User's Guide True RMS Industrial Multimeter Extech EX530 Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech EX530 True RMS Autoranging Multimeter. This meter measures AC/DC Voltage, AC/DC Current, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency (electrical & electronic), Duty Cycle, Diode Test, and Continuity plus Thermocouple Temperature. It features a waterproof, 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 EX530-en-GB_v3.8 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 EX530-en-GB_v3.8 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 500mA 1000V fast acting fuse A AC/DC 10A 1000V fast acting fuse (20A for 30 seconds max every 15 minutes) Frequency, Resistance, Capacitance, Duty Cycle, 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 EX530-en-GB_v3.8 4/15 Controls and Jacks 1. 40,000 count LCD 2. REL button 3. RANGE 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. PEAK 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 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 PEAK V REL AUTO HOLD ºC MIN Peak Hold Volts Relative Autoranging Display hold Degrees Centigrade Minimum 5 EX530-en-GB_v3.8 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 MODE button to indicate “Hz”. 6. Read the frequency in the display. 7. Press the MODE button again to indicate “%”. 8. Read the % of duty cycle in the display. 6 EX530-en-GB_v3.8 4/15 DC/AC MILLIVOLT MEASUREMENTS CAUTION: Do not measure DC/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 green mV DC-AC 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. Press the MODE button to select “DC” or “AC” millivolts. 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. 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. 7 EX530-en-GB_v3.8 4/15 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 the 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 and hold the MODE button to indicate “Hz”. 11. Read the frequency in the display. 12. Momentarily press the MODE button again to indicate “%”. 13. Read the % duty cycle in the display. 14. Press and hold the MODE button to return to current measurement. 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 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. 8 EX530-en-GB_v3.8 4/15 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 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 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. 9 EX530-en-GB_v3.8 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 “ºF” or “ºC” 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 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. Touch the test leads to the capacitor to be tested. 4. Read the capacitance value in the display FREQUENCY (DUTY CYCLE) MEASUREMENTS (ELECTRONIC) 1. Set the rotary function switch to the green Hz/% position. 2. Insert the black lead banana plug into the negative COM jack and the red test lead banana plug into the positive Hz jack. 3. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit under test. 4. Read the frequency on the display. 5. Press the MODE button to indicate “%”. 6. Read the % duty cycle in the display. 10 EX530-en-GB_v3.8 4/15 % 4 – 20mA MEASUREMENTS 1. Set up and connect as described for DC mA measurements. 2. Set the rotary function switch to the 4-20mA% position. 3. The meter will display loop current as a % with 0mA=-25%, 4mA=0%, 20mA=100%, and 24mA=125%. 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 the available ranges until you select the range you want. 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 Temperature functions. MAX/MIN 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. Note: Relative mode does not operate in the 4-20mA mode. 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. 11 EX530-en-GB_v3.8 4/15 DISPLAY BACKLIGHT Press the HOLD/ key for >1 second to turn the backlight on. 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. PEAK HOLD The Peak Hold function captures the peak AC voltage or current. The meter can capture negative or positive peaks as fast as 1 millisecond in duration. Momentarily press the PEAK button, “PEAK” and “MAX” will display. The meter will update the dispay each time a higher positive peak occurs. Press the PEAK button again, “MIN” will display. The meter will update the dispay each time a lower negative peak occurs. Press and hold the PEAK button for more than 1 second to exit PEAK Hold mode. Auto Power Off feature will be disabled automatically in this mode. LOW BATTERY INDICATION With a fresh battery installed, the battery icon with four lines above it will be displayed in the lower right corner of the LCD. The lines will disappear as the battery is used. When the icon appears alone in the display, the battery should be replaced. 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. “APO d” will appear in the display. Turn the meter off and then on again to re-enable the auto power off feature. 12 EX530-en-GB_v3.8 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. o Never mix battery types. Always install new batteries of the same type. 13 EX530-en-GB_v3.8 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 meter 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 (0.5A/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. 14 EX530-en-GB_v3.8 4/15 Specifications Function Range Resolution DC Voltage 400mV 0.01mV 4V 0.0001V 40V 0.001V 400V 0.01V 1000V 0.1V Accuracy (0.06% reading + 2 digits) (0.1% reading + 2 digits) AC Voltage 50 to 1000Hz (1.0% reading + 4 digits) 400mV 0.01mV 4V 0.0001V 40V 0.001V 400V 0.01V 1000V 0.1V (1.0% reading + 3 digits) All AC voltage ranges are specified from 5% of range to 100% of range DC Current 400A 0.01A 4000A 0.1A 40mA 0.001mA 400mA 0.01mA 10A 0.001A (1.0% reading + 3 digits) (20A: 30 sec max with reduced accuracy) AC Current 50 to 1000Hz 400A 0.01A 4000A 0.1A 40mA 0.001mA 400mA 0.01mA 10A 0.001A (1.5% reading + 3 digits) (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 65 F to 83 F (18 C to 28 C) and less than 75% RH. 15 EX530-en-GB_v3.8 4/15 Function Range Resolution Resistance 400 0.01 4k 0.0001k 40k 0.001k 400k 0.01k 4M 0.0001M 40M 0.001M 40nF 0.001nF 400nF 0.01nF 4F 0.0001F 40F 0.001F Capacitance 400F 0.01F 4000µF 0.1µF 20mF 0.001mF 40mF 0.001mF Frequency 40Hz 0.001Hz (electronic) 400Hz 0.01Hz 4kHz 0.0001kHz 40kHz 0.001kHz 400kHz 0.01kHz 4MHz 0.0001MHz 40MHz 0.001MHz 100MHz 0.01MHz Accuracy (0.3% reading + 9 digits) (0.3% reading + 4 digits) (2.0% reading + 10 digits) (3.5% reading + 40 digits) (3.5% reading + 10 digits) (5% reading + 10 digits) Not specified (0.1% reading + 1 digits) Not specified Sensitivity: 0.8V rms min. @ 20% to 80% duty cycle and <100kHz; 5Vrms min @ 20% to 80% duty cycle and > 100kHz. Frequency 40.00-400Hz (electrical) Sensitivity: 15Vrms Duty Cycle 0.1 to 99.90% (0.5% reading) 0.01Hz (1.2% reading + 2 digits) 0.01% Pulse width: 100µs - 100ms, Frequency: 5Hz to 150kHz Temp -50 to 1382F 1F (1.0% reading + 4.5°F) (type-K) -45 to 750C 1C (1.0% reading + 2.5°C) 4-20mA% -25 to 125% 0.01% (probe accuracy not included) ±50 digits 0mA=-25%, 4mA=0%, 20mA=100%, 24mA=125% 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. 16 EX530-en-GB_v3.8 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 35 (approx.), test current <0.35mA PEAK Captures peaks >1ms Temperature Sensor Requires type K thermocouple Input Impedance >10MΩ VDC & >3MΩ VAC AC Response True rms ACV Bandwidth 50Hz to 1000Hz Crest Factor ≤3 at full scale up to 500V, decreasing linearly to ≤1.5 at 1000V Display 40,000 count backlit liquid crystal display 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; 0.5A/1000V ceramic fast blow A range; 10A/1000V ceramic fast blow ” is displayed if battery voltage drops below operating voltage 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 to31ºC (87ºF) decreasing linearly to 50% at 40ºC (104ºF) Storage Humidity <80% Operating Altitude 2000meters. (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 17 EX530-en-GB_v3.8 4/15