Manual - Extech Instruments

User's Guide
Digital Multimeter
plus IR Thermometer
Extech 450
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech 450 (part number EX450) Autoranging Multimeter plus
IR Thermometer. This meter measures AC/DC Voltage, AC/DC Current, Resistance, Capacitance,
Frequency, Duty Cycle, Diode Test, and Continuity plus Non-Contact IR Temperature. Proper use and
care of this meter will provide many years of reliable service.
Safety
International Safety Symbols
This symbol, adjacent to another symbol or terminal, indicates the user must refer to the
manual for further information.
This symbol, adjacent to a terminal, indicates that, under normal use, hazardous voltages
may be present
Double insulation
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 indicates there is a potential hazard from a laser light source.
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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. Repair or replace any damage before use.

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 training

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.

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
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OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III
This meter meets the IEC 610-1-2001 standard for OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III. Cat III meters are
protected against overvoltage transients in fixed installation at the distribution level. Examples include
switches in the fixed installation and some equipment for industrial use with permanent connection to
the fixed installation.
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
mA AC/DC
A AC/DC
Resistance, Diode Test, Continuity
Temperature
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Maximum Input
1000VDC/750AC, 200Vrms on 400mV range
500mA 250V fast acting fuse
20A 250V fast acting fuse(30 seconds max every 15
minutes)
250Vrms for 15sec max
60V DC/24V AC
USE EXTREME CAUTION when working with high voltages.
DO NOT measure voltage if the voltage on the "COM" input jack exceeds 600V above earth
ground.
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.
ALWAYS discharge filter capacitors in power supplies and disconnect the power when making
resistance or diode tests.
ALWAYS turn off the power and disconnect the test leads before opening the covers to replace
the fuse or batteries.
NEVER operate the meter unless the back cover and the battery and fuse covers are in place
and fastened securely.
NEVER look directly at the laser light source or aim the pointer at an eye.
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Controls and Jacks
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
IR Thermometer and laser pointer
2000 count LCD display
HOLD button
SELECT button
Function switch
mA, uA and A input jacks
COM input jack
Positive input jack
MAX hold button (voltage and current)
BACKLIGHT button
Laser pointer button
Protective holster
Note: Tilt stand and battery compartment are on rear of unit.
Symbols and Annunciators
•)))
Continuity
Diode test
Laser pointer
Battery status
µ
m
k
M
AC
DC
ºF
ºC
Test lead connection
error
-6
micro (10 ) (amps)
-3
milli (10 ) (volts, amps)
3
kilo (10 ) (ohms)
6
mega (10 ) (ohms)
Alternating current
Direct current
Degrees Fahrenheit
Degrees Centigrade
A

