The B&K Precision models 2831E and 5491B
are versatile and dependable bench multimeters
suitable for applications in education, service and
repair, and manufacturing requiring basic and
reliable measurements. Additionally, these
instruments enhance your productivity with
built-in math functions and USB connectivity,
features not found in other bench meters in this
price category. Math operations Rel, Max/Min,
dBm, dB, %, and Hold provide educators with a
convenient tool to teach basic math concepts.
True RMS Bench Multimeters
2831E and 5491B
True RMS Bench Multimeters with
Dual Display
Features & benefits
Data Sheet
www.bkprecision.com
■Up to 50,000 count display resolution
■Basic VDC accuracy of up to 0.02%
■Dual display to indicate two measurements
simultaneously
■AC + DC True RMS
■Up to 25 readings per second measurement
rate
■AC volt and amp measurement over wide
frequency range (ACV 100 kHz/ACI 20 kHz)
■Limit mode for Pass/Fail testing
■Built-in math functions: Rel, Max/Min, dBm,
dB, %, Hold, Compare
■CATI (1000 V)/CATII (300 V) Protection
■USB (Virtual Com) and RS232* interface
■SCPI compatible
*5491B only
Technical data subject to change
© B&K Precision Corp. 2015
The 2831E and 5491B take typical multimeter
measurements such as volts, ohms, and amps
with great accuracy, stability, and basic VDC
accuracy of 0.02% on the 5491B and 0.03% on
the 2831E. The meters are also capable of
measuring frequency, period, continuity, and
performing diode tests. Readings can be taken at
a maximum rate of 25 readings/sec with
measurement rates selectable between slow,
medium, and fast.
Thes multimeters were designed for
cost-conscious users requiring a basic and
dependable meter with a broad range of features
offered at a value price.
Model
Resolution
Count Digits
2831E 20,000 4 1/2
5491B 50,000 4 3/4
2 www.bkprecision.com
True RMS Bench Multimeters
Models 2831E and 5491B
Versatile tools
▲
The 2831E and 5491B are programmable via
USB and RS232 (5491B only) interface using
industry standard SCPI commands. Users can
control and configure the instrument from a
remote PC and retrieve measurement results for
further analysis. The meters can also be remotely
controlled using application software (download-
able from the B&K website), which supports front
panel emulation and data logging of
measurement results.
Increase Productivity with PC
Connectivity
The limit operation lets you set and control the
values that determine a HI / IN / LO status of
subsequent measurements. The meter can be
configured to emit an audible alarm when
readings are outside of the configured limit.
Limit Operation
Rear panel
These meters offer a dual display allowing
multiple measurements to be conveniently
displayed at once. The display values could be
two different measurements or one measurement
expressed in different units. For example, you can
simultaneously read an AC voltage and a
frequency value or a DC voltage value expressed
in volts and in dB.
Dual Display
Sheathed safety
banana input jacks
Front panel fuse
compartment for
easy fuse
replacement
Durable rubber bumpers for
added protection and ability
to stack multiple instruments
Soft rubber control
buttons
Bright VFD display capable of
displaying two measurements
AC receptacle protected with
110/220V selectable line fuse
Earth ground
connection
RS232 Interface
(5491B)
USB communication
interface
Easy operation
▲
Application software screenshot
2831E5491B
3 www.bkprecision.com
True RMS Bench Multimeters
Models 2831E and 5491B
Resolution, Full Scale Reading and Accuracy ± (% of reading + % of range), 23 °C ± 5 °C
