Keysight Technologies U1273A Operation & User’s Manual

Notices Copyright Notice © Keysight Technologies 2012-2017 No part of this manual may be repro- duced in any form or by any means (including electronic storage and retrieval or translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Keysight Technol- ogies as governed by United States and international copyright laws. Manual Part Number U1273-90017 Edition Edition 9, April 1, 2017 Printed in: Printed in Malaysia Published by: Keysight Technologies Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, 11900 Penang, Malaysia Technology Licenses The hardware and/or software described in this document are fur- nished under a license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license. Declaration of Conformity Declarations of Conformity for this product and for other Keysight prod- ucts may be downloaded from the Web. Go to http://www.keysight.com/ go/conformity. You can then search by product number to find the latest Dec- laration of Conformity. U.S. Government Rights The Software is “commercial computer software,” as defined by Federal Acqui- sition Regulation (“FAR”) 2.101. Pursu- ant to FAR 12.212 and 27.405-3 and Department of Defense FAR Supple- ment (“DFARS”) 227.7202, the U.S. government acquires commercial com- puter software under the same terms by which the software is customarily provided to the public. Accordingly, Keysight provides the Software to U.S. government customers under its stan- dard commercial license, which is embodied in its End User License Agreement (EULA), a copy of which can be found at http://www.keysight.com/ find/sweula. The license set forth in the EULA represents the exclusive authority by which the U.S. government may use, modify, distribute, or disclose the Soft- ware. The EULA and the license set forth therein, does not require or per- mit, among other things, that Keysight: (1) Furnish technical information related to commercial computer soft- ware or commercial computer software documentation that is not customarily provided to the public; or (2) Relinquish to, or otherwise provide, the govern- ment rights in excess of these rights customarily provided to the public to use, modify, reproduce, release, per- form, display, or disclose commercial computer software or commercial com- puter software documentation. No additional government requirements beyond those set forth in the EULA shall apply, except to the extent that those terms, rights, or licenses are explicitly required from all providers of commercial computer software pursu- ant to the FAR and the DFARS and are set forth specifically in writing else- where in the EULA. Keysight shall be under no obligation to update, revise or otherwise modify the Software. With respect to any technical data as defined by FAR 2.101, pursuant to FAR 12.211 and 27.404.2 and DFARS 227.7102, the U.S. government acquires no greater than Limited Rights as defined in FAR 27.401 or DFAR 227.7103-5 (c), as applicable in any technical data. Warranty THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS,” AND IS SUBJECT TO BEING CHANGED, WITHOUT NOTICE, IN FUTURE EDITIONS. FURTHER, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, KEYSIGHT DIS- CLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH REGARD TO THIS MANUAL AND ANY INFORMA- TION CONTAINED HEREIN, INCLUD- ING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MER- CHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. KEYSIGHT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ERRORS OR FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSE- QUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE FURNISHING, USE, OR PERFORMANCE OF THIS DOCUMENT OR OF ANY INFORMATION CON- TAINED HEREIN. SHOULD KEYSIGHT AND THE USER HAVE A SEPARATE WRITTEN AGREEMENT WITH WAR- RANTY TERMS COVERING THE MATE- RIAL IN THIS DOCUMENT THAT CONFLICT WITH THESE TERMS, THE WARRANTY TERMS IN THE SEPARATE AGREEMENT SHALL CONTROL. Safety Information CAUTION A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating proce- dure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not pro- ceed beyond a CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met. WARNING A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating proce- dure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or death. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

5 Safety Symbols The following symbols on the instrument and in the documentation indicate precautions which must be taken to maintain safe operation of the instrument. Direct current (DC) Caution, risk of electric shock Alternating current (AC) Caution, risk of danger (refer to this manual for specific Warning or Caution information) Both direct and alternating current Category III 1000 V overvoltage protection Earth (ground) terminal Category IV 600 V overvoltage protection Equipment protected throughout by double insulation or reinforced insulation Caution, risk of hazardous voltage (icon appears on the instrument screen) CAT III 1000 V CAT IV 600 V

Safety Considerations Read the information below before using this multimeter. The descriptions and instructions in this manual apply to the Keysight U1273A/U1273AX Handheld Digital Multimeter (hereafter referred to as the multimeter). CAUTION – Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing resistance, continuity, diodes, or capacitance. – Use the proper terminals, function, and range for your measurements. – This device is for use at altitudes of up to 3,000 m. – Never measure voltage when current measurement is selected. – Always use the specified battery type. The power for the multimeter is supplied with four AAA 1.5 V batteries. Observe the correct polarity markings before you insert the batteries to ensure proper insertion of the batteries in the multimeter. – You are advised to use low leakage batteries when changing to new batteries. Please remember to remove the batteries when the multimeter is not in use for a long period of time. Warning on the risk of battery leakage. WARNING – Do not exceed any of the measurement limits defined in the specifications to avoid instrument damage and the risk of electric shock. – Do not use the multimeter if it is damaged. Before you use the multimeter, inspect the case. Look for cracks or missing plastic. Pay particular attention to the insulation surrounding the connectors. – Inspect the test leads for damaged insulation or exposed metal. Check the test leads for continuity. Replace damaged test leads before you use the multimeter. – Do not operate the multimeter around explosive gas, vapor, or wet environments. – Do not apply more than the rated voltage (as marked on the multimeter) between terminals, or between terminal and earth ground. all-guides.co m

7 WARNING – Never use the multimeter in wet conditions or when there is water on the surface. If the multimeter is wet, ensure that the multimeter is dried only by trained personnel. – Before use, verify the multimeter's operation by measuring a known voltage. – When measuring current, turn off the circuit power before connecting the multimeter in the circuit. Remember to place the multimeter in series with the circuit. – When servicing the multimeter, use only the specified replacement parts. – Use caution when working above 60 VDC, 30 VAC RMS, or 42.4 V peak. Such voltages pose a shock hazard. – Be aware of the presence of hazardous AC voltage before using the Low Pass Filter (LPF) function for AC voltage measurement. Voltages measured are usually greater than what is indicated on the multimeter as the AC voltages with higher frequencies have been filtered through the LPF function. – Do not use the ZLOW (low input impedance) function to measure voltages in circuits that could be damaged by this function’s low input impedance of 2 kΩ. – When using the probes, keep your fingers behind the finger guards on the probes. – Connect the common test lead before you connect the live test lead. When you disconnect the leads, disconnect the live test lead first. – Remove the test leads from the multimeter before you open the battery cover. – Do not operate the multimeter with the battery cover or portions of the cover removed or loosened. – To avoid false readings, which may lead to possible electric shock or personal injury, replace the battery as soon as the low battery indicator appears and flashes.

Measurement Category The Keysight U1273A/U1273AX has a safety rating of CAT III, 1000 V and CAT IV, 600 V. Measurement CAT I Measurements performed on circuits not directly connected to the AC mains. Examples are measurements on circuits not derived from the AC mains and specially protected (internal) mains-derived circuits. Measurement CAT II Measurements performed on circuits directly connected to a low-voltage installation. Examples are measurements on household appliances, portable tools, and similar equipment. Measurement CAT III Measurements performed in the building installation. Examples are measurements on distribution boards, circuit- breakers, wiring, including cables, bus-bars, junction boxes, switches, socket outlets in the fixed installation, and equipment for industrial use, and some other equipment including stationary motors with permanent connection to the fixed installation. Measurement CAT IV Measurements performed at the source of the low-voltage installation. Examples are electricity meters and measurements on primary overcurrent protection devices and ripple control units.

9 Environmental Conditions This instrument is designed for indoor use and in an area with low condensation. The table below shows the general environmental requirements for this instrument. Environmental conditions Requirements Operating temperature – U1273A: –20 °C to 55 °C, 0% to 80% RH – U1273AX: –40 °C to 55 °C, 0% to 80% RH (using Lithium batteries) Operating humidity Full accuracy up to 80% RH (relative humidity) for temperature up to 30 °C, decreasing linearly to 50% RH at 55 °C Storage temperature –40 °C to 70 °C Altitude Up to 3000 meters Pollution degree Pollution degree II NOTE The U1273A/U1273AX Handheld Digital Multimeter complies with the following safety and EMC requirements: – Safety – EN/IEC 61010-1:2001 – ANSI/UL 61010-1:2004 – CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-04 – EMC – IEC61326-1:2005/EN61326-1:2006 – Canada: ICES/NMB-001: Issue 4, June 2006 – Australia/New Zealand: AS/NZS CISPR 11:2004

Regulatory Markings The CE mark is a registered trademark of the European Community. This CE mark shows that the product complies with all the relevant European Legal Directives. The RCM mark is a registered trademark of the Australian Communications and Media Authority. ICES/NMB-001 indicates that this ISM device complies with the Canadian ICES-001. Cet appareil ISM est confomre a la norme NMB-001 du Canada. This instrument complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking requirement. This affixed product label indicates that you must not discard this electrical or electronic product in domestic household waste. The CSA mark is a registered trademark of the Canadian Standards Association. This symbol indicates the time period during which no hazardous or toxic substance elements are expected to leak or deteriorate during normal use. Forty years is the expected useful life of the product.

