DCM730

Digital Clamp Meter

User’s Manual

Table of Contents

LIMITED WARRANTY AND

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY........................1

Out of the Box..................................................1

Safety Information ...........................................2

INTRODUCTION ......................................4

Components and Buttons..................................6

Names of the Components................................6

Switches and Buttons.......................................9

Display..........................................................10

USING THE METER.................................11

Display Hold...................................................11

Manual Mode..................................................11

MAX/MIN Display............................................11

Switching Between Functions..........................11

Backlight and clamp light ....

.

...........................12

Auto Power Off ..............................................12

Measurement Preparation ..............................12

AC Current ....................................................13

Table of Contents

AC/DC Voltage ..............................................13

Frequency and Duty Cycle..............................14

Resistance....................................................16

Diodes..........................................................17

Continuity......................................................17

Capacitance..................................................18

Non-Contact Voltage (NCV)............................18

SPECIFICATIONS..................................19

General Specifications...................................19

Technical Specifications.................................20

MAINTENANCE.....................................24

General Maintenance.....................................24

Battery Replacement

..................................25

Test Leads Replacement ................................25

Contact Dawson....................................25

LIMITED WARRANTY AND

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

This instrument from Dawson Tools Inc. will be free from defects in workmanship and material for three years from the date of original purchase. This warranty does not cover defects resulting from damage caused by the user such as drops, neglect, misuse, unauthorized alteration, usage outside of specified conditions, contamination, or improper repair/maintenance. To receive service on the instrument if it becomes necessary during the warranty period, contact your nearest Dawson authorized service center at (800) 898-6991 or visit www.DawsonTools.com to obtain a return authorization (within the US only).

A return authorization is necessary before returning any instrument to Dawson; no service will be provided without a return authorization. The user is responsible for properly packing the unit and charges such as shipping, freight and insurance charges. The extent of Dawson's liability is limited solely to the repair/replacement of the instrument. The above warranty in its entirety is inclusive and no other warranties, written or oral, are expressed or implied.

Out of the Box

Check the meter and accessories thoroughly before using the meter. Contact your local distributor if the meter or any components are damaged or malfunction.

Accessories

• Test leads 1pc

• User’s manual 1pc

• 1.5V AAA battery 3pc

• Case 1pc

Safety Information

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRICAL

SHOCK, DAMAGE TO THE INSTRUMENT OR

PERSONAL INJURY, PLEASE FOLLOW THE

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS DESCRIBED IN THE USER

MANUAL.

WARNING:

TO ENSURE SAFE OPERATION AND LIFE OF THE

METER, DO NOT PLACE THE METER IN ANY

ENVIRONMENT WITH HIGH PRESSURE, HIGH

TEMPERATURE, DUST, EXPLOSIVE GAS OR

VAPOR.

Safety Symbols

Symbol

Definition

Important safety message

Conforms to relevant European Union directives

Dangerous voltage may be present.

C

Double Insulation, Protection Class II.

CONFORMS TO UL STD. 61010-1,

IEC 61010-2-032

CERTIFIED TO CSA STD. C22.2

No. 61010-1 and IEC 61010-2-032

02

This product has been tested to the requirements of CAN/CSA-C22.2

No. 61010-1, second edition, including

Amendment 1, or a later version of the same standard incorporating the same level of testing requirements.

Ground

Warning Symbols

WARNING:

Risk of danger; important safety information. See

User’s manual.

CAUTION:

Statement identifies conditions and actions that a failure to follow the instructions could result in false readings, damage the meter or the equipment under test.

03

Introduction

Overview

DCM730 is a portable, hand-held professional meter that measures AC/DC voltage, AC current, resistance, capacitance, diodes, continuity, frequency, duty cycle and non-contact voltage. This meter is easy to use with one hand, suitable for professional users or amateurs, and ideal for school or home use.

Precautions:

Users must follow standard safety instructions while using the meter:

1. Once the meter is out of the package, check for any

damage to the meter before using.

2. Double check the meter to make sure all the components

are in good condition.

3. Check the test leads before operation. Check the test

leads for damage to the insulation or wires before use.

4. Use the original test leads included in the package for

best performance and safety. If necessary, use

compatible leads with same specifications as the

originals.

5. Make sure to set the meter to the correct functions and

measuring range.

6. Do not use the Meter on a circuit where the measuring

range is over the capable range specified in the User’s

manual.

7. Do not touch the tips of the test leads when performing

measurement.

8. If the measurement is above 60V DC or 30V AC, make

sure to keep fingers behind the barrier and finger guards.

