USER GUIDE True RMS Mini Clamp Meters MA61 60A AC Clamp Meter MA63 60A AC/DC Clamp Meter Introduction Thank you for selecting the Extech Instruments True RMS Mini Clamp Meter. The MA61 measures AC Current while the MA63 measures AC and DC Current. Both meters also measure AC/DC Voltage, Frequency, Resistance, Capacitance, Diode, and Continuity. The Mini Clamp Meters measure current in three AC ranges 600mA, 6000mA, and 60A. The MA63 only measures DC current in two ranges 6000mADC and 60ADC. The clamp meters offer advanced features that includes NCV (non‐contact voltage) detection and VFC (variable frequency control) that inserts a low pass filter in the measurement circuit. This device is shipped fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of reliable service. Please visit our website (www.extech.com) to check for the latest version of this User Guide, Product Updates, Product Registration, and Customer Support. Features • True RMS for accurate readings of noisy, distorted, or non‐sinusoidal waveforms • Model MA61 for AC Current, AC/DC Voltage Measurements, and Relative function Model MA63 for AC/DC Current/Voltage Measurements, and Zero function Frequency, Resistance, and Capacitance Measurements • Compact 0.7" (17mm) jaw size accommodates conductors up to 300MCM • Variable Frequency Control (VFC): Low pass filter for accurate measurement of variable frequency drive signals by filtering high‐frequency interference. • Built‐in Non‐Contact Voltage (NCV) detector • Full range overload protection • 6000 count backlit LCD display • Data Hold freezes reading on display • Low battery indicator and Auto Power Off feature with disable • CAT II‐600V CAT III‐300V safety rating • Complete with test leads, carrying case, and two AAA batteries 2 MA61_MA63-en-GB_V1.0 3/15 Safety The product design meets IEC/EN61010‐1 and EN61010‐2‐033. Please read the User Guide before use and comply with all safety instructions. This product conforms to UL Standards 61010‐1, 61010‐2‐030, 61010‐2‐032, 61010‐2‐033 and is Certified to CSA standards C22.2 no. 61010‐1, 61010‐2‐030 and IEC standards 61010‐2‐032 and 61010‐2‐033. Safety Notices 1. Please use the clamp meter according to this User Guide otherwise the built‐in protections may be compromised. 2. Please comply with with national safety regulations with regard to wearing personal protective attire and gear to avoid injuray and damage caused by arc discharging in cases where the live conductor is exposed. 3. Do not allow the fingers or the hand above the protective finger guard while testing. 4. Please check the clamp meter housing, buttons, switches, and insulated wires for cracks or other damage before each use. Service or replace if necessary. 5. Please remove the clamp meter from all live circuits and disconnect the test leads before removing the rear battery compartment cover. 6. Please do not use the clamp meter to measures signals greater than 600V or frequencies higher than 400Hz. 7. Over‐voltage level: CAT II 600V; CAT III 300V, pollution class 2. 8. Working near exposed conductors must be done so using the highest caution. Such conductors present a lethal electric shock hazard. 9. Use caution measuring voltage equal to or greater than 60VDC, 30VAC or 42V AC (peak) as these present the risk of electric shock. 10. This device has a maximum measurement voltage limit of 600V and the safety standard complies with CE/ETL certification (EN61010‐1, EN61010‐2‐033, and EN61010‐2‐032). International Safety Symbols 3 MA61_MA63-en-GB_V1.0 3/15 Meter Description 1. Clamp Jaws 2. Measured Conductor 3. NCV Non‐Contact Voltage Detector lamp 4. Function Select Switch 5. MODE Button 6. LCD Display 7. COM Input Test Lead Terminal 8. Positive Input Test Lead Terminal 9. REL (Relative) button on MA61; ZERO button on MA63 10. Display Hold / backlight button 11. Jaw trigger open/close control 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Fig‐1 Meter Parts 11 10 9 Control Buttons Description Button Description Press and hold to select VFC (variable frequency control, low pass filter) MA63 only: Short press to select DC, AC or Frequency (Hz) MA63 only; Press to access the ZERO mode MA61 only; Press to access the Relative mode Short press to freeze/unfreeze the displayed reading Press and hold to toggle the backlight ON‐OFF 4 MA61_MA63-en-GB_V1.0 3/15 Function Switch Description MODEL MA61 1. NCV: Non‐Contact Voltage Detector 2. 