11 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/ 96/EC This instrument complies with the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC) marking requirement. This affixed product label indicates that you must not discard this electrical or electronic product in domestic household waste. Product category: With reference to the equipment types in the WEEE directive Annex 1, this instrument is classified as a “Monitoring and Control Instrument” product. The affixed product label is as shown below. Do not dispose in domestic household waste. To return this unwanted instrument, contact your nearest Keysight Service Center, or visit http://about.keysight.com/en/companyinfo/environment/takeback.shtml for more information. Sales and Technical Support To contact Keysight for sales and technical support, refer to the support links on the following Keysight websites: – www.keysight.com/find/handhelddmm (product-specific information and support, software and documentation updates) – www.keysight.com/find/assist (worldwide contact information for repair and service) all-guides.co m

13 Table of Contents Safety Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Measurement Category . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Regulatory Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2002/96/ EC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Product category: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Sales and Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 1 Introduction About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Documentation map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Preparing Your Multimeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Check the shipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Install the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Turn on your multimeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Automatic power-off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 OLED Auto Dim function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Increase the OLED brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Select the range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Alerts and warnings during measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Adjust the tilt stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Connect the IR-USB cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Power-on options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Your Multimeter in Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Rotary switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Display screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Input terminals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Cleaning Your Multimeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 2 Making Measurements Crest Factor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Measuring AC Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Using the LPF (Low Pass Filter) function for AC measurements . . . 57 Measuring DC Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Using the Filter Function for DC measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Measuring AC and DC Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Using the LPF (Low Pass Filter) Function for AC+DC measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Making dB Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Using ZLOW for Voltage Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Measuring Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Measuring conductance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Testing for Continuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Using Smart Ω for Resistance Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Testing Diodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Using Auto-diode for Diode Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Measuring Capacitance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Measuring Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Measuring AC or DC Current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 % Scale of 4-20 mA or 0-20 mA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Measuring Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Measuring pulse width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Measuring duty cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 3 Multimeter Features Making Relative Measurements (Null) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Making Scale Transfers (Scale) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

15 Capturing Maximum and Minimum Values (MaxMin) . . . . . . . . . . . . .110 Capturing Peak Values (Peak) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112 Freezing the Display (TrigHold and AutoHold) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114 Recording Measurement Data (Data Logging) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115 Performing manual logs (HAND) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 Performing interval logs (AUTO) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116 Performing event logs (TRIG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118 Reviewing Previously Recorded Data (View) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120 Sanitizing the Log Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121 4 Multimeter Setup Options Using the Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124 Editing numerical values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125 Setup Menu Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127 Setup Menu Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132 Changing the variation count . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132 Changing the recording option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .132 Changing the sample interval duration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133 Changing the decibel display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .133 Changing the custom dBm reference impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . .134 Changing the thermocouple type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135 Changing the temperature unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135 Changing the % scale range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136 Changing the continuity alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137 Changing the minimum measurable frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137 Changing the beep frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138 Changing the auto power-off (APO) timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .138 Changing the OLED behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139 Changing the power-on melody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139 Changing the power-on greetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .140 Changing the baud rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141 Changing the data bits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141 Changing the parity check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142 Enabling the echo feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142

Enabling the print feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Enabling the overvoltage alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Changing the user scale conversion value and unit . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Enabling smooth mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144 Resetting the multimeter’s setup options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 Changing the battery type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Enabling the filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 5 Characteristics and Specifications A Shift Functions Using the Shift Key B Dual Display Combinations Using the Dual Key all-guides.co m

17 List of Figures Figure 1-1 Installing the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Figure 1-2 Change battery display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Figure 1-3 Input warning display (A INPUT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Figure 1-4 Input warning display (mA INPUT). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Figure 1-5 Tilt-stand adjustment and IR-USB cable connection . . .30 Figure 1-6 Keysight GUI Data Logger Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Figure 1-7 Width dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Figure 1-8 Height and depth dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Figure 1-9 Front panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Figure 1-10 Rear panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Figure 1-11 U1273A/U1273AX rotary switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Figure 1-12 Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Figure 1-13 Display screen example (single display) . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Figure 1-14 Display screen example (dual display). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Figure 1-15 Connector terminals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Figure 2-1 AC voltage display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Figure 2-2 Measuring AC voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Figure 2-3 AC voltage with LPF display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Figure 2-4 DC voltage display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Figure 2-5 Measuring DC voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Figure 2-6 Filter for DC voltage measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 Figure 2-7 AC+DC voltage display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Figure 2-8 AC+DC current display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Figure 2-9 Low Pass Filter(LPF) for AC+DC voltage measurements 64 Figure 2-10 dBm display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Figure 2-11 dBV display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Figure 2-12 ZLOW display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Figure 2-13 Resistance display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 Figure 2-14 Measuring resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Figure 2-15 Continuity operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Figure 2-16 Testing for continuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 Figure 2-17 Smart Ω (with bias voltage) display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Figure 2-18 Smart Ω (with leakage current) display. . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Figure 2-19 Measuring leakage current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Figure 2-20 Diode display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Figure 2-21 Open diode display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Figure 2-22 Testing a forward-bias diode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Figure 2-23 Testing a reverse-bias diode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Figure 2-24 Auto-diode display (GOOD status) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Figure 2-25 Auto-diode display (NGOOD status) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Figure 2-26 Capacitance display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Figure 2-27 Measuring capacitance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Figure 2-28 Temperature display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Figure 2-29 Measuring surface temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Figure 2-30 Temperature measurement without ambient compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Figure 2-31 DC current display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Figure 2-32 Measuring DC current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Figure 2-33 Measuring AC current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Figure 2-34 Current measurement setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Figure 2-35 4-20 mA % Scale display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Figure 2-36 Measuring DC current using the 0-20 mA % scale . . . . 99 Figure 2-37 Frequency, pulse width, and duty cycle measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Figure 2-38 Frequency display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Figure 2-39 Pulse width display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Figure 2-40 Duty cycle display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Figure 3-1 Null display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Figure 3-2 Null operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Figure 3-3 Scale operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Figure 3-4 MaxMin display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Figure 3-5 Peak display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Figure 3-6 Peak mode operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Figure 3-7 Manual log display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Figure 3-8 Interval log display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Figure 3-9 Event log display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Figure 3-10 View display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Figure 3-11 Empty view display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

19 List of Tables Table 1-1 Power-on options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Table 1-2 Front panel parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Table 1-3 Rear panel parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Table 1-4 U1273A/U1273AX rotary switch functions . . . . . . . . .38 Table 1-5 Keypad functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Table 1-6 General annunciators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Table 1-7 Measurement units display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Table 1-8 Analog bar graph display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Table 1-9 Terminal connections for different measuring functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Table 2-1 Rotary switch positions allowing AC voltage measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Table 2-2 Rotary switch positions allowing AC voltage measurements with LPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Table 2-3 Rotary switch positions allowing DC voltage measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Table 2-4 Rotary switch positions allowing AC+DC signal measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Table 2-5 Rotary switch positions allowing dBm measurements 65 Table 2-6 Rotary switch positions allowing dBV measurements 66 Table 2-7 Rotary switch positions allowing ZLOW measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Table 2-8 Rotary switch position allowing resistance measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 Table 2-9 Rotary switch position allowing continuity tests . . . . .73 Table 2-10 Threshold resistance values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 Table 2-11 Rotary switch position allowing Smart Ω measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 Table 2-12 Rotary switch position allowing diode tests . . . . . . . .79 Table 2-13 Rotary switch position allowing auto-diode tests . . . .83 Table 2-14 Auto-diode voltage thresholds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 Table 2-15 Rotary switch position allowing capacitance measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 Table 2-16 Rotary switch position allowing temperature

measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Table 2-17 Rotary switch positions allowing current measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Table 2-18 Rotary switch positions allowing current measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Table 2-19 % Scale measurement range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Table 2-20 Rotary switch positions allowing frequency measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Table 3-1 Available scale conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Table 3-2 Data logging maximum capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Table 3-3 Event log trigger conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Table 4-1 Setup menu key functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Table 4-2 Setup menu item descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Table 4-3 Filter (LPF) options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Table 4-4 Firmware version 1.64 or older . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Table 4-5 Firmware version 1.95 or newer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Table A-1 U1273A/U1273AX default and shift functions . . . . . 152 Table B-1 U1273A/U1273AX dual display combinations . . . . . 156