9. Do not use the meter on a circuit if the voltage is above

600V.

04

10. In manual mode, if the value to be measured is

unknown, start the meter in the maximum range and

then adjust accordingly.

11. Remove the leads from the circuit first before switching

between functions.

12. Disconnect power and discharge all capacitors before

measuring resistance, capacitance, continuity or

diodes.

13. Do not measure capacitance before the capacitors are

discharged.

14. Do not operate the meter near explosive gas, vapor or

dust.

15. Stop using the meter if the meter or test leads appear

damaged or do not function properly.

16. Do not use the meter unless the battery case is

securely fastened to the back of the meter.

17. Do not expose the meter to direct sunlight, heat, or

moisture.

Components and Buttons

Names of the Components

1.Current clamp

2.NCV indicator

3.Function button

4.Range button

5.Maximum/Minimum button

6.Display

7.Common jack (-)

8.Input jack (+)

9.Frequency/duty cycle button

10.Non-contact voltage button

11.Data hold/backlight button

12.Rotary switch

13.Clamp center

14.NCV sensor

15.Worklight

16.Test lead holder

17.Battery cover

18.Clamp trigger

19.Hook (to hang meter)

20.Test lead holder

05 06

1

3

4

5

6

7

2

07

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

15

16

WARNING

ATTENTION

TO AVOID ELECTRICAL

SHOCK, REMOVE TEST

LEADS BEFORE OPENING

BATTERY COVER.

POUR ÉVITER TOUT CHOC

ÉLECTRIQUE, RETIREZ

LES CORDONS DE TEST

AVANT D’OURVIR LA

BATTERIE OU LE

COUVERCLE DU FUSIBLE

600V CAT III

DC1.5Vx4,SIZE AAA

C

20

19

18

17

08

Switches and Buttons

FUNC button: to switch between functions.

RANGE button: to switch to manual range.

/ button: to hold the reading or to turn on backlight.

MAX/MIN button: to switch between max. and min. display.

Hz% button: to switch between frequency and duty cycle.

NCV button: to activate non-contact voltage detection.

Rotary Switch: switch between measurement modes.

INPUT: Input jack for measuring voltage, resistance,

capacitance, diodes, continuity, frequency,

duty cycle.

COM: Common input jack.

Display

AUTO

DC

AC

MAX-MIN REL

µnF

%Hz kMΩ mVA

AC, DC

AUTO

MAX

MIN

H

% mV,V

A nF, µF

Ω, kΩ, MΩ

Hz, kHz, MHz

Alternating current, Direct current

Diode, continuity

Auto-range mode

Maximum measurement

Minimum measurement

Auto power off

Low battery

Display hold

Percentage (duty cycle)

MilliVolt, Volt (voltage)

Amp (current)

Nanofarads, microfarads, millifarads

Ohms, kilohms, megaohms

Hertz, kilohertz, megahertz

09 10

Using the Meter

Display Hold

During measurement, press / to hold the current reading on the display. Press again to release the hold.

Manual Mode

• The default range in voltage and resistance modes is

auto. To switch to manual range, press “RANGE” and

the display switches to manual mode. Each press of the

button increases the range and returns to the lowest

range when pressed in the highest range.

• Hold “RANGE” to switch back to auto-range.

Note:

In current mode, manual is the only mode available.In frequency and capacitance modes, only auto-range is available.

MAX/MIN Display

Press “MAX/MIN” to show the maximum value recorded since the button was pressed. Press “MAX/MIN” again to show the minimum value recorded since the button was pressed. Hold “MAX/MIN” to return the display to normal.

•

Note:

The meter is set to manual mode when in Max/Min mode.

• The meter cannot display Max/Min measurements when

in frequency/duty cycle, capacitance, diode or continuity

modes.

Switching Between Functions

• When the meter is in voltage mode, press “FUNC” to

•

switch between DC and AC voltage.

When the meter is in diode/continuity mode, press

“FUNC” to switch between them.

11

Backlight and clamp light

/ to turn on the display backlight; the backlight

will stay on for 30 seconds before it automatically turns off.

• When the meter is in current mode, turning on the

backlight will also activate the worklight, making it easier

to use the clamp in dark areas.

Note:

• The meter uses an LED for a backlight; even though the

backlight is set to turn off after 30 seconds, use only when

necessary to conserve battery life.

Auto Power Off

• If the meter is not used for 15 minutes, the meter will turn

itself off to conserve battery life.

• To turn the meter back on after auto off, press “FUNC”.

• To disable auto power off, hold “FUNC” while turning the

meter on.