60A AC Measurements 3. 600mA AC Measurements 4. 6000mA AC Measurements 5. Resistance, Diode, Continuity, and Capacitance Measurements 6. AC or DC Voltage and Frequency Measurement 7. POWER OFF selection 8. Function Selector Dial MODEL MA63 9. NCV: Non‐Contact Voltage Detector 10. 60A AC with Frequency or DC Measurements 11. 600mA AC with Frequency or DC Measurements 12. 6000mA AC with Frequency or DC Measurements 13. Resistance, Diode, Continuity, and Capacitance Measurements 14. AC or DC Voltage and Frequency Measurements 15. POWER OFF selection 16. Function Selector Dial 1 9 2 10 3 11 12 4 5 13 6 8 7 Fig‐2 Function Switch Model MA61 5 14 15 16 Model MA63 MA61_MA63-en-GB_V1.0 3/15 Display Icon Descriptions Trms Low Battery True RMS measurement DC Direct current AC Alternating current AUTO ‐ Automatic range Minus sign; negative reading Audible Continuity mode ))) H ZERO/REL VFC EF Diode test Display hold Auto Power OFF (APO) icon (switches off when APO is disabled) Zero (MA63) and Relative (MA61) functions Variable Frequency Control (low pass filter) for AC Voltage/Current NCV (Non‐Contact Voltage) Detector (EF: Electromotive Force) mA, A Ampere: Unit of current mV, V Volt: Unit of voltage Ω, kΩ, MΩ Ohm: Unit of resistance F, µF, nF Farad: Unit of capacitance O.L Over‐range measurement Measurement unit prefixes m µ (milli‐) 10‐3 (micro‐) 10‐6 n (nano‐) 10‐9 k (kilo‐) 103 M (mega‐) 106 6 MA61_MA63-en-GB_V1.0 3/15 Operation Meter Power Caution: Do not use the meter with battery compartment open or unsecured. The clamp meter is powered by two (2) AAA batteries. The battery compartment is located on the back of the meter. The battery compartment is secured by one Phillips head screw. Refer to the Battery Replacement section later in this guide for more information. Automatic Power OFF (APO) The meter automatically switches off after 15 minutes of inactivity. Before switching off, the meter beeps several times to alert the user. To disable APO, hold down the MODE button while powering up the meter. The meter will beep five (5) times indicating that APO is disabled; release the button. Note that the APO icon is not visible on the display when APO is disabled. APO is re‐enabled on the next cycling of meter power. Current Measurements ‐ Clamping Technique Clamp around only one conductor. Refer to Fig‐3 below. The diagram at left is correct and the diagram at right is incorrect. Fig‐3 Correct and Incorrect Clamping Techniques 7 MA61_MA63-en-GB_V1.0 3/15 AC Current Measurements WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads from the meter before making current measurements. CAUTION: Observe CAT II 600V, CAT III 300V with respect to Earth Ground for the Jaw. 1. Set the Function switch to the 600mA, 6000mA, or 60A range. 2. For the MA63, short press the MODE button to Select AC, Frequency (or DC) 3. Press the Trigger to open the clamp jaw. 4. Clamp onto a single conductor (fully enclosing it). Do not allow a gap between the two halves of the jaw. Refer to Fig‐3 earlier in the Operation section. 5. When measuring variable frequency devices, press and hold the VFC button to start/stop measuring with the low pass filter. 6. Read the ACA value on the LCD. DC Current Measurements (MA63 only) WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads from the meter before making current measurements. CAUTION: Observe CAT II 600V, CAT III 300V with respect to Earth Ground for the Jaw. 1. Set the Function switch to the 600mA, 6000mA, or 60A range. ZERO 2. Use the MODE button to select DC. 3. Press the ZERO button several times to null the meter display without a conductor in the clamp jaw. Zero the meter with the clamp held in the same orientation as the actual measurement (see Fig‐4). 4. Press the Trigger to open the current sense Jaw. 7. Fully enclose a single conductor. Do not allow a gap between the two halves of the jaw. Refer to Fig‐3 earlier in this guide. ZERO 5. Read the DCA value on the LCD. Fig‐4 Correct and Incorrect ZERO techniques 8 MA61_MA63-en-GB_V1.0 3/15 Frequency Measurements WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads from the meter before making current measurements. CAUTION: Observe CAT II 600V, CAT III 300V with respect to Earth Ground for the Jaw. 1. Set the Function switch to the Hz position. 