User’s Guide 21 1 Introduction About This Manual 22 Preparing Your Multimeter 23 Your Multimeter in Brief 33 Cleaning Your Multimeter 52 This chapter lists the package contents for the U1273A/U1273AX handheld digital multimeter and teaches you how to set up your multimeter for the first time. An introduction to all the features of the multimeter is also given. all-guides.co m

About This Manual Documentation map The following manuals and software are available for your multimeter. For the very latest version, please visit our website at http://www.keysight.com/find/ hhTechLib. Check the manual revision on the first page of each manual. – User’s Guide. This manual. – Quick Start Guide. Printed copy for outdoor use, included with shipment. – Service Guide. Free download at the Keysight website. – Keysight GUI Data Logger Software, Help, and Quick Start Guide. Free download at the Keysight website. Safety notes The following safety notes are used throughout this manual. Familiarize yourself with each of the notes and its meaning before operating your multimeter. More pertinent safety notes for using this product are located under the “Safety Symbols” section. CAUTION Caution denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of the product. Do not proceed beyond a caution notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met. WARNING Warning denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a procedure which, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in injury or loss of life. Do not proceed beyond a warning note until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

23 Preparing Your Multimeter Check the shipment When you receive your multimeter, check the shipment according to the following procedure. 1 Inspect the shipping container for damage. Signs of damage may include a dented or torn shipping container or cushioning material that indicates signs of unusual stress or compacting. Save the packaging material in case the multimeter needs to be returned. 2 Carefully remove the contents from the shipping container, and verify that the standard accessories and your ordered options are included in the shipment according to the standard shipped items list found in the printed copy of the U1273A/U1273AX Quick Start Guide. 3 For any question or problems, refer to the Keysight contact numbers on the back of this manual. Install the batteries Your multimeter is powered by four 1.5 V AAA batteries (included with the shipment). When you receive your multimeter, the AAA batteries are not installed. Use the following procedure to install the batteries. 1 Open the battery cover. Lift the tilt stand, loosen the screws with a suitable Phillips screwdriver, and remove the battery cover as shown in Figure 1-1. 2 Insert the battery. Observe the proper battery polarity. The terminal ends of each battery are indicated inside the battery compartment. 3 Close the battery cover. Place the battery cover back in its original position and tighten the screws. CAUTION Before you proceed with the batteries installation, remove all cable connections to the terminals and ensure that the rotary switch is at the OFF position. Use only the battery type specified in the datasheet at http://literature.cdn.keysight.com/litweb/pdf.

Figure 1-1 Installing the batteries The battery level indicator in the lower left-hand corner of the display indicates the relative condition of the batteries. Replace the batteries as soon as possible when the low battery indicator ( ↔ ) is shown. When the Change Battery warning (Figure 1-2) is shown on the display, the multimeter will power-off automatically after 5 seconds (even if the APO feature is disabled). 1 2 3

25 Figure 1-2 Change battery display WARNING To avoid false readings, which could lead to possible electric shock or personal injury, replace the battery as soon as the low battery indicator appears. Do not discharge the battery by shorting the battery or reverse the battery polarity in any of the subjects. CAUTION To avoid instruments being damage from battery leakage: – Always remove dead batteries immediately. – Always remove the batteries and store them separately if the multimeter is not going to be used for a long period.

Turn on your multimeter To power ON your multimeter, turn the rotary switch to any other position. To power OFF your multimeter, turn the rotary switch to the position. Automatic power-off Your multimeter automatically turns off if the rotary switch is not moved or a key is not pressed for 10 minutes (default). Pressing any key will turn the multimeter back on after it is powered off automatically. To change the timer period or completely disable the automatic power-off, refer to “Changing the auto power-off (APO) timer” on page 138. all-guides.co m

27 OLED Auto Dim function Your multimeter’s OLED automatically dims if the rotary switch is not moved or a key is not pressed for 90 seconds (default). This auto dim behavior is enabled by default. Pressing any key or changing the rotary switch position will cancel this effect and reset the auto dim timer. To disable the auto dim, refer to “Changing the OLED behavior” on page 139. Increase the OLED brightness If viewing the display becomes difficult in low-light conditions, press to change the OLED brightness. The LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH setting must be selected in the multimeter’s setup (browse to Menu 3 > BACKLIT) prior to this action. Pressing repeatedly will increase the OLED brightness from low to medium to high (and back to low again). You are advised to select an suitable brightness level based on your needs to conserve battery life if you wish to control the OLED brightness level manually. Select the range The multimeter’s selected range is always displayed above the right-hand end of the bar graph, as the range indicator. Pressing switches the multimeter between manual and auto-ranging. It also cycles through the available multimeter ranges when manual ranging is enabled. Auto-ranging is convenient because the multimeter automatically selects an appropriate range for sensing and displaying each measurement. However, manual ranging results in better performance, because the multimeter does not have to determine which range to use for each measurement. NOTE The auto dim function is enabled by default. Refer to “Changing the OLED behavior” on page 139 to disable the auto dim function before you can manually change the OLED brightness. Setup Setup Auto Range

In auto-range, the multimeter selects the lowest range to display the highest available precision (resolution) for the input signal. If manual range is already enabled, press for more than 1 second to enter the auto-ranging mode. If auto-ranging is enabled, press to enter the manual range mode. Each additional press of sets the multimeter to the next higher range, unless it is already in the highest range, at which point the range switches to the lowest range. Alerts and warnings during measurement Voltage alert Your multimeter provides a voltage alert for voltage measurements in both auto-ranging and manual range modes. The multimeter starts beeping periodically once the measured voltage exceeds the alert value (regardless of polarity) set in the setup menu. By default, this feature is turned off. Be sure to set the alert voltage according to your test requirements. To change the alert voltage level, refer to “Enabling the overvoltage alert” on page 143. Hazardous voltage indication The multimeter will also display the hazardous voltage ( ) symbol as an early precaution when the measured voltage is equal to or greater than 30 V in all voltage measurement modes. NOTE The range is fixed for diode tests, temperature, and ZLOW measurements. Auto Range Auto Range Auto Range WARNING For your own safety, please do not ignore the voltage alert. When the multimeter cautions you with a voltage alert, you are advised to take note of the high voltage existence and to use precautions when performing measurements.

29 Input warning The multimeter emits a continuous beep and displays Error ON A INPUT or Error ON mA INPUT when the test lead is inserted into the µA mA or A input terminal but the rotary switch is not set to the correct current position. Figure 1-3 Input warning display (A INPUT) Figure 1-4 Input warning display (mA INPUT) This warning is intended to stop you from attempting to measure voltage, continuity, resistance, capacitance, diode, or temperature values when the leads are plugged into a current terminal. CAUTION To avoid circuit damage and possibly blowing the multimeter’s current fuse, do not place the probes across (in parallel with) a powered circuit when a lead is plugged into a current terminal. This causes a short circuit because the resistance through the multimeter's current terminals is very low.

Adjust the tilt stand To adjust the multimeter to a 60° standing position, pull the tilt-stand outward to its maximum reach. Figure 1-5 Tilt-stand adjustment and IR-USB cable connection Connect the IR-USB cable You can use the IR communication link (IR communication port, located at the rear panel) and the Keysight GUI Data Logger software to control your multimeter remotely, perform data logging operations, and transfer the contents of your multimeter’s memory to a PC. Ensure that the Keysight logo on the U1173A IR-USB cable (purchased separately) connected to the multimeter is facing up. Firmly push the IR head into the multimeter’s IR communication port until it snaps into place (see Figure 1-5). Refer to the Keysight GUI Data Logger Software Help and Quick Start Guide for more information on the IR communication link and the Keysight GUI Data Logger software. To PC (host) IR-USB cable Pull until maximum reach

31 Figure 1-6 Keysight GUI Data Logger Software The Keysight GUI Data Logger software and its supporting documents (Help and Quick Start Guide) are available for free download at http://www.keysight.com/ find/hhTechLib. You may purchase a U1173A IR-USB cable from a Keysight Sales Office nearest to you. all-guides.co m

Power-on options Some options can be selected only while you turn the multimeter on. These power-on options are listed in the table below. To select a power-on option, press and hold the specified key while turning the rotary switch to any other position (OFF to ON). Power-on options remain selected until the multimeter is turned off. Table 1-1 Power-on options Key Description Checks firmware version. The multimeter’s firmware version will be shown on the primary display. Press any key to exit this mode. Simulates the Auto Power-Off (APO) mode. Press any key to turn the multimeter back on and resume normal operation. Displays the factory default power-on greeting. Press any key to exit this mode. Auto Power-Off (APO) is disabled until the multimeter is turned off. To permanently disable APO, see “Changing the auto power-off (APO) timer” on page 138. Displays the user-defined power-on greeting. Press any key to exit this mode. Tests the OLED. All OLED pixels are lighted. Use this mode to verify that there are no dead OLED pixels. Press any key to exit this mode. Smooth is enabled until the multimeter is turned off. To permanently enable Smooth, see “Enabling smooth mode” on page 144. Scale Null Hz % ms Log Exit Dual Peak MaxMin Auto Range Auto Trig Hold Shift View Esc