Measurement Preparation

• Make sure that when measuring current the current

being measured does not exceed the range selected for

an extended period of time. This can cause overheating

and damage the meter.

• When measuring in manual range and the value to be

measured is unknown, start in the highest range and

adjust the range as needed.

• Make sure to turn the rotary switch to the proper position

before connecting the leads to a circuit.

• When connecting to a circuit, connect the black lead

(COM jack) first before connecting the red lead (INPUT

jack). Remove the leads in the opposite order when

finished.

12

AC Current

WARNING:

TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND INJURY,

PLEASE REMOVE TEST LEADS BEFORE MAKING

CURRENT MEASUREMENTS.

1.Turn the rotary switch to the current position with the

correct range.

2.Press the clamp trigger to open the clamp and insert

the conductor to be measured.

3.Read the measured current value on the display.

Note:

• Measuring two or more conductors will cancel out

readings. Only measure one conductor at a time.

• For best results, keep the conductor in the middle of the

•

clamp.

“ ”indicates the maximum input AC Current is 1000 A.

AC/DC Voltage

WARNING:

USE CAUTION WHEN MEASUREING HIGH VOLTAGE

CIRCUITS TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND

INJURY. DO NOT MEASURE INPUT VOLTAGES

HIGHER THEN 600V AC/DC.

1.Insert the black test lead into “COM” jack and red test

lead into “INPUT” jack.

2.Turn the rotary switch to the V The default mode is DC

voltage; press “FUNC” to switch to AC voltage if

necessary; press “FUNC” to switch back to DC voltage.

2.Connect the test leads across the voltage source or load.

3.Read the measured voltage value on the display.

13

Note:

• When measuring small voltage sources, the display will

show unsteady readings until the leads are connected to

the circuit. This is normal due to the high sensitivity of the

meter. The meter will display the correct reading once the

leads are connected to the circuit.

• “ ”indicates the maximum input voltage is 600V DC/AC.

In “mV” range, the maximum input voltage is 600mV

DC/AC.

• In the mV range, the meter will beep if the reading is

greater than 600mV DC/AC.

Frequency and Duty Cycle

In Current Mode (A)

WARNING:

REMOVE THE TEST LEADS FROM THE METER

WHEN PERFORMING A CURRENT MEASUREMENT

WITH THE CLAMP TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK

AND INJURY.

1.Turn the rotary switch to the current position with the

correct range.

2.Press the clamp trigger to open the clamp and insert the

conductor to be measured.

3.Press “Hz/%” button to measure frequency.

4.Press “Hz/%” again to measure duty cycle if necessary.

5.Read the measured frequency or duty cycle value on

the display.

14

Note:

• Measuring two or more conductors will cancel out

readings. Only measure one conductor at a time.

• “ ”indicates the maximum input current is 1000A AC

RMS.

• Frequency range is 10Hz~1kHz. When the frequency

being measured is less than 10Hz or if the frequency is

higher than 1kHz, the accuracy is not guaranteed.

In Voltage Mode (V)

WARNING:

DO NOT MEASURE VOLTAGES OF MORE THAN

600V AC TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND

INJURY.

1.Insert the black test lead into “COM” jack and red test

lead into “INPUT” jack.

2.Turn the rotary switch to the V position. Press “FUNC”

to switch to AC voltage.

3.Press “Hz/%” button to measure frequency.

4.Press “Hz/%” again to measure duty if necessary.

5.Connect the test leads across the voltage source or load.

6.Read the measured frequency or duty cycle value on

the display.

Note:

• “ ”indicates the maximum input voltage is 600V AC RMS.

• Frequency range is 10Hz~10kHz. When the frequency

being measured is less than 10Hz or if the frequency is

higher than 10kHz, the accuracy is not guaranteed.

In Hertz Mode (Hz)

WARNING:

DO NOT MEASURE INPUTS OF MORE THAN 250V AC

TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND INJURY.

1.Insert the black test lead into “COM” jack and red test

lead into “INPUT” jack.

2.Turn the rotary switch to the Hz position.The default

mode is frequency; press “Hz%” to switch to duty cycle

if necessary.

3.Connect the test leads across the voltage source or load.

4.Read the measured frequency or duty cycle value on the

display.

Note:

•

Frequency range is 10Hz~10kHz. When the frequency

being measured is less than 10Hz or if the frequency is

higher than 10kHz, the accuracy is not guaranteed.

Resistance

WARNING:

TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND INJURY, TURN

OFF POWER TO THE CIRCUIT AND DISCHARGE ALL

CAPACITORS BEFORE MEASURING RESISTANCE.

