SERVICE If the instrument fails to operate, check battery, test leads, etc. and replace as necessary. If the instrument still does not operate, double check operating procedure as described in the instruction manual. {f the instrument stili malfunctions, place it with packing slip along with a brief description of the problem in sufficient cushioning material in a shipping carton. Be sure to indicate the serial number located on the back of the instrument. Amprobe is not responsible for damage in transit. Make certain your name and address also appears on the box as well as packing slip: Ship prepaid via U.P.S. (where available) or Air Parcel Post insured to: Service Division AMPROBE INSTRUMENT 630 Merrick Road (use for U.P.S.) P.O. Box 329 (use for Parcel Post) Lynbrook, NY 11563-0329 Outside the U.S.A. the local Amprobe representative will assist you. A AMPROBE INSTRUMENT AEE. O\\VISION OF CORE INDUSTRIES INC 630 Merrick Rd., P.O. Box 329, Lynbrook, NY 11563 (516) 593-5600 (516) 593-5682 PIN 978752 -40- Avawproge * at0c-3000 Manual P/N : 978752 5196 . $f ea A AMPROBE INSTRUMENT OIVISON OF CORE HHOUS TRIES INC 630 Merck Ad, P.O Box 329, Lynbvonk, NY 11563 (514) 603-6800 + (5 10) 563-5682Limited Warranty Congratulations! You are now the owner of an AMPROBE Instrument. tt has been crafted according to the highest standards of quality and workmanship. This instrument has been inspected for proper operation of all of Its functions. it has been tested by qualified factory technicians according to the long established standards of AMPROBE INSTRUMENT. Your AMPROBE Instrument has a limited warranty against defective materials, and/or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase provided the seai is unbroken or, in the opinion of the factory, the instrument has not been opened, tampered wih, or taken apart, Should your instrument fail due to defective materiais and/or workmanship during the one-year warranty period, return it along with a copy of your dated bill-of-sale which must identify the instrument by medal number and serial number. IMPORTANT: For your protection, please use the Instrument as soon as possible. if damaged, or should the need arise fo return your instrument, place it In a shipping carion packed with sufficlant cushioning material. k must be securely wrapped, Amprobe Is not responsible for damage in transit. Be sure to include a packing slip (indicating model and serial number) along with a brief description of the problem. Make certain your name and address appears on the box as well as packing slip. Ship prepaid via Alr Parcel Post insured or U.P.S. (where available) to: Service Division AMPROBE INSTRUMENT 630 Merrick Road (use for U.P.S.) P.O. Box 329 (use for Parcel Post) Lynbrook, NY 11563-0320 Outside the U.S.A. the local Amprobe representative will assist you. Above limited warranty covers repair and replacement of instrument only and no other obligation Is stated or implied. RETIIISOURER CAE? ena ae egy tee ete ents oeLIMITED WARRANTY SAFETY INFORMATION A UNIQUE CLAMP-ON MULTIMETER INTRODUCTION TO THE ACDC-3000- USING THE METER SAFELY LCD DISPLAY ILLUSTRATION GETTING ACQUAINTED WITII YOUR METER * ALIGNMENT MARKS ROTARY SWITCH INPUT TERMINAL PUSH BUTTONS PUSH-BUTTON OPERATIONS POWER-ON OPTIONS SPECIAL FUNCTIONS INSTRUCTIONS * Dynamic Recording Data Hold Relative (Zero) * Analog Bargraph * Auto Power Off and Sleep Mode Disable Auto Power Off Deinonstrale Annunciator Backlit LCD for easy reading in Ue dark * Continuity Function For Ohins Measurement Combination Display * 1 ms Peak Hold 15 1S 17 17 18 18 9 19 20 21 22 o use ey srnnebecees CEOS HOW TO OPERATE e AC CURRENT MEASUREMENT DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMERS MEASUREMENT ADJUSTABLE SPEED MOTOR CONTROLLERS AC MOTOR CURRENT MEASUREMENT * AC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT RESISTANCE / CONTINUITY MEASUREMENT DIODB CHECK GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS ACDC.3000 ACCESSORIES AND REPLACEMENT PARTS ELECTRICAL SPEC! IFICATIONS CURRENT HARMONICS THEORY * TRUE RMS MEASUREMENT WAVEFORM COMPARISON MAINTENANCE e SERVICE BATTERY REPLACEMENT CLEANING SERVICE 31 32 35 36 38 38 38 380 SAFETY INFORMATION To ensure that you use the meter safely, follow the safely guidelines listed below: Avoid working alone. Take precautions when working around moving parts. Use extreme caution when working around bare conductors or bus bars. Accidental contact with the conductor could result in electric shock. Use the meter only as specified in this manual, otherwise the protecti i the meter may be impaired. protection provided by e Never measure current while the test leads are inserted into the input terminals. * Do not use the meter if it looks damaged. . Inspect the leads for damaged insulation or exposed metal. Check test lead continuity. Replace damaged leads. . Disconnect the power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing in the resistance, continuity, and diode function. Use caution when working above 60V DC or 25V AC RMS. Such voltages pose a shock hazard. . When making measurements, keep your fingers behind the finger guards on the probe. * Select the proper function and range for your measurement. To avoid damaging the meter when testing voltage above 350V AC RMS, disconnect the test leads from test points before changing functions. Read this operation manual completely before using the ineter and follow all safety instructions. cs