Manual - Extech Instruments

User's Guide
True RMS Industrial Multimeter
Extech EX520
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech EX520 True RMS Autoranging Multimeter. This meter
measures AC/DC Voltage, AC/DC Current, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency (electrical &
electronic), Diode Test, and Continuity plus Thermocouple Temperature. It features a rugged design
for heavy duty use. 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
1000V
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) 1000 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 25VAC rms or
35VDC. These voltages are considered a shock hazard.

Warning! This is a class A equipment. This equipment can cause interferences in the living
quarters; in this case the operator can be required to carry out adequate measures.

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 is not a toy and must not reach children’s hands. It contains hazardous objects as
well as small parts that the children could swallow. In case a child swallows any of them,
please contact a physician immediately

Do not leave batteries and packing material lying around unattended; they can be dangerous
for children if they use them as toys

In case the device is going to be unused for an extended period of time, remove the batteries
to prevent them from draining

Expired or damaged batteries can cause cauterization on contact with the skin. Always,
therefore, use suitable hand gloves in such cases

See that the batteries are not short-circuited. Do not throw batteries into the 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
V DC or V AC
Maximum Input
1000VDC/AC rms
mA AC/DC
800mA 1000V fast acting fuse
A AC/DC
10A 1000V fast acting fuse (20A for 30 seconds max
every 15 minutes)
Frequency, Resistance, Capacitance,
Diode Test, Continuity
1000VDC/AC rms
Temperature
1000VDC/AC rms
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. 6,000 count LCD
2. RANGE button
3. Hz and % button
4. Mode button
5. Function switch
6. mA, µA and 10A input jacks
7. COM input jack
8. Positive input jack
9. HOLD and Backlight button
10. RELATIVE button
11. MAX/MIN button
Note: Tilt stand and battery compartment are on rear of unit.
Symbols and Annunciators
•)))
n
µ
m
A
k
F
M

