Extech Instruments MA1500 User manual

User Manual

1500Amp True RMS AC/DC

Clamp Meter

Model MA1500

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Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of this MA1500 True RMS Clamp Meter. This meter measures

AC Current, DC Current, AC/DC Voltage, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency, Diode Test, Duty

Cycle and Continuity. The molded case is designed for heavy duty use. This meter is shipped fully

tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of reliable service.

Safety

International Safety Symbols

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

to the manual for further information.

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

voltages may be present

Double insulation

This WARNING symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not

avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

This CAUTION symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not

avoided, may result damage to the product.

PER IEC1010 OVERVOLTAGE INSTALLATION CATEGORY

OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY I

Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY I is equipment for connection to circuits in which

measures are taken to limit the transient overvoltages to an appropriate low level.

Note – Examples include protected electronic circuits.

OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II

Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY II is energy-consuming equipment to be supplied from

the fixed installation.

Note – Examples include household, office, and laboratory appliances.

OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III

Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III is equipment in fixed installations.

Note – Examples include switches in the fixed installation and some equipment for industrial use with

permanent connection to the fixed installation.

OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY IV

Equipment of OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY IV is for use at the origin of the installation.

Note – Examples include electricity meters and primary over-current protection equipment

WARNING

CAUTION

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SAFETY NOTES

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

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

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

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

WARNINGS

 Set function switch to the appropriate position before measuring.

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

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

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

CAUTIONS

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

this user manual before operating the meter.

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

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

meter. Repair or replace any damage before use.

 Use great care when making measurements if the voltages are greater than 25VAC rms or

35VDC. These voltages are considered a shock hazard.

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

Diode, Resistance or Continuity tests.

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

of connection to the recessed electrical contacts. Other means should be used to ensure that

the terminals are not "live".

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

by the equipment may be impaired.

 This device is not a toy and must not reach children’s hands. It contains hazardous objects as

well as small parts that the children could swallow. In case a child swallows any of them,

please contact a physician immediately

 Do not leave batteries and packing material lying around unattended; they can be dangerous

for children if they use them as toys

 Expired or damaged batteries can cause cauterization on contact with the skin. Always,

therefore, use suitable hand gloves in such cases

 Do not short-circuited the battery. Do not throw batteries into a fire.

Function

Maximum Input

A AC,

1500A DC/AC

A DC

1500A DC/AC

V DC, V AC

1000V DC/AC

Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency, Diode Test

250V DC/AC

Type K Temperature

30V DC, 24V AC

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Description

Meter Description

1. Current clamp

2. Clamp opening trigger

3. RANGE Button

4. MODE button

5. MAX/MIN button

6. INRUSH button

7. Backlit LCD Display

8. Non-Contact Voltage Detector

9. NCV LED indicator

10. Function switch and HOLD button

11. oC / oF select button

12. Back light button

13. ZERO button

14. PEAK button

15. Multimeter input jacks

Display icons Description

HOLD Data Hold

APO Auto Power Off

AUTO Autoranging

P Peak Hold

DC Direct Current

AC Alternating Current

MAX Max reading

MIN Min reading

Low battery

ZERO DCA or CAP zero

mV or V Milli-volts or Volts (Voltage)

 Ohms (Resistance)

A Amperes (Current)

F Farad (Capacitance)

Hz Hertz (Frequency)

% Duty Ratio

oF and oC Fahrenheit and Celsius units (Temperature)

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

))) Continuity test

Diode test

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Operation

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

to using this meter. Set the function select switch to the OFF position when the meter is not in use.

Non-Contact Voltage Detector

WARNING: Risk of Electrocution. Before use, always test the Voltage Detector on a known live

circuit to verify proper operation.

1. Rotate the Function switch to any measurement position.

2. Place the detector probe tip on the conductor to be tested.

3. If AC voltage is present, the NCV detector will turn on with a

steady red light.

NOTE: The conductors in electrical cord sets are often twisted. For

best results, move the probe tip along a length of the cord to

assure placing the tip close to the live conductor.

NOTE: The detector is designed with high sensitivity. Static electricity

or other sources of energy may randomly trip the sensor. This

is normal operation.

AC/DC Current Measurements

WARNING: Disconnect the test leads before measuring with clamp.

1. Rotate the Function switch to the 1500A AC/DC position.

2. Press the MODE button to select AC or DC.

3. Press the trigger to open jaw. Fully enclose only one

conductor.

4. Read the current value in the display.

5. If the value is less than 400A, rotate the function switch to

the 400A AC/DC position to improve resolution.

DCA Zero

The Zero feature removes offset values and improves accuracy

for DC current measurements. To perform a zero, select DC and, with no conductor in the jaw,

press the ZERO button. The display will show approxemately zero. The offset value is now stored

and removed from all measurements.

Frequency

When ACA is selected, the measured frequency can be viewed in the lower display.

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AC/DC Voltage Measurements

CAUTION: Do not measure voltages if a motor on the circuit is being switched ON or OFF. Large

voltage surges may occur that can damage the meter.

1. Rotate the function switch to the V position.

2. Press the MODE button to select AC or DC Voltage.

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

Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive V jack.

