User's Guide True RMS Multimeter Extech 430
Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech 430 (part number EX430) True RMS Autoranging Multimeter. This meter measures AC/DC Voltage, AC/DC Current, Resistance, Capacitance, Frequency, Duty Cycle, Diode Test, and Continuity plus Thermocouple Temperature. Proper use and care of this meter will provide many years of reliable service.
OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III This meter meets the IEC 610-1-95 standard for OVERVOLTAGE CATEGORY III. Cat III meters are protected against overvoltage transients in fixed installation at the distribution level. Examples include switches in the fixed installation and some equipment for industrial use with permanent connection to the fixed installation. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS This meter has been designed for safe use, but must be operated with caution.
Controls and Jacks 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 4000 count LCD display HOLD SELECT button Function switch mA, uA and A input jacks COM input jack Positive input jack RANGE hold button RELATIVE button Backlight button Protective holster Note: Tilt stand and battery compartment are on rear of unit.
Specifications Function Range DC 400mV Voltage 4V 40V 400V 600V AC Voltage DC Current AC Current Resolution Accuracy 0.1mV ±(0.3% reading + 2 digits) 0.001V 0.01V 0.1V 1V 400mV 0.1mV 4V 40V 400V 600V 0.001V 0.01V 0.1V 1V 400µA 0.1µA 4000µA 1µA 40mA 400mA 4A 20A 0.01mA 0.1mA 0.001A 0.01A 400µA 0.1µA ±(0.5% reading + 2 digits) ±(0.8% reading + 3 digits) 50 to 400Hz 400Hz to 1kHz ±(1.5% reading ±(2.5% reading + 15 digits) + 15digits) ±(1.5% reading ±(2.5% reading + 6 digits) + 8 digits) ±(1.
Function Range Resistance 400Ω 4kΩ 0.001kΩ 40kΩ 0.01kΩ 0.1kΩ 4MΩ 0.001MΩ 0.01MΩ ±(3.0% reading + 5 digits) 0.01nF ±(5.0% reading + 7 digits) 400nF 0.1nF ±(3.0% reading + 5 digits) 4µF 0.001µF 40µF 0.01µF ±(3.5% reading + 5 digits) 100µF 0.1µF 40MΩ Duty Cycle Temp (type-K) ±(0.8% reading + 2 digits) ±(1.0% reading + 2 digits) 400kΩ Capacitance 40nF Frequency Resolution Accuracy 0.1Ω ±(0.8% reading + 4 digits) ±(5.0% reading + 5 digits) 5.000Hz 0.001Hz ±(1.5% reading + 5 digits) 50.
Diode Test Continuity Check Temperature Sensor Input Impedance AC Response ACV Bandwidth Display Overrange indication Auto Power Off Polarity Measurement Rate Low Battery Indication Battery Fuses Operating Temperature Storage Temperature Operating Humidity Storage Humidity Operating Altitude Weight Size Safety Test current of 0.3mA maximum, open circuit voltage 1.5V DC typical Audible signal will sound if the resistance is less than 150Ω (approx.), test current <0.7mA Requires type K thermocouple >7.
Operating Instructions WARNING: Risk of electrocution. High-voltage circuits, both AC and DC, are very dangerous and should be measured with great care. 1. ALWAYS turn the function switch to the OFF position when the meter is not in use. 2. If “OL” appears in the display during a measurement, the value exceeds the range you have selected. Change to a higher range. NOTE: On some low AC and DC voltage ranges, with the test leads not connected to a device, the display may show a random, changing reading.
AC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS WARNING: Risk of Electrocution. The probe tips may not be long enough to contact the live parts inside some 240V outlets for appliances because the contacts are recessed deep in the outlets. As a result, the reading may show 0 volts when the outlet actually has voltage on it. Make sure the probe tips are touching the metal contacts inside the outlet before assuming that no voltage is present. CAUTION: Do not measure AC voltages if a motor on the circuit is being switched ON or OFF.