Hz
%
AC
DC
ºF
MAX
Auto power off
Continuity
Diode test
Battery status
-9
nano (10 ) (capacitance)
-6
micro (10 ) (amps, cap)
-3
milli (10 ) (volts, amps)
Amps
3
kilo (10 ) (ohms)
Farads (capacitance)
6
mega (10 ) (ohms)
Ohms
Hertz (frequency)
Percent (duty ratio)
Alternating current
Direct current
Degrees Fahrenheit
Maximum
V
REL
AUTO
HOLD
ºC
MIN
Volts
Relative
Autoranging
Display hold
Degrees Centigrade
Minimum
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Operating Instructions
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.
2. If “OL” appears in the display during a measurement, the value exceeds the range you have
selected. Change to a higher range.
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 green VDC position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. Insert the red
test lead banana plug into the positive V jack.
3. 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.
4. Read the voltage in the display.
AC VOLTAGE (FREQUENCY, DUTY CYCLE) 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 green VAC/Hz/% position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
Insert red test lead banana plug into the positive V jack.
3. Touch the black test probe tip to the neutral side of the circuit. Touch
the red test probe tip to the “hot” side of the circuit.
4. Read the voltage in the display.
5. Press the HZ/% button to indicate “Hz”.
6. Read the frequency in the display.
7. Press the Hz/% button again to indicate “%”.
8. Read the % of duty cycle in the display.
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DC CURRENT MEASUREMENTS
CAUTION: Do not make 20A current measurements for longer than 30 seconds. Exceeding 30
seconds may cause damage to the meter and/or the test leads.
1. Insert black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
2. For current measurements up to 6000µA DC, set the function switch to the
yellow µA position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the µA/mA
jack.
3. For current measurements up to 600mA DC, set the function switch to the
yellow mA position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the µA/mA
jack.
4. For current measurements up to 20A DC, set the function switch to the yellow
10A/HZ/% position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the 10A jack.
5. Press the MODE button to indicate “DC” on 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.
AC CURRENT (FREQUENCY, DUTY CYCLE) MEASUREMENTS
CAUTION: Do not make 20A current measurements for longer than 30 seconds. Exceeding 30
seconds may cause damage to the meter and/or the test leads.
1. Insert black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
2. For current measurements up to 6000µA AC, set the function switch to the
yellow µA position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the µA/mA
jack.
3. For current measurements up to 600mA AC, set the function switch to the
yellow mA position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the µA/mA
jack.
4. For current measurements up to 20A AC, set the function switch to the yellow
10A/HZ/% position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the 10A jack.
5. Press the MODE button to indicate “AC” on 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 neutral side of the circuit. Touch the red test probe tip to the
“hot” side of the circuit.
8. Apply power to the circuit.
9. Read the current in the display.
10. Press the Hz/% button to indicate “Hz”.
11. Read the frequency in the display.
12. Press the Hz/% button again to indicate “%”.
13. Read the % duty cycle in the display.
14. Press the Hz/% button to return to current measurement.
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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. Set the function switch to the green ΩCAP position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. Insert the
red test lead banana plug into the positive  jack.
3. Press the MODE button to indicate “"on the display.
4. 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.
5. Read the resistance in the display.
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 green Ω CAP
position.
2. Insert the black lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. Insert the
red test lead banana plug into the positive  jack.
3. Press the MODE button to indicate” "and “Ω” on 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 35, the audible signal will
sound. If the circuit is open, the display will indicate “OL”.
DIODE TEST
1. Set the function switch to the green Ω CAP
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. Press the MODE button to indicate
and V on the display.
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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TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS
1. Set the function switch to the green Temp position.
2. Insert the Temperature Probe into the input jacks, making sure to
observe the correct polarity.
3. Press the MODE button to indicate ºC or ºF
4. 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).
5. Read the temperature in the display.
Note: The temperature probe is fitted with a type K mini connector. A mini
connector to banana connector adaptor is supplied for connection to the input banana jacks.
Note: The temperature range of the supplied thermocouple probe is -20 to 250°C (-4 to 482°F)
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 rotary function switch to the green Ω CAP
position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. Insert
the red test lead banana plug into the positive V jack.
3. Press the MODE button to indicate “nF” on the display.
4. Touch the test leads to the capacitor to be tested.
5. The test may take up to 3 minutes or more for large capacitors to charge.
Wait until the readings settle before ending the test.
6. Read the capacitance value in the display
FREQUENCY/DUTY CYCLE MEASUREMENTS (ELECTRONIC)
1. Set the rotary function switch to the green “Hz %” position.
2. Press the Hz/% button to indicate “Hz” in the display.
3. Insert the black lead banana plug into the negative COM jack and the red test
lead banana plug into the positive Hz jack.
4. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit under test.
5. Read the frequency on the display.
6. Press the Hz/% button again to indicate “%” on the display.
7. Read the % of duty cycle on the display.
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AUTORANGING/MANUAL RANGE SELECTION
When the meter is first turned on, it automatically goes into Autoranging. 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 key. The “AUTO” display indicator will turn off.
2. Press the RANGE key to step through available ranges until you select the desired range.
3. To exit the Manual Ranging mode and return to Autoranging, press and hold the RANGE key for 2
seconds.
Note: Manual ranging does not apply for the Capacitance and Frequency functions.
MAX/MIN
Note: When using the MAX/MIN function in Autoranging mode, the meter will “lock” into the range