33 Your Multimeter in Brief Dimensions Front view Figure 1-7 Width dimensions 92 mm

Rear and side view Figure 1-8 Height and depth dimensions 207 mm 59 mm

35 Overview Front panel The front panel parts of your multimeter are described in this section. Click the respective “Learn more” pages for more information on each part. Figure 1-9 Front panel Table 1-2 Front panel parts Legend Description Learn more on: 1 Display screen page 44 2 Keypad page 39 3 Rotary switch page 37 4 Terminals page 50

Rear panel The rear panel parts of your multimeter are described in this section. Click the respective “Learn more” pages for more information on each part. Figure 1-10 Rear panel 2 1 4 3 Table 1-3 Rear panel parts Legend Description Learn more on: 1 Test probe holders - 2 IR communication port page 30 3 Battery and fuse access cover page 23 4 Tilt stand page 30 all-guides.co m

37 Rotary switch The measurement functions for each rotary switch position are described in Table 1-4. Turning the rotary switch changes the measurement function and resets all other measurement options. Click the respective “Learn more” pages for more information on each function. Figure 1-11 U1273A/U1273AX rotary switch Each position of the U1273A/U1273AX rotary switch (shown in Figure 1-11) is described in Table 1-4. NOTE Some rotary switch positions have a shifted function printed in orange. Press to switch between the shifted and default function. See page 43 for more information on the key. WARNING Remove the test leads from the measuring source or target before changing the rotary switch position. Shift View Esc Shift View Esc

Table 1-4 U1273A/U1273AX rotary switch functions Legend Description Learn more on: Low impedance AC or DC voltage measurement for eliminating ghost voltages page 67 Off page 26 AC voltage measurement with Low Pass Filter page 54 and page 57 AC voltage measurement (up to millivolts) with Low Pass Filter AC, DC, or AC+DC voltage measurement page 54, page 58, and page 61 AC, DC, or AC+DC voltage measurement (up to millivolts) Resistance measurement, Continuity test, or Resistance measurement with offset compensation page 69, page 73, and page 76 Diode test or Auto-diode test page 79 and page 83 Capacitance or Temperature measurement page 85 and page 87 AC, DC, or AC+DC current measurement page 91 and page 61 AC, DC, or AC+DC current measurement (up to microamperes) ZLOW Smart Auto

39 Keypad The operation of each key is explained below. Pressing a key enables a function, displays a related symbol, and emits a beep. Turning the rotary switch to another position resets the current operation of the key. Click the respective “Learn more” pages for more information on each function. Figure 1-12 Keys

Table 1-5 Keypad functions Legend Function when pressed for: Learn more on: Less than 1 second More than 1 second Sets the Null/Relative mode. – The displayed value is saved as a reference to be subtracted from subsequent measurements. – While in Null mode, press again to view the stored reference value that has been saved. The display will return to normal after 3 seconds. – Pressing while the relative value is being displayed will cancel the Null mode. Sets the Scale mode for the specified ratio and unit display. (Only applicable for voltage measurements.) – The most recently saved (or default) ratio and unit will be shown on the primary and secondary displays. – Press while the SCALE symbol is flashing to cycle through the available ratio and unit displays. – Press while the SCALE symbol is flashing to save the selected ratio and unit and to start the conversion, or – While the SCALE symbol is flashing, if no activity is detected after 3 seconds, the conversion will begin (with the specified ratio and unit shown on the primary display). – Press for more than 1 second to cancel the Scale transfer mode. page 106 and page 108 Starts the MaxMin recording. – Press again to cycle through maximum (REC MAX), minimum (REC MIN), average (REC AVG), and present (REC NOW) readings. – Press for more than 1 second to exit this mode. Starts and stops the Peak recording. – Press again to switch between the maximum (P-HOLD+) and minimum (P-HOLD–) peak readings. – Press for more than 1 second to exit this mode. page 110 and page 112 Freezes the present reading in the display (T-HOLD mode). – In TrigHold mode, press to manually trigger the holding of the next measured value. – Press for more than 1 second to exit this mode. Automatically freezes the present reading once the reading is stable (A-HOLD mode) – In AutoHold mode, the reading is updated automatically once the reading is stable and the count setting is exceeded. – Press for more than 1 second to exit this mode. page 114 Scale Null Scale Null Scale Null Scale Null Hz % ms Log Scale Null Peak MaxMin Peak MaxMin Peak MaxMin Peak MaxMin Peak MaxMin Auto Trig Hold Auto Trig Hold Auto Trig Hold Auto Trig Hold

41 Switches between the dual-combination displays (if available). Exits the Hold, Null, MaxMin, Peak, frequency test, and dual display modes. page 155 Changes the OLED brightness when LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH setting is selected in the multimeter’s setup. Enters or exits the setup menu. – In the setup menu, press or to navigate through the menu pages. Press or at each menu page to move the cursor to a specific menu item. – Press to edit the selected menu item. The menu item’s value will flash to indicate that you can now change the value shown. Use the arrow keys to change the values shown. – Press to save the new settings or values and exit the editing mode, or press to exit the editing mode without saving. – Press for more than 1 second to exit this mode. page 27 and page 123 Table 1-5 Keypad functions (continued) Legend Function when pressed for: Learn more on: Less than 1 second More than 1 second Exit Dual Setup Peak MaxMin Auto Range Exit Dual Setup Hz % ms Log Hz % ms Log Shift View Esc Setup all-guides.co m

Measures the frequency for the current or voltage measurement. – Press to scroll through the frequency (Hz), pulse width (ms), and duty cycle (%) measurements. – In duty cycle and pulse width measurements, press to switch between the positive or negative edge trigger. – Press for more than 1 second to exit this mode. Starts and stops the Data Logging. – If data logging is set as HAND (manual data logging), pressing for more than 1 second will log the present reading into the memory. The display will return to normal after a short while (≈ 1 second). To manually log another reading, press again for more than 1 second. – If data logging is set as AUTO (automatic data logging), pressing for more than 1 second will enter the automatic data logging mode, where data is logged at the interval defined in the multimeter’s setup. – If data logging is set as TRIG (event data logging), pressing for more than 1 second will enter the event data logging mode, where data is logged each time a triggering condition is satisfied. – Press for more than 1 second to exit the automatic or event data logging mode. page 100 and page 91 Table 1-5 Keypad functions (continued) Legend Function when pressed for: Learn more on: Less than 1 second More than 1 second Hz % ms Log Hz % ms Log Exit Dual Exit Dual Hz % ms Log Hz % ms Log Hz % ms Log Hz % ms Log Hz % ms Log

43 – Sets a manual range and disables auto-ranging. Press again to cycle through each available measurement range. – During temperature measurements, if Celsius-Fahrenheit (°C-°F) or Fahrenheit-Celsius (°F-°C) is selected as the default temperature unit, pressing changes the temperature measurement unit between Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F). See “Changing the temperature unit” on page 135 for more information. Enables auto-ranging. page 27 and page 135 Switches between the default and shifted measurement function (icon printed in orange above the rotary switch position — if available). Press again to switch back to the default measurement function. Enters the Log Review menu. – Press again to cycle through the previously recorded manual (VIEW H), interval (VIEW A), or event (VIEW E) logging data. – Press or to view first or last logged data respectively. Press or to scroll through the logged data. – Press for more than 1 second to clear all the logged data for the selected logging mode. – Press for more than 1 second to exit this mode. page 37 and page 120 Table 1-5 Keypad functions (continued) Legend Function when pressed for: Learn more on: Less than 1 second More than 1 second Auto Range Auto Range Auto Range Shift View Esc Shift View Esc Shift View Esc Peak MaxMin Auto Range Exit Dual Setup Hz % ms Log Shift View Esc

Display screen The display annunciators of your multimeter are described in this section. See also “Measurement units” on page 48 for a list of available measurement signs and notations and “Analog bar graph” on page 49 for a tutorial on the analog bar graph located at the bottom of your display screen. General display annunciators The general display annunciators of your multimeter are described in the table below. Click the respective “Learn more” pages for more information on each annunciator. Figure 1-13 Display screen example (single display) Figure 1-14 Display screen example (dual display)

45 Table 1-6 General annunciators Legend Description Learn more on: Remote control enabled page 30 Bias voltage or leakage current indication for Smart Ω measurements page 76 Data logging in progress page 115 Scale transfer enabled page 108 View mode for reviewing previously logged data page 120 Secondary measurement display - AC, DC, and AC+DC indication for secondary display page 64, page 67, and page 100 Elapsed time for Peak and Recording mode page 112 and page 115 Low-pass filter enabled for AC measurement Filter enabled for DC measurement page 57 page 61 Hazardous voltage sign for measuring voltage ≥30 V or overload page 28 Trigger hold enabled page 114 Auto hold enabled Peak hold (maximum value) enabled page 112 Peak hold (minimum value) enabled