DC CURRENT MEASUREMENTS CAUTION: Do not make current measurements on the 20A scale for longer than 30 seconds. Exceeding 30 seconds may cause damage to the meter and/or the test leads. 1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. 2. For current measurements up to 4000µA DC, set the function switch to the yellow µA position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the µA/mA jack 3.
AC CURRENT MEASUREMENTS CAUTION: Do not make current measurements on the 20A scale for longer than 30 seconds. Exceeding 30 seconds may cause damage to the meter and/or the test leads. 1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. 2. For current measurements up to 4000µA AC, set the function switch to the yellow µA position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the µA/mA jack 3.
RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect power to the unit under test and discharge all capacitors before taking any resistance measurements. Remove the batteries and unplug the line cords. 1. Set the function switch to the green Ω position. 2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive Ω jack. 3. Press the SELECT button to indicate Ω on the display. 4.
CONTINUITY CHECK WARNING: To avoid electric shock, never measure continuity on circuits or wires that have voltage on them. 1. Set the function switch to the green position. 2. Insert the black lead banana plug into the negative COM jack. Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive Ω jack. 3. Press the SELECT button to indicate on the display. 4. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit or wire you wish to check. 5. If the resistance is less than approximately 150Ω, the audible signal will sound.
CAPACITANCE MEASUREMENTS WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect power to the unit under test and discharge all capacitors before taking any capacitance measurements. Remove the batteries and unplug the line cords. 1. Set the rotary function switch to the green 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. Touch the test leads to the capacitor to be tested. 4.
CONTACT TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS 1. Set the function switch to the black Type K ºF or ºC position. 2. Insert the Temperature Probe into the input jacks, making sure to observe the correct polarity. 3. Touch the Temperature Probe head to the part whose temperature you wish to measure. Keep the probe touching the part under test until the reading stabilizes (about 30 seconds). 4. Read the temperature in the display. Note: The temperature probe is fitted with a type K mini connector.
AUTORANGING/MANUAL RANGE SELECTION When the meter is first turned on, it automatically goes into AutoRanging. This automatically selects the best range for the measurements being made and is generally the best mode for most measurements. For measurement situations requiring that a range be manually selected, perform the following: 1. Press the RANGE key. The AUTO display indicator will turn off. 2. Press the RANGE key to step through the available ranges until you select the range you want. 3.
DISPLAY BACKLIGHT Press the key for to turn on or off the display backlight function. The backlight will automatically turn off after 30 seconds. HOLD The hold function freezes the reading in the display. Press the HOLD key momentarily to activate or to exit the hold function. AUTO POWER OFF The auto off feature will turn the meter off after 15 minutes. LOW BATTERY INDICATION The icon will appear in the lower left conner of the display when the battery voltage becomes low.
Maintenance WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads from any source of voltage before removing the back cover or the battery or fuse covers. WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate your meter until the battery and fuse covers are in place and fastened securely. This MultiMeter is designed to provide years of dependable service, if the following care instructions are performed: 1. KEEP THE METER DRY. If it gets wet, wipe it off. 2. USE AND STORE THE METER IN NORMAL TEMPERATURES.
BATTERY INSTALLATION WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads from any source of voltage before removing the battery cover. 1. Turn power off and disconnect the test leads from the meter. 2. Open the rear battery cover by removing two screws (B) using a Phillips head screwdriver. 3. Insert the battery into battery holder, observing the correct polarity. 4. Put the battery cover back in place. Secure with the screw.
REPLACING THE FUSES WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads from any source of voltage before removing the fuse cover. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Disconnect the test leads from the meter. Remove the protective rubber holster. Remove the battery cover (two “B” screws) and the battery. Remove the four “A” screws securing the rear cover. Lift the center circuit board straight up from the connectors to gain access to the fuse holders.
Warranty EXTECH INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION warrants this instrument to be free of defects in parts and workmanship for three years from date of shipment (a six month limited warranty applies on sensors and cables). If it should become necessary to return the instrument for service during or beyond the warranty period, contact the Customer Service Department at (781) 890-7440 ext. 210 for authorization or visit our website at www.extech.
