AM-500
Autoranging
Mulitmeter
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone 781-665-1400
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com
Users Manual
AM-500
Autoranging Mulitmeter
Users Manual
July 2011, Rev.1
©2011 Amprobe Test Tools.
All rights reserved. Printed in China
Limited Warranty and Limitation of Liability
Your Amprobe product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for 1 year from the date of purchase unless local laws require otherwise. This warranty does not cover fuses, disposable batteries or damage from accident, neglect, misuse, alteration, contamination, or abnormal conditions of operation or handling.
Resellers are not authorized to extend any other warranty on
Amprobe’s behalf. To obtain service during the warranty period, return the product with proof of purchase to an authorized
Amprobe Test Tools Service Center or to an Amprobe dealer or distributor. See Repair Section for details. THIS WARRANTY IS YOUR
ONLY REMEDY. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES - WHETHER EXPRESS,
IMPLIED OR STAUTORY - INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY, ARE
HEREBY DISCLAIMED. MANUFACTURER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES OR LOSSES, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY.
Since some states or countries do not allow the exclusion or limitation of an implied warranty or of incidental or consequential damages, this limitation of liability may not apply to you.
Repair
All test tools returned for warranty or non-warranty repair or for calibration should be accompanied by the following: your name, company’s name, address, telephone number, and proof of purchase. Additionally, please include a brief description of the problem or the service requested and include the test leads with the meter. Non-warranty repair or replacement charges should be remitted in the form of a check, a money order, credit card with expiration date, or a purchase order made payable to Amprobe®
Test Tools.
In-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – All Countries
Please read the warranty statement and check your battery before requesting repair. During the warranty period any defective test tool can be returned to your Amprobe® Test Tools distributor for an exchange for the same or like product. Please check the “Where to Buy” section on www.amprobe.com for a list of distributors near you. Additionally, in the United States and Canada In-Warranty repair and replacement units can also be sent to a Amprobe® Test
Tools Service Center (see address next page).
Non-Warranty Repairs and Replacement – US and Canada
Non-warranty repairs in the United States and Canada should be sent to a Amprobe® Test Tools Service Center. Call Amprobe® Test
Tools or inquire at your point of purchase for current repair and replacement rates.
AM-500 Autoranging Mulitmeter
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3 2
4
7
8
5
6
1
LCD Display
2
SELECT Button
3
DATA HOLD Button
4
Rotary Switch
5
Input Terminal for voltage, diode, resistance and continuity measurement
6
Input Terminal for battery test and AC/DC mA or μA measurement
7
Input Terminal for AC/DC A measurement to10A
8
COM (return) terminal for all measurements
Screen Display
2
3
4
5
1 6 7 8
9
11
12
10
1
The Meter selects the range with best resolution
2
Direct Current
3
Alternate Current
4
Negative reading
5
Data hold
6
Diode test
7
Continuity test
8
Measurement units for resistance test
9
Measurement units for voltage test
10
Measurement units for current test
11
Low battery indicator
12
Battery Test
CONTENTS
SYMBOLS ............................................................................ 2
SAFETY INFORMATION ...................................................... 2
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION .......................................... 4
FEATURES ............................................................................ 4
MAKING MEASUREMENT .................................................. 5
Rotary Switch Positions .................................................. 5
SELECT Button ................................................................ 6
DATA HOLD Button ........................................................ 6
Auto Power OFF ............................................................. 6
Measuring AC and DC Voltage ...................................... 6
Measuring Resistance .................................................... 7
Measuring Continuity .................................................... 7
Measuring Diode ............................................................ 8
Battery Test ..................................................................... 8
Measuring AC and DC Current ...................................... 9
SPECIFICATION .................................................................... 10
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR ............................................. 14
BATTERY AND FUSE REPLACEMENT .................................. 15
1
SYMBOLS
X
Caution ! Risk of electric shock.
