EX820 - EXTECH INSTRUMENTS

User's Guide

Extech 800 Series

1000 Amp Clamp Meters

with IR Thermometer

EX810 AC Clamp meter

EX820 True RMS AC Clamp meter

EX830 AC/DC True RMS Clamp meter

Patented

EX800 Series Version 3.2 8/07 2

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the EX800 Series Clamp device. The series consists

of the following models:

EX810 1000A AC Current Clamp meter

EX820 1000A True RMS AC Current Clamp

EX830 1000A True RMS AC/DC Current Clamp

All models measure:

 Infrared Temperature

 AC/DC Voltage

 Resistance

 Capacitance

 Frequency

 Continuity

 Diode

Model specific functions:

 EX830: DC Current, True RMS, Type K thermometer, DC Zero

 EX820: True RMS, Type K thermometer

 EX810: Average responding

The EX800 Series features:

 Auto Power OFF

 Max/Min recording

 Data Hold

 Peak Hold

 Backlit LCD display

Careful use of this meter will provide many years of reliable service.

EX800 Series Version 3.2 8/07 3

Safety

International Safety Symbols

This symbol, adjacent to another symbol or terminal, indicates the user must refer

to the manual for further information.

This symbol, adjacent to a terminal, indicates that, under normal use, hazardous

voltages may be present

Double insulation

SAFETY NOTES

• Do not exceed the maximum allowable input range of any function.

• Do not apply voltage to meter when resistance function is selected.

• Set the function switch OFF when the meter is not in use.

• Remove the battery if meter is to be stored for longer than 60 days.

WARNINGS

• Set function switch to the appropriate position before measuring.

• When measuring volts do not switch to current/resistance modes.

• Do not measure current on a circuit whose voltage exceeds 600V.

• When changing ranges always disconnect the test leads from the circuit under test.

UL Note

A UL mark does not indicate that this product has been evaluated for accuracy.

CAUTIONS

• Improper use of this meter can cause damage, shock, injury or death. Read and

understand this user manual before operating the meter.

• Always remove the test leads before replacing the battery or fuses.

• Inspect the condition of the test leads and the meter itself for any damage before

operating the meter. Repair or replace any damage before use.

• Use great care when making measurements if the voltages are greater than 25VAC

rms or 35VDC. These voltages are considered a shock hazard.

• Always discharge capacitors and remove power from the device under test before

performing Diode, Resistance or Continuity tests.

• Voltage checks on electrical outlets can be difficult and misleading because of the

uncertainty of connection to the recessed electrical contacts. Other means should be

used to ensure that the terminals are not "live".

• If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection

provided by the equipment may be impaired.

Function Maximum Input

A AC, A DC (A DC on Model EX830 only) 1000A DC/AC

V DC, V AC 600V DC/AC

Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency, Diode Test 250V DC/AC

Type K Temperature (EX820 & EX830 only) 60V DC, 24V AC

EX800 Series Version 3.2 8/07 4

Description

Meter Description (EX830 pictured)

1. Current clamp

2. Clamp opening trigger

3. Data Hold Button

4. Mode

5. Peak

6. Range

7. DCA Zero (EX830 only)

8. MIN/MAX

9. Backlit LCD Display

10. Test lead input jacks

11. IR thermometer and laser pointer (rear)

12. Backlight Button

13. Laser pointer button

14. Function switch

Display icons Description

HOLD Data Hold

Minus sign Negative reading display

0 to 3999 Measurement display digits

ZERO DCA Zero (Model EX830 only)

P Peak value

AUTO Auto Range mode

DC/AC Direct Current / Alternating

Current

MAX Max reading

MIN Min reading

Low battery

mV or V Milli-volts or Volts (Voltage)

Ω Ohms (Resistance)

A Amperes (Current)

F Farad (Capacitance)

Hz Hertz (Frequency)

oF and oC Fahrenheit and Celsius units (Temperature)

n, m, μ, M, k Unit of measure prefixes: nano, milli, micro, mega, and kilo

•))) Continuity test

Diode test

Laser pointer

EX800 Series Version 3.2 8/07 5

Specifications

Accuracy

(% of reading + digits)

Function Range &

Resolution EX810 EX820 EX830

400.0 AAC ± (2.8% + 8d) ± (2.5% + 8d) ± (2.5% + 8d) AC Current

50/60 Hz

True RMS on

EX820 & EX830 1000 AAC ± (3.0% + 8d) ± (2.8% + 5d) ± (2.8% + 5d)

400.0 ADC ----- ----- ± (2.5% + 5d)

DC Current

EX830 only 1000 ADC ----- ----- ± (2.8% + 5d)