that is displayed on the LCD when MAX/MIN is activated. If a MAX/Min reading exceeds that
range, an “OL” will be displayed. Select the desired range BEFORE entering MAX/MIN mode.
1. Press the MAX/MIN key to activate the MAX/MIN recording mode. The display icon "MAX" will
appear. The meter will display and hold the maximum reading and will update only when a new
“max” occurs.
2. Press the MAX/MIN key again and the display icon "MIN" will appear. The meter will display and
hold the minimum reading and will update only when a new “min” occurs.
3. To exit MAX/MIN mode press and hold the MAX/MIN key for 2 seconds.
RELATIVE MODE
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 the measurement as described in the operating instructions.
2. Press the REL 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 REL button to exit the relative mode.
Note: The Relative function does not operate in the Frequency function.
DISPLAY BACKLIGHT
Press the HOLD key for >1 second to turn on or off the display backlight function. The backlight will
automatically turn off after 10 seconds.
HOLD
The hold function freezes the reading in the display. Press the HOLD key momentarily to activate or
to exit the HOLD function.
AUTO POWER OFF
The auto off feature will turn the meter off after 15 minutes. To disable the auto power off feature,
hold down the MODE button and turn the meter on.
LOW BATTERY INDICATION
The icon will appear in the lower left conner of the display when the battery voltage becomes low.
Replace the battery when this appears.
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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 your 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 performed:
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 INSTALLATION
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 cover by removing two screws (B) using a Phillips head screwdriver.
3. Insert the battery into battery holder, observing the correct polarity.
4. Put the battery cover back in place. Secure with the screws.
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.
Never mix battery types. Always install new batteries of the same type
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WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate the meter until the battery cover is in place and
fastened securely.
NOTE: If your meter does not work properly, check the fuses and batteries to make sure that they are
still good and that they are properly inserted.
A
B
A
B
A
F1 F2
REPLACING THE FUSES
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads from any source of voltage before
removing the fuse cover.
1. Disconnect the test leads from the meter.
2. Remove the protective rubber holster.
3. Remove the battery cover (two “B” screws) and the battery.
4. Remove the six “A” screws securing the rear cover.
5. Gently remove the old fuse and install the new fuse into the holder.
6. Always use a fuse of the proper size and value (0.8A/1000V fast blow for the 600mA range [SIBA
70-172-40], 10A/1000V fast blow for the 20A range [SIBA 50-199-06]).
7. Replace and secure the rear cover, battery and battery cover.
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate your meter until the fuse cover is in place and
fastened securely.
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Specifications
Function
DC Voltage
Range
600mV
6V
60V
600V
1000V
Resolution
0.1mV
0.001V
0.01V
0.1V
1V
Accuracy
(0.09% reading + 2 digits)
AC Voltage
50 to 60Hz
40Hz to 1KHz
6V
0.001V
60V
0.01V
(1.0% reading + 3 dgts)
(2.0% reading + 3 dgts)
600V
0.1V
1000V
1V
All AC voltage ranges are specified from 5% of range to 100% of range
DC Current
600A
0.1A
6000A
1A
60mA
0.01mA
600mA
0.1mA
6A
0.001A
10A
0.01A
(20A: 30 sec max with reduced accuracy)
AC Current
(1.0% reading + 3 digits)
40Hz to 1kHz
600A
0.1A
6000A
1A
60mA
0.01mA
(1.5% reading + 3 digits)
600mA
0.1mA
6A
0.001A
10A
0.01A
(20A: 30 sec max with reduced accuracy)
All AC voltage ranges are specified from 5% of range to 100% of range
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
Resistance
Capacitance
Frequency
(electronic)
Range
Resolution
600
0.1
Accuracy
6k
0.001k
60k
0.01k
600k
0.1k
6M
0.001M
40M
60nF
600nF
0.01M
0.01nF
0.1nF
(0.3% reading + 20 digits)
6F
0.001F
(3.5% reading + 4 digits)
60F
0.01F
600F
0.1F
1000F
9.999Hz
99.99Hz
999.9Hz
9.999kHz
99.99kHz
999.9kHz
9.999MHz
40MHz
1F
0.001Hz
0.01Hz
0.1Hz
0.001kHz
0.01kHz
0.1kHz
0.001MHz
0.01MHz
(0.3% reading + 4 digits)
(5% reading + 5 digits)
(0.1% reading + 1 digits)
Sensitivity: 0.8V rms min. @ 20% to 80% duty cycle and <100kHz; 5Vrms min @ 20% to 80%
duty cycle and > 100kHz.
Frequency
(electrical)
10.00-400Hz
(0.5% reading)
0.01Hz
Duty Cycle
Sensitivity: 15Vrms
0.1 to 99.9%
0.1%
Temp
(type-K)
-50 to 1382F
1F
-45 to 750C
1C
(1.2% reading + 2 digits)
Pulse width: 100µs - 100ms, Frequency: 5Hz to 150kHz
(3.0% reading + 5C/9F)
(probe accuracy not included)
Note: Accuracy specifications consist of two elements:
 (% reading) – This is the accuracy of the measurement circuit.
 (+ digits) – This is the accuracy of the analog to digital converter.
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Enclosure
Double molded, waterproof (IP67)
Shock (Drop Test)
2 meters (6.5 feet)
Diode Test
Test current of 0.9mA maximum, open circuit voltage 2.8V DC typical
Continuity Check
Audible signal will sound if the resistance is less than 100 (approx.), test
current <0.35mA
Temperature Sensor
Requires type K thermocouple
Input Impedance
>10MΩ VDC & >10MΩ VAC
AC Response
True rms
ACV Bandwidth
40Hz to 1kHz
Crest Factor
≤3 at full scale up to 500V, decreasing linearly to ≤1.5 at 1000V
Display
6,000 count backlit liquid crystal with bargraph
Overrange indication
“OL” is displayed
Auto Power Off
15 minutes (approximately) with disable feature
Polarity
Automatic (no indication for positive); Minus (-) sign for negative
Measurement Rate
2 times per second, nominal
Low Battery Indication
“
Battery
One 9 volt (NEDA 1604) battery
Fuses
mA, µA ranges; 0.8A/1000V ceramic fast blow
A range; 10A/1000V ceramic fast blow
” is displayed if battery voltage drops below operating voltage
Operating Temperature 5C to 40C (41F to 104F)
Storage Temperature
-20C to 60C (-4F to 140F)
Operating Humidity
Max 80% up to 31C (87F) decreasing linearly to 50% at 40C (104F)
Storage Humidity
<80%
Operating Altitude
2000 meters (7000ft) maximum.
Weight
342g (0.753lb) (includes holster).
Size
187 x 81 x 50mm (7.36” x 3.2” x 2.0”) (includes holster)
Safety
This meter is intended for origin of installation use and protected, against
nd
the users, by double insulation per EN61010-1 and IEC61010-1 2 Edition
(2001) to Category IV 600V and Category III 1000V; Pollution Degree 2.
nd
The meter also meets UL 61010-1, 2 Edition (2004), CAN/CSA C22.2 No.
nd
st
61010-1 2 Edition (2004), and UL 61010B-2-031, 1 Edition (2003)
Approvals
UL CE
UL Listed
The UL mark does not indicate that this product has been evaluated for the
accuracy of its readings.
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