secneasaneasnesnecch at CO INTRODUCTION TO THE ACDC-3000 Measuring current accurately is a difficult job in today's industrial plants and commercial buildings. An increasing number of persona! computers, adjustable speed motor drives, and other types of electronic equipment come on-line every day. These devices draw current in short pulses, and afe referred to as non-linear loads. Non-linear loads draw high peak currents, causing harmonics in the load current. This may result in unexplained circuit breaker tripping, or dangerous overheating of neutral cond! and transf Currents ining h can only be accurately measured with a true-rms meter or clamp meter. This clamp-on multimeter offers the combination of TRUB-RMS measurements (AC+DC TRUE RMS) and Frequency or Duty Cycle measurements needed Lo. troubleshoot probleins associated with both traditional and non-linear loads. Frequency measurement helps detect the presence of harmonics in neutral conductors and determine whether they are the result of unbalanced phases or non- linear loads. The analog bar graph continues to display feal-time current (or voltage) ineasurements while reading frequency(or Duty Cycle) on the digital display. This allows simultaneous monitoring of current loads and frequency(or Duty Cycle). The ACDC-3000 CLAMP-ON MULTIMETER is shown in Figure 1. This meter bas many functions which are shown below: : Combination display: Frequency (Duty cycle) indication by digital display and Current ( Voltage) indication by analog bar graph. Resolution of display adjustable: 4000/ 20000 counts. eTRUE RMS measurement for non-linear and traditional loads. Doth Current and Voltage can do DC+AC measurement. ek ms Peak Hold feature to capture glitch or draw current in short pulse. Frequency and Duty cycle measurements help to easily analyze components of Amp or Volt signal. o Wide range of Current measurement: 40, 400, 1000 A, AC+DC Wide range of Voltage meosurement: 4, 40, 400, 600 V, AC+DC o Wide range of Resistance measurement: 400. 4k, 40k, 400k, 4M, 40M Q Dynamic Recording helps to record the variation of tests. Backlit display for easy reading in dark places. Hand Guard for pre of accidental contact with uct Carrying case with shoulder strap Data Hold to freeze displayed digital value. Relative(zero) function Auto and Manual RengingHand guard design for more safety. Ohm measurement :4000-40NN. D eR = a to recerd the variation of tests. And one touch DATA (edad Nf Rotary switeh for easy operation, Vollage mearurement 14V~1000, Current messurement 140A,4004, 10004, oe a mt Dual disple Frequen: rel ea Prequenay/baty csi Current/Voltage by CoC True RMS| bar graph. ime Peak Hold for glitch capture. NY Both Current and faltage can do DC+AC measurement, ~{ @ @ True RNS measurement " ,O! oe cat ust for non-linear and AA ANPROBE ncOC-3000 Backlit aiap lay for easy reading in the dark place. -AUTO/MANUAL SELECT. tradiUonal loads, Relative (ZERO) made for deviation measurements. Frequency/Duty cycle astting, continuity. Figure 1. A Unique Clamp-ON Multimeter -6- mom a ie is Re PR eae O WARNING Read "SAFETY INFORMATION" before using the meter. CO NOTE Some typical automobile tests are provided in this manual. These teats are designed to help you understand how to use the Meter. Consult your cars service manual for the test procedures that apply to your particular car. Your Clamp-on multimeter is a hand-held, battery-operated instrument for testing and troubleshooting, bile or power el ic sy . if the meter is damaged or something is missing, contact the place of purchase immediately. A WARNING identifies conditions and actions that pose hazard(s) to the user; a CAUTION identifies conditions and actions that may damage the Meter. International electrical symbols used are explained in Table 1. AC - Alternating Current Ile DC - Direct Current AC and DC - Alternating and Direct Current Ground Double Insulation Blut! See Explanation in the Manual Table L. International Electrical Symbols ee= quinn: Analog bar graph annunciator with scalar ~ 22 el OFF ez b Ac bE AC AUTO A DII MAX AVG MIN MAX AVG MIN ))) >t *1)) A Vv. MkQ MkIIz % 4000 VA ZOOM 8 fauto A on MAX AVG IN 56 ag 14,150))) foam _ VAgss, 2r QUT 8, 2 a . MkAHz| is so 3 o % 3 % ANDEADADLADEDORBIGONVOQUDDOONLANGADUANIDD indicators : Indicates the auto power off enable : Indicates the battery power is weakening : Direct Current or Voltage : Alternating Current or Voltage : Indicates the measurement is DC+AC {Altemating + Direct Current or Voltage) : Indicates AUTO range Mode + Zero( Delta) mode annunciator : Data hold annunciator : Dynamic recording mode, indicates the present reading : Indicates the maximum reading : Indicates the average reading : Indicates the minimum reading : Continuity function annunciator : Diode/Audible continuity function annunciator ; Unit of Current measurement : Unit of Voltage measurement : Units of Resistance (ohm) measurement : Units of Frequency measurement : Units of Duty cycle measurement ; Used to indicate the range of Voltage, Current, Diode and Ohm measurements. : Indicates ZOOM bar graph mode. 9 10,.11,18,13 | pr er *f 194000 oy A Figure 2. LCD Display -8- ements POV EE OOF 1D) ALIGNMENT MARKS Conductor MARK MARK Figure 3. Alignment Marks Put the conductor within the jaws on inside section of the indicated marks as much as possible (Figure 3), in order to meet the meter accuracy specifications. O Rotary Switch To turn the meter on and select a function, tum the rotary switch (Figure d) loa switch setting. The whole display lights for one second. ; Then the meter is ready for use. (If you press and hold down any pushbutton while turning the meter from OFF to ON, the display remains Jit until the pushbutton is released.) 