Rate Range Resolution
Full Scale
Reading
Accuracy
(1 year)
Typical Input
Impedance
Slow
200.00 mV 10 µV 210.00 0.03%+0.08% (1) >10 MΩ
2.0000 V 100 µV 2.1000 0.03%+0.05% (1) >11.1 MΩ
20.000 V 1 mV 21.000 0.03%+0.06% >10.1 MΩ
200.00 V 10 mV 210.00 0.03%+0.06% 10 MΩ
1000.0 V 100 mV 1010.0 (2) 0.03%+0.06% 10 MΩ
Slow
500.00 mV 10 µV 510.00 0.02%+0.016% (1) >10 MΩ
5.0000 V 100 µV 5.1000 0.02%+0.008% (1) >11.1 MΩ
50.000 V 1 mV 51.000 0.02%+0.008% >10.1 MΩ
500.00 V 10 mV 510.00 0.02%+0.008% 10 MΩ
1000.0 V 100 mV 1010.0 (2) 0.02%+0.008% 10 MΩ
(1) under REL status
(2) 1% over-range (1010 V) is readable at 1000 V range
DC Voltage
Resolution, Full Scale Reading and Accuracy ± (% of reading + % of range), 23 °C ± 5 °C
Rate Range Resolution
Full Scale
Reading
Accuracy( 1 year)(1) 23 °C ± 5 ° C
20~50 Hz 50~20 kHz 20~50 kHz 50~100 kHz
Slow
200.00 mV 10 µV 210.00 1.0%+0.2%) 0.5%+0.15% 1.8% + 0.25% 3.0% + 0.75%
2.0000 V 100 µV 2.1000 1.0%+0.2%) 0.4%+0.05% 1.5% + 0.1% 3.0% + 0.25%
20.000 V 1 mV 21.000 1.0%+0.2% 0.4%+0.05% 1.5% + 0.1% 3.0% + 0.25%
200.00 V 10 mV 210.00 ---- 0.8%+0.075% 1.5% + 0.1% 3.0% + 0.25%
750.0 V 100 mV 757.5(3) ---- 0.8%+0.075% 1.5% + 0.1% (2) 3.0% + 0.25% (2)
Slow
500.00 mV 10 µV 510.00 1.0%+0.08%) 0.5%+0.06% 1.5% + 0.1% 3.0% + 0.3%
5.0000 V 100 µV 5.1000 1.0%+0.08%) 0.35%+0.02% 1% + 0.04% 3.0% + 0.1%
50.000 V 1 mV 51.000 1.0%+0.08% 0.35%+0.02% 1% + 0.04% 3.0% + 0.1%
500.00 V 10 mV 510.00 ---- 0.5%+0.03% 1% + 0.04% 3.0% + 0.1%
750.0 V 100 mV 757.5(3) ---- 0.5%+0.03% 1% + 0.04% (2) 3.0% + 0.1% (2)
Max. crest factor: 3.0 at full scale
(1) Specifications are for sine wave inputs >5% of range.
(2) Limit at 40 kHz or ≤3×107 Volt-Hz for 750 V range
(3) 1% over-range (757.50V) is readable at 750V range
AC Voltage
Specifications
2831E5491B2831E5491B
Resolution, Full Scale Reading and Accuracy ± (% of reading + % of range), 23 °C ± 5 °C
Rate Range Resolution
Full Scale
Reading
Accura cy
(1 year)
Burden Volta ge(1)
& Shu nt Resistor
Slow
2.0000 mA 0.1 µA 2.1000 0.08%+0.025% (2) <0.3 V / 100 Ω
20.000 mA 1 µA 21.000 0.08%+0.02% (2) <0.04 V / 1 Ω
200.00 mA 10 µA 210.00 0.08%+0.02% <0.3 V / 1 Ω
2.0000 A 100 µA 2.1000 0.3%+0.025% <0.05 V / 10 mΩ
20.000 A 1 mA 21.000 (3) 0.3%+0.025% <0.6 V / 10 mΩ
Slow
5.0000 mA 0.1 µA 5.1000 0.05%+0.01% (2) <0.6 V / 100 Ω
50.000 mA 1 µA 51.000 0.05%+0.008% (2) <0.06 V / 1 Ω
500.00 mA 10 µA 510.00 0.05%+0.008% <0.6 V / 1 Ω
5.0000 A 100 µA 5.1000 0.25%+0.01% <0.1 V / 10 mΩ
20.000 A 1 mA 21.000 (3) 0.25%+0.01% <0.6 V / 10 mΩ
(1) Typical voltage across the input terminals at full scale reading.
(2) Use REL function
(3) In 20 A range, >10~20 ADC is readable for 20 seconds maximum
DC Current
4 www.bkprecision.com
True RMS Bench Multimeters
Models 2831E and 5491B
Resolution, Full Scale Reading and Accuracy ± (% of reading + % of range), 23 °C ± 5 °C
Rate R ange Resolu tion
Full Scale
Reading
Accuracy( 1 year)(1) 23 °C ± 5 °C
20~ 50 Hz 50~2 kH z 2~20 k Hz
Slow
2.0000 mA 0.1 µA 2.1000 1.5%+0.5% 0.5%+0.3% 2%+0.5%
20.000 mA 10 µA 21.000 1.5%+0.5% 0.5%+0.3% 2%+0.38%
200.00 m A 100 µA 210.00 1.5%+0.5% 0.5%+0.3% 2%+0.38%
2.0000 A 1 mA 2.1000 2.0%+0.5% 0.5%+0.3% ----
20.000 A 10 mA 21.000 (2) 2.0%+0.5% 0.5%+0.3% ----
Slow
5.0000 mA 0.1 µA 5.1000 1.5%+0.16% 0.5%+0.08% 2.5%+0.16%
50.000 mA 10 µA 51.000 1.5%+0.16% 0.5%+0.08% 2%+0.12%
500.00 m A 100 µA 510.00 1.5%+0.16% 0.5%+0.08% 2%+0.12%
5.0000 A 1 mA 5.1000 2.0%+0.16% 0.5%+0.1% ----
20.000 A 10 mA 21.000 (2) 2.0%+0.16% 0.5%+0.1% ----
Max. crest factor: 3.0 at full scale
(1) Specifications are for sine wave inputs >5% of range.