�
Caution! Refer to the explanation in this Manual
B
Alternating Current (AC)
F
Direct Current (DC)
T
The equipment is protected by double insulation or reinforced insulation
J
Earth (Ground)
Audible tone
M
Battery
�
Complies with European Directives
�
Conforms to relevant Australian standards
)
Canadian Standards Association (NRTL/C)
=
Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal waste. Contact a qualified recycler.
SAFETY INFORMATION
The Meter complies with:
IEC/EN 61010-1 3rd Edition, UL61010-1 2nd Ed. and CAN/
CSA C22.2 No. 61010.1-0.92 to Category III 600 Volts,
Pollution degree 2
IEC/EN 61010-2-030
IEC/EN 61010-2-31 for test leads
EMC IEC/EN 61326-1
Measurement Category III (CAT III) is for measurements performed in the building installation. Examples are measurements on distribution boards, circuit- breakers, wiring, including cables, bus-bars, junction boxes,
2
switches, socket-outlets in the fixed installation, and equipment for industrial use and some other equipment, for example, stationary motors with permanent connection to the fixed installation.
CENELEC Directives
The instruments conform to CENELEC Low-voltage directive 2006/95/EC and Electromagnetic compatibility directive 2004/108/EC
X�
Warning: Read Before Using
• To avoid possible electrical shock or personal injury, follow these instructions and use the Meter only as specified in this manual.
• Do not use the Meter or test leads if they appear damaged, or if the Meter is not operating properly.
If in doubt, have the Meter serviced.
• Always use the proper function and range for measurements.
• Before rotating the function range selection switch, disconnect test probe from circuit under test.
• Verify the Meter’s operation by measuring on a known voltage source.
• Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on the Meter, between the test probe or between any test probe and earth ground.
• Use the Meter with caution for voltages above 30
Vac rms, 42 Vac peak, or 60 Vdc. These voltages pose electrical shock hazards.
• Disconnect circuit power and discharge all highvoltage capacitors before testing resistance.
• Do not use the Meter around explosive gas or vapor.
• When using the test leads, keep your fingers behind the finger guards.
• Remove test leads from the Meter before opening the Meter case or battery door.
3
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
Your shipping carton should include:
1 AM-500 Multimeter
1 Pair of test leads
2 1.5V alkaline AAA battery (installed)
1 Users manual
1 Carrying case
If any of the items are damaged or missing, return the complete package to the place of purchase for an exchange.
FEATURES
Easy to use digital multimeter designed for the homeowner or DIY enthusiast. Install, troubleshoot or repair light fixtures, fans, appliances, or automotive electrical problems with easy and safety of a CAT III 600V rated product. Check for voltage in electrical sockets, extension cords, batteries and other electrical circuits. Let the power of a professional Amprobe multimeter keep you safe and help you solve all your electrical challenges.
• Measurements: Voltage up to 600V AC/DC, AC/DC
Current and Resistance
• Audible continuity
• Diode Test
• Data hold
• Auto power off
• Low battery warning
• Safety: CAT III 600V
4
MAKING MEASUREMENT
X�
1. Use the proper function and range for measurements.
2. To avoid possible electrical shock, personal injury or damages to the Meter, disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing resistance and diode.
3. Connecting test leads:
• Connect the common (COM) test lead to the circuit
before connecting the live lead.
• After measurement, remove live lead before
removing the common (COM) test lead from the
circuit.
4. Symbol “OL” is displayed on LCD when the measurement is out of range.
Rotary Switch Positions
Switch Position
V
e
G
9V
1.5V
μA mA A
Measurement Function
AC or DC voltage measurement (use
SELECT button for switching to AC or DC).
Resistance measurement
Voltage measurement of diode PN junction
Continuity measurement
For measurement of dry batteries of not exceeding 15Vdc
For measurement of dry batteries of not exceeding 2Vdc
AC or DC current measurement (use
SELECT button for switching to AC or DC).
5
Button
SELECT
DATA
HOLD
Press to select altemate measurement functions on the rotary switch.
Display freezes present reading
SELECT Button
Press the yellow SELECT button to select alternate measurement functions on the rotary switch.