1) Power Off Position 2) DC, AC or DC+AC Current measurements. 3) DC, AC or DC+AC Voltage measurements. 4) Resistance or Continuity measurement. 5) Diode and Audible Continuity measurements. 5 >) ay 3 h2AV Hz A OFF Figure 4. Rotary Switch -9-O INPUT TERMINAL WARNING To avoid damaging the meter, do not exceed input limits shown below in Table 1: ARY V- 2-bF & COM V-Q-b & COM y 3. Press to toggle or yy DHT ON/OFF. STC V-Q & COM Press end hold for more thao ! second to set Dynamic Recording then presse to step through MAX,MIN, AVG and present readings. Table 1. Input limit specification. The meter has two input terminals (Figure 5) that are protected against overloads to the limits shown in the specifications. 1) Common terminal for all measurements. 2) Volts, Ohms, Diode test and Frequency(Duty Cycle) of Voltage measurements. i. Presa to select DC,AC,DC+AC oa Presa and hold for me more than | second to toggle.belween . PEAK and DC. 6, In manual range press to step up 1 range at a tim a. Press and hojd for t sec to select Auto range. . Press to toggle the Relative (ZERO) mode ON/OFF. n . Press to toggle Continuity(-} ON/OFF for Ohm measurement. | Presa to select frequency or Duty ~ cycle for Vollage, Current measurements, Presse end hold for tore than one second to exil selected mode. Presa more than } seo to toggle Backlight ON/OFF. Figure 6. Push buttons Figure 5. Input Terminal ~10- We AR eatnlhoeei eeeThe operation of the push-buttons are outlined below. When a button is pushed, a display symbol lights, and beeper sounds. Turning the rotary switch to another switch setting resets all push buttons to their default states. The pushbuttons are shown in Figure 6(Page 11). 1) DC+ AC/PEAKO: DC, AC, DC+AC, Peak Test Select This pusht is used for selecting the t of either Direct source, Alternating source, DC+AC or | ms peak hold (glitch capture) function. Press button momentarily to step through DC, AC and DC+AC test. Press more than { second to toggle 1 ms peak hold test ON/OFF. Pusli the PEAK button momentarily to select peak+ or peak ineasurement after setting the peak mode. The display shows "DH MAX" to indicate the PEAK + and show "DH MIN? to indicate the PEAK-. To select the ZOOM mode, use Power-On Option (see page 14). The unit of each bargraph segment is changed from 100 counts/bar to 25 counts/bar to increase the resolution of the bargraph indication. 2) ) (Hz %: Continuity(Prequency, Duty cycle) In Ohm test, press button momentarily to toggle" 1) ON/OFF. The continuity buzzer sounds when test value is below 100 counts (10.00). Pushing this button for more than 1 second exits the continuity function and returns to the autoranging obins measurement. For Volt or Ainp test, press this button momentarily to enter Frequency (Hz), Voltage or Current is displayed by the bargraph. Press this button again to go from Frequency to Duty cycle test. Press this button for more than 1 second to retum to Voltage or Current digital measurement. Press to re-start | ms peak bold test after setting peak mode. 3) DHO: DATA HOLD or Refresh Data Hold The data hold function allows operator to hold the displayed digital value, but the analog bargraph continues showing present readings. Ifyou select * Refresh Data Hold * by Power-ON Options. the reading is . updated to the display automatically when the reading level changes. The beeper sounds a tone to remind user, that an update bas occurred. Press this button momentarily to toggle DH on or off. -12- 4) MAX MIN O: Dynamic Recording Records maximum, minimum, and calculates true average. * Press this button for more than 1 second to toggle recording mode on or off. Press this button momentarily to cycle through MAXimum, MINimum, AVGerage and present ( MAX AVG MIN ) readings. . The beeper sounds when anew maximum or minimum value is recorded. * 5) ZERO/%* O: ZERO (Relative/Backlight The relative function shows difference between the measured value and the stored value. Press to toggle zero(A) ON or OPP. . Press this button for more than 1 second to toggle Backlight ON or OFF. Backlight tums off automatically after 30 seconds. 6) RANGE / AUTO O: Inautorange press this button momentarily to select manual range and turn off the "AUTO" annunciator. Inmanual range, press this button momentarily to step up | range at one time, press this button for more than 1 second to select autorange. Inautorange, the" AUTO annunciator is lit and the meter will select an appropriate range for measurement being made. If a reading is greater than maximum available range, OL? (overload) is displayed on the screen. The meter selects a lower range when reading is less than about 9% of full scale. Push this button momentarily to change measuring range and re-start the PEAK+ or PEAK- measurement after setting the peak mode. -13- GRAD IO NEIIE KCONE EERE AURA CAINS O SELECTING POWER-ON OPTIONS Some options can be selected only when you tum the meter on. These power-on options are listed in Table 2. To select power-on options, press and hold down pushbutton while turning the rotary switch to any ON position. Power-on options remain selected until the meter is turned off. PUSHBUTTON OPTION DESCRIPTION {Demonstrate Annuncialors Tod