Information
 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
VERSION 05/15
DIGITAL-MULTIMETER VC165
ITEM NO.: 1340780
The accompanying CD contains detailed and multi-lingual operating 
instructions.
The latest edition of the operating instructions is always available for 
download on our website:
1. Open www.conrad.com in a web browser.
2. Navigate to the product page of your product and open the “Downloads” 
tab.
3. Download the required operating instructions.
Read the operating instructions before using the product.
INTENDED USE
 - Measuring and displaying electric parameters in the range of measurement category 
CAT III up to 600 V against earth potential, pursuant to EN 61010-1 and all lower 
measuring categories. The meter must not be used in the measuring category CAT IV.
 - Measurement of direct and alternating voltage up to 600 V
 - Measurement of direct and alternating current up to 10 A
 - Measurement of resistances up to 20 MΩ
 - Acoustic continuity test (<50 Ω)
 - Diode test
 - Contact-free recognition of alternating voltage 220 V/AC, 50 - 60 Hz.
The measurement functions are selected using the dial switch. The measuring range is 
selected automatically for all measuring functions (except for diode test, continuity test and 
NCV). Manual measuring range selection is possible in the two V-measuring ranges (marked 
“RANGE”).
The VC165 shows actual effective measured values (True RMS) in the AC voltage and 
current measuring ranges. Polarity is automatically indicated with the minus prex (-) if the 
measured values are negative.
Use of personal protection equipment is recommended for measurements in CAT III 
environments. The meter must not be used in the measuring category CAT IV.
An integrated LED lamp can be used as a ashlight for dark areas.
The multimeter is operated with a conventional 9 V block battery (type 6F22, NEDA1604 or 
same build). The device must only be operated with the specied battery type. Rechargeable 
batteries should not be used because of the lower capacity and the resulting shorter 
operating time.
The multimeter must not be operated when it is open, i.e. with an open battery compartment 
or when the battery compartment cover is missing.
Measuring in potentially explosive areas (Ex) or damp rooms or under unfavourable ambient 
conditions is not permitted. Unfavourable ambient conditions are: Moisture or high humidity, 
dust and ammable gases, fumes or solvents, thunderstorms or thunderstorm conditions like 
strong electrostatic elds, etc.
For safety reasons, only use measuring lines or accessories which are adjusted to the 
specications of the multimeter when measuring.
The meter must only be operated by persons who are familiar with the required provisions 
for the measurement and the possible dangers. Use of personal protection equipment is 
recommended.
Any use other than that described above will lead to damage to the product and involves 
additional risks such as, for example, short circuit, re, electric shock, etc. No part of this 
product must be modied or converted! 
Read the operating instructions carefully and keep them for later reference.
Always observe the safety information!
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
   Please read the operating instructions completely before taking the device 
into operation. They contain important information for correct operation.
   The guarantee/warranty will expire if damage is incurred resulting from 
non-compliance with the operating instructions! We do not assume any 
liability for consequential damage!
   We do not assume any liability for damage to property or personal injury 
caused by improper use or the failure to observe the safety instructions! In 
such cases the warranty/guarantee is voided.
This device left the manufacturer’s factory in safe and perfect condition. 
To maintain this condition and to ensure safe operation, the user must observe the safety 
information and warning notes in these operating instructions. 
Observe the following symbols:
An exclamation mark in a triangle shows important notes in these operating 
instructions that must be strictly observed.
 The triangle containing a lightning symbol warns of danger of electrical 
shock or impairment of the electrical safety of the device.
 The “arrow” symbol indicates that special advice and notes on operation 
are provided.
Protection class 2 (double or reinforced insulation, protective insulation)
CAT I
 Measuring category I for measurements at electrical and electronic devices 
that are not directly supplied with mains voltage (e.g. battery-powered 
devices, protective low voltages, signal and control voltages, etc.)
CAT II
Measuring category II for measurements at electrical and electronic 
devices connected to the mains supply directly with a mains plug. This 
category also covers all lower categories (e.g. CAT I for measuring signal 
and control voltages).
CAT III
Measuring category III for measuring in building installation (e.g. outlets or 
sub-distribution). This category also covers all lower categories (e.g. CAT 
II for measuring electronic devices). Measuring operation in CAT III is only 
permitted with measuring prods with a maximum free contact length of 
4 mm or with cover caps above the measuring prods.
CAT IV
 Measuring category IV for measurements at the source of the low-voltage 
installation (e.g. main distribution, building handover points of the energy 
suppliers, etc.), and outdoors (e.g. work at earthing cable, outdoor line, 
etc.). This category also contains all lower categories. Measuring operation 
in CAT IV is only permitted with measuring prods with a maximum free 
contact length of 4 mm or with cover caps above the measuring prods.
Earth potential
•  For safety and approval reasons (CE), unauthorised conversion and/or modication of the 
device are not permitted.
•  Consult an expert when in doubt as to the operation, safety or the connection of the device.
•  Meters and accessories are not toys and have no place in the hands of children!
•  In commercial institutions, the accident prevention regulations of the Employer’s Liability 
Insurance Association for Electrical Systems and Operating Materials are to be observed.
•  In schools, training centres, computer and self-help workshops, handling of meters must be 
supervised by trained personnel in a responsible manner.
•  Ensure before every measurement that the meter is not set to another measuring 
range. Also observe that the HOLD button has not been pushed at the beginning of the 
measurement (display with the HOLD button pushed: “H”). If the HOLD function is activated 
before commencement of the measurement, no measured value is displayed! 
•  When using the measuring lines without cover caps, measurements between the meter and 
the earth potential must not be performed above the measuring category CAT II.
•  When measuring in the measuring category CAT III, the cover caps must be pushed onto 
the measuring prods to avoid accidental short circuits during measurement.
•  Push the cover caps onto the measuring prods until they latch. To remove, pull the caps 
from the prods with a little force.
•  The measuring prods have to be removed from the measured object every time the 
measuring range is changed.
•  The voltage between the connection points of the meter and earth potential must not 
exceed 600 V DC/AC in CAT III.