V
AUTO
HOLD
Amps
Ohms
Volts
Autoranging
Display hold
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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.
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 response is normal and is caused by the highinput sensitivity. The reading will stabilize and give a proper measurement when connected to a
circuit.
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 V position.
2. Press the SELECT button to indicate “DC” 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.
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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 green V position.
2. Press the SELECT button to indicate “AC” on the display.
3. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.
Insert red test lead banana plug into the positive V jack.
4. 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.
5. Read the voltage in the display.
DC CURRENT MEASUREMENTS
CAUTION: Do not make current measurements on the 20A 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 2000µA 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 200mA 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 A range and insert the red test lead banana plug into
the A jack.
5. Press the SELECT 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.
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AC CURRENT MEASUREMENTS
CAUTION: Do not make current measurements on the 20A 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 2000µA 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 200mA 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 A range and insert the red test lead banana plug into
the A jack.
5. Press the SELECT 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.
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 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 SELECT 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.
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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
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 SELECT 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 150, 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
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 SELECT 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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NON-CONTACT TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS
1. Set the function switch to the red IR Non-Contact ºC or ºF position.
2. Point the meter at the surface to be measured.
3. If needed, press the red IR Laser Pointer button to locate the exact spot being measured.
4. The area of the surface to be measured must be larger than the spot size as determined by the
distance to spot size specification.
5. Read the temperature 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.
DISPLAY BACKLIGHT
Press and hold the HOLD key for >1 second to turn on or off the display backlight function.
Note: The HOLD feature will activate when the Backlight is turned on. Press the HOLD key
again to exit Hold.
MAX
Press the MAX button to activate the MAX feature in the voltage or current functions. The display
will hold the maximum reading and will update only when a reading higher then the currently
displayed reading occurs. Press the MAX button again to disable the feature.
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.
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.
WRONG CONNECTION INDICATION
The
icon will appear in the upper right conner of the display and the buzzer will sound
whenever the positive test lead is inserted into the 20A or uA/mA input jack and a non-current
(green, black or red) function is selected. If this occurs, turn the meter off and reinsert the test lead
into the proper input jack for the function selected.
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Specifications
Function
DC Voltage
Range
200mV
Resolution
0.1mV
Accuracy
2V
20V
200V
1000V
0.001V
0.01V
0.1V
1V
2V
0.001V
(1.0% reading + 4
digits)
(2.5% reading + 8 digits)
20V
200V
750V
0.01V
0.1V
1V
(1.5% reading + 4
digits)
(3.0% reading + 8 digits)
(0.5% reading + 2 digits)
(0.8% reading + 2 digits)
(1.0% reading + 3 digits)
50 to 400Hz
400Hz to 1kHz
AC Voltage
DC Current
200A
0.1A
2000A
20mA
200mA
2A
20A
1A
0.01mA
0.1mA
0.001A
0.01A
200A
0.1A
2000A
20mA
200mA
2A
20A
1A
0.01mA
0.1mA
0.001A
0.01A
(2.0% reading + 6
digits)
(1.5% reading + 3 digits)
(2.5% reading + 5 digits)
AC Current
50 to 400Hz
o
(3.5% reading + 8 digits)
o
400Hz to 1KHz
(1.8% reading + 8
digits)
(3.0% reading + 7 digits)
(3.0% reading + 8
digits)
(3.5% reading + 10
digits)
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
Temp
(IR)
Range
Resolution
200
0.1
(0.8% reading + 4 digits)
2k
0.001k
(0.8% reading + 2 digits)
20k
0.01k
200k
0.1k
2M
0.001M
20M
0.01M
-58 to 518F
1F
-50 to270C
1C
Accuracy
(1.0% reading + 2 digits)
(3.0% reading + 5 digits)
2.0% reading or 2C,  4 F
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.
Diode Test
Continuity Check
IR Spectral response
IR Emissivity
IR distance ratio
Input Impedance
AC Response
ACV Bandwidth
Display
Overrange indication
Auto Power Off
Polarity
Measurement Rate
Low Battery Indication
Battery
Fuses
Test current of 0.3mA maximum, open circuit voltage 1.5V DC typical
Audible signal will sound if the resistance is less than 150 (approx.),
test current <0.7mA
6 to 16µm
0.95 fixed
8:1
>7.5MΩ (VDC & VAC)
Average responding
50Hz to 1kHz
2000 count backlit liquid crystal
“OL” is displayed
15 minutes (approximately)
Automatic (no indication for positive); Minus (-) sign for negative
2 times per second, nominal
“ ” is displayed if battery voltage drops below operating voltage
One 9 volt (NEDA 1604) battery
mA, µA ranges; 0.2A/250V fast blow
A range; 20A/250V ceramic fast blow
Operating Temperature 5ºC to 40ºC (41ºF to 104ºF)
o
o
o
o
Storage Temperature
-20 C to 60 C (-4 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
342g (0.753lb) (includes holster).
Size
187 x 81 x 50mm (7.36” x 3.2” x 2.0”) (includes holster)
Safety
For indoor use and in accordance with the requirements for double
insulation to IEC1010-1 (1995): EN61010-1 (1995) Overvoltage Category III
600V and Category II 1000V, Pollution Degree 2.
Patent Notice
U.S. Patent 7056012
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Maintenance
WARNING: To avoid electrical shock, disconnect the meter from any circuit, remove the test leads
from the input terminals, and turn OFF the meter before opening the case. Do not operate the meter
with an open case.
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 Replacement
1.
Remove the Phillips head screw that secures the rear battery door
2.
Open the battery compartment
3.
Replace the 9V battery
4.
Secure the battery compartment
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.
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.
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REPLACING THE FUSES
WARNING: To avoid electrical shock, disconnect the meter from any circuit, remove the test leads
from the input terminals, and turn OFF the meter before opening the case. Do not operate the meter
with an open case.
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 four “A” screws securing the rear cover.
5. Lift the center circuit board straight up from the
connectors to gain access to the fuse holders.
6. Gently remove the old fuse and install the new fuse
into the holder.
7. 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 20A range).
8. Align the center board with the connectors and
gently press into place.
9. 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.
UL LISTED
The UL mark does not indicate that this product has been evaluated for the accuracy of its readings.
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