4. Touch the black test probe tip to the negative side of the circuit.

Touch the red test probe tip to the positive side of the circuit.

5. Read the voltage value in the display.

Frequency

When ACV is selected, the measured frequency can be viewed in the

lower display.

Resistance Measurements

Note: Remove power from the device under test before measuring resistance.

1. Set the function switch to the position.

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

Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive V jack.

3. Touch the black test probe tip to one side of the device to be measured.

Touch the red test probe tip to the other side of the device to be measured.

4. Read the resistance value in the display.

Continuity Test

1. Set the function switch to the ))) position.

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

Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive V jack.

3. Press the MODE button to select ))) (continuity).

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

5. If the resistance is less than the continuity threshold, a tone will sound.

Diode Test

1. Set the function switch to the position.

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

Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive V jack.

3. Press the MODE button to select (diode).

4. Touch the test probe tips to the diode or semiconductor junction under test. Note the meter

reading.

5. Reverse the test lead polarity by reversing the red and black leads. Note this reading.

6. The diode or junction can be evaluated as follows:

 If one reading displays a value (typically 0.400V to 01.800V) and the other reading

displays OL, the diode is good.

 If both readings display OL the device is open.

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

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Capacitance Measurements

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, discharge the capacitor before measuring.

1. Set the function switch to the CAPposition.

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

Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive jack.

3. Press the MODE button to select capacitance (μF) measurements.

4. Touch the black test probe tip to one side of the device.

Touch the red test probe tip to the other side of the device.

5. Read the capacitance value in the display.

Note: For very large values of capacitance measurement time can be several seconds before the

final reading stabilizes.

Note: The Zero feature removes stray test lead capacitance to improve the accuracy of low value

capacitance measurements. Press the ZERO button and the display will zero. The offset

value is now stored and is subtracted from all measurements.

Frequency and Duty Ratio Measurements

1. Rotate the function switch to the Hz % position.

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

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

3. Touch the black test probe tip to one side of the device.

Touch the red test probe tip to the other side of the device.

4. Read the Frequency value on the upper large display.

Read the Duty Ratio on the lower small display.

Type K Temperature Measurements

1. Rotate the function switch to the Tempposition.

2. Press the °F/°C button to select °F or °C.

3. Plug the type K probe into the COM and TEMP jacks using the mini-plug to banana pug

adaptor provided. Make sure that the positive and negative terminals are connected correctly.

4. Connect the temperature probe tip(s) to the object which will be tested.

5. Read the temperature on the display.

Note: In case of an open input or a temperature overrange, the meter will display “- - - - -” .

Data Hold

To freeze the LCD reading, press the HOLD button (located on the function switch knob). While

data hold is active, the HOLD icon appears on the LCD. Press the HOLD button again to return to

normal operation.

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Max/Min

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

will appear. The meter will begins recording and displaying the maximum value measured.

2. Press the MAX/MIN button and “MIN” will appear. The meter will display the minimum value

measured during the recording session.

3. Press the MAX/MIN button and “MAX MIN” will appear. The meter will display the present

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

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

Peak Hold

When ACA or ACV is selected, pressing the PEAK button enables the peak capture circuit. The

meter will now capture and display the maximum and minimum peaks of the waveform.

Inrush

With ACA is selected, press the INRUSH button to activate the inrush capture circuit,

“- - - -“ will appear in the display. Any transient condition, generally lasting 110-120 milliseconds,

that occurs during motor start-up will be captured in the display.

Range

In the Voltage, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency or μA function the meter automatically selects

the best range for the measurements being made. For measurement situations requiring that a

range be manually selected, perform the following:

1. Press the RANGE button. The “AUTO” display icon will turn off.

2. Press the RANGE key to step through the available ranges. Observe the decimal point and

units displayed until the preferred range is located.

3. To exit the Manual Ranging mode and return to Autoranging, press and hold the RANGE key

for 2 seconds.

LCD Backlight

The LCD is equipped with backlighting for easier viewing, especially in dimly lit areas. Press to

turn the backlight on and again to turn it off.

Automatic Power OFF with Disable

In order to conserve battery life, the meter will automatically turn off after approximately 30 minutes.

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

function position.

To disable APO:

1. From the OFF position, hold the MODE button and rotate the FUNCTION switch to a

measurement function.

2. will appear in the display

3. Release the MODE button

4. APO is now disabled (APO icon is off) and will be reset when the Function switch is returned to

the OFF position.

Low battery indication

When the icon and “-----“appears in the display, the battery should be replaced. Refer to the

battery replacement procedure in the maintenance section.

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Maintenance

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

from the input terminals, and turn OFF the meter before opening the case. Do not operate the meter

with an open case.

Cleaning and Storage

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

the meter is not to be used for 60 days or more, remove the battery.

Battery Replacement

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

2. Open the battery compartment

3. Replace the 9V battery

4. Secure the battery compartment door with the screw

Never dispose of used batteries or rechargeable batteries in household waste.

As consumers, users are legally required to take used batteries to appropriate collection

sites, the retail store where the batteries were purchased, or wherever batteries are sold.

Disposal: Do not dispose of this instrument in household waste. The user is obligated to

take end-of-life devices to a designated collection point for the disposal of electrical and

electronic equipment.

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