USER GUIDE True RMS 200A AC/DC Open Jaw Clamp Meter Model MA160
Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION 3 2. SAFETY INFORMATION 4 3. DESCRIPTIONS 6 4. OPERATION 9 Powering the Meter Display Backlight Work Light Data Hold Test Lead Considerations Voltage Measurements AC Voltage Measurements DC Voltage Measurements Current Measurements Using the Clamp Non‐Contact Voltage Detector Resistance Measurements Continuity Measurements Capacitance Measurements Diode Test 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 5. MAINTENANCE 18 6. SPECIFICATIONS 19 2 MA160‐en‐GB_V1.
1. Introduction Thank you for selecting the Extech MA160 Clamp Meter. The MA160 is a feature‐packed Open Jaw True RMS digital Clamp meter. Measure AC/DC voltage, AC current, DC current, Resistance, Diode, Continuity, and Capacitance. The MA160 also includes a Non‐Contact Voltage Detection feature. Other functions include Data Hold, Relative mode, Work light, Backlight, and Auto power‐off. This device is shipped fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of reliable service.
2. Safety Information To ensure the safe operation and service of the meter, follow these instructions closely. Failure to observe warnings can result in severe injury. WARNINGS WARNINGS identify hazardous conditions and actions that could cause BODILY HARM or DEATH. When handling test leads or probes, keep hands and fingers behind the finger guards at all times. To avoid electrical shock do not touch exposed electrical wire, connectors, unused input terminals, or circuits under test.
Safety Symbols that are typically marked on meters and instructions This symbol, adjacent to another symbol, indicates the user must refer to the manual or user guide for further information. Risk of electrical shock Equipment protected by double or reinforced insulation Low Battery symbol Conforms to EU directives Do not discard this product in household trash.
3. Descriptions 1 2 Meter Description 1. Non‐Contact Voltage Detector 2. Open jaw 3. Work Light 4. NCV alert LED lamp 5. Work Light switch 6. Rotary function switch 7. Mode (M) button 8. Relative 9. HOLD and Backlight button 10. Display 11. Test lead jacks 3 4 , DCA Zero button 5 6 7 Note: Battery compartment on back of meter 8 9 10 11 Fig 3‐1 METER DESCRIPTION 6 MA160‐en‐GB_V1.
Display Icon Descriptions for MA160 Fig 3‐2 MA160 METER DISPLAY 1. Units of measure 2. DCA Zero 3. Relative mode 4. Data hold 5. Alternating Current 6. Direct Current 7. Automatic range 8. Continuity 9. Diode 10. Capacitance 11. Non‐Contact Voltage Detector 12. Auto power off 13. Battery status 14. LCD display 7 MA160‐en‐GB_V1.
Push‐Button Descriptions Momentary presses of the Mode (M) button perform the functions shown in the table below. Fig. 3‐4 Mode (M) Button Function Table Switch Position Mode (M) Button Function AC DC AC DC Ω Momentarily press to access/exit the Relative mode. This mode of operation is only available for AC/DC voltage, AC Current, and Capacitance. In DCA mode, press to zero the display; press and hold to exit the zero. Press and hold this button to activate/deactivate the LCD backlight.
4. Operation CAUTION: Read and understand all of the Safety statements listed in the safety section of this manual prior to use. Powering the Meter 1. Turn the rotary function switch to any position to power the meter. Check the batteries if the unit fails to power ON. Refer to the Maintenance section for battery replacement. 2. Turn the function switch to the OFF position to power OFF the meter. 3.
Voltage Measurements WARNING: Remove the test lead probe covers for CAT II 1000V installations. Use the test lead probe covers for CAT III 600V installations. Do not measure voltages greater than 600VAC or 1000VDC. CAUTION: When connecting the test leads to the circuit or device under test, connect the black lead before the red; when removing the test leads, remove the red before the black lead. Disconnect probes and circuit under test after all measurements are completed. AC Voltage Measurements 1.
