VOLTCRAFT VC131 Digital Multimeter User Manual

VC131 Digital Multimeter
User Manual
Item No. 2446476

Introduction

Dear customer,
Thank you for purchasing this product.
This product complies with the statutory national and European requirements.
To maintain this status and to ensure safe operation, you as the user must observe these operating instructions!
These operating instructions are part of this product. They contain important notes on commissioning and handling. Also consider this if you pass on the product to any third party. Therefore, retain these operating instructions for reference!
If there are any technical questions, please contact: www.conrad.com/contact

Explanation of symbols

The symbol with the lightning in the triangle is used if there is a risk to your health, e.g. due to an electric shock.
The symbol with the exclamation mark in the triangle is used to indicate important information in these operating instructions. Always read this information carefully.
The arrow symbol indicates special information and advice on operation.
This device is CE-compliant and meets applicable European directives.
** Protection class 2 (double or reinforced insulation, protective insulation).
Earth ground
This device is UK conformity assessed and meets applicable Great Britain directives.
CAT II It is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected directly to utilization points (socket outlets and similar points) of the low-voltage MAINS installation.
CAT III** It is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected to the distribution part of the building’s low-voltage MAINS installation.
Direct current
Alternating current

Intended use

The product is intended to be used as a digital multimeter (DMM), measured values are shown on a digital display. The DMM can be used for professional, industrial and do-it-yourself applications up to CAT III. It is intended for indoor use only. Contact with moisture must be avoided under all circumstances.
For safety and approval purposes, you must not rebuild and/or modify this product. If you use the product for purposes other than those described above, the product may be damaged. In addition, improper use can result in short circuits, fires, electric shocks or other hazards. Read the instructions carefully and store them in a safe place. Make this product available to third parties only together with its operating instructions.
All company names and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Delivery content

• Digital multimeter
• Test leads (pair)
• 9 V block battery
• Operating instructions

Up-to-date operating instructions

Download the latest operating instructions at www.conrad.com/downloads or scan the QR code shown. Follow the instructions on the website.

Features and functions

• AC / DC voltage measurement
• DC current measurement up to 10 A
• Diode test
• Acoustic continuity tester
• Hold function
• Auto power off
• Backlight
• 2000 counts
• Auto range
• 600 V high performance fuses
• CAT III 600 V measuring category
• Torch function

Safety instructions

Read the operating instructions carefully and especially observe the safety information. If you do not follow the safety instructions and information on proper handling in this manual, we assume no liability for any resulting personal injury or damage to property. Such cases will invalidate the warranty/ guarantee.
a) General information

• The device is not a toy. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

• Do not leave packaging material lying around carelessly. This may become dangerous playing material for children.

• Protect the appliance from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, strong jolts, high humidity, moisture, flammable gases, steam and solvents.

• Do not place the product under any mechanical stress.

• If it is no longer possible to operate the product safely, take it out of operation and protect it from any accidental use. Safe operation can no longer be guaranteed if the product:
  – is visibly damaged,
  – is no longer working properly,
  – has been stored for extended periods in poor ambient conditions or
  – has been subjected to any serious transport-related stresses.

• Please handle the product carefully. Jolts, impacts or a fall even from a low height can damage the product.

• Consult an expert when in doubt about the operation, safety or connection of the appliance.

• Maintenance, modifications and repairs must only be completed by a technician or an authorised repair centre.

• If you have questions which remain unanswered by these operating instructions, contact our technical support service or other technical personnel.

• 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.

• Before each use verify tester operation by measuring a known voltage.

b) Connected devices

• Observe the safety and operating instructions of any other devices which are connected to the product.

c) Fuse

• A defective fuse must be replaced with a new fuse with the same specifications.
  Do not repair or bridge a defective fuse, as this may cause a fire or result in fatal electric shock!

d) (Rechargeable) batteries

• Correct polarity must be observed while inserting the (rechargeable) battery.
• The (rechargeable) batteries should be removed from the device if it is not used for a long period of time to avoid damage through leaking. Leaking or damaged (rechargeable) batteries might cause acid burns when in contact with skin, therefore use suitable protective gloves to handle corrupted (rechargeable) batteries.
• (Rechargeable) batteries must be kept out of reach of children. Do not leave (rechargeable) batteries lying around, as there is risk, that children or pets swallow them.
• All (rechargeable) batteries should be replaced at the same time. Mixing old and new (rechargeable) batteries in the device can lead to (rechargeable) battery leakage and device damage.
• (Rechargeable) batteries must not be dismantled, short-circuited or thrown into fire. Never recharge non-rechargeable batteries. There is a risk of explosion!