DATA HOLD Button
Press DATA HOLD button to freeze present reading on display. Press again to resume normal operation.
Auto Power OFF
Auto power off: approx. 15 minutes.
When the Meter is in auto power off mode, press SELECT or DATA HOLD button to resume normal operation.
Measuring AC and DC Voltage
Press SELECT button to switch to DC voltage measurement function.
X�
Do not apply on a voltage source higher than
AC/DC 600V.
6
Measuring Resistance
X�
Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing resistance.
Note: On a higher resistance measurement (>1Me), the measurement may take a few seconds to get stable reading.
Measuring Continuity
X�
Disconnect circuit power and discharge all highvoltage capacitors before testing continuity.
7
Measuring Diode
X�
Disconnect circuit power and discharge all highvoltage capacitors before testing diode.
Battery Test
X�
Applying a voltage source or incorrect battery type under battery test may cause personal Injury or damage to the Meter.
Battery 1.5V range is for dry battery not exceeding 2Vdc.
The resistance load is around 30Ω.
Battery 9V range is for dry battery not exceeding 15Vdc.
The resistance load is around 1KΩ.The resistance load is around 1KΩ.
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Measuring AC and DC Current
Press SELECT button for switching to DC current measurement function.
X�
To avoid personal injury or damage to the Meter:
1. Do not attempt to make an in-circuit current measurement when the open-circuit potential to earth ground exceeding 250V.
2. Switch to proper function and range for your measurement.
3. Do not place the test probe in parallel with a circuit when the test leads are connected to the current terminals.
4. Connect the test leads to the correct input A/mA μA current terminal and to the circuit before powering the circuit under test.
5. For current range from 8-10A, do not measure current for more than 20 minutes. Wait for 10 minutes before taking another measurement
6. After measurement, switching OFF the circuit’s power before removing test leads from the circuit.
or for
9 for
SPECIFICATION
Ambient temperature: 23°C ±5°C (73.4°F ±9°F)
Relative temperature: ≤75%
Accuracy: ±(% of reading + digits)
Maximum voltage between input terminal and earth
ground: AC 600Vrms or DC 600V
�
Fuse for mA μA input:
0.2A H 250V fast-fuse, ( 5x20)mm
�
Fuse for 10A input:
10A H 250V fast-fuse, ( 6x32)mm
Maximum display: 1999, updates 2 to 3/sec
Over-range indication: OL
Range: Automatic
Altitude: Operating ≤ 2000m
Operating temperature: 0°C ~ +40°C (32°F ~ 104°F)
Relative humidity: 0°C ~ +30°C (32°F ~ 86°F) ≤75%; +30°C
~ +40°C (86°F ~ 104°F) ≤50%
Storage temperature: -10°C ~ +50°C (14°F ~ 122°F)
Electromagnetic compatibility: In an RF filed of 1V/m =
Specified accuracy ±5%
Battery: 2 x 1.5V AAA alkaline battery or equivalent
Low battery indication:
Dimensions (L x W x H): 150 mm x 83 mm x 40 mm (5.9 in x 3.3 in x 1.6 in)
Weight: Approx. 290g (0.64lb) with batteries installed
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1. DC Voltage Measurement
Range
200.0mV
2.000V
20.00V
200.0V
600V
Resolution
0.1mV
1mV
10mV
100mV
1V
Accuracy
±(0.8%+3dgt)
±(0.8%+1dgt)
±(1.0%+3dgt)
Input impedance: around 10MΩ; (Input impedance > 3GΩ for DC 200mV range)
Overload protection: 600VDC or AC rms
2. AC Voltage Measurement
Range
2.000V
20.00V
200.0V
600V
Resolution
1mV
10mV
100mV
1V
Accuracy
±(1.0%+3dgt)
±(1.2%+3dgt)
Input impedance: around 10MΩ
Frequency response: 45Hz ~ 400Hz
Overload protection: 600VDC or AC rms
3. Resistance Measurement
Range
200.0Ω
2.000kΩ
20.00kΩ
200.0kΩ
2.000MΩ
20.00MΩ
Resolution
0.1Ω
1Ω
10Ω
100Ω
1kΩ
10kΩ
Accuracy
±(1.2%+2dgt)
±(1.0%+2dgt)
±(1.2%+2dgt)
±(1.5%+5dgt)
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200Ω range: Measured value = (Measured display value)
– (Short-circuiting value of probe)
Open circuit voltage: around 0.5V
Overload protection: 600V
4. : Continuity G : Diode measurement
Range Resolution
G
0.1Ω
1mV
Accuracy
Open circuit voltage is around 0.5V.