Maximum reading shown on primary display page 110 Minimum reading shown on primary display Averaged reading shown on primary display Present reading shown on primary display Relative (Null) enabled page 106 Relative value when Null is enabled page 106 Audible continuity test selected page 73 Normal open continuity indication page 73 Normal close continuity indication page 73 J-type thermocouple selected page 88 K-type thermocouple selected Temperature measurement without ambient compensation selected page 90 4-20 mA % scale mode selected page 97 0-20 mA % scale mode selected DC (direct current) page 58 and page 91 AC (alternating current) page 54 and page 91 Table 1-6 General annunciators (continued) Legend Description Learn more on: all-guides.co m

47 AC+DC page 61 – Capacitor is charging (during capacitance measurement) – Positive slope for pulse width (ms) and duty cycle (%) measurements page 58 and page 100 – Capacitor is discharging (during capacitance measurement) – Negative slope for pulse width (ms) and duty cycle (%) measurements Primary measurement display - Battery capacity indication page 23 APO (Auto Power-Off) enabled page 26 Tone enabled - Analog bar graph page 49 Auto-ranging enabled or Auto-diode enabled page 27 Diode test selected page 79 Smooth mode enabled page 32 and page 144 Overload (the reading exceeds the display range) - Table 1-6 General annunciators (continued) Legend Description Learn more on:

Measurement units The available signs and notations for each measurement function in your multimeter are described in Table 1-7. The units listed below are applicable to the primary display and secondary display measurements of your multimeter. Table 1-7 Measurement units display Sign/Notation Description M Mega 1E+06 (1000000) k kilo 1E+03 (1000) n nano 1E–09 (0.000000001) μ micro 1E–06 (0.000001) m milli 1E–03 (0.001) dBm Decibel unit relative to 1 mW dBV Decibel unit relative to 1 V mV, V Voltage, units for voltage measurement A, mA, μA Ampere, units for current measurement nF, μF, mF Farad, units for capacitance measurement Ω, kΩ, MΩ Ohm, units for resistance measurement MHz, kHz, Hz Hertz, units for frequency measurement ms Millisecond, unit for pulse width measurement % Percent, unit for duty cycle measurement °C Degree Celsius, unit for temperature measurement °F Degree Fahrenheit, unit for temperature measurement s Seconds, unit for Peak and Recording mode elapsed time

49 Analog bar graph The analog bar emulates the needle on an analog multimeter, without displaying the overshoot. When measuring peak or null adjustments and viewing fast-changing inputs, the bar graph provides a useful indication because it has a faster updating rate[1] to cater for fast-response applications. For frequency, duty cycle, pulse width, 4-20 mA % scale, 0-20 mA % scale, dBm, dBV, and temperature measurements, the bar graph does not represent the primary display value. For example, when frequency, duty cycle, or pulse width is displayed on the primary display during voltage or current measurement, the bar graph represents the voltage or current value (not the frequency, duty cycle, or pulse width value). Another example is when 4-20 mA % scale or 0-20 mA % scale is displayed on the primary display, the bar graph represents the current value and not the percentage value. The “+” or “–” sign indicates whether the measured or calculated value is positive or negative. Each segment represents 1000 or 500 counts depending on the range indicated on the peak bar graph. An unstable bar graph and unmatched primary display when measuring DC voltage usually means the presence of AC voltages in the circuit. [1] The analog bar graph measurement rate is approximately 50 times/second for DC voltage, current, and resistance measurements. Table 1-8 Analog bar graph display Range Counts/ Segments Used for the function 500 , , 1000 , , ,

Input terminals The terminal connections for the different measurement functions of your multimeter are described in the table below. Observe the rotary switch position of your multimeter before connecting the test leads to the connector terminals. Figure 1-15 Connector terminals

51 Table 1-9 Terminal connections for different measuring functions Rotary switch position Input terminals Overload protection 1000 VRMS 1000 VRMS for short circuit <0.3 A 11 A/1000 V, fast-acting fuse 440 mA/1000 V, fast-acting fuse ZLOW Smart Auto all-guides.co m

Cleaning Your Multimeter Dirt or moisture in the terminals can distort readings. Follow the steps below to clean your multimeter. 1 Turn the multimeter off, and remove the test leads. 2 Turn the multimeter over, and shake out any dirt that may have accumulated in the terminals. Wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent — do not use abrasives or solvents. Wipe the contacts in each terminal with a clean swab dipped in alcohol. WARNING To avoid electrical shock or damage to the multimeter, ensure that the insides of the casing stay dry at all times.

User’s Guide 53 2 Making Measurements Crest Factor 54 Measuring AC Voltage 55 Measuring DC Voltage 58 Measuring AC and DC Signals 62 Using ZLOW for Voltage Measurements 67 Measuring Resistance 69 Testing for Continuity 73 Using Smart Ω for Resistance Measurements 76 Testing Diodes 79 Using Auto-diode for Diode Tests 83 Measuring Capacitance 85 Measuring Temperature 87 Measuring AC or DC Current 91 Measuring Frequency 100 The following sections describe how to take measurements with your multimeter.

Crest Factor The crest factor may be determined by using this formula: You may refer to “Capturing Peak Values (Peak)” on page 112 on how to obtain the peak values. The crest factor may be up to 3.0 at full-scale except for the 1000 V range where it is 1.5 at full scale, as explained in the table below: Voltage range Crest factor Maximum input (Vpeak) 30 mV 3 +/– 90 mV 300 mV 3 +/– 900 mV 3 V 3 +/– 9 V 30 V 3 +/– 90 V 300 V 3 +/– 900 V 1000 V 1.5 +/– 1500 V Crest factor Peak value True RMS value ---------------------------------- = WARNING Exceeding the crest factor limit may result in an incorrect or a lower reading. Do not exceed the crest factor limit to avoid instrument damage and the risk of electric shock.

55 Measuring AC Voltage Set up your multimeter to measure AC voltage as shown in Figure 2-2. Probe the test points, and read the display. Figure 2-1 AC voltage display Table 2-1 Rotary switch positions allowing AC voltage measurements Legend Default function Function when is pressed AC V AC V with LPF AC mV AC mV with LPF DC V Cycles between – AC V, – AC+DC V, or – DC V DC mV Cycles between – AC mV, – AC+DC mV, or – DC mV NOTE AC voltage measurements measured with this multimeter are returned as true RMS (root mean square) readings. These readings are accurate for sinusoidal waves and other waveforms with no DC offset, such as square waves, triangle waves, and staircase waves. Shift View Esc

Figure 2-2 Measuring AC voltage NOTE – For measuring AC voltage signals with DC offset, refer to the Using the Filter Function for DC measurements section later in this manual. – Press to cycle through the available dual display combinations. See Appendix B, “Dual Display Combinations Using the Dual Key,” starting on page 155 to learn more. – Press to measure the frequency of the AC voltage source. See “Measuring Frequency” on page 100 to learn more. Exit Dual Hz % ms Log AC all-guides.co m

57 Using the LPF (Low Pass Filter) function for AC measurements Your multimeter is equipped with an AC low-pass filter to help reduce unwanted electronic noise when measuring AC voltage or AC frequency. Set up your multimeter to measure AC voltage as shown in Figure 2-2. Press to activate the LPF option. Your multimeter continues measuring in the chosen AC mode, but now the signal diverts through a filter that blocks unwanted voltages above 1 kHz. Probe the test points, and read the display. Figure 2-3 AC voltage with LPF display Table 2-2 Rotary switch positions allowing AC voltage measurements with LPF Legend Default function Function when is pressed AC V AC V with LPF AC mV AC mV with LPF Shift View Esc Shift View Esc WARNING – To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, do not use the Low Pass Filter option to verify the presence of hazardous AC voltages. AC voltage values greater than what are indicated may be present when the Low Pass Filter is enabled. – First, make an AC voltage measurement with the filter OFF to detect the possible presence of hazardous voltages. Then, select the filter function if required for measurement stability and response speed.

