MRC EX330 MULTIMETER W/NCV, 4000 CT AUTORANGING/TEMP Operating instructions

User's Guide

Mini Multimeter with Non-Contact Voltage Detector (NCV)

Model EX330

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech EX330 Meter. The EX330 offers AC/DC

Voltage, AC/DC Current, Resistance, Diode, Continuity, non-contact Voltage Detection,

Capacitance, Frequency, Duty Cycle, and Temperature (Type K) functions. Proper use and care of this meter will provide many years of reliable service.

Safety

WARNING

CAUTION

MAX

600V

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.

This WARNING symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

This CAUTION symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not avoided, may result damage to the product.

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

V DC or V AC mA AC/DC

A AC/DC

Frequency, Resistance, Capacitance, Duty

Cycle, Diode Test, Continuity

600V AC and DC

500mA DC/AC

10A DC/AC (for 30 seconds max. every 15 minutes

250V DC/AC

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 power and disconnect test leads before opening the covers to replace the fuse or battery.

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.

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Model EX330 - Version 4.0 – 05/06

Controls and Jacks

1. AC Voltage Detector Sensor

2. AC Voltage Detector indicator light

1

2

3

6. Non-contact AC Voltage Detector test button

7. Rotary function dial

8. 10 ampere test lead jack

9. COM test lead jack

10. Test lead jack for voltage, milli-amp, micro-amp, resistance, capacitance, frequency, and temperature functions

11. RANGE button

12. HOLD button

13. Protective rubber holster (must be removed to access the rear battery compartment)

4

5

6

7

8

Display Symbols and Annunciators

•))) Continuity

Diode test

Battery status n nano

(10

-3

) (volts, amps) A Amps

F Farads (capacitance)

Ω

Ohms

Hz Hertz V Volts

% Percent (duty ratio) REL Relative

DC

ºF

Direct current

Degrees Fahrenheit

HOLD Display hold

ºC Degrees Centigrade

9

10

13

12

11

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Model EX330 - Version 4.0 – 05/06

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 EX330 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.

NON-CONTACT VOLTAGE (NCV)

The NCV function works on any rotary switch position.

1. Test the detector on a known live circuit before use.

2. Press and hold the NCV button for the duration of the test. The meter will beep once when the button is pushed.

3. Hold the top of the meter very close to the voltage source as shown.

4. If voltage is present, the rim of the LCD display will flash a bright orange and an audible warning will sound.

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Model EX330 - Version 4.0 – 05/06

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 VAC 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.

4. Touch the red test probe tip to the “hot” side of circuit.

5. Read the voltage in the display.

6. If the measured AC voltage exceeds the highest range of the meter (refer to the specification table) an audible tone will sound.

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 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.

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Model EX330 - Version 4.0 – 05/06

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. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Use the MODE button to select AC or DC current. The display will reflect the selection.

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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Model EX330 - Version 4.0 – 05/06

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

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

Ω jack.

3. 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.

4. 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. Set the function switch to the position.

2. Insert the black lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.

3. Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive

Ω jack.

4. Use the MODE button to view the

icon on the display.

5. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit or wire you wish to check.

6. If the resistance is less than approximately

100

Ω, the audible signal will sound. If the circuit is ‘open’ (bad), the display will indicate “OL”.

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DIODE TEST

1. Set the function switch to the 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. Use the MODE button to view the icon 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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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 CAP position.

2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.

3. Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive CAP jack.

4. Touch the test leads to the capacitor to be tested.

5. The test may take up to 3 minutes or more for large capacitors to charge. Wait until the readings settle before ending the test.

6. Read the capacitance value in the display

FREQUENCY MEASUREMENTS

1. Use the MODE button to view the Hz unit of measure on the LCD display.

2. Insert the black test 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.

% DUTY CYCLE

1. Set the rotary function switch to the Hz/% position.

2. Use the MODE button to view the % unit of measure on the LCD display.

3. Insert the black lead banana plug into the negative COM jack and the red test lead banana plug into the positive Hz jack.

4. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit under test.

5. Read the % duty cycle on the display.

CONTACT TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS

1. Set the function switch to the ºF or ºC position.

2. Insert the Temperature Probe into the input jacks, making sure to observe polarity.

3. The probe can be pressed against a device under test to read its temperature or the probe can be held in air to read the ambient temperature. Allow 30 seconds for the display to stabilize.

4. Read the temperature in the display.

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Model EX330 - Version 4.0 – 05/06

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. Press the RANGE key. The AUTO display indicator will turn off.

2. Press RANGE to step through the available ranges until the desired range is selected.

3. To exit the Manual Ranging mode and return to Auto Range, press and hold the

RANGE key for 2 seconds.

Note:

Manual range does not apply to Capacitance, Frequency or Temperature modes.

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 so that subsequent measurements can be made in comparison to that value. The displayed value is the difference between the reference value and the measured value.

1. Perform the measurement as described in the operating instructions.

2. Press the REL button to store the reading (the REL indicator will appear on the display).

3. The display will now indicate the difference between stored value and subsequent measurements.

4. Press the REL button to exit the relative mode.

Note:

The Relative mode is not available when measuring Frequency or Duty Cycle.

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.

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Model EX330 - Version 4.0 – 05/06

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.

WARNING:

To avoid electric shock, do not operate the meter until the batteries and the fuses are in place and fastened securely.

Holster

2. Meter

3. Battery

4. Fuses

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 (500mA/250V fast blow for the mA /

µA ranges, 10A/250V fast blow for the A range).

7. Secure the fuse/battery compartment cover.

8. Place the protective rubber holster on the meter.

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Model EX330 - Version 4.0 – 05/06

UL LISTED

The UL mark does not indicate that this product has been evaluated for the accuracy of its readings.

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.

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Model EX330 - Version 4.0 – 05/06

Specifications

Non-contact AC

Voltage detector

DC Voltage

(V DC)

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.

400mV 0.1mV ±(0.5% reading + 2 digits)

4V 0.001V

40V 0.01V

±(1.0% reading + 2 digits)

AC Voltage

(V AC)

(50 / 60Hz)

400V 0.1V

600V 1V

400mV 0.1mV

±(1.5% reading + 2 digits)

±(1.0% reading + 30 digits)

4V 0.001mV

40V 0.01V

400V 0.1V

±(1.5% reading + 3 digits)

DC Current

(A DC)

AC Current

(A AC)

(50 / 60Hz)

Resistance

600V 1V

400

µA 0.1µA

4000

µA 1µA

40mA 0.01mA

±(2.0% reading + 4 digits

±(1.0% reading + 3 digits)

±(1.5% reading + 3 digits)

400mA 0.1mA

10A 0.01A ±(2.5% reading + 5 digits)

400

µA 0.1µA ±(1.5% reading + 5 digits)

4000

µA 1µA

40mA 0.01mA

400mA 0.1mA

±(1.8% reading + 5 digits)

10A 0.01A ±(3.0% reading + 7 digits)

400

Ω 0.1Ω ±(1.2% reading + 4 digits)

4k

Ω

1

Ω

40k

Ω 0.01kΩ

400k

Ω 0.1kΩ

4M

Ω 0.001MΩ

40M

Ω 0.01MΩ

±(1.2% reading + 2 digits)

±(2.0% reading + 3 digits)

Capacitance

40nF 0.01nF

400nF 0.1nF

4

µF 0.001µF

40

µF 0.01µF

200

µF 0.1µF

±(2.5% reading + 4 digits)

±(3.5% reading + 4 digits)

±(3.5% reading + 10 digits)

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Model EX330 - Version 4.0 – 05/06

Frequency

Duty Cycle

Temp (type-K)

5.000Hz 0.001Hz

50.00Hz 0.01Hz

500.0Hz 0.1Hz

5.000kHz 0.001kHz

50.00kHz 0.01kHz

500.0kHz 0.1kHz

5.000MHz 0.001MHz

10.00MHz 0.01MHz

±(0.1% reading + 1 digits)

Sensitivity: 0.8V rms min. @ 20% to 80% duty cycle and <100kHz; 5Vrms min @ 20% to

80% duty cycle and > 100kHz.

