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 2 EX520-en-GB_ v2.7 4/15 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. 3 EX520-en-GB_ v2.7 4/15 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. 4 EX520-en-GB_ v2.7 4/15 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 5 EX520-en-GB_ v2.7 4/15 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. 6 EX520-en-GB_ v2.7 4/15 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. 7 EX520-en-GB_ v2.7 4/15 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 ΩCAP 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. 8 EX520-en-GB_ v2.7 4/15 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. 9 EX520-en-GB_ v2.7 4/15 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. 10 EX520-en-GB_ v2.7 4/15 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 11 EX520-en-GB_ v2.7 4/15 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. 12 EX520-en-GB_ v2.7 4/15 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 600A 0.1A 6000A 1A 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 600A 0.1A 6000A 1A 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. 13 EX520-en-GB_ v2.7 4/15 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) 6F 0.001F (3.5% reading + 4 digits) 60F 0.01F 600F 0.1F 1000F 9.999Hz 99.99Hz 999.9Hz 9.999kHz 99.99kHz 999.9kHz 9.999MHz 40MHz 1F 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 1382F 1F -45 to 750C 1C (1.2% reading + 2 digits) Pulse width: 100µs - 100ms, Frequency: 5Hz to 150kHz (3.0% reading + 5C/9F) (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. 14 EX520-en-GB_ v2.7 4/15 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 5C to 40C (41F to 104F) Storage Temperature -20C to 60C (-4F to 140F) Operating Humidity Max 80% up to 31C (87F) decreasing linearly to 50% at 40C (104F) 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. 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 15 EX520-en-GB_ v2.7 4/15