e) Multimeter

• Do not switch the meter on after it has been taken from a cold to a warm environment. The condensation that forms might destroy the device. Allow the device to reach room temperature before switching it on.
• Check that the multimeter is set to the correct function before each measurement.
• To avoid electric shock, do not touch the connections/measuring points directly or indirectly during measurement. Check the meter for damage before each measurement. Never carry out any measurements if the protecting insulation is defective (torn, ripped off etc.)
• Do not use the during thunderstorms.
• Never operate the product in direct proximity of strong magnetic or electromagnetic fields or transmitter aerials or HF generators. This could affect measurement.
• For accurate measurements, replace the battery when the low battery symbol appears on the display.
• Pay attention to the information besides the warning signs at the test lead terminals. The measured voltage or current must not exceed the values shown!
• Never operate the meter when the case is open. !DANGER TO LIFE!

f) Probes

• The probe cables have a wear indicator. When damaged, a second insulation layer in a different colour becomes visible. The measuring accessories must no longer be used and must be replaced.

• During measuring, do not grip beyond the grip range markings indicated on the measuring probes.

• When using the measuring probes 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. Measuring probes with cover caps (max. 4 mm free contact length) must be used to avoid accidental short circuits during measurement. They are enclosed.

• The measuring probes must be removed from the measured object each time the measuring function is changed.

• The voltage between the connection points of the meter and the earth potential must not exceed 600 V DC/AC in CAT III.

• Risk of fatal electric shock! Be careful when dealing with voltages higher than AC 30 Vr.m.s, 42.4 Vpeak or DC 60 V.

• Probe assemblies to be used for MAINS measurements should meet EN 61010-031 standard, rated CAT III 600V, 10A or better.

Operating elements

a) Overview

1. HOLD button
2. Non-contact voltage measuring area
3. Torch
4. Tri-color indicator LED
5. Display
6. (torch) button| 7. Function dial
8. 10 A max terminal
9. COM terminal
10. terminal
11. Battery compartment cover
12. Fold-out stand
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b) Dial

• Adjust the dial to choose a function.
• Automatic range selection “Auto” is active for most measuring functions.
• Always set the dial to “OFF” when not in use.

Display and symbols

Insert / replace batteries

Before opening the rear cover, switch off the power supply and disconnect the test leads from the input terminals and the circuit.

1. When the battery voltage is ≤6 V ±0.2 V, the low battery symbol will be displayed.
2. Turn the function dial to the “OFF” position, and remove the test leads from the input terminals.
3. Unscrew and remove the battery cover to replace the battery.

Operation

Replace the battery if the low battery warning shows. Pay attention to the information besides the warning signs marked on the DMM beside the test lead terminals. The measured voltage or current must not exceed the values shown!
Test on known voltages to verify that the DMM is functioning correctly.
For accurate measurement results, make sure the probe tips and any areas of contact are free from debris or residue.
a) Power ON

• Turn ON: Set the function dial to the corresponding measurement function.
• Turn OFF: Set the function dial to “OFF”. Always turn the meter off when it is not in use.

b) DC/AC voltage Measurement

The input impedance is approximately 10 MΩ and will not put much strain on the circuit.

1. Set the function dial to the required setting:
   • DC voltage measurement (V ), “DC” will show on the display.
   • AC voltage measurement (V∼ ), “AC” will show on the display.

2. Connect the test leads to the terminals:
   – Red test lead to the terminal.
   – Black test lead to the COM terminal.

3. Connect the test lead probes to the correct test points in the circuit:
   – Red: Positive polarity “+”.
   – Black: Negative polarity “-”.

4. Read the voltage values on the display.
   – DC voltage measurements (V  ): If a minus “-” sign appears in front of the value, the measured voltage is negative (or the measuring lines are swapped).
   A warning will sound when measured values are out of range >600 V.

5. When finished measuring, disconnect the test leads and switch the power OFF.

c) Resistance measurement (Ω)
Make sure all circuit parts, circuits, components, and other objects of measurement are disconnected from the voltage supply and fully discharged.