0.1 to 99.9% 0.1% ±(1.2% reading + 2 digits)

For duty cycle the pulse width range is 100µs - 100ms (Frequency: 5Hz to 150kHz)

-4 to 1382

°F 1°F

-20 to 750

°C 1°C

±(3.0% reading + 8 digits)

(probe accuracy not included)

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.

Accuracy is stated at 65 o

F to 83 o

F (18 o

C to 28 o

C) and less than 75% RH.

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Model EX330 - Version 4.0 – 05/06

General Specifications

Diode Test

Continuity Check

Temperature Sensor

Test current: 0.3mA max., Open circuit voltage: 1.5V DC typ.

Audible signal will sound if the resistance is less than 100

Ω

Requires type K thermocouple

Input Impedance

10MΩ (VDC & VAC)

AC Bandwidth

Display

Overrange indication

Auto Power Off

Polarity

50 / 60Hz

4000 count (0 to 3999 digits) backlit LCD

For all functions “OL” is displayed (Note: For ACV measurements only, an audible beep will also sound)

After 15 minutes (approximately) of inactivity

No indication for positive; Minus (-) sign for negative

Measurement Rate

Low Battery Indication

Battery

Fuses

2 times per second, nominal

“ ”

is displayed if battery voltage is critically low

Two (2) 1.5V ‘AAA’ batteries mA, µA ranges: 500mA/250V fast blow;

’A’ range: 10A/250V fast blow

Operating Temperature

32ºF to 122ºF (0ºC to 50ºC)

Storage Temperature

-4 o

F to 140 o

F (-20 o

C to 60 o

C)

Operating Humidity

<70% RH

Storage Humidity

Operating Altitude

Weight

Size

Approvals

Safety

UL LISTED

<80% RH

7000ft. (2000meters) maximum.

9.17 oz (260g) (includes holster).

5.8” x 2.9” x 1.6” (147 x 76 x 42mm) (includes holster)

UL, CE

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)

The UL mark does not indicate that this product has been evaluated for the accuracy of its readings.

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

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Model EX330 - Version 4.0 – 05/06

Warranty

EXTECH INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION warrants this instrument to be free of defects in parts and workmanship for one year from date of shipment (a six month limited warranty applies on sensors and cables). If it should become necessary to return the instrument for service during or beyond the warranty period, contact the Customer Service Department at (781) 890-7440 ext. 210 for authorization or visit our website at www.extech.com. A Return Authorization (RA) number must be issued before any product is returned to Extech. The sender is responsible for shipping charges, freight, insurance and proper packaging to prevent damage in transit. This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from action of the user such as misuse, improper wiring, operation outside of specification, improper maintenance or repair, or unauthorized modification. Extech specifically disclaims any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for a specific purpose and will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages.

Extech's total liability is limited to repair or replacement of the product. The warranty set forth above is inclusive and no other warranty, whether written or oral, is expressed or implied.

Calibration and Repair Services

Extech offers complete repair and calibration services for most of the products we sell. For periodic calibration, NIST certification or repair for most Extech products, call customer service for details. Extech recommends that calibration be performed on an annual basis to ensure calibration integrity.

Support line (781) 890-7440

Technical support: Extension 200; E-mail: [email protected]

Repair & Returns: Extension 210; E-mail: [email protected]

Product specifications subject to change without notice

For the latest version of this User’s Guide, Software updates, and other up-to-the-minute product information, visit our website: www.extech.com

Extech Instruments Corporation, 285 Bear Hill Rd., Waltham, MA 02451

Copyright

© 2005 Extech Instruments Corporation.

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.

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