2. Press the Trigger to open the jaw and fully enclose one conductor. Refer to the Fig‐3 in the Current Clamp technique section above. 3. Read the Frequency measurement on the LCD in Hz. Voltage Measurements WARNING: Do not apply > 600VAC/DC between the meter’s terminals and earth ground CAUTION: When connecting the test leads to the circuit or device under test, connect the black lead before the red; when removing the test leads, remove the red before the black lead. AC Voltage Measurements 1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative (COM) jack and the red test lead banana plug into the positive (V/Ω) jack. 2. Turn the function switch to the V position. 3. Use the MODE button to select AC if necessary. Use the MODE button to also select the frequency of the measured voltage. 4. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit under test. 5. Read the value in the display. The display will indicate the proper decimal point. Fig‐5 AC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT 9 MA61_MA63-en-GB_V1.0 3/15 DC Voltage Measurements 1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative (COM) jack and the red test lead banana plug into the positive (V/Ω) jack. 2. Move the Function Switch to the V position. 3. Press the MODE button to select DC if necessary. 4. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit under test. Be sure to observe the correct polarity (red lead to positive, black lead to negative). 5. Read the voltage in the display. The display will indicate the proper decimal point and value. If the polarity is reversed, the display will show (‐) minus before the value. 6. The meter is capable of detecting DC voltages to 600V. 7. When voltage is measured, the NCV voltage detect LED will be lit. Fig‐6 DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT Resistance Measurements Cautions: Switch OFF power to the device under test before measuring. Do not test on circuits or devices where 60VDC or 30VAC is present. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative (COM) jack. Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive (V/Ω) jack. Turn the Function Switch to the Ω position. Use the MODE button to select the Ω icon on the display indicating resistance only (without the audible continuity icon showing). 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. Read the resistance in the display. The display will indicate the proper decimal point and value. Fig‐7 RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT 10 MA61_MA63-en-GB_V1.0 3/15 Continuity Measurements 1. Insert the black test lead into the negative COM terminal and the red test lead into the positive terminal. 2. Set the function switch to the ))) position. 3. Use the MODE button to select the Continuity mode. Look for the Continiuty icon ))) on the display. 4. Touch the test probe tips across the circuit or component under test. Refer to Fig‐7 in the Resistance measurement section. 5. If the resistance is < 10 Ω, the beeper will sound. Capacitance Measurements WARNING: To avoid electric shock, remove power to the circuit under test and discharge the capacitor under test before measuring. Do not test on circuits or devices where 60VDC or 30VAC is present. 1. Set the function switch to the capacitance position. 2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack and the red test lead banana plug into the positive jack. 3. Press MODE to select the unit of measure symbol F. 4. Touch the test probe tips across the part under test. 5. Use the REL button (MA61) or the ZERO button (MA63) especially for low capacitance measurements < 1µF for Relative measurements. 6. Read the capacitance value in the display. 7. The display will indicate the proper decimal point and value. Note: For large values of capacitance several minutes may be required before the final reading stabilizes. Fig‐8 CAPACITANCE MEASUREMENT 11 MA61_MA63-en-GB_V1.0 3/15 Diode Test 1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack and the red test lead banana plug into the positive jack. 2. Turn the function switch to position. Use the MODE button to select the diode function if necessary (the diode and voltage symbols will appear on the LCD when in Diode test mode). 