1. Set the function dial to Ω.

2. “Ω” will show on the display.

3. Connect the test leads to the terminals:
   – Red test lead to the terminal.
   – Black test lead to the COM terminal.

4. Connect the test lead probes to the correct test points in the circuit:
   – Red: Positive polarity “+”.
   – Black: Negative polarity “-”.
   ⇒ Check the lines for continuity by connecting the two test leads. The impedance value should be ≤ 0.5 Ω (inherent impedance of the measuring lines). If the value is ≥ 0.5 Ω, check the terminal connections or if there is any damage.

5. Read the resistance values on the display.
   – “OL” will appear on the display if the maximum range is exceeded or if the circuit is open.
   – When measuring high resistance, it is normal to take a few seconds for readings to stabilize.

6. When finished measuring, disconnect the test leads and switch the power OFF

d) Continuity test ( )
Make sure all circuit parts, circuits, components, and other objects of measurement are disconnected from the voltage supply and fully discharged.

1. Set the function dial to ****.

2. “ ****”will show on the display.

3. Connect the test leads to the terminals:
   – Red test lead to the terminal.
   – Black test lead to the COM terminal.

4. Connect the test lead probes to the correct test points in the circuit.

5. A resistance of ≤ 10 Ω is considered continuity, and a beep will sound.
   – The measuring range is ≤ 200 Ω.
   – “OL” will appear on the display if the maximum range is exceeded or if the circuit is open.

6. When finished measuring, disconnect the test leads and switch the power OFF.

e) Diode test ( )
Make sure all circuit parts, circuits, components, and other objects of measurement are disconnected from the voltage supply and fully discharged.
The test voltage is approximately 2.2 V.

1. Set the function dial to ****.

2. “ ****” will show on the display.

3. Connect the test leads to the terminals:
   – Red test lead to the terminal.
   – Black test lead to the COM terminal.

4. Check the lines for continuity by connecting the two test leads. The value should be approximately 0.000 V.

5. Connect the test lead probes to the correct test points on the diode.
   – “OL” will appear on the display if the polarity is reversed or if the circuit is open.
   – The normal PN junction forward voltage is approx. 500 to 800 mV.

6. When finished measuring, disconnect the test leads and switch the power OFF.

f) Current measurement
This measuring function is not suitable for measuring mains current!
To prevent possible electric shock, fire or personal injury, switch off the power supply of the circuit, and then connect the DMM to the circuit in series before measuring the current.
If the range of the measured current is unknown, always start at the highest measurement range and switch down to lower ranges if needed.
There are fuses inside “10 A” and “mA μA” input terminals. Do not connect the test leads to circuits in parallel.
A warning will sound when measured values are out of range >10 A.
Measuring >5 A must only be performed for max. 30 seconds and at 15 minute intervals.

1. Set the function dial to , the corresponding unit of measurement will appear on the display.

2. Connect the test leads to the terminals:
   – Red test lead to the or 10A max terminal.
   – Black test lead to the COM terminal.

3. Connect the test lead probes to the circuit in series.

4. Read the value on the display.
   – DC current: The polarity is shown together with the measured value.

5. When finished measuring, disconnect the test leads, power the circuit down and switch the DMM power OFF.

g) Non-contact AC voltage test “NCV”
Make sure that all measuring sockets are unoccupied. Please remove all measuring leads and adapters from the measuring device.
This function only serves as an aid. Prior to performing work on these cables, you must perform contact measuring operations to check for the absence of voltage.
Test this function beforehand on a known AC voltage source.

1. Set the function dial to NCV, “EF” and “NCV” will show on the display.

2. Guide the non-contact voltage sensor area to the test location (max. 5 mm). For twisted cables, it is recommended to touch the cable with the end of non-contact voltage
   sensor.
   – If AC power is sensed, the tri-color indicator LED will light up and the buzzer will sound.
   – The higher the voltage, the higher the frequency at which the buzzer will beep.
   – The tri-color indicator LED will change from green to yellow to red as the voltage increases.

3. When finished measuring, switch the power OFF.

Additional functions

Button press:

• Short press = <2 sec.
• Long press = >2 sec.

a) Hold
The hold function keeps the indicated value on the display so you have more time to read or record it.
**** If you test live wires, make sure this function is deactivated before the measurement starts. Otherwise, the measurement will not be correct.