1.Insert the black test lead into “COM” jack and red test

lead into “INPUT” jack.

3.Connect the test leads across the circuit to be tested.

4.Read the measured resistance value on the display.

15 16

Note:

• If the resistance is too high or the test leads are

disconnected, the display shows “OL”.

• The meter may take several seconds to get a steady

reading if the resistance being measured is more than

1MΩ. This is normal for high resistance circuits.

Diodes

1. Insert the black test lead into “COM” jack and red test

lead into “INPUT” jack.

2. Turn the rotary switch to the position.The default

mode is diode mode.

3. Connect the red lead to the anode (+) and the black lead

to the cathode (-).

4. Read the measured forward biased voltage drop on the

display.

Note:

•

If the leads are connected backwards or to an open

circuit, the display will show “OL”.

Continuity

WARNING:

TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND INJURY, TURN

OFF POWER TO THE CIRCUIT AND DISCHARGE ALL

CAPACITORS BEFORE MEASURING CONTINUITY.

1.Insert the black test lead into “COM” jack and red test

lead into “INPUT” jack.

2.Turn the rotary switch to the position.Press “FUNC”

to switch to continuity mode.

2.Connect the test leads across the circuit to be tested.

3.Read the measured resistance value on the display.

4.If the resistance is less than 50Ω, the meter’s buzzer

will sound.

17

Note:

If the resistance is higher than 600Ω or the leads are disconnected, the display shows “OL”.

Capacitance

WARNING:

TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND INJURY, TURN

OFF POWER TO THE CIRCUIT AND DISCHARGE ALL

CAPACITORS BEFORE MEASURING CAPACITANCE.

1.Insert the black test lead into “COM” jack and red test

lead into “INPUT” jack.

2.Turn the rotary switch to the position.

3.Connect the test leads across the circuit to be tested.

4.Read the measured capacitance value on the display.

Note:

•

For better accuracy on measurements below 10nF,

touch the tips of the leads together before measurement

and subtract the distributed capacitance of the meter

from the actual measurement.

•

For measurements on large capacitances, allow up to

30 seconds for the reading to stabilize.

Non-Contact Voltage (NCV)

1.Hold the “NCV” button.

2.Move the tip of the meter toward the object to be tested.

3.If the voltage detected is greater than 90V AC rms, the

NCV indicator will flash and the buzzer will sound.

Note:

•

Even if no indication is given, voltage may still be present.

Do not rely solely on NCV detection to determine the

presence of voltage.

•

When measuring AC/DC voltage, the NCV indicator may

flash due to induced voltage.

18

•

External power sources/interference may trigger the

NCV indicator.

Specifications

The meter should be calibrated annually between

18℃ ~ 28℃ and a relative humidity less than 75%.

General Specifications

• Manual and auto range

• Power overload protection

• Maximum voltage between circuit and ground:

600V AC/DC

• Maximum working height: 2000m

• Display: LCD

• Maximum display value: 5999

• Polarity indication” automatically displays ‘-‘

• Overload indication: ‘0L’ Or ‘-0L’

• Sampling frequency: 3 times/sec

• Units displayed: functions with units.

• Auto power off: 15 mins.

• Power : 1.5V AAA batteries

• Low battery indication: display shows“ ”

• Operating temperature: 18℃ ~28℃

• Storage temperature:-10℃ ~50℃

• Temperature coefficient: less than 0.1% accuracy/°C

• Size: 244×99×48mm

• Weight: ~410g (Including batteries)

Technical Specifications

Temperature: 23±5℃.Relative humidity: <75%

AC Current

Range

Resolution Accuracy

600A 0.1A

1000A

±(2.0% reading+5 digits)

1A

• Maximum input current: 1000A AC

• Frequency Range: 40 ~ 400Hz

DC Voltage

Range

600mV

6V

60V

600V

1000V

Resolution Accuracy

0.1mV

0.001V

0.01V

±(0.7% reading+3 digits)

0.1V

1V ±(2.0% reading+2 digits)

• Input impedance: 10M Ω

• Maximum input voltage: 600V DC/AC rms

Note:

At small voltage ranges, unsteady readings will appear before the test leads make contact with the circuit. This is normal since the meter is highly sensitive. When the test leads are connected to the circuit, the true reading will be shown.