3. Touch the test probe tips to the diode or semiconductor junction under test. Note the meter reading 4. Reverse the test lead polarity by reversing the red and black leads. Note this reading 5. The diode or junction can be evaluated as follows: If one reading displays a value (typically 0.400V to 0.900V) and the other reading displays OL, the diode is good. If both readings display OL the device is open. 4. If both readings are very small or ‘0’, the device is shorted. Fig‐9 DIODE TEST 12 MA61_MA63-en-GB_V1.0 3/15 NCV Non‐Contact AC Voltage Detector CAUTION: Remove test leads from meter before attempting NCV tests. Always verify the NCV function on a known live circuit before performing tests. Do not use the NCV function if the display does not show EF when the function switch is turned to the NCV position. If the meter does not switch on when the NCV mode is initiated, please check the batteries. With the meter on and switched to the NCV mode, holding the front tip of the clamp jaw near a live electrical, electromagnetic, or electrostatic field causes the beeper to sound, the display to shows dashes, and the red LED lamp to flash. The threshold is 100V. The greater the field strength the greater the number of dashes and the faster the rate of the audible beeps and the flashing LED lamp. If the meter does not emit a tone or display dashes in this mode, there is still the possibility that voltage is present. Please use caution. 1. Turn the Function switch to the NCV position to access the Non‐Contact Voltage Detect mode. 2. Note the voltage detection display icon NCV and the larger EF display. If these displays are not seen when the NCV mode is accessed do NOT attempt to use the meter. Check the batteries and try again. If the meter still does not switch on when the NCV mode is accessed please have the meter serviced or replaced. 3. Place the meter near a source of electrical energy. The front tip of the clamp offers the highest sensitivity. 4. Note the audible beeping, the dash displays, and the flashing LED lamp when an electrical or electromagnetic field of at least 100V is sensed. Note that electrostatic energy will trigger the NCV detector, this is normal. Fig‐10 NON‐CONTACT AC VOLTAGE DETECTOR Data Hold To freeze the displayed reading on the LCD, press the Data Hold (H) button (the H icon will appear on the display). To release the Data Hold function and return the meter to normal operation, press the Data Hold (H) button again (the H icon will switch off). 13 MA61_MA63-en-GB_V1.0 3/15 Zero/Relative Measurements 1. Press ZERO (MA63) or REL (MA61) to enter the mode. The display will show the ZERO icon. 2. Now each time the ZERO/REL button is pressed the present measurement will zero and the beeper will sound. This mode is especially useful for DCA measurement zeroing. 3. In this mode, all subsequent measurements are displayed with respect to the reference measurement. For example, if a 20V reading is zeroed and a 30V reading is subsequently measured, the LCD will display 10V. 4. Use the REL button (MA61) or the ZERO button (MA63) especially for low capacitance measurements < 1µF for Relative measurements and DCA measurements. 5. To return to normal operation, press and hold the ZERO or REL button until the ZERO display icon switches OFF. Battery Replacement CAUTION: Please disconnect the test leads from the meter, turn the meter off, and unclamp the meter from any conductors before attempting to change the batteries. 1. When the low battery symbol appears on the LCD, the batteries must be replaced. 2. Turn the meter off and remove the rear battery compartment screw. 3. Lift off the battery compartment cover and replace the two 1.5V AAA cells observing correct polarity. 4. Replace the compartment cover and secure the screw before using the meter. You, as the end user, are legally bound (EU Battery ordinance) to return all used batteries, disposal in the household garbage is prohibited! You can hand over your used batteries / accumulators at collection points in your community or wherever batteries / accumulators are sold! Disposal: Follow the valid legal stipulations in respect of the disposal of the device at the end of its lifecycle Cleaning With the meter OFF, use only a dry cloth to wipe clean the meter housing. Do not use harsh soaps, abrasives, or solvents to clean the meter housing. 