• Short press the HOLD button to activate/deactivate the hold.
• The symbol will appear to indicate that hold is active.

b) Automatic power off
Automatic power off is an energy saving feature. When activated, the power will turn off if there is no activity is detected for approximately 15 mins. Press any button or adjust the function dial to wake.
Disable auto-power off

1. Set the function dial to the OFF position.
2. While pressing and holding the HOLD button, turn the function dial to any position.
3. The symbol will disappear.

Activate auto-power off

• Restart the device by setting the function dial OFF then ON again.
• The symbol will show.

c) Torch function

• Press the button to switch the torch ON/OFF.

Replacing the Fuse

Never operate the meter if the case is open. !DANGER TO LIFE!

1. Turn the function dial to the “OFF” position.
2. Remove the test leads from the input terminals.
3. Unscrew then remove the battery cover.
4. Unscrew the rear cover screws.
5. Replace the fuse with one that is of the same type and specification. Refer to the section “Technical data” for further information.
6. Carefully replace the covers.

Troubleshooting

the probe leads.
Is the HOLD function activated?| Deactivate the HOLD function.
No measurement possible in the A
measurement range| Is the fuse of the A measuring range defective?| Check the 10 A F2 fuse
No measurement possible in the mA/
µA measurement range| Is the fuse of the mA/µA measurement range
defective?| Check the 0.2 A F1 fuse.

Cleaning and maintenance

a) Cleaning
Do not use aggressive cleaning agents, rubbing alcohol or other chemical solutions as they can cause damage to the housing and malfunctioning.

• Disconnect the product from the mains before each cleaning.
• Clean the product with a dry, fibre-free cloth.
• If there is any malfunction, stop using the meter and send it for maintenance. Maintenance and service must only be carried out by qualified professionals.

b) Maintenance

• The DMM should be calibrated once a year for maximum accuracy.
• The DMM does not require maintenance other than battery and fuse replacement.
• Check the device and measuring lines for signs of wear and damage.

Disposal

a) Product
This symbol must appear on any electrical and electronic equipment placed on the EU market. This symbol indicates that this device should not be disposed of as unsorted municipal waste at the end of its service life.
Owners of WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment) shall dispose of it separately from unsorted municipal waste. Spent batteries and accumulators, which are not enclosed by the WEEE, as well as lamps that can be removed from the WEEE in a non-destructive manner, must be removed by end users from the WEEE in a non-destructive manner before it is handed over to a collection point.

Distributors of electrical and electronic equipment are legally obliged to provide free take-back of waste. Conrad provides the following return options free of charge (more details on our website):

• in our Conrad offices
• at the Conrad collection points
• at the collection points of public waste management authorities or the collection points set up by manufacturers or distributors within the meaning of the ElektroG

End users are responsible for deleting personal data from the WEEE to be disposed of.
It should be noted that different obligations about the return or recycling of WEEE may apply in countries outside of Germany.
b) (Rechargeable) batteries
Remove batteries/rechargeable batteries, if any, and dispose of them separately from the product. According to the Battery Directive, end users are legally obliged to return all spent batteries/ rechargeable batteries; they must not be disposed of in the normal household waste.
Batteries/rechargeable batteries containing hazardous substances are labelled with this symbol to indicate that disposal in household waste is forbidden. The abbreviations for heavy metals in batteries are: Cd = Cadmium, Hg = Mercury, Pb = Lead (name on (rechargeable) batteries, e.g. below the trash icon on the left).
Used (rechargeable) batteries can be returned to collection points in your municipality, our stores or wherever (rechargeable) batteries are sold. You thus fulfil your statutory obligations and contribute to environmental protection.
Batteries/rechargeable batteries that are disposed of should be protected against short circuit and their exposed terminals should be covered completely with insulating tape before disposal. Even empty batteries/rechargeable batteries can contain residual energy that may cause them to swell, burst, catch fire or explode in the event of a short circuit.