19 20

AC Voltage

Range

6V

60V

600V

Resolution Accuracy

0.001V

0.01V

±(0.8% reading+3 digits)

0.1V

750V 1V ±(1.0% reading+4 digits)

•

• Input impedance: 10M Ω

Maximum input voltage: 600V DC/AC rms

• Frequency Range: 40 ~ 400Hz

Note:

At small voltage ranges, unsteady readings will appear before the test leads make contact with the circuit. This is normal since the meter is highly sensitive. When the test leads are connected to the circuit, the true reading will be shown.

Frequency

In Current Mode (A)

Range

99.99Hz

Resolution Accuracy

0.01Hz

±(1.5% reading+5 digits)

0.1Hz

999.9Hz

>1kHz 0.001kHz

Reference only

•

•

Measurement range: 10Hz ~ 1kHz.

Input range:

≥

60A AC rms (input current will increase

as frequency increases).

• Maximum input current: 1000A AC rms.

In Voltage Mode (V)

Range

99.99Hz

Resolution Accuracy

0.01Hz

999.9Hz

0.1Hz

±(1.5% reading+5 digits)

9.999kHz

>10kHz

0.001kHz

0.01kHz

Reference only

• Measurement range: 10Hz ~ 10kHz.

• Input range:

≥

0.6V AC rms (input voltage will increase

as frequency increases).

• Input impedance: 10MΩ

• Maximum input voltage: 600V AC rms.

In Hertz Mode (Hz)

Range

9.999Hz

Resolution Accuracy

0.001Hz

99.99Hz

999.9Hz

9.999kHz

99.99KHz

999.9KHz

9.999MHz

0.01Hz

0.1Hz

0.001kHz

0.01kHz

0.1KHz

0.001MHz

±(0.3% reading+5 digits)

• Measurement range: 10Hz ~ 10MHz.

• Input range:

≥

0.2V AC rms (input voltage will increase

as frequency increases).

• Input impedance: 10MΩ

• Maximum input voltage: 250V AC rms.

21 22

Duty Cycle

Range

0.1 – 99.9%

Resolution Accuracy

0.1% ± 0.3%

Resistance

Range

600Ω

6kΩ

60kΩ

600kΩ

Resolution

0.1Ω

0.001kΩ

0.01kΩ

0.1kΩ

Accuracy

±(0.8% reading+3 digits)

6MΩ 0.001MΩ

±(1.2% reading+3 digits)

60MΩ 0.1MΩ

• Open circuit voltage: 0.4V

• Over-voltage protection: 250V DC/AC rms.

Continuity

Function

Resolution

0.1Ω

Description

The meter will beep if measured resistance is less than 50Ω.

• Over-voltage protection: 250V DC/AC rms.

Diodes

Function

Resolution

0.001V

Description

Displays forward-biased voltage drop

• Forward DC current: 1mA

• Reverse DC voltage: 3.3V

• Over-voltage protection: 250V DC/AC rms.

23

Capacitance

Range

40nF

400nF

4µF

40µF

400µF

Resolution

0.01nF

0.1nF

0.001µF

0.1 µF

0.01 µF

1µF

Accuracy

±(4.0% reading+5 digits)

• Over-voltage protection: 250V DC or AC (RMS)

Maintenance

General Maintenance

• To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury,

repairs or servicing not covered in this manual should be

performed only by qualified personnel.

• Before opening the meter, remove test leads from all

circuits to avoid damage to the meter or personal injury.

• To avoid electrical shock, remove test leads from input

jacks before cleaning.

• To avoid false readings that could lead to possible

electric shock, replace the batteries as soon as the low

battery indicator “ ”appears.

• Clean the instrument case with a damp cloth and mild

detergent. Do not use abrasives or chemical solvents.

• Keep in mind the internal capacitors may retain

dangerous voltages even when the instrument is

turned off.

• Remove the batteries if the meter is not going to be used

for an extended period of time.

24

Battery Replacement

WARNING:

REMOVE THE TEST LEADS FROM THE METER

BEFORE REMOVING THE BATTERY CASE TO AVOID

ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND INJURY.

1.

Replace the batteries once the display shows“ ” to

avoid false readings.

2.Remove test leads and unscrew the battery cover and

remove the cover.

3.Replace the used batteries with new ones.

4.Replace the battery cover and tighten the screw.

Note:

Double check the polarity of the batteries before replacing.

Test Leads Replacement

WARNING:

REPLACE THE TEST LEADS WITH IDENTICAL OR

COMPATIBLE LEADS. LEAD SPECS: 1000V 10A.

Replace test leads if leads become damaged or worn.

Contact Dawson

Dawson Tools, Inc.

1142 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., #858

Diamond Bar, CA 91765

Phone: (310) 728-6220 www.DawsonTools.com

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00-05-0000