400.0 mVAC ± (1.5% + 10d) ± (1.0% + 10d) ± (1.0% + 10d)

4.000 VAC

40.00 VAC

400.0 VAC

± (1.8% + 8d) ± (1.5% + 5d) ± (1.5% + 5d)

AC Voltage

50/60Hz

True RMS on

EX820 & EX830 600 VAC ± (2.5% + 8d) ± (2.0% + 5d) ± (2.0% + 5d)

400.0 mVDC ± (0.8% + 2d) ± (0.8% + 2d) ± (0.8% + 2d)

4.000 VDC

40.00 VDC

400.0 VDC

± (1.5% + 2d) ± (1.5% + 2d) ± (1.5% + 2d)

DC Voltage

600 VDC ± (2.0% + 2d) ± (2.0% + 2d) ± (2.0% + 2d)

400.0Ω ± (1.0% + 4d) ± (1.0% + 4d) ± (1.0% + 4d)

4.000kΩ

40.000kΩ

400.0kΩ

± (1.5% + 2d) ± (1.5% + 2d) ± (1.5% + 2d)

4.000MΩ ± (2.5% + 3d) ± (2.5% + 3d) ± (2.5% + 3d)

Resistance

40.00MΩ ± (3.5% + 5d) ± (3.5% + 5d) ± (3.5% + 5d)

4.000nF ± (5.0% + 30d) ± (5.0% + 30d) ± (5.0% + 30d)

40.00nF ± (5.0% + 20d) ± (5.0% + 20d) ± (5.0% + 20d)

400.0nF

4.000µF

40.00µF

± (3.0% + 5d) ± (3.0% + 5d) ± (3.0% + 5d)

400.0µF ± (4.0% + 10d) ± (4.0% + 10d) ± (4.0% + 10d)

4.000mF ± (10% + 10d) ± (10% + 10d) ± (10% + 10d)

Capacitance

40.00mF unspecified unspecified unspecified

4.000kHz ± (1.5% + 2d) ± (1.5% + 2d) ± (1.5% + 2d)

Frequency Sensitivity: 100V (<50Hz); 50V (50 to 400Hz); 5V (401Hz to 4000Hz)

EX800 Series Version 3.2 8/07 6

Accuracy (% of reading + digits)

Function Range and

Resolution EX810 EX820 EX830

-4 to 1400oF NA ± (3%rdg + 9oF) ± (3%rdg + 9oF)

Temperature

(type-K) -20 to 760oC NA ± (3%rdg + 5oC) ± (3%rdg + 5oC)

-58 to -4°F ± 9 °F ± 9 °F ± 9 °F

-4 to 518°F ±2.0% reading or

± 4°F

whichever is >

±2.0% reading or

± 4°F

whichever is >

±2.0% reading or

± 4°F

whichever is >

-50 to -20°C ±5°C ±5°C ±5°C

Temp

(IR)

-20 to 270°C ±2.0% reading or

±2°C

whichever is >

±2.0% reading or

±2°C

whichever is >

±2.0% reading or

±2°C

whichever is >

General Specifications

Clamp jaw opening 1.7" (43mm) approx.

Display 3-3/4 digits (4000 counts) backlit LCD

Continuity check Threshold 40Ω; Test current < 0.5mA

Diode test Test current of 0.3mA typical;

Open circuit voltage < 3VDC typical

Low Battery indication Battery symbol is displayed

Over-range indication ‘OL’ display

Measurement rate 2 readings per second, nominal

PEAK Captures peaks >1ms

Thermocouple sensor Type K thermocouple required

IR Spectral response 6 to 16µm

IR Emissivity 0.95 fixed

IR distance ratio 8:1

Input Impedance 10MΩ (VDC and VAC)

AC bandwidth 50 to 400Hz (AAC and VAC)

AC response True rms (AAC and VAC) on EX820 & EX830

Crest Factor 3.0 in 40A and 400A ranges, 1.4 in 1000A range (50/60Hz

and 5% to 100% of range)

Operating Temperature 41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C)

Storage Temperature -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)

Operating Humidity Max 80% up to 87°F (31°C) decreasing linearly to 50% at

104°F(40°C)

Storage Humidity <80%

Operating Altitude 7000ft. (2000meters) maximum.

Battery One (1) 9V Battery (NEDA 1604)

Auto power OFF After approx. 25 minutes

Dimensions & Weight 10.6x4.3x2” (270x110x50mm); 13.6 oz. (386g)

Safety For indoor use and in accordance with the requirements for

double insulation to IEC1010-1 (2001): EN61010-1 (2001)

Overvoltage Category III 600V and Category II 1000V,

Pollution Degree 2.