The low-pass filter can improve measurement performance on composite sine waves that are typically generated by inverters and variable frequency motor drives. Measuring DC Voltage Set up your multimeter to measure DC voltage as shown in Figure 2-5. Probe the test points, and read the display. Figure 2-4 DC voltage display Table 2-3 Rotary switch positions allowing DC voltage measurements Legend Default function Function when is pressed DC V Cycles between – AC V, – AC+DC V, or – DC V DC mV Cycles between – AC mV, – AC+DC mV, or – DC mV NOTE This multimeter displays DC voltage values as well as their polarity. Negative DC voltages will return a negative sign on the left of the display. Shift View Esc

59 NOTE – For firmware version 1.64 and below, the Filter function is switched off by default. Customers are advised to update their products to the latest firmware version to take advantage of the latest safety features and measurement improvements. – Press to cycle through the available dual display combinations. See Appendix B, “Dual Display Combinations Using the Dual Key,” starting on page 155 to learn more. – Press to measure the frequency of the DC voltage source. See “Measuring Frequency” on page 100 to learn more. CAUTION – For measuring AC voltage signals with a DC offset, refer to “Measuring AC and DC Signals” on page 62. – For measuring DC voltage from a mixed signal in DC measurement mode, ensure that the Filter is enabled (Refer to “Enabling the filter” on page 146). – To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, enable the Filter(LPF) to verify the presence of hazardous DC voltages. Displayed DC voltage values can be influenced by high frequency AC components and must be filtered to assure an accurate reading. Exit Dual Hz % ms Log

61 Using the Filter Function for DC measurements Turn on the Filter Function when measuring DC voltage and/or current from a mixed signal (AC+DC components) in the DC voltage measurement mode. See “Enabling the filter” on page 146 for more information. The Filter Function blocks and attenuates AC signals to help you read the DC measurement from a mixed signal. For instance, a DC offset with an AC voltage signal presence (for example, AC 100 V/220 V applied to the 3 V range). The will appear if the Filter is enabled in the multimeter’s Setup. Figure 2-6 Filter for DC voltage measurements WARNING – To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, enable the Filter(LPF) to verify the presence of hazardous DC voltages. Displayed DC voltage values can be influenced by high frequency AC components and must be filtered to assure an accurate reading. – Do not enable any of the dual display options when performing measurements to verify the presence of hazardous DC voltages. all-guides.co m

Measuring AC and DC Signals Your multimeter is capable of displaying both AC and DC signal components, voltage or current, as two separate readings or one AC+DC (RMS) value combined. Set up your multimeter according to your desired measurement (voltage or current measurement). Press the key twice to cycle the measurement function to the AC+DC option. Probe the test points, and read the display. Table 2-4 Rotary switch positions allowing AC+DC signal measurements Legend Default function Function when is pressed DC V Cycles between – AC V, – AC+DC V, or – DC V DC mV Cycles between – AC mV, – AC+DC mV, or – DC mV DC A (or mA) Cycles between – AC A (or mA), – AC+DC A (or mA), or – DC A (or mA) DC µA Cycles between – AC µA, – AC+DC µA, or – DC µA Shift View Esc Shift View Esc

63 Figure 2-7 AC+DC voltage display Figure 2-8 AC+DC current display NOTE – For better accuracy when measuring the DC offset of an AC voltage, measure the AC voltage first. Note the AC voltage range, then manually select a DC voltage range equal to or higher than the AC range. This procedure improves the accuracy of the DC measurement by ensuring that the input protection circuits are not activated. – Press to cycle through the available dual display combinations. See Appendix B, “Dual Display Combinations Using the Dual Key,” starting on page 155 to learn more. – Press to measure the frequency of the AC+DC voltage source. See “Measuring Frequency” on page 100 to learn more. Exit Dual Hz % ms Log

Using the LPF (Low Pass Filter) Function for AC+DC measurements Your multimeter is equipped with an AC low pass filter to help reduce unwanted electronic noise when measuring a mixed signal. 1 Enable the LPF (You may refer to “Enabling the filter” on page 146) 2 Rotate the multimeter’s rotary switch to / . 3 Press to activate the low pass filter function ( ). Your multimeter continues measuring in the AC+DC mode, but now the signal diverts through a filter that blocks unwanted voltages above 1 kHz Figure 2-9 Low Pass Filter(LPF) for AC+DC voltage measurements Making dB Measurements Your multimeter is capable of displaying voltage as a dB value, either relative to 1 milliwatt (dBm) or a reference voltage of 1 volt (dBV). Displaying dBm values To set the multimeter to display voltage values in dBm, first set up your multimeter to measure voltage as shown in Figure 2-2 or Figure 2-5. Probe the test points, and read the display. Then, press until the voltage measurements are displayed as a dBm value. Shift View Esc Exit Dual

65 Figure 2-10 dBm display Press for more than 1 second to exit the dBm function. Table 2-5 Rotary switch positions allowing dBm measurements Legend Default function Function when is pressed AC V AC V with LPF AC mV AC mV with LPF DC V Cycles between – AC V, – AC+DC V, or – DC V DC mV Cycles between – AC mV, – AC+DC mV, or – DC mV NOTE A dBm measurement must use a reference impedance (resistance) to calculate a dB value based on 1 milliwatt. The reference impedance is set to 50 Ω by default. To select another reference value, see the “Changing the custom dBm reference impedance” on page 134. Shift View Esc Exit Dual

Displaying dBV values To set the multimeter to display voltage values in dBV, first change the dB (decibel) display from dBm to dBV in the setup menu. See “Changing the decibel display” on page 133 to learn more. Next, set up your multimeter to measure voltage as shown in Figure 2-2 or Figure 2-5. Probe the test points, and read the display. Then, press until the voltage measurements are displayed as a dBV value. NOTE This change is permanent. To set the multimeter to display voltage values in dBm again, you will need to change the dB display from dBV back to dBm in the setup menu. Exit Dual Table 2-6 Rotary switch positions allowing dBV measurements Legend Default function Function when is pressed AC V AC V with LPF AC mV AC mV with LPF DC V Cycles between – AC V, – AC+DC V, or – DC V DC mV Cycles between – AC mV, – AC+DC mV, or – DC mV NOTE A dBV measurement uses a 1 volt reference voltage to compare the present measurement against a stored relative value. The difference between the two AC signals is displayed as a dBV value. The reference impedance setting is not part of a dBV measurement. Shift View Esc all-guides.co m

67 Figure 2-11 dBV display Press for more than 1 second to exit the dBV function. Using ZLOW for Voltage Measurements The ZLOW function in your multimeter presents a low impedance across the leads to obtain a more accurate measurement. To set up your multimeter to make a ZLOW (low input impedance) voltage measurement, first set up your multimeter to measure voltage as shown in Figure 2-2 or Figure 2-5. Probe the test points, and read the display. Exit Dual CAUTION Do not use the ZLOW function to measure voltages in circuits that could be damaged by this function’s low impedance (≈2 kΩ). Table 2-7 Rotary switch positions allowing ZLOW measurements Legend Default function Function when is pressed ZLOW (AC/DC) V - Shift View Esc ZLOW

Figure 2-12 ZLOW display NOTE The AC voltage measurement is shown in the primary display and the DC voltage measurement is shown in the secondary display. Press to exchange the AC and DC voltage indication on the primary and secondary displays. NOTE Use the ZLOW (low input impedance) function to remove ghost or induced voltages from your measurements Ghost voltages are voltages present on a circuit that should not be energized. Ghost voltages can be caused by capacitive coupling between energized wiring and adjacent unused wiring. The ZLOW function can remove ghost voltages from your measurements by dissipating the coupling voltage. Use the ZLOW function to reduce the possibility of false readings in areas where the presence of ghost voltages are suspected. Exit Dual NOTE During ZLOW measurements, autoranging is disabled and the multimeter’s range is set to 1000 V in the manual ranging mode. The analog bar graph represents the AC+DC voltage value combined.

69 Use ZLOW to test a battery’s health Aside from reading a battery’s voltage level using the DC voltage measurement function, you can also use the ZLOW function to test a battery’s health. If you detect that the measured battery’s voltage shown in the ZLOW function is declining gradually, this means that the capacity of the battery-under-test is not enough to support regular functions. Use this simple and quick test to determine if a battery has enough voltage capacity to support regular activities. Measuring Resistance Set up your multimeter to measure resistance as shown in Figure 2-14. Probe the test points, and read the display. NOTE Prolonged used of the ZLOW function will consume the capacity of the battery-under-test. Table 2-8 Rotary switch position allowing resistance measurements Legend Default function Function when is pressed Resistance measurement (Ω) Cycles between – Continuity test ( ), – Smart Ω measurement, or – Resistance measurement (Ω) CAUTION To avoid possible damage to your multimeter or to the equipment under test, disconnect the circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before measuring resistance. Shift View Esc Smart

Figure 2-13 Resistance display NOTE Resistance (opposition to the current flow) is measured by sending a small current out through the test leads to the circuit under test. Because this current flows through all possible paths between the leads, the resistance reading represents the total resistance of all paths between the leads. Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω).