Resistance >150Ω, buzzer will not sound.
Resistance ≤10Ω, buzzer will sound.
Open-circuit voltage is around 1.5V.
Normal voltage is around 0.5V to
0.8V for silicon PN junction.
Overload protection: 600V
5. Battery Test
Range
1.5V
9V
Resolution
10mV
Accuracy
±(1.0%+3dgt)
Overload protection:
�
F1 fuse, 0.2A H 250V fast-fuse, ( 5×20)mm
For 1.5V range: Load resistance is around 30Ω.
For 9V range: Load resistance is around 1kΩ
12
6. DC Current Measurement
μA mA
Range
200.0μA
2000μA
20.00mA
A
200.0mA
2.000A
10.00A
Resolution
0.1μA
1μA
10μA
0.1mA
1mA
10mA
Accuracy
±(1.0%+2dgt)
±(1.2%+3dgt)
Overload protection:
� mA /μA input:
F1 fuse, 0.2A H 250V fast-fuse, ( 5×20)mm
10 A input:
F2 fuse, 10A H 250V fast-fuse, ( 6×32)mm
7. AC Current Measurement
μA mA
Range
200.0μA
2000μA
20.00mA
A
200.0mA
2.000A
10.00A
Resolution
0.1μA
1μA
10μA
0.1mA
1mA
10mA
Accuracy
±(1.2%+2dgt)
±(1.5%+3dgt)
Frequency response: 45Hz ~ 400Hz
Overload protection:
� mA /μA input:
F1 fuse, 0.2A H 250V fast-fuse, ( 5×20)mm
10 A input:
F2 fuse, 10A H 250V fast-fuse, ( 6×32)mm
13
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
If the Meter fails to operate, check battery, test leads, etc., and replace as necessary.
Double check the followings:
1. Replace the fuse or battery if the meter does not work.
2. Review the operating instructions for possible mistakes in operating procedure.
Except for the replacement of the battery, repair of the meter should be performed only by an Authorized Service
Center or by other qualified instrument service personnel.
The front panel and case can be cleaned with a mild solution of detergent and water.
Apply sparingly with a soft cloth and allow to dry completely before using. Do not use aromatic hydrocarbons, Gasoline or chlorinated solvents for cleaning.
14
BATTERY AND FUSE REPLACEMENT
X�
WARNING
To avoid shock, injury, or damage to the Meter:
Disconnect test leads before opening case.
Use ONLY fuses with the amperage, interrupt, voltage, and speed ratings specified.
Replacing BATTERY follow below steps:
1. Disconnect the test lead probe from measuring circuit.
2. Turn the Meter to OFF position.
3. Remove the screws from the battery cover and open the battery cover
4. Remove the batteries and replace with two
1.5V Alkaline Batteries (AAA) or equivalent. Pay attention to the polarity signs.
5. Put the battery cover back and re-fasten the screw.
Battery: 1.5V Alkaline Batteries (AAA) or equivalent
15
Replacing FUSE follow below steps:
1. Disconnect the test lead probe from measuring circuit.
2. Turn the Meter to OFF position and remove the holster.
3. Remove the screws from the enclosure and open the enclosure.
4. Remove the broken fuse and replace with new specified fuse.
5. Put the enclosure back and re-fasten the screw.
Fuse: mA /μA input:
F1 fuse, 0.2A H 250V fast-fuse, ( 5×20)mm
10 A input:
F2 fuse, 10A H 250V fast-fuse, ( 6×32)mm
F1
F2
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