velleman DVM856 Digital Multimeter User Manual

: June 5, 2024
: Velleman

velleman DVM856 Digital Multimeter

Introduction

To all residents of the European Union
Important environmental information about this product This symbol on the device or the package indicates that disposal of the device after its lifecycle could harm the environment. Do not dispose of the unit (or batteries) as unsorted municipal waste; it should be taken to a specialized company for recycling. This device should be returned to your distributor or to a local recycling service. Respect the local environmental rules.
If in doubt, contact your local waste disposal authorities.
Thank you for choosing Velleman! Please read the manual thoroughly before bringing this device into service. If the device was damaged in transit, do not install or use it and contact your dealer.

Used Symbols

| AC (Alternating Current)
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| DC (Direct Current)
| Both AC and DC
**| Risk of Electric shock. A potentially hazardous voltage is possible.
**| Caution: risk of danger, refer to the user manual for safety information.
Warning : a hazardous condition or action that may result in injury or death
Caution : condition or action that may result in damage to the meter or equipment under test
| Double insulation (class 2-protection)
| Earth
| Fuse
| Capacitor
| Diode
| Continuity

General Guidelines

Refer to the Velleman® Service and Quality Warranty on the last pages of this manual.

| This symbol indicates: Read instructions
Not reading the instructions and manual can lead to damage, injury or death.
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| This symbol indicates: Danger
A hazardous condition or action that may result in injury or death
| This symbol indicates: Risk of danger/damage
Risk of a hazardous condition or action that may result in damage, injury or death
| This symbol indicates: Attention; important information Ignoring this information can lead to hazardous situations.
| WARNING: To avoid electrical shock always disconnect the test leads prior to opening the housing. To prevent fire hazards, only use fuses with the same ratings as specified in this manual.
Remark: refer to the warning on the battery compartment
| Avoid cold, heat and large temperature fluctuations. When the unit is moved from a cold to a warm location, leave it switched off until it has reached room temperature. This to avoid condensation and measuring errors.
| Protect this device from shocks and abuse. Avoid brute force when operating.
| Pollution degree 2-device. For indoor use only. Keep this device away from rain, moisture, splashing and dripping liquids. Not for industrial use. Refer to §8 Pollution degree.
| Keep the device away from children and unauthorized users.
| Risk of electric shock during operation. Be very careful when measuring live circuits.
| There are no user-serviceable parts inside the device. Refer to an authorized dealer for service and/or spare parts.

Maintenance

There are no user-serviceable parts inside the device. Refer to an authorized dealer for service and/or spare parts. Before performing any maintenance activities, disconnect the test leads from the jacks.
For instructions on replacing battery or fuse, refer to §11 Battery and fuse replacement.
Do not apply abrasives or solvents to the meter. Use a damp cloth and mild detergent for cleaning purposes.

During Use

Risk of electric shock during operation. Be very careful when measuring live circuits.

Never exceed the limit value for protection. This limit value is listed separately in the specifications for each range of measurement.
Do not touch unused terminals when the meter is linked to a circuit which is being tested.
Never use the meter with CAT II installations when measuring voltages that might exceed the safety margin of 500 V above earth ground. Never use the meter with CAT III installations when measuring voltages that might exceed the safety margin of 300 V above earth ground.
Set the range selector at its highest position if the intensity of the charge to be measured is unknown beforehand.
Disconnect the test leads from the tested circuit before rotating the range selector in order to change functions.
When carrying out measurements on a TV set or switching power circuits, always remember that the meter may be damaged by any high amplitude voltage pulses at test points.
Always be careful when working with voltages above 60 VDC or 30 VAC rms. Keep your fingers behind the probe barriers at all times during measurement.
Never perform resistance, diode or continuity measurements on live circuits. Make sure all capacitors in the circuit are depleted.

General Description

Refer to the illustration on page 2 of this manual:

Display 3 ½ digits
Hold button
Backlight button
Selection button
“VmA” jack Insert the red (positive) test lead in this connector to measure voltage, resistance and current.
“COM” jack Insert the black (negative) test lead.

Overvoltage/Installation Category

DMMs are categorized depending on the risk and severity of transient overvoltage that might occur at the point of test. Transients are short-lived bursts of energy induced in a system, e.g. caused by lightning strike on a power line.
The existing categories according EN 61010-1 are:

CAT I

| A CAT I-rated meter is suitable for measurements on protected electronic circuits that are not directly connected to mains power, e.g. electronics circuits, control signals…
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CAT II

| A CAT II-rated meter is suitable for measurements in CAT I- environments and mono-phase appliances that are connected to the mains by means of a plug and circuits in a normal domestic environment, provided that the circuit is at least 10 m apart from a CAT III- or 20 m apart from a CAT IV-environment. E.g. household appliances, portable tools…

CAT III

| A CAT III-rated meter is suitable for measurements in CAT I- and CAT II- environments, as well as for measurements on (fixed) mono- or poly-phased appliances which are at least 10 m apart from of a CAT IV-environment, and for measurements in or on distribution level equipment (fuse boxes, lighting circuits, electric ovens).

CAT IV

| A CAT IV-rated meter is suitable for measuring in CAT I-, CAT II- and CAT III-environments as well as on the primary supply level. Note that for all measurements on equipment for which the supply cables run outdoors (either overhead or underground) a CAT IV meter must be used.

Warning:
This device was designed in accordance with