71 Figure 2-14 Measuring resistance all-guides.co m

Measuring conductance Conductance is the reciprocal of resistance. High values of conductance correspond to low values of resistance. Conductance is measured in Siemens (S). The 300 nS range measures conductance in nano-Siemens (1 nS = 0.000000001 Siemens). Because small conductance values correspond to extremely high resistance values, the nS range allows you to easily calculate and determine the resistance of components up to 100 GΩ (0.01 nS resolution) To measure conductance, set up your multimeter to measure resistance as shown in Figure 2-14. Press until the conductance measurement is selected (nS unit shown). Probe the test points, and read the display. High-resistance readings are susceptible to electrical noise. Use averaging to smooth out most of the noisy readings. Refer to “Capturing Maximum and Minimum Values (MaxMin)” on page 110. NOTE Keep the following in mind when measuring resistance. – The test leads can add 0.1 Ω to 0.2 Ω of error to resistance measurements. To test the leads, touch the probe tips together and read the resistance of the leads. To remove lead resistance from the measurement, hold the test lead tips together and press . Now the resistance at the probe tips will be subtracted from all future display readings. – Because the multimeter’s test current flows through all possible paths between the probe tips, the measured value of a resistor in a circuit is often different from the resistor’s rated value. – The resistance function can produce enough voltage to forward-bias silicon diode or transistor junctions, causing them to conduct. If this is suspected, press to apply a lower current in the next higher range. Scale Null Auto Range Auto Range

73 Testing for Continuity Set up your multimeter to test for continuity as shown in Figure 2-16. Probe the test points, and read the display. In continuity, a short means a measured value is less that the threshold resistance values listed in Table 2-10. Table 2-9 Rotary switch position allowing continuity tests Legend Default function Function when is pressed Resistance measurement (Ω) Cycles between – Continuity test ( ), – Smart Ω measurement, or – Resistance measurement (Ω) CAUTION To avoid possible damage to your multimeter or to the equipment under test, disconnect the circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing for continuity. NOTE Continuity is the presence of a complete path for current flow. The continuity test features a beeper that sounds as long as a circuit is complete, if normal open is selected (or broken, if normal closed is selected). The audible alert allows you to perform quick continuity tests without having to watch the display. Shift View Esc Smart Table 2-10 Threshold resistance values Measuring range Threshold resistance 30.000 Ω <25 ± 10 Ω 300.00 Ω <25 ±10 Ω 3.0000 kΩ <250 ±100 Ω 30.000 kΩ <2.5 ± 1 kΩ 300.00 kΩ <25 ± 10 kΩ

The beeper will sound as a continuity indication. Press to switch between normal open ( ) and normal close ( ) contacts. – Normal open: Circuit is normally open, the beeper will sound when a short is detected. – Normal closed: Circuit is normally closed, the beeper will sound when an open is detected. Figure 2-15 Continuity operation 3.0000 MΩ <120 ± 60 kΩ 30.000 MΩ <120 ± 60 kΩ 300.00 MΩ <120 ± 60 kΩ Table 2-10 Threshold resistance values (continued) Measuring range Threshold resistance Exit Dual Press to enable the continuity test function. Press to switch between the normal open and normal closed states. Shift View Esc Exit Dual Start to capture Circuit complete. Short detected, beeper sounds. Open detected, beeper sounds. Circuit open.

75 Figure 2-16 Testing for continuity NOTE – The continuity function detects intermittent shorts and opens lasting as short as 1 ms. A brief short or open causes the multimeter to emit a short beep. – You can enable or disable the audible alert via the multimeter’s setup. See “Changing the beep frequency” on page 138 for more information on the audible alert option.

Using Smart Ω for Resistance Measurements To use the Smart Ω function, set up your multimeter to test for resistance as shown in Figure 2-17. Probe the test points, and read the display. The resistance measurement and the bias voltage measurement is shown in the primary and secondary displays respectively. Press to switch between the leakage current (LEAk) or bias voltage (BiAS) display. Table 2-11 Rotary switch position allowing Smart Ω measurements Legend Default function Function when is pressed Resistance measurement (Ω) Cycles between – Continuity test ( ), – Smart Ω measurement, or – Resistance measurement (Ω) NOTE – Smart Ω (offset compensation) removes unexpected DC voltages within the instrument, at the input or at the circuit being measured, which will add to resistance measurement errors. The bias voltage or leakage current is shown on the secondary display. – Using the offset compensation method, the multimeter takes the difference between two resistance measurements when two different test currents are applied to determine if there are any offset voltages in the input circuitry. The resultant displayed measurement corrects this offset, giving a more accurate resistance measurement. Shift View Esc Smart Exit Dual NOTE – The Smart Ω is applicable for the 30 Ω, 300 Ω, 3 kΩ, 30 kΩ, and 300 kΩ resistance range only. The maximum correctable offset/bias voltage is +50 mV/–30 mV for the 30 Ω range and +1.0 V/–0.2 V for the 300 Ω, 3 kΩ, 30 kΩ, and 300 kΩ ranges. – If the DC voltage on the resistor is over the maximum correctable offset/bias voltage, OL is shown on the secondary display. all-guides.co m

77 Figure 2-17 Smart Ω (with bias voltage) display Figure 2-18 Smart Ω (with leakage current) display Use Smart Ω to measure the resistance of a thermocouple sensor It is useful to measure the resistance of a thermocouple temperature sensor. The thermovoltage is proportional to the temperature and the impact of the resistance measurement. Using the Smart Ω function will help you achieve precise readings regardless of the temperature. Use Smart Ω to measure leakage current Use the Smart Ω function to measure leakage current or reverse current for junction diodes. Such leakage currents are negligible and are usually measured in units of μA or nA. Instead of having to source a high-precision multimeter with a 1 nA or 0.1 nA accuracy or a precision shunt, you can measure the leakage current using the Smart Ω function with just a resistor from 100 kΩ to 300 kΩ.

Figure 2-19 Measuring leakage current

79 Testing Diodes Set up your multimeter to test diodes as shown in Figure 2-22. Probe the test points, and read the display. Figure 2-20 Diode display Table 2-12 Rotary switch position allowing diode tests Legend Default function Function when is pressed Diode test Auto-diode test CAUTION To avoid possible damage to your multimeter or to the equipment under test, disconnect the circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing diodes. NOTE – Use the diode test to check diodes, transistors, silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs), and other semiconductor devices. A good diode allows current to flow in one direction only. – This test sends a current through a semiconductor junction, and then measures the junction’s voltage drop. A typical junction drops 0.3 V to 0.8 V. – Connect the red test lead to the positive terminal (anode) of the diode and the black test lead to the negative terminal (cathode). The cathode of a diode is indicated with a band. Shift View Esc Auto

Reverse the probes (as shown in Figure 2-23) and measure the voltage across the diode again. Assess the diode according to the following guidelines: – A diode is considered good if the multimeter displays OL in reverse-bias mode. – A diode is considered shorted if the multimeter displays approximately 0 V in both forward- and reverse-bias modes, and the multimeter beeps continuously. – A diode is considered open if the multimeter displays OL in both forward- and reverse-bias modes. Figure 2-21 Open diode display NOTE – Your multimeter can display diode forward-bias of up to approximately 3.1 V. The forward-bias of a typical diode is within the range of 0.3 V to 0.8 V; however, the reading can vary depending on the resistance of other pathways between the probe tips. – If the beeper is enabled during diode test, the multimeter will beep briefly for a normal junction and sound continuously for a shorted junction, below 0.050 V. See “Changing the beep frequency” on page 138 to disable the beeper.

81 Figure 2-22 Testing a forward-bias diode all-guides.co m

Figure 2-23 Testing a reverse-bias diode

83 Using Auto-diode for Diode Tests Set up your multimeter to test diodes as shown in Figure 2-22. Probe the test points, and read the display. The primary display shows the forward-bias voltage value. The reverse-bias voltage value is shown in the secondary display. – GOOD is shown briefly (along with a single beep) on the secondary display if the diode is in a good condition. – NGOOD is shown briefly (along with two beeps) if the diode is out of the thresholds. Table 2-13 Rotary switch position allowing auto-diode tests Legend Default function Function when is pressed Diode test Auto-diode test NOTE The auto-diode function will help you test both forward- and reverse-bias directions simultaneously. You do not need to change the measuring direction to identify the diode’s status. Table 2-14 Auto-diode voltage thresholds Forward voltage Reverse voltage Diode status Primary display Secondary display Good No Good OL or <0.3 V or >0.8 V –OL or >–0.3 V or <–0.8 V ✘ Within 0.3 V to 0.8 V –OL ✔ OL Within –0.3 V to –0.8 V ✔ Shift View Esc Auto NOTE The open condition will not be alerted as OL on both directions if the auto-diode function is used.

