they are properly inserted.
Never dispose of used batteries or rechargeable batteries in household waste.
As consumers, users are legally required to take used batteries to appropriate
collection sites, the retail store where the batteries were purchased, or wherever
batteries are sold.
Disposal: Do not dispose of this instrument in household waste. The user is obligated to take end-oflife devices to a designated collection point for the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment.
Other Battery Safety Reminders
o Never dispose of batteries in a fire. Batteries may explode or leak.
o Never mix battery types. Always install new batteries of the same type.
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Specifications
Function
Range
Resolution
DC Voltage
400 mV
0.1 mV
4V
0.001V
40V
0.01V
400V
0.1V
600V
1V
400 mV
0.1 mV
4V
0.001V
40V
0.01V
400V
0.1V
600V
1V
AC Voltage
Accuracy
(0.8% reading + 6 digits)
(0.5% reading + 2 digits)
(0.8% reading + 2 digits)
(1.0% rdg + 6 digits)
Note: All AC voltage ranges are specified from 5% of range to 100% of range
DC Current
400 A
0.1 A
4000 A
1 A
40 mA
0.01 mA
400 mA
0.1 mA
4.000
0.001 A
10 A
0.01 A
(1.5% reading + 5 digits)
(2.5% reading + 5 digits)
Note: 10A for 30 sec max
AC Current
400 A
0.1 A
4000 A
1 A
40 mA
0.01 mA
400 mA
0.1 mA
4.000
0.001 A
10 A
0.01 A
(1.8% rdg + 5 digits)
(3.0% reading + 5 digits)
Note: 10A for 30 sec max
o
o
o
o
NOTE: Accuracy is stated at 18 C to 28 C (65 F to 83 F) and less than 75% RH.
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Function
Range
Resolution
Resistance
400 
0.1 
4 k
0.001 k
40 k
0.01 k
400 k
0.1 k
4 M
0.001 M
40 M
0.01 M
40.00 nF
10 pF
400.0 nF
0.1 nF
Capacitance
Accuracy
(0.8% reading + 5 digits)
(0.8% reading + 2 digits)
(2.5% reading + 8 digits)
(5.0% reading + 7 digits)
4.000 µF
1 nF
40.00 µF
10 nF
100.0 µF
0.1 µF
Note: Auto ranging; Input protection 600Vdc and AC rms
Frequency
5.000 Hz
0.001Hz
50.00 Hz
0.01 Hz
500.0 Hz
0.1 Hz
5.000 kHz
1 Hz
50.00 kHz
10 Hz
500.0 kHz
100Hz
5.000 MHz
1kHz
10.00 MHz
10kH
(1.0% reading + 3 digits)
(1.2% reading + 4 digits)
Notes: Sensitivity: >0.5V rms (≤1MHz); >3V rms (>1MHZ);
Input protection: 600V dc or ac rms
Duty Cycle
0.1 to 99.9%
(1.2% reading + 2 digits)
0.1%
Notes: Pulse width: >100 µS <100ms; Frequency: 5Hz to150kHz; Sensitivity:
<0.5V rms; Overload protect: 600V dc or ac rms
Temperature
-4 to + 1400F
0.1F
(3.0% reading +9F)
-20 to +760C
0.1C
(3.0% reading + 5C)
Sensor: Thermocouple type ‘K’; Overload protection: 600V dc or ac rms
Temperature IR
4C
-20 to -1C
0 to 93C
(2.0%rdg or 2C)
94 to 230
(3.0%rdg or 3C)
-5 to 31F
0.1C/F
 8F
32 to 199°F
(2.0%rdg or 4F)
200 to 446°F
(3.0%rdg)
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Enclosure
Diode Test
Continuity
Input Impedance
AC Response
ACV Bandwidth
IR Spectral response
IR Emissivity
IR distance ratio
Laser pointer
Display
Overrange indication
Auto Power Off
Polarity
Measurement Rate
Battery
Fuses
Double molded
Test current of 0.9mA maximum, open circuit voltage 2.8V DC typical
Threshold 20 to 100, test current <1.5mA
10MΩ VDC/VAC
Average responding
40Hz to 1000Hz
6 to 16µm
0.95 fixed
6:1
Class 2 laser < 1mW power; Wavelength is 630 to 670nm
4000 count backlit liquid crystal display
“OL” is displayed
30 minutes (approximately)
Automatic (no indication for positive); Minus (-) sign for negative
2 times per second, nominal
One 9 volt (NEDA 1604) battery
mA, µA ranges; 500mA 250V ceramic fast blow
A range; 10A 600V ceramic fast blow
Operating Temperature -10ºC to 40ºC (14ºF to 122ºF)
o
o
o
o
Storage Temperature
-10 C to 60 C (14 F to 140 F)
Operating Humidity
Max 80% up to 31ºC (87ºF) decreasing linearly to 50% at 40ºC (104ºF)
Storage Humidity
<80%
Operating Altitude
2000 meters (7000 ft) maximum
Weight
260 g (9.17oz)
Size
147x76x42 mm (5.8x2.9x1.6”)
Safety
This meter is intended for origin of installation use and provides user
protection through double insulation per IEC/EN 61010-1:2001 and IEC/EN
61010-031:2002 to Category III 600V; Pollution Degree 2.
Approvals
CE, ETL
Copyright © 2013‐2015 FLIR Systems, Inc. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form ISO‐9001 Certified www.extech.com 14
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