User's Guide Mini Multimeter with Non-Contact Voltage Detector (NCV) Model EX320 Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech EX320 Meter. The EX320 offers AC/DC Voltage, AC/DC Current, Resistance, Diode, Continuity, non-contact Voltage Detection. 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 600V. 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. 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 600V AC and DC mA AC/DC 500mA DC/AC A AC/DC 10A DC/AC (for 30 seconds max. every 15 minutes Resistance, Diode Test, Continuity 250V DC/AC Temperature 250V DC/AC 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 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 power and disconnect test leads before opening the covers to replace the fuse or battery. NEVER operate the meter unless the back cover and the battery and fuse covers are in place and fastened securely. If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. 2 EX320-en-GB_V5.5 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 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. 3 EX320-en-GB_V5.5 4/15 Controls and Jacks 1. AC Voltage Detector Sensor 1 2. AC Voltage Detector indicator light 2 3. LCD 4. MAX push-button 5. MODE button 6. Non-contact AC Voltage Detector test button 7. Rotary function dial 3 13 12 11 8. 10 ampere test lead jack 4 5 6 9. COM test lead jack 7 10. Test lead jack for voltage, milli-amp, micro-amp, resistance 11. RANGE button 10 8 12. HOLD button 13. Protective rubber holster (must be removed to access the rear battery compartment) 9 Display Symbols and Annunciators -6 µ micro (10 ) (amps) m milli (10 ) (volts, amps) k kilo (10 ) (ohms) M mega (10 ) (ohms) MAX Highest reading AC Alternating current DC Direct current •))) Continuity -3 3 6 Diode test Battery status A Amps Ω Ohms V Volts AUTO Autoranging HOLD Display hold 4 EX320-en-GB_V5.5 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. Press the HOLD button to freeze a displayed reading 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. NON-CONTACT AC VOLTAGE DETECTOR The EX320 can detect the presence of AC voltage (from 100 to 600VAC) simply by being held very near to a voltage source. WARNING: Test the AC voltage detector on a known live circuit before each use. WARNING: Before using the meter in the AC Voltage Detector mode, verify that the battery is fresh by confirming characters appear on the LCD when the function dial is turned to any position. Do not attempt to use the meter as an AC Voltage Detector if the battery is weak or bad. The NCV function works on any rotary switch position. 1. 2. 3. 4. Test the detector on a known live circuit before use. Press and hold the NCV button for the duration of the test. The meter will beep once when the button is pushed. Hold the top of the meter very close to the voltage source as shown. If voltage is present, the rim of the LCD display will flash a bright orange and an audible warning will sound. 5 EX320-en-GB_V5.5 4/15 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. 2. 3. 4. 5. Set the function switch to the VAC position. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. Insert red test lead banana plug into the positive V jack. Touch the black test probe tip to the neutral side of the circuit. Touch the red test probe tip to the “hot” side of circuit. Read the voltage in the display. 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. 2. 3. 4. Set the function switch to the VDC position. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive V jack. 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. Read the voltage in the display. 6 EX320-en-GB_V5.5 4/15 AC / DC CURRENT MEASUREMENTS CAUTION: Do not make current measurements at 10 Amps for longer than 30 seconds. Exceeding 30 seconds may cause damage to the meter and/or the test leads. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. For current measurements up to 4000µA, set the function switch to the µA position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the mA/µA jack For current measurements up to 400mA, set the function switch to the mA position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the mA/µA jack. For current measurements up to 10A, set the function switch to the 10A range and insert the red test lead banana plug into the 10A jack. Use the MODE button to select AC or DC current. The display will reflect the selection. Remove power from the circuit under test, then open up the circuit at the point where you wish to measure current. 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. Apply power to the circuit. Read the current in the display. 7 EX320-en-GB_V5.5 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. 2. 3. 4. Set the function switch to the Ω position. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive Ω jack. Touch the test probe tips across the circuit or component under test. It is best to disconnect one side of the circuit under test so the rest of the circuit will not interfere with the resistance reading. 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. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Set the function switch to the position. Insert the black lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive Ω jack. Use the MODE button to view the icon on the display. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit or wire you wish to check. If the resistance is less than approximately 100, the audible signal will sound. If the circuit is ‘open’ (bad), the display will indicate “OL”. 8 EX320-en-GB_V5.5 4/15 DIODE TEST 1. 2. 3. 4. Set the function switch to the position. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack and the red test lead banana plug into the positive jack. Use the MODE button to view the icon on the display. 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. AUTO-MANUAL RANGE SELECTION When the meter is first turned on, it automatically goes into the Auto Range 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. 2. 3. Press the RANGE key. The AUTO display indicator will turn off. Press RANGE to step through the available ranges until the desired range is selected. To exit the Manual Ranging mode and return to Auto Range, press and hold the RANGE key for 2 seconds. MAX MODE Press the MAX button (the MAX icon will appear on the LCD). The meter will now only display the highest reading during a test. Each time a higher reading is encountered, the display will update. Press the MAX button again to exit this mode. AUTO POWER OFF The meter will automatically turn off after 15 minutes of inactivity. This will conserve battery energy. To turn the meter on after an Auto Power OFF, simply turn the rotary switch to OFF and then back to the desired setting. 9 EX320-en-GB_V5.5 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, dry it immediately. 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. 10 EX320-en-GB_V5.5 4/15 BATTERY INSTALLATION and LOW BATTERY INDICATION WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads from any source of voltage before removing the battery cover. LOW BATTERY INDICATION The icon will appear in the lower left-hand corner of the display when the battery voltage becomes low. Replace the batteries when this appears. BATTERY REPLACEMENT 1. Disconnect the test leads from the meter. 2. Remove the protective rubber holster as shown in the diagram. 3. Remove the Phillips head screw located on the lower back of the instrument. 4. Flip up the fuse/battery compartment cover to access the batteries. 5. Gently remove the batteries and install two new 1.5V ‘AAA’ batteries observing polarity. 6. Secure the fuse/battery compartment cover. 7. Place the protective rubber holster on the meter. 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 WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate the meter until the batteries and the fuses are in place and fastened securely. 1. Removable Rubber Holster 2. Meter 3. Battery 4. Fuses 5. Compartment Cover 6. Rubber Holster 11 EX320-en-GB_V5.5 4/15 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 as shown in the diagram. 3. Remove the Phillips head screw located on the lower back of the instrument. 4. Flip up the fuse/battery compartment cover to access the fuses. 5. Gently remove the fuse(s) and install new fuse(s) into the holder(s). 6. Always use fuses of the proper size and value (200mA/250V fast blow for the mA / µA ranges, 10A/250V fast blow for the A range). Both fuses are 5x20mm in size. 7. Secure the fuse/battery compartment cover. 8. Place the protective rubber holster on the meter. 12 EX320-en-GB_V5.5 4/15 Specifications Function Range Resolution Non-contact AC Voltage detector 100 to 600VAC Resolution & accuracy do not apply since the meter does not display the voltage in this mode. The lamp at the top of the meter’s display flashes when voltage is sensed and an audible warning will sound Accuracy DC Voltage 200mV 0.1mV (V DC) 2V 0.001V 20V 0.01V 200V 0.1V (0.5% reading + 2 digits) (1.0% reading + 2 digits) 600V 1V (1.5% reading + 2 digits) AC Voltage 200mV 0.1mV (1.0% reading + 30 digits) (V AC) 2V 0.001mV (50 / 60Hz) 20V 0.01V 200V 0.1V 600V 1V (2.0% reading + 4 digits (1.0% reading + 3 digits) DC Current 200A 0.1A (A DC) 2000A 1 A 20mA 0.01mA 200mA 0.1mA (1.5% reading + 3 digits) (1.5% reading + 3 digits) 10A 0.01A (2.5% reading + 5 digits) AC Current 200A 0.1A (1.5% reading + 5 digits) (A AC) 2000A 1 A (50 / 60Hz) 20mA 0.01mA Resistance (1.8% reading + 5 digits) 200mA 0.1mA 10A 0.01A (3.0% reading + 7 digits) 200 0.1 (1.2% reading + 4 digits) 2k 1 20k 0.01k 200k 0.1k 2M 0.001M 20M 0.01M (1.2% reading + 2 digits) (2.0% reading + 3 digits) NOTES: 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. o o o o Accuracy is stated at 18 C to 28 C (65 F to 83 F) and less than 75% RH. 13 EX320-en-GB_V5.5 4/15 General Specifications Diode Test Test current: 0.3mA max., Open circuit voltage: 1.5V DC typ. Continuity Check Audible signal will sound if the resistance is less than 100 Input Impedance 10MΩ (VDC & VAC) AC Bandwidth 50 / 60Hz Display 2000 count (0 to 1999 digits) backlit LCD Overrange indication For all functions “OL” is displayed Auto Power Off After 15 minutes (approximately) of inactivity Polarity No indication for positive; Minus (-) sign for negative Measurement Rate 2 times per second, nominal Low Battery Indication “ ” is displayed if battery voltage is critically low Battery Two (2) 1.5V ‘AAA’ batteries Fuses 200mA/250V fast blow; (5x20mm); 10A/250V fast blow (5x20mm) Operating Temperature 0ºC to 50ºC (32ºF to 122ºF) o o o o Storage Temperature -20 C to 60 C (-4 F to 140 F) Operating Humidity <70% RH Storage Humidity <80% RH Operating Altitude 2000 meters (7000ft) maximum Weight 260g (9.17 oz) (includes holster) Size 147 x 76 x 42mm (5.8” x 2.9” x 1.6”) (includes holster) Approvals CE Safety This meter is intended for indoor use and protected, against the users, by double insulation per EN61010-1 and IEC61010-1 2nd Edition (2001) to CAT II 1000V & CAT III 600V; Pollution Degree 2. The meter also meets UL 61010-1, Second Edition (2004), CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1, Second Edition (2004), and UL 61010B-2-031, First Edition (2003) 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 Copyright © 2014‐2015 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 EX320-en-GB_V5.5 4/15