Patent notice U.S. Patent 7163336

EX800 Series Version 3.2 8/07 7

Operation

NOTES: Read and understand all Warning and Caution statements in this operation

manual prior to using this meter. Set the function select switch to the OFF position when

the meter is not in use.

AC/DC Current Measurements (DC Current on Mode l EX830 only)

WARNING: Ensure that the test leads are disconnected from the meter before making

current clamp measurements.

1. Set the Function switch to the AAC

or ADC range

2. Press the trigger to open jaw.

Fully enclose only one conductor.

For optimum results, center the

conductor in the jaw.

3. The clamp meter LCD will display

the reading.

DCA ZERO (EX830 only)

The DC Zero feature removes offset

values and improves accuracy for DC

current measurements. To perform a

zero, select ADC and with no

conductor in the jaw:

1. Press the DC ZERO button to

zero the display. “ZERO” will appear in the display. The offset value is now stored and

removed from all measurements.

2. To view the stored value, press the DC ZERO button. “ZERO” will flash and the

stored value will be displayed.

3. To exit this mode, press and Hold the ZERO button until “ZERO” is no longer in the

display.

AC/DC Voltage Measurements

1. Insert the black test lead into the negative COM terminal and the

red test lead into the positive V terminal.

2. Set the function switch to the VAC or VDC position.

3. Use the MODE button to select AC or DC Voltage (EX830 only).

4. Connect the test leads in parallel to the circuit under test.

5. Read the voltage measurement on the LCD display.

Correct Incorrect

EX800 Series Version 3.2 8/07 8

Resistance Measu rements

Note: Remove power before making resistance measurements

1. Insert the black test lead into the negative COM terminal and the

red test lead into the Ω positive terminal.

2. Set the function switch to the Ω position.

3. Touch the test probe tips across the circuit or component under

test.

4. Read the resistance on the LCD display.

Capacitance Measuremen ts

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, discharge the capacitor under test

before measuring. If “dISC” appears in the display, remove

and discharge the capacitor.

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 CAP positive jack.

3. Press MODE to zero any stray capacitance.

4. Touch the test probe tips across the part under test.

5. Read the capacitance value in the display.

6. The display will indicate the proper decimal point and value.

Note: For very large values of capacitance measurement time can be

several minutes before the final reading stabilizes.

Frequency Measurements

1. Set the function switch to the V Hz Position.

2. Press and hold the MODE button to select the Frequency (Hz)

function. “k Hz” will appear in the display.

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

and the red test lead banana plug into the Hz positive jack.

4. Touch the test probe tips across the part under test.

5. Read the Frequency value on the display.

6. The display will indicate the proper decimal point and value.

7. Press and hold the MODE button again to return to the voltage mode

CAP

EX800 Series Version 3.2 8/07 9

Type K Temperature Measurements

(Models EX820 and EX830 only)

1. Set the function switch to the K Temp position.

2. Insert the Temperature Probe into the negative COM and the

positive TEMP jacks, observing polarity.

3. Touch the Temperature Probe tip to the device under test.

Continue to touch the part under test with the probe until the

reading stabilizes.

4. Read the temperature on the display. The digital reading will

indicate the proper decimal point and value.

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, be sure the thermocouple probe

has been removed before changing to another measurement function.

Note: An open input or a temperature overrange the meter will display

“OL” and beep.

Note: See the “Temperature Units” paragraph to select °F or °C

Continuity Measurements

1. Insert the black test lead into the negative COM terminal and the red test lead into the

Ω positive terminal.

2. Set the function switch to the •))) position.

3. Use the MODE button to select continuity •))). The display icons will change when the

MODE button is pressed.

4. Touch the test probe tips across the circuit or component under test.

5. If the resistance is < 40Ω, a tone will sound.

Diode Test

1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack and the red t est

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 (diode symbol 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.

 If both readings are very small or ‘0’, the device is shorted.

EX800 Series Version 3.2 8/07 10

8”

3”

1”

4”

24”

0.5”

(10cm)

(1.25cm)

(20cm)

(2.5cm)

(60cm)

(7.5cm)

Distance to object

Diameter of spot

Non-Contact In fraRed Temperature Measurements

1. Set the function switch to the IR Temp

position.

2. Aim the infrared sensor (rear of the meter) at

the surface to be measured.

3. Press the button in the center of the rotary

function switch to turn on the laser pointer and

identify the surface spot to be measured.

4. The area of the surface to be measured must

be larger than the spot size as determined by

the distance to spot size specification.