the iators, Pull i are displayed. Press any buttons momentarily to exit demonstrate DH mode. 9 Disable auto-power off MAX MIN _ [tn general, the auto-power off function turns the meter off if veither rotary switch nor push button is activated for 15 minutes. You can disable auto-power off function by this option. When Lsuto-power off is disabled the meter will stay on continuously. uto-power off is auto disable in Dynamic Recording. Enable" Refresh Data Wold". ject Zoom mode of Bargraph Display. In Zoom mode, the unit of bargraph is 25 counts/bar. In general, the unit of bargraph is 100 counts/bar, age Seles 41/2 asi display. Pull scale 19999 Counts for Volt, iode, Ohm Measurements, | OS RANGE en second response. Disables backlight, automatically turns off after 30 seconds. o ZERO ))) Turns off all beeper functions. Hze & Table 2, Power-ON Options -14- TERRA Rae aE An eE This clamp-on multimeter provides the operator with various functions including: D Dynamic Recording OG Data Hold OG Zero Relative) Ol Analog Bargraph 0 Auto Power Off and Sicep Mode U1 Disable Auto Power Off 0 Demonstrate Annunciator of Display D Backlit LCD for easy reading in the dark C Continuity Function For Ohms M t O Combination Display D1 ms Peak Hold o DYNAMIC RECORDING The dynamic recording mode can be used to catch intermittent and tum on or tum off surges, verify performance, measure while you are away, or lake readings while you are operating the equipment under test and can not watch the meter. The average reading is useful for smoothing out unstable or changing inputs, esti- mating the percent of time a circuit is operational, or verifying circuit performance. The operational procedures are described below: 1) Press "MAX MIN" for more than 1 second to enter the dynamic recording mode. The present value is stored to memories of maximum, minimun and average, and MAX AVG MIN annunicator tums on. 2) Press this button for more than 1 second to toggle recording mode on or off. 3) Press this button momentarily to cycle through maximum, minimum, average and present readings. The MAX, MIN, AVG or MAX AVG MIN annunciator turns on respectively to indicate what value is being displayed, see Figure 7. 4) The beeper sounds when a new maximum or minimum value is recorded. 5) Ifan load is ded the i ion is stopped. An ge Value becomes * OL "(overload). 6) In dynamic recording mode, the auto power off feature is disabled and the @OFF " turns off .18- RUT IIE ee7) Select dynamic recording in auto range, it will record th N G for different ranges. . value of MAX, MIN or 8) The record speed of dynamic recording is about 100 milli af ids (0.1 second). 9) The average value is the true average of all measured alues tak i recording mode was entered. alues taken tine the 1. Press for more than 1 second to enter Dynamic Recording. aun @) ASO. wl ve an | Jb00: + buemasboioe *| MAX: MIN | again fae we 3856" Push again + uundomashamaduae **) MAX* MIN Push MAX+ MIN {asain 00 Push ; MAX: MIN {asin Figure 7. Display of Dynamic Recording -16- The data hold function allows operator to hold the displayed digital value, but the analog bargraph continues showing present readings. Press "DH" button to enter the data hold mode, and the "DH" is displayed. Press the button again to exit. The present reading is now shown. To hold digital display OH MAXe NIN Figure 8. Dats Hold Operation. 0 RELATIVE (ZERO) The relative function subtracts a stored value from the present measurement and displays the result. 1) Press ZERO button momentarily to set the relative mode. This sets the display to zero and stores the displayed reading as a reference value, also A" is displayed. 2) Both autorange or manual range can set relative mode. The relative mode can't be set when an overload has occurred. 3) Press this button again to exit the relative mode. ~ 4) When the DC Current measurement mode is entered, the display reads a non- zero DC Current(positive or negative) value due to the presence of the Earth's Magnetism. This value is variable according to location measuring DC Current. You can use the relative function to Zero-Adjust the display. Figure 9. Relutive(Zero) Operation. <i7-0 ANALOG BARGRAPH The analog bargraph display provides a 42 segment analog reading representation. The unit of the bargraph is 100 counts/bar except when in the ZOOM mode. The unit of the Bargraph is 25 counts/bar in the ZOOM mode. The bargraph is used to indicate AC voltage or Current value, when frequency or Duty cycle measurements are displayed. Bar greph unit; 100 counts/Bar Bar graph unit: 25 counts/Bar Figure 10. Analog Bar Graph. O AUTO POWER OFF AND SLEEP MODE Two step way for power saving: 1) The instrument may enter "sleep* mode within 15 minutes, if none of the following happens. 1-1. Push buttons used. 1-2, Measurement function changed. 1-3. Dynamic recording set. 1-4. | ms peak hold set. 1-5. Disable auto power off with power-up option. 2) In sleep mode, the LCD will display a blinking "@22E . . .* signal. 2-1. To wake-up sleep inode, press any push button for 0.5 sec or rotate rotary switch. 