DC Voltage Measurements 1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative (COM) jack and the red test lead banana plug into the positive (V/Ω) jack. 2. Move the Function Switch to the 3. Use the M button to select DC. 4. Read the Warning and Caution statements at the beginning of the Voltage Measurement section to determine whether or not to use the test lead probe covers. 5. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit under test.
Current Measurements Using the Clamp WARNING: Do not measure the current on a circuit when the voltage increases to more than 750V AC or 1000V DC. This can cause damage to the instrument and can cause injury to persons. Fig. 4‐3 Correct and Incorrect Clamping 1. Ensure that the probe leads are disconnected from the meter. 2. 3. Set the function switch to the position. Use the M button to select AC or DC.
Non‐Contact Voltage Detector WARNING: It is possible for voltage to be present in a circuit even if the meter does not beep or flash the NCV LED lamp. Always verify meter operation on a known live AC current circuit and verify that the batteries are fresh before use.
Resistance Measurements CAUTION: Switch OFF power to the device under test before measuring. Do not test on circuits or devices where 60VDC or 30VAC is present. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative (COM) jack. Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive (V/Ω) jack. Turn the Function Switch to the Ω position. Use the M button to select the Ω icon on the display indicating resistance only (without the continuity/diode/capacitance icons showing).
Continuity Measurements 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Insert the black test lead into the negative COM terminal and the red test lead into the positive terminal. Set the function switch to the position. Use the M button to select the Continuity mode. Look for the Continuity icon on the display. Touch the test probe tips across the wire or circuit under test. If the resistance is < 10Ω, the beeper will sound continuously. If the resistance is between 10 and 100Ω the beeper may or may not sound.
Capacitance Measurements WARNING: To avoid electric shock, remove power to the circuit under test and discharge the capacitor under test before measuring. Do not test on circuits or devices where 60VDC or 30VAC is present. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Set the function switch to the capacitance position. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack and the red test lead banana plug into the positive jack. Press the M button to select the unit of measure symbol F.
Diode Test 1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack and the red test lead banana plug into the positive jack. 2. Turn the function switch to position. Use the M button to select the diode function, the diode and voltage symbols will appear on the LCD when in Diode test mode. 3. Touch the test probe tips to the diode or semiconductor junction under test. Note the meter reading. 4. Reverse the test lead polarity by reversing the red and black leads. Note this reading. 5.
5. Maintenance WARNING: To avoid electrical shock, remove the test leads, disconnect the meter from any circuit and turn OFF the meter before opening the case. Do not operate with an open case. Battery Replacement 1. Remove the test leads from the meter. 2. Remove the Phillips head screw that secures the battery compartment cover on the back of the meter. 3. Open the battery compartment and replace the two AA batteries, observing correct polarity.
6. Specifications ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS Accuracy is given as ± (% of reading + least significant digits) at 23C ±5C with relative humidity <80%. Accuracy is specified for a period of one year after calibration. Function AC Current DC Current Range Resolution Accuracy (reading) ‘OL’ Protection 200.0 A 0.1A ± (2.5% + 5 digits) 200A TRMS, Frequency Response 50 to 60Hz 200.0A 0.1A ± (2.5% + 5 digits) 200A DC Zero function in use 6.000V 0.001V 60.00V 0.01V 600.0V 0.1V 750V 1V ± (1.
Function Capacitance Non‐Contact Voltage Detector (NCV) Range Resolution Accuracy (reading) 60.00nF 0.01nF 600.0nF 0.1nF 6.000µF 0.001µF 60.00µF 0.01µF 600.0µF 0.1µF 6.000mF 0.001mF ± (10%) 60.00mF 0.01mF For reference only ‘OL’ Protection ± (4.0% + 20 digits) 1000V DC 750V AC ≥100Vrms; ≤10mm (LED/Buzzer indication) 20 MA160‐en‐GB_V1.
GENERAL SPECIFCATIONS Display 6000‐count Multi‐Function LCD Display rate 3 times / second Polarity Automatic display of positive and negative polarity Over‐range indication “OL” or “‐OL” is displayed Clamp Sensor Type Open Jaw Hall Effect Jaw Opening 14.7 mm (0.