5. Read the temperature in the display.

Note: See the “Temperature Units” paragraph to select oF or oC

WARNING: Do not directly view or direct the laser pointer at

an eye. Low power visible lasers do not normally present a

hazard, but may present some potential for hazard if viewed

directly for extended periods of time.

IR Spot to Distance Diagram

The 8:1 spot to distance ratio determines the size of the measured surface area with

respect to the distance the meter is held away from the surface.

IR Measurement Notes

1. The object under test should be larger than the spot (target) size calculated by the

field of view diagram.

2. If the surface of the object under test is covered with frost, oil, grime, etc., clean

before taking measurements.

3. If an object's surface is highly reflective, apply masking tape or flat black paint to the

surface before measuring.

4. The meter may not make accurate measurements through transparent surfaces such

as glass.

5. Steam, dust, smoke, etc. can obscure measurements.

6. To find a hot spot, aim the meter outside the area of interest then scan across (in an

up and down motion) until the hot spot is located.

EX800 Series Version 3.2 8/07 11

Data Hold

To freeze the LCD reading, press the HOLD button. While data hold is active, the HOLD

icon appears on the LCD. Press the HOLD button again to return to normal operation.

Peak Hold

The Peak Hold function captures the peak AC or DC voltage or current. The meter can

capture negative or positive peaks as fast as 1 millisecond in duration.

1. Turn the function switch to the A or V position.

2. Use the MODE button to select AC or DC (ADC EX830 only).

3. Allow time for the display to stabilize.

4. Press and Hold the PEAK button until “CAL” appears in the display. This procedure

will zero the range selected.

5. Press the PEAK button, Pmax will display.

6. The display will update each time a higher positive peak occurs.

7. Press the PEAK button again, Pmin will display. The display will now update and

indicate the lowest negative peak.

8. To return to normal operation, press and hold the PEAK button until the Pmin or

Pmax indicator switches off.

Note: If the Function switch position is changed after a calibration the Peak Hold

calibration must be repeated for the new function selected.

MAX/MIN

1. Press the MAX/MIN key to activate the MAX/MIN recording mode. The display icon

"MAX" will appear. The meter will display and hold the maximum reading and will

update only when a new “max” occurs.

2. Press the MAX/MIN key and “MIN” will appear The display icon "MIN" will appear.

The meter will display and hold the minimum reading and will update only when a

new “min” occurs

3. Press the MAX/MIN key and a blinking “MAX MIN” will appear. The meter will display

the present reading, but will continue to update and store the max and min readings.

4. To exit MAX/MIN mode press and hold the MAX/MIN key for 2 seconds.

Temperature Units (˚F / ˚C)

The temperature units selection switch is located in the battery

compartment. To change the units, remove the battery door, lift

out the battery and set the switch for the desired units.

LCD Backlight Button

The LCD is equipped with backlighting for easier viewing,

especially in dimly lit areas. Press the backlight button to turn the

backlight on. Press again to turn the backlight off.

Automatic Power OFF

In order to conserve battery life, the meter will automatically turn off after approximately 25

minutes. To turn the meter on again, turn the function switch to the OFF position and then

to the desired function position.

Units Switch

EX800 Series Version 3.2 8/07 12

Maintenance

WARNING: To avoid electrical shock, disconnect the meter from any circuit, remove the

test leads from the input terminals, and turn OFF the meter before opening the case. Do

not operate the meter with an open case.

Cleaning and Storage

Periodically wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent; do not use abrasives or

solvents. If the meter is not to be used for 60 days or more, remove the battery and store it

separately.

Battery Replacement

1. Remove the Phillips head screw that secures the rear battery door

2. Open the battery compartment

3. Replace the 9V battery

4. Secure the battery compartment

Temperature Probe Replacemen t

The replacement bead wire probe (with banana plug connectors) is Part Number TP873.

Note: To use a Type K thermocouple probe that is terminated by a subminiature (flat

blade) connector, a subminiature-to-banana plug adaptor (Part Number TP879) is

required.

EX800 Series Version 3.2 8/07 13



Support line (781) 890-7440

Technical support: Extension 200; E-mail: support@extech.co m

Repair & Returns: Extension 210; E-mail: repair@extech.com

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

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 to

sensors and cables). If it should become necessary to return the instrument for service during or

beyond the warranty peri od, contac t the Custo mer Ser vice Department at (781) 89 0-7440 e xt. 210

for authorization or visit our website www.extech.com for contact information. A Return

Authorization (RA) nu mber must be i s s ued bef ore any product is ret urne d to Ex tec h. T he 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 repair and calibration services for the products we sell. Extech also

provides NIST certification for most products. Call the Customer Service Department for

information on calibration services available for this product. Extech recommends that

annual calibrations be performed to verify meter performance and accuracy.