2-2. Without wake-up, after 15 minutes, the meter will automatically shut off completely. : 3) You must turn the rotary switch to the OFP position, then turn on to activate the meter after an auto power off. Figure 11. Sleep Mode -18- C1 DISABLE AUTO POWER OFF When the meter is to be used for long periods of time, the operator might want to disable the auto power off. Once the auto power off function is disabled, the meter will stay on continuously. The meter is shut off by turning the rotary switch to the off "To activate this function, press and hold the "DH/MAX MIN* button before switching the meter power on. When all annunciators are displayed, press any button momentarily to exit demonstrate mode, and the * @OFF* annunciator will be off. CO DEMONSTRATE ANNUNCIATOR To demonstrate the annunciators, press "DH/MAX MIN button and turn on the meter simultaneously. All annunciators will be displayed. Press any button to exit demonstrate mode. ana Oy 1. Press this button] 7 2. Turn on meter. Figure 12. Demonstrate Annuaciator. O BACKLIT DISPLAY FOR EASY READING IN THE DARK Press * button for more than 1 second to toggle backlight ON/OFF. Backlight curns off automatically after 30 seconds. . To disable backlight(off automatically after 30 seconds), use POWER-ON option (see page 14). e bccaa Tor more) Turn_on backlit, @ than 1 sec. itho Figure 13. Backlit Display. -10- ND MRISO CONTINUITY FUNCTION FOR OHMS MEASUREMENT In Ohin test, press ))) button momentarily to toggie CONTINUITY function ON/OFF, The continuity range is 0-400.02. Momentarily pushing this button will only tum the beeper on/off. Pushing this button for more than | second will exit the continuity function and Tetum to autoranging oluns measurement. When testing continuity, the beeper sounds if the resistance falls below 102. . OL hnuieinannifanuninnay (40MQ Range) | me @ @ @ @) Aven \ ey Figure 14, Continuity Operation, -20- SRA PR ME 2 O COMBINATION DISPLAY The frequency measuring mode helps detect the presence of harmonic currents in neutral conductors and determines whether these neutral currents are the result of unbalanced phases or non-linear loads. The analog bar graph continues to display real-time current measurements while reading frequency(or Duty Cycle) on the digital display. This allows simultaneous monitoring of current levels and frequency(or Duty Cycle). For Voltage or Current test, press Hz * % button momentarily to enter Frequency test. AC Voltage or Current is now displayed in bargraph. Press this button again to step through Prequency and Duty cycle test. The frequency measurement is always in autorange and the voltage current is a fixed range. You can select measuring range of Voltage or current by pressing RANGE button momentarily. Press Hz * % bution more than | second to return to Voltage or Current measurement. Frequency =60Hz ACV=11L0V Press Hz*% for more than | second to exit dual measurements. Figure 15. Combination Display for Voltage Measuring. -21eO 1 ms Peak Hold You can use this Meter to analyze components such as power distribution trans- formers and power factor correction capacitors. The additional features allow the measurement of the half-cycle peak current by using the 1 ms peak hold feature. This allows the determination of the crest factor: Crest factor = Peak value/True RMS value 1) Press PEAK button for more than | second to toggle 1 ms peak hold node ON/OFF. 2) Press PEAK button momentarily to select PEAK+ or PEAK- ineasurement after setting the peak mode. 3) The display shows "DI MAX" to indicate the PEAK + and shows DI MIN to indicate the PEAK -. See Figure 16. If the reading is" OL, then you can push RANGE button momentarily to change measuring range and re-start the PEAK+ or PEAK- measurement after setting the peak inode. 4) Press Hz % button to re-set ue 1 ms peak hold again after setting peak mode. owt Press ~ - Dros "PEAK" _ wowwt ||) ee we Prax once . . @) epee ew Repos ose ! xee Press se Presa once RANGE 4 ODEe "RANGE mms Presa, ( wewel PEAK www once 4 . a once mmr Presa {~ o Capture the PEAK oSf Capture the peektvalue, {555 __|7 - pek-value, le te ee - pie Figure 16. 1 ms Peak Hold Display. -22- at Sr OAC CURRENT MEASUREMENT WARNING: MAKE CERTAIN THAT ALL TEST LEADS ARB DISCONNECTED FROM THE METER TERMINALS. 1) Set the rotary switch to A. 2) Press DC * AC buiton momentarily to select AC Current mmeaswremen. accurate jaws and clamp ar aconductor, The u 3) Press the handle to open ja p to neoeeng ding will be obtained by 5 marks on the jaws. 4) Read the display. ping the st CORRECT 0s00: INCORRECT EATS Lom Figure 17. Measuring AC Current. +23-C1 DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMERS MEASUREMENT You can measure excessive current, load balance between phases, true RMS and frequency of eutral current. True RMS measurement yields the effective value. 1) Set the rotary switch to" A". 2) Press DC * AC button momentarily to select AC Current measurement. Clamp around a phase wire of the transfonner. Be sure the clamp jaws are securely closed, or measurements will not be accurate. 3) Observe the display for tue RMS current. 4) Repeat your measurement for each phase to determine balance. Unbalanced phases cause neutral currents. 5) Clanip around the neutral wire. 6) Observe the display for true RMS current reading. Any significant flow, with balanced phases, may indicate the presence of harmonic currents. 7) Press the Hz % button momentarily to measure the frequency of the current in the neutral wire. Reading indicates the frequency of the dominant current. A 180Flz reading in a GOHz systein indicates the presence of 3RD harmonic current. 8) Press the DIL button to freeze the digital display. 9) Press the DC AC button more than | second to measure half-cycle peak to current(DH MAX displayed). Divide first reading into the second reading to determine cresi factor. A crest factor other than 1.414 is an indication of harmonic current. 