Chapter II
26
Benchtop multimeter
1. GENERAL
INSTRUCTIONS
You have just acquired a benchtop digital multimeter and we thank you for your confidence.
This instrument complies with the specification of IEC publication 1010-1, concerning safety
requirements for electronic measuring apparatus. To get the best service from this
instrument, read carefully this user's manual and respect the detailed safety precautions.
1.1.
Precautions and safety measures
1.1.1. Before use
- This device can be used for measurements on category
II
installations, pollution
rating 2, for voltages never exceeding 1000 V relative to the earth and on category
III
for voltages never exceeding 600 V (AC or DC) relative to the earth.
-
Definition of overvoltage categories (cf. publication IEC 664-1) :
CAT
I
:
The circuits of CAT
I
are protected by measures limiting transient
overvoltages to appropriate low level.
Example : protected electronic circuits
CAT
II
:
The circuits of CAT
II
are power supply circuits of appliances or portable
equipment with transient overvoltages of an average level.
Example : appliances and portable equipment
CAT
III
: The circuits of CAT
III
are power supply circuits of power equipment
with important transient overvoltages.
Exemple : fixed installation or industrial equipment
CAT
IV
: The circuits of CAT
IV
may comprise very important transient
overvoltages.
Exemple : primary supply level
∗
For your own safety, only use the measuring probes which have been delivered with
the instrument : they conform to the IEC 1010-1 safety standard. Before use, check
that they are in good condition.
1.1.2. During use
∗
Test equipment risk assessment
:
Users of this equipment and or their employers
are reminded that Health and Safety Legislation require them to carry out a valid
risk assessment of all electrical work so as to identify potential sources of
electrical danger and risk of electrical injury such as from inadvertent short
circuits. Where the assessment show that the risk is significant then the use of
fused test leads constructed in accordance with the HSE guidance note GS38
"Electrical Test Equipment for use by Electricians" should be used.
∗
Never exceed the protection limit values indicated in the specifications for each
type of measurement.
∗
When the multimeter is linked to measurement circuits, do not touch unused
terminals.
∗
When the scale of the value to be measured is unknown, check that the scale
initially set on the multimeter is the highest possible or, wherever possible, choose
the autoranging mode.