14 MA61_MA63-en-GB_V1.0 3/15 Specifications General Specifications Display 6000 count LCD with multifunction indicators Full scale 6200 counts for Capacitance function Full scale 9999 counts for Frequency function LED lamp For Non‐Contact Voltage Detector Functions Current (ACA, DCA), Voltage (VAC, VDC), Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency, Non‐Contact Voltage detector, Continuity, and Diode test Polarity “‐“ indicates negative polarity (positive polarity assumed) Current sensor Hall effect Overload indication O.L DCA zero adjust MA63: One‐touch ZERO button (also used as a Relative function); MA61: REL button (Relative) Display rate 2~3 readings/second Battery Two 1.5V AAA batteries Operating temperature 00C to 400C (320F to 1040F) Operating Humidity < 75% RH 0~30C (320F to 860F) < 50% RH 30~40C (860F to 1040F) Storage temperature ‐100C to 500C (140F to 1220F) Altitude 2000m (6562’) Power consumption 20mA DC approx. Weight 170g (6.0 oz.) including battery Dimensions 175 x 60 x 33.5mm (6.9 x 2.4 x 1.3”) (H x W x D) Jaw opening 17mm (0.7”) 3000MCM Standards IEC/EN 61010‐1, EN61010‐2‐033, EN61010‐2‐032; Category III 300V, Category II 600V; pollution class 2 Electromagnetic compatibility < 1V/m RF field: Overall accuracy = specified accuracy +5% of the range. Unspecified indication for 1V/m RF field. Test Leads Use only test probes rated CAT II 600V, CAT III 300V or better that meet the requirements of IEC 61010‐031 15 MA61_MA63-en-GB_V1.0 3/15 Range Specifications Accuracy stated for ambient conditions 230C ±50C (73.40F ±90F) DC Current (MA63) Resolution Accuracy (of rdg + digits) Overload 6000mA 1mA ±(2.0% + 5d) 100A DC 60A 0.01A ±(2.0% + 3d) 100A DC AC Current Resolution 50/60Hz ≥100Hz ≤400Hz Overload 600.0mA 0.1mA ±(1.5% + 10d) ±(2.0% + 10d) 100A / 600VAC 6000mA 1mA ±(2.5% + 5d) ±(3.0% + 5d) 100A / 600VAC 60A 0.01A ±(2.0% + 5d) ±(2.5% + 5d) 100A / 600VAC VFC 600.0mA~60A 0.1mA~0.01A ±(4.0% + 10d) 100A / 600VAC Notes: Accuracy stated for 5~100% of range; <20 digit residual reading for 600mA open circuit. AC Crest Factor may reach 3.0 at 4000 counts; for non‐sinusoidal waveforms the Crest Factor error increases per the following: Add 3% when the crest factor is 1~2; Add 5% when the crest factor is 2~2.5; Add 7% when the crest factor is 2.5~3 DC Voltage 600.0mV Resolution Accuracy Overload Protect 0.1mV ±(0.7% + 5d) 600V 6.000V 1mV 60.00V 10mV 600V 600V ±(0.7% + 3d) 600.0V 600V 0.1V 600V 1V 600V Notes: For 600mV range the Input Impedance is ≥ 1G ohm; for other ranges the average impedance is 10M ohm. AC Voltage Resolution 6.000V 1mV 60.00V 10mV 600.0V 0.1V 600V VFC 200V~600V Accuracy Overload 600V ±(0.8% + 3d) 600V 600V 1V ±(1.0% + 3d) 600V 0.1V ±(4.0% + 3d) 600V Notes: Input impedance approximately 10Mohm Display True RMS; Frequency Response 45~400Hz 16 MA61_MA63-en-GB_V1.0 3/15 Accuracy stated for 5~100% of range; <20 digit residual reading for 600mA open circuit. AC Crest Factor may reach 3.0 at 4000 counts; for non‐sinusoidal waveforms the Crest Factor error increases per the following: Add 3% when the crest factor is 1~2; Add 5% when the crest factor is 2~2.5 Add 7% when the crest factor is 2.5~3 Frequency (Hz) Resolution Accuracy Overload Protect 10Hz to 60kHz 0.001~0.01kHz ±(0.1% + 4d) 600V Notes: Input amplitude ≥10V (DC level: 0); Frequency of 65kHz or higher for reference only Resistance Resolution Accuracy Overload 600.0 Ω 0.1 Ω ±(1.0% + 2d) 600V 6.000k Ω 1 Ω 60.00k Ω 10 Ω 600.0k Ω 100 Ω 6.000M Ω 1k Ω ±(1.2% + 3d) 600V 60.00M Ω 10k Ω ±(1.5% + 5d) 600V Resolution Accuracy Overload Capacitance 6.200nF 600V ±(0.8% + 2d) 600V 600V In REL/ZERO mode: ±(4.0% + 10d) 1pF 600V 62.00nF~620.0µF 10pF~0.1µF ±(4.0% + 5d) 600V 6.200mF~62.00mF 1µF~10µF ± (10%) 600V Note: For best accuracy, use REL (MA61) or ZERO function (MA63) when measuring ≤ 1 µF Continuity ))) Diode Resolution Notes Overload 0.1 Ω Beeper sounds ≤10 Ω 600V Resolution Notes Overload 1mV Open circuit voltage is 3.2V approx. 600V Normal voltage range: 0.5V~0.8V Copyright © 2015 FLIR Systems, Inc. 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