10)Press the MAX MIN button for more than 1 second to enter record teadings. Momentavily press to review maximum, minimum, and average values. 11)Press dhe MAX MIN bution for more than I second to exit recording. Figure 18. Measuring AC Current. -24- D ADJUSTABLE SPEED MOTOR CONTROLLERS You can measure input current, output current and frequency of adjustable speed inotor controllers. The output current frequency is used to calculate the rotating speed of the motor, while input current frequency is used to measure the frequency of the power line. The frequency of the output current is important because the voltage frequency is often ingless for the calculations of motor controller speed. 1) Set the rotary switch to" A*. 2) Press DC AC bution momentarily to select AC Current ineasurement. ; 3) Clamp sround an input or output phase (as required), and run motor at desired speed, Be sure the clap jaws are securely closed, or measurements will not be accurate. 4) Observe the display for true RMS current. 5) Measure an output phase of the motor controller and use Hz mode to measure frequency. Nomina! motor speed is calculated by formula is shown below: RPM = 120 F/P F: measured frequency P: number of pairs of motor poles. 6) Press the MAX MIN button for more than | second to record readings. To view readings, momentarily push MAX MIN bution. ; ; 7) Press the MAX MIN button for more than | second to exit recording. , Figure 19. Measuring Input/Output AC Current of Controller. -25-O AC MOTOR CURRENT MEASUREMENT You can measure starting (inrush) current, running current, aud current iinbalance, inrush current is typically 6 tines the value of running current, depending on the motor type. 1) Set the rotary switch to" A. 2) Press DC AC bution momentarily to select AC Current measurement. 3) Clamp around a inotor phase conductor. Be sure the clamp jaws are securely closed, or measurements will not be accurate. 4) When the motor reaches the desired speed, observe the running current. 5) Repeat your measurement for each motor phase. Unbalanced current may be caused by a voltage imbalance, or a shorted motor winding. 6) Press the PEAK button (or more than 1 second to set 1 ma peak hold mode. (Note : default current range is 400.0A) 7) Clamp around a motor phase conductor. Be sure the clamp jaws are securely closed, or measurements will not be accurate. 8) Press'Hz % button to test the inrush current. 9) Turn the motor on, When the motor gets to the desired speed, observe the display for inrush current. 10) If (he reading is" OL", then you cun push RANGE button momentarily to change meusuring range. Turn off the motor, Repeat step 8 through 9. 11) Repeat your measurement from step 7 through 10 for each motor phase, 12) Press the PEAK button for more than I second to exit { ins peak hold mode. Figure 20. Measuring AC Motor Current. -26- AC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT 1) Set the rotary switch to * V". . . . 2) Insert the black test lead to * COM * terminal and red test lead to V Q > tenninal. 3) Press DC AC button momentarily to select AC Voltage measurement. 4) Touch the probes to the test points and read the display. Figure 21. Measuring Voltage. -27- OR Sa a RR URN RMS SAMRAT vere0 RESISTANCE / CONTINUITY MEASUREMENT 1) Set the rotary switch to # ))}Q* 2) {nsert the black test lead to COM terminal and red test lead to V Q >" terminal. 3) Press ))) button momentarily to enter continuity function if required. 4) Touch the test leads to the circuit(Puse Cartridge or other) and read resistance 5 tae inte any. The beeper sounds if continuity reading is tess than 10,0Q. t he rel ative ite ta) function can compensate for test lead resistance before waking CAUTION: Wien ue input is not connected (open circuit), Ue OL (over load) is displayed hen checking in-circuit resistance, be sure the power is removed aci ; . and the has been discharged before measuring. he capacitor Be sure that the contact between the probes and the circuit is clean. Dirt, oil, paint, rust or other foreign matter seriously affects resistance. , FUSE CARTRIDGE PUSE CARTRUGE igure 22. Measuring Resistance and Continuity. -28- 1 DIODE CHECK A good diode allows current to flow in one direction only. To test a diode, tum the power off, remove the diode from the circuit, and proceed as follows: 1) Set the rotary switch to" bh )))*position. 2) Insert the black test lead to "COM" terminal and red test lead to" VQ be erminal. 3) Touch the red lead to the positive side of the diode and the black lead to the negative side. The meter can display diode voltage drops to approximately 2.5 V.A typical voltage drop is 0.5 ~ 0.8 and causes the meter to beep once. 4) Reverse the probes and measure the voltage across the diode again. If the diode is: * Good: OL * is displayed. + Shorted ; Near 0 V drop is displayed in both directions, and the beeper sounds continuously. Open: * OL is displayed in both directions. 5) Repeat step 3 and 4 for other diodes. Randin) on negotive sida (colhode) anode) _ PE uthode) (4) ir) BLACK{Touch to Chassia Ground) Botlery cube terminal Trere are 2 Dicdes in Saries in the Altemotor. Figure 23. Measuring Diode on Alternator. 29+ 7 3 a PEE RaT NSH Neon ersth sateen Meaney Ss Ne ea eia RS Saat a aaa eat ered * en Display: 4 1/2 digits liquid crystal display (LCD) with maximum reading of , 4000/20000 selectable. 