Technical data

a) General
Intended use ……………………………..Indoor use
Voltage supply …………………………..9 V block battery (6F22, NEDA 1604 or same)
Operating time/battery ………………..approx. 35 h (backlight always on, torch off, buzzer off)
Measuring impedance ………………..approx. 10 MΩ (200 mV: ≥100 MΩ)
Display range …………………………….2000 counts (characters)
Refresh rate ………………………………2-3x per sec
Measuring line length …………………each approx. 90 cm
Low battery indicator ………………….≤6 V ±0.2 V
Measuring jacks distance ……………19 mm (COM-V)
Auto power off …………………………..approx. 15 minutes
Data hold ………………………………….approx. 15 minutes
Measuring category ……………………≤ CAT III 600 V
Degree of contamination …………….2
Direct voltage …………………………….max. 600.0 V / DC
Alternating voltage ……………………..max. 600.0 V / AC
Direct current …………………………….max. 10.00 A / DC
Resistance ………………………………..max. 20 MΩ
Operating temperature ……………….0 to 40 °C
Storage temperature …………………..-10 to +50 °C
Operating/storage humidity ………… 0 ˚C to 30 ˚C: ≤75 % RH (non-condensing) 30 ˚C to 40 ˚C: ≤ 50 % RH (non-condensing)
Operating altitude ………………………max. 2000 m (above sea level)
Dimensions (W x H x D): …………….76.5 x 157.5 x 40 mm
Weight ……………………………………..approx. 262 g (without battery)

b) Fuses
F1 Fuse …………………………………… ø5 x 20 mm, FF 200mA H 600 V, Breaking capacity: 500 A min., Input terminal protection (μA, mA)
F2 Fuse …………………………………… ø6 x 32 mm, FF 10A, H 600V,Breaking capacity: 10 KA, Input terminal protection (A)

c) Measurement tolerances
Accuracy: ± (% of reading + count)
The accuracy is valid for one year at:

• Ambient temperature: +3 °C (± 5 °C), ≤75 %, RH non-condensing
• Operating temperature*: 18 to 28 °C (±1 °C)

*A temperature coefficient applies outside of this temperature range: +0.1 x (specified accuracy)/ °C.
The measurement can be impaired when the device is operated within a high- frequency electromagnetic field.
d) Continuity ( ) and diode ( ) test

• Circuit with a good connection: Resistance 10 0, consecutive beeps.
| 1 mV| • Open circuit voltage: Approx. 2.2 V
• Silicon PN junction voltage: Appox. 0.5 to 0.8 V
Overload protection: 600 V

e) DC voltage measurement

• Input impedance: 100 MO for mV range (short circuit allows 5 digits), approx 10 MO for other ranges.
• Input voltage: max. 600 V

f) AC voltage measurement

• Input impedance: approx. 10 MΩ.
• Frequency response: 50 – 60 Hz.
• Accuracy guarantee range: 5~100% of range, short circuit allows least significant digit <5.
• Non-sinusoidal waveforms:
– When the crest factor is 1.0 to 2.0, the accuracy must be increased by 4.0 %.
– When the crest factor is 2.0 to 2.5, the accuracy must be increased by 5.0 %.
– When the crest factor is 2.5 to 3.0, the accuracy must be increased by 7.0 %.
• Input voltage: max. 600 Vrms.

g) Resistance measurement (Ω)

Overload protection: 600 V

h) DC current measurement

• When the measured current is >5 A, each measurement time should be 30 s and the rest interval should be 15 minutes.
• Overload protection:
– F1 Fuse: pA mA range, 05 x 20 mm, FF 200mA H 600 V, Breaking capacity: 500 A min.
– F2 Fuse: 10A range, 06 x 32 mm, FF 10A, H 600V,Breaking capacity: 10 KA

This is a publication by Conrad Electronic SE, Klaus-Conrad-Str. 1, D-92240
Hirschau ( www.conrad.com ).
All rights including translation reserved. Reproduction by any method, e.g. photocopy, microfilming, or the capture in electronic data processing systems require the prior written approval by the editor. Reprinting, also in part, is prohibited. This publication represent the technical status at the time of printing.
Copyright 2023 by Conrad Electronic SE.

2446476_v3_0123_02_dh_mh_4L

Documents / Resources

| VOLTCRAFT VC131 Digital Multimeter [pdf] User Manual
VC131 Digital Multimeter, VC131, Digital Multimeter, Multimeter
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References

• France.fr : Explore France and its wonders - Explore France
• Conrad Electronic » Alle Teile des Erfolgs
• Conrad Electronic » All parts of success
• Conrad Electronic – Alle Teile des Erfolgs
• Conrad Electronic » All parts of success
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