(2) In 20 A range,>10~20 A AC is readable for 20 seconds maximum
AC Current (True RMS, AC Coupling)
Resolution, Full Scale Reading and Accuracy ± (% of reading + % of range), 23 °C ± 5 °C
Rate R ang e ( 1) Resol ution
Full Scale
Reading Tes t cur rent
Accura cy
(1 year)
Slow
200.00 Ω10 mΩ210.00 0.5 mA 0.10%+0.05% (2)
2.0000 kΩ100 mΩ2.1000 0.45 mA 0.10%+0.025% (2)
20.000 kΩ1 Ω21.000 45 µA 0.10%+0.025% (2)
200.00 kΩ10 Ω210.00 4.5 µA 0.10%+0.025%
2.0000 MΩ100 Ω2.1000 450 nA 0.15%+0.025%
20.000 MΩ1 kΩ21.000 45 nA 0.3%+0.05%
Slow
500.00 Ω10 mΩ510.00 0.5 mA 0.10%+0.01% (2)
5.0000 kΩ100 mΩ5.1000 0.45 mA 0.10%+0.008% (2)
50.000 kΩ1 Ω51.000 45 µA 0.10%+0.008% (2)
500.00 kΩ10 Ω510.00 4.5 µA 0.10%+0.008%
5.0000 MΩ100 Ω5.1000 450 nA 0.15%+0.008%
50.000 MΩ1 kΩ51.000 45 nA 0.3%+0.01%
(1) In order to eliminate the noise interference, which might be induced to the test leads, it is recommended to use a shielded test cable
for measuring resistance above 100 kΩ.
(2) Using REL function
Resistance
Resolution, Full Scale Reading and Accuracy ± (% of reading + % of range), 23 °C ± 5 °C
Range Resolution
Full Scale
Reading Test current
Accuracy (1 yea r)
23 ºC ± 5ºC
200 Ω100 mΩ999.9 0.5 mA 0.1%+0.1%
500 Ω100 mΩ999.9 0.5 mA 0.1%+0.04%
Open circuit voltage: <5.5 VDC
Test current: around 0.5 mA DC
Continuity
Specifications (cont.)
2831E5491B2831E5491B 2831E5491B
Resolution, Full Scale Reading and Accuracy ± (% of reading + % of range), 23 °C ± 5 °C
Rate Range Res olution
Fu ll Scale
Reading Te st curre nt
Med 2.0000 V 100 µV 2.3000 V 0.5 mA (Approx.)
Diode
AC Input
Power
Consumption
Operating
Env ironment
Storage
Environment Warm-up Dimensions (W×H×D) Net Weight
110/220 V ± 10%,
50/60 Hz ± 5% ≤10VA 0 °C to 40 °C,
≤90 %RH -40 °C to 70 °C at least 30 minutes 225 mm×100 mm×355 mm
8.85” x 3.93 “ x 13.97”
2.5 kg
5.51 lbs
One-Year Warranty (2831E), Three-Year Warranty (5491B)
Included Accessories Test leads, Power cord, Spare fuse, Operation Manual , Calibration certificate and test report
General
Resolution, Full Scale Reading and Accuracy ± (% of reading + % of range), 23 °C ± 5 °C
ACV
Range
Frequency
Range
Best
Resoluti on
Full Scale
Reading Accuracy
Input Sensitivity
(Si ne Wave)
200 mV
(500 mV*)
to 750V
10 Hz 100 µHz 9.9999 0.05%+0.02% 200 mV rms
10~100 Hz 1 mHz 99.999 0.01%+0.02% 300 mV rms
100~100 kHz 10 mHz 999.99 0.01%+0.008% 300 mV rms
100k~1 MHz 10 Hz 999.99 0.01%+0.008% 500 mV rms
* Model 5491B
Frequency
Resolution, Full Scale Reading and Accuracy ± (% of reading + % of range), 23 °C ± 5 °C
ACV
Range
Frequency
Range
Best
Resoluti on
Full Scale
Reading Accuracy
Input Sensitivity
(Si ne Wave)
200 mV
(500 mV*)
to 750V
1~10 µs 0.1 ns 9.9999 0.01%+0.008% 500 mV rms
10 µs~10 ms 1 ns 9.9999 0.01%+0.008% 300 mV rms
10 ms~100 ms 1 µs 99.999 0.01%+0.02% 300 mV rms
100 ms 10 µs 199.99 0.05%+0.02% 200 mV rms
* Model 5491B
Period
Specifications (cont.)
5 www.bkprecision.com
True RMS Bench Multimeters
Models 2831E and 5491B
v021915