Figure 2-24 Auto-diode display (GOOD status) Figure 2-25 Auto-diode display (NGOOD status)

85 Measuring Capacitance Set up your multimeter to measure capacitance as shown in Figure 2-27. Probe the test points, and read the display. Figure 2-26 Capacitance display Table 2-15 Rotary switch position allowing capacitance measurements Legend Default function Function when is pressed Capacitance measurement Temperature measurement CAUTION To avoid possible damage to the multimeter or to the equipment under test, disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before measuring capacitance. Use the DC voltage function to confirm that the capacitor is fully discharged. NOTE – The multimeter measures capacitance by charging the capacitor with a known current for a known period of time, measuring the resulting voltage, and then calculating the capacitance. – is shown on the bottom left of the display when the capacitor is charging, and is shown when the capacitor is discharging. Shift View Esc NOTE To improve measurement accuracy of small value capacitors, press with the test leads open to subtract the residual capacitance of the multimeter and leads. Scale Null

Figure 2-27 Measuring capacitance NOTE For measuring capacitance values greater than 1000 μF, discharge the capacitor first, then select a suitable range for measurement. This will speed up the measurement time and also ensure that the correct capacitance value is obtained. all-guides.co m

87 Measuring Temperature The multimeter uses a type-K (default setting) temperature probe for measuring temperature. To measure temperature, set up your multimeter as shown in Figure 2-29. Probe the test points, and read the display. The primary display normally shows temperature or the message OL (open thermocouple). The open thermocouple message may be due to a broken (open) probe or because no probe is installed into the input jacks of the multimeter. Figure 2-28 Temperature display WARNING Do not connect the thermocouple to electrically live circuits. Doing so will potentially cause fire or electric shock. CAUTION Do not bend the thermocouple leads at sharp angles. Repeated bending over a period of time can break the leads. Table 2-16 Rotary switch position allowing temperature measurements Legend Default function Function when is pressed Capacitance measurement Temperature measurement Shift View Esc

Press to change the temperature units between °C or °F (you must first change the temperature unit to switch between °C and °F or °F and °C). See “Changing the temperature unit” on page 135 for more information. Auto Range CAUTION The option to change the temperature unit is locked for certain regions. Always set the temperature unit display per the official requirements and in compliance with the National laws of your region. NOTE – Shorting the terminal to the COM terminal will display the temperature at the multimeter’s terminals. – To change the default thermocouple type from type-K to type-J, see “Changing the thermocouple type” on page 135 for more information. NOTE The bead-type thermocouple probe is suitable for measuring temperatures from –40 °C to 204 °C (399 °F) in PTFE-compatible environments. Do not immerse this thermocouple probe in any liquid. For best results, use a thermocouple probe designed for each specific application — an immersion probe for liquid or gel, and an air probe for air measurement. Observe the following measurement techniques: – Clean the surface to be measured, and ensure that the probe is securely touching the surface. Remember to disable the applied power. – When measuring above ambient temperatures, move the thermocouple along the surface until you get the highest temperature reading. – When measuring below ambient temperatures, move the thermocouple along the surface until you get the lowest temperature reading. – Place the multimeter in the operating environment for at least 1 hour as the multimeter is using a non-compensation transfer adapter with miniature thermal probe. For quick measurement, use the compensation to view the temperature variation of the thermocouple sensor. The compensation assists you in measuring relative temperature immediately.

89 Figure 2-29 Measuring surface temperature Type-K Thermocouple Probe

Temperature measurement without ambient compensation If you are working in a constantly varying environment, where ambient temperatures are not constant, do the following: 1 Press to select compensation. This allows a quick measurement of the relative temperature. 2 Avoid contact between the thermocouple probe and the surface to be measured. 3 After a constant reading is obtained, press to set the reading as the relative reference temperature. 4 Touch the surface to be measured with the thermocouple probe and read the display. Figure 2-30 Temperature measurement without ambient compensation Exit Dual Scale Null

91 Measuring AC or DC Current Set up your multimeter to measure AC or DC current as shown in Figure 2-32 and Figure 2-33. Open the circuit path to be tested. Probe the test points, and read the display. Table 2-17 Rotary switch positions allowing current measurements Legend Default function Function when is pressed DC A (or mA) Cycles between – AC A (or mA), – AC+DC A (or mA) – % Scale of 4-20 mA (or 0-20 mA), or – DC A (or mA) DC µA Cycles between – AC µA, – AC+DC µA, or – DC µA WARNING Never attempt an in-circuit current measurement where the open-circuit potential to earth is greater than 1000 V. Doing so will cause damage to the multimeter and possible electric shock or personal injury. CAUTION To avoid possible damage to the multimeter or to the equipment under test: – Check the multimeter’s fuses before measuring current. – Use the proper terminals, function, and range for your measurement. – Never place the probes across (in parallel with) any circuit or component when the leads are plugged into the current terminals. Shift View Esc all-guides.co m

Figure 2-31 DC current display NOTE – To measure current, you must open the circuit under test, then place the multimeter in series with the circuit. – Turn off power to the circuit. Discharge all high-voltage capacitors. Insert the black test lead into the COM terminal. Insert the red test lead in an input appropriate for the measurement range. – If you are using the A terminal, set the rotary switch to . – If you are using the µA mA terminal, set the rotary switch to for currents below 5000 μA (5 mA), or for currents above 5000 μA. – Press to cycle between DC current measurement, AC current measurement, AC+DC current measurement, or % scale current measurements. – Reversing the leads will produce a negative reading, but it will not damage the multimeter. Shift View Esc CAUTION – To avoid blowing the multimeter’s 440 mA fuse, use the µA mA terminal only if you are sure the current is less than 400 mA. See Figure 2-34 for test lead connections and function selection. Refer to the Input warning section for information on the alerts the multimeter uses when leads are not used correctly for current measurements. – Placing the probes across (in parallel with) a powered circuit when a lead is plugged into a current terminal can damage the circuit you are testing and blow the multimeter's fuse. This happens because the resistance through the multimeter's current terminals are very low, resulting in a short circuit.

93 CAUTION – For measuring AC current signals with a DC offset, refer to the “Using the Filter Function for DC measurements” on page 61. – For measuring DC current from a mixed signal in DC measurement mode, ensure that the Filter is enabled (Refer to “Enabling the filter” on page 146). NOTE – Press to cycle through the available dual display combinations. See Appendix B, “Dual Display Combinations Using the Dual Key,” starting on page 155 to learn more. – Press to measure the frequency of the AC or DC current source. See “Measuring Frequency” on page 100 to learn more. Exit Dual Hz % ms Log

Figure 2-32 Measuring DC current DC LOAD

Figure 2-34 Current measurement setup all-guides.co m

97 % Scale of 4-20 mA or 0-20 mA To display the current measurement in % scale, position your multimeter’s rotary switch position to and set up your multimeter to measure DC current by following the steps listed in the Measuring AC or DC Current section. Figure 2-35 4-20 mA % Scale display Table 2-18 Rotary switch positions allowing current measurements Legend Default function Function when is pressed DC A (or mA) Cycles between – AC A (or mA), – AC+DC A (or mA) – % Scale of 4-20 mA (or 0-20 mA), or – DC A (or mA) NOTE – The 4-20 mA current loop output from a transmitter is a type of electrical signal that is used in a series circuit to provide a robust measurement signal that is proportional to the applied pressure, temperature, or flow in process control. The signal is a current loop where 4 mA represents the zero percent signal and 20 mA represents the 100 percent signal. – The % scale for 4-20 mA or 0-20 mA in this multimeter is calculated using its corresponding DC mA measurement. The multimeter will automatically optimize the best resolution for the selected measurement. Two ranges are available for the % scale as shown in Table 2-19. Shift View Esc

The analog bar graph displays the current measurement value. (In the example above, 24 mA is represented as 125% in the 4-20 mA % scale.) You can change the % scale range (4-20 mA or 0-20 mA) by accessing the multimeter’s setup. See “Changing the % scale range” on page 136 for more information. Use the % scale with a pressure transmitter, a valve positioner, or other output actuators to measure pressure, temperature, flow, pH, or other process variables. Table 2-19 % Scale measurement range % Scale of 4-20 mA or 0-20 mA DC mA measurement range 999.99% 30 mA or 300 mA[a] 9999.9% [a] Applies to both autoranging and manual range selection.

99 Figure 2-36 Measuring DC current using the 0-20 mA % scale Pressure transmitter

Measuring Frequency Your multimeter allows simultaneous monitoring of real- time voltage or current with frequency, duty cycle, or pulse width measurements. Table 2-20 highlights the functions allowing frequency measurements in your multimeter. WARNING Never measure the frequency where the voltage or current level exceeds the specified range. Manually set the voltage or current range if you want to measure frequencies below 20 Hz. Table 2-20 Rotary switch positions allowing frequency measurements Legend Default function Function when is pressed AC V AC V with LPF AC mV AC mV with LPF DC V Cycles between – AC V, – AC+DC V, or – DC V DC mV Cycles between – AC mV, – AC+DC mV, or – DC mV DC A (or mA) Cycles between – AC A (or mA), – AC+DC A (or mA) – % Scale of 4-20 mA (or 0-20 mA), or – DC A (or mA) DC µA Cycles between – AC µA, – AC+DC µA, or – DC µA Shift View Esc