43 segments analog bar graph and full annunciator. Automatic polarity indication. Functions: DCV. ACV, DCA, ACA, DC+AC V or A, OHM, Diode check, Audible Continuity, Frequency and Duty cycle test, Measuring rate: 3.3 times per second for 4000 counts. 1 time per second for 20000 counts. \ 0.5~2 tines per second for frequency/Duty cycle tests. \ Low bottery indicator: The "Z=)" appears when the battery voltage drops below TV (approx.) Operating temperature: 0C to 50C (32F to 120F), 0 - 80% R.H. { Storage temperature: -20C to 60C (-4P to 140 PF), 0 - 80% R.H. | with BATTERY REMOVED. | Temperature coefficient: 0.12 % / *C(from 0C to 18C or 28C 10 50C) Power supply: Single standard NEDA1604, JISOO6P,IBC6F22 carbonzine or alkaline type 9V battery. MAX. Jaw Opening: To Accommodate Circuit Cables 2" ( 50.8 mm ) diameter. Dimension: 32 (H) x 64 (W) x 260 (L) mm 1.26(H) x 2.52"(W) x 10.24"(L) Weight: 840 grams with batteries included. (1.85 lbs with batteries included.) A Accessories: Tes! teads (pair), Manual, Battery and Carrying case. Sufety: Designed to comply with 12C1010-1 Instrument Category(Overvoltage Category) III, 600V, Pollution Degree 2, Product will be inarked when approved. -30- +31-. pasnanannensaseseanaratacsesranbtren EO ORIG. SPRINT Ure ee Accuracy is given as t% of reading + no. of least significant digits at 23C 45C, with relative humidity Less than 80% R.H. In the 4 1/2 digit mode, multiply the number of least significant digits(dgt) by 10. DC Vv Accuracy Overload (0.5 %rdg+3dgt) 100i 850V AC DC or 1 Input Impedance: }OMQ C VOLTA Range 1200V DC or 850V AC rms 21.5 %rdg +5dg0) Input Crest factor: >3:1 10MQ // less than 100pP 0 AC+DC VOLTAGE Resolution H25%rdg +9dgt) X3.5%rdg +9dgt) 1200V DC or 850V AC mins Input Impedance: 1OMQQ // less than 100pP Crest factor: >3:1 O VOLTAGE (1 ms PEAK HOLD) +/- Range Accuracy 2(1.5%rdg+43dgt) DC or 850V AC mms Input Impedance: (OMQ +325 et oe - AC Range Resolution 40A 1A O.1A 1000A, 1A Crest factor: >3:1 AC+DC Range Resolution 1A 0. 1A Crest factor: >3:1 D CURRENT (1 ms PEAK IIOLD) Range | Resolution Accuracy 600V DC/ 1.28V AC ms Instant Continuity: Built-in buzzer sounds when resistance is less than 10.002 . +33- Oe aeQO c Accuracy 0.1Hz 10Hz Overload protection: 1200V DC/ 850Vnns AC; < 1000000 VxHz INPUT RANGE inpat for 40 Hz-2 kHz accuracy = DUTY CYCLE 0.0 to 99.9% MINIMUM SENSITIVITY {0 Hz-200 Accuracy: Wilhin 2(0.3% per kHz + 0.3%) of full scale for a O DIODE CIIECK Range |_ Resolution Accuracy Test Current Test Voltage > ImV 4(1.0%rdg+2dgt) approx. 1.65mA <3.3V * Overload protection: 600V DC/RMS AC O AUDIBLE CONTINUITY TEST Range | Resolution Accuracy Test Current Test Voltage built-in buzzer > sounds when ImV reading is approx. 1.65mA <3.3V ))) below approx. 100 mV * Overload protection: 600V DC/-RMS AC SO NOI peneteeacads niet Seenees CIT! eee acs True-RMS current is very important because it directly relates to the amount of heat dissipated in wiring, transformers, and system connections as weil as variations in loads. Most clamp meters in the market measure avetage current, not tre RMS current, even if this average value is displayed on a scale calibrated in rms. These average-sensing meters are accurale only for sinusoidal signals. All current signals are virtually distorted in some way. The most common is harmonic distortion caused by non-linear loads such as household electrical ppli personal comp or speed ls for motor drives. Harmonic distortion causes significant currents at frequencies that are at odd muitiples of the power line frequency. Harmonic current puts a substantial impact on the neutral wires of wye-connected power distribution systems. In most countries a power distribution system uses commercial 3-pbase 50112/60Hz power applied to a transformer with a delta-connected primary, and a wy d dary. The dary g' lly provides 120V AC froin phase to neutral, and 208V AC from pliase to phase. To balance the loads for each phase was a big headache for the electrical system designer, historically. The vector addition of the currents in the transformers neutral wire was zero or quite low (because perfect-balance was rarely achieved) ina well-balanced system, b devices 1 to it were i d lighting, small motors, and other devices that presented linear loading. The result was an essentially sine-wave current in each phase and a low neutral current at a frequency of $0Hz/60Hz. But, devices such as TV sets, fluorescent lighting, video machines, and microwave ovens are commonly drawing power line current for only a fraction of each cycle so that they cause non-linear loading and subsequent non-linear current. This generates odd harmonics of the 50Hz / 60Hz line frequency. Therefore, the current in the transformer of today contains not only a 50Hz (or 60Hz) component, but a 150Hz (or 180Hz) component, a 2501 lz (or 300Hz) component, and the other significant harmonic components up to a 750HIz (or 900Hz) component and beyond. The vector addition ina properly-balanced power distribution system feeding uon- linear loads may still be quite low. But, the addition does not cancel all the harmonic currents. The odd multiples of the 3rd harmonic (called the TRIPLENS) are, particularly, added together in the neutral. These harmonics can form a total RMS current in the transformer's neutral wire that is normally 130% of the total RMS current measured in any individual phase, whose theoretical maximum is 173%. For example, phase currents of 80 ainperes may cause harmonic current in the neutral is most commonly the 3rd harmonic. The electrical designer must consider the following 3 issues when he designs a power distribution system containing hannonic current. -35- PEROT ASE PIR IRSRIC ON Wrrocbe we ecerinn mm mere ot reat1, 1, The AC neutral wires must be of sufficient gauge to allow for harmonic current. 2. The distribution wansformer must have additional cooling to continue operation at its rated capacity, if it is not harmonic-rated. This is because the harmonic current in the secondary neutral wire is circulating in the delta-connected primary winding, after it is reflected to the primary winding. The circulating harmonic current heats up the ansformer. 3. Phase current harmonics are reflected to the primary winding and they continue back towards the power source. This can cause distortion of the voltage wave so that any power factor correction capacitors on the line can be easily overloaded. We can use this Meter to analyze components such as power distribution transformers and power factor correction capacitors. The additional features allow the measurement of the half-cycle peak current by using the Ims peak hold feature. This allows the determination of the crest factor: Crest factor = Peak value/True RMS value 4. Fora free video on Amprobes HA-2000 series hannonic/wavefonn analyzer please contact Amprobe directly. O TRUE RMS MEASUREMENT The meter measures the tue RMS value of AC voltages and currents. In physical terms, the RMS (root-mean-square) value of a waveform is the equivalent DC value that causes the same amount of heat to be dissipated in a resistor. True RMS measurement greatly simplifies the analysis of complex AC signals. Since the RMS value is the DC equivalent of the original waveform, it provides a reliable basis for comparing dissimilar waveforms. By contrast, any meters use average-responding AC converters rather than true RMS converters. The scale factor in these meters are adjusted so that they display the RMS value for a hannonic-free sine wave. However, if a signal is not sinusoidal, average-responding meters do not display correct RMS readings. O WAVEFORM COMPARISON Table 3 illustrates the relationship between AC and DC components for common waveforms, and compares readings for true RMS meters and average-responding meters. For example, consider the first waveform, a 1.414V (zero-to-peak) sine wave. Both this Clamp-on meter and RMS-calibrated average-responding meters display the correct RMS reading of 1.000V (the DC component equals 0). However, consider the 2V (peak-to-peak) square wave, both types of meter correctly measure the DC component (0V). The clamp meter correctly measures the AC component (1.000V).The average-responding meter measures 1.111V, which amounts to an 11% error. Since average-responding meters have been in use for many years, one may have accumulated test or reference data based on them. The conversion factors in Table 3 should help you convert between the two measurement methods. -36- Table 3. WA /EFORM COMPARISON CHART. *RMSCALIST AC-COUPLED PEAK METERED VOLTAGES DC SAND VOLTAGE AC TOT UE RMS= PKPK | 0-PK [_AC COMPONENT ONLY DC TR WAVERORM RMS CAL* | OUR METER COMPONENT fact+ dc : 01 SINE PK i OV ym 2.828 | t4i4 | 1.000 1.000 0.000 1.000 Fe RECTIFIED SINE (FULL WAVE) | 1414] 1.414 {0.421 0.436 0.900 1.000 ma NES RECTIFIED SINE (HALF WAVE) | 2.000] 2.000 | 0.779 0.771 0.636 1.000 = " ALN SQUARE 0.000 1.000 2.000 | 1.000} 1.111 1.000 , : o PKK RECTIFIED JUARE me rar. 1414 | bald 0.875 0.707 0.707 1,000 TU RECTANGULAR PULSE " meee | 2.000 | 2.000 | 4.442K7 2K 2D WD ave Tt oxy TRIANGLE SAWTOOTH : AL | 3.464 | 1.732 | 0.962 1.000 0.000 1.000 Ayn T aL TIE DISPLAYED VALUE FOR AVERAGE RESPONDING METERS THAT ARE CALIBRATED TO DISPLAY RMS FOR SINE WAVES -37-eae ehanananseeee enor sneanset , G re Asaersrcat pare penteattraete WARNING To avoid electrical shock, do not perforin any servicing unless you are qualified to do 80. 0 SERVICE If the instrument fails to operate, check battery, test leads, etc. and replace as necessary. If the instrument stil! does not operate, double check operating procedure as described in this instruction manual. When servicing, use only specified replaceinent parts. WARNING To avoid electrical shock or damage to the meter, do not get water inside the case. Remove the test leads and any input signals before opening the case. O BATTERY REPLACEMENT The meter is powered by a single 9V battery, with NEDA1604, SOO6P, IEC6F22 carbonzine or alkaline battery. Replace battery if the low battery sign (| is displayed and flashing. Use the following procedure to replace the battery: 1, Unclamp the jaw from the conductor, turn it off using the rotary switch and disconnect the test leads from external equipment. 2. Logsen screw on battery cover, then pull up the cover slightly, see Figure 24. 3. Pull and Move the cover to right direction, see Figure 25. 4. Replace the defective battery. 5. Reverse the procedure of opening cover to close the battery cover, O CLEANING To clean the instrument, use a soft cloth dampened in a solution of mild detergent and water. Do not spray cleaner directly onto the instrument, since it may leak into the cabinet and cause damage. Do not use chemicals containing benzine, benzene, toluene, xylene, acetone or similar solvents. -98- Pull up slightly. Figure 24. Step 1 of Battery Replacement. Figure 25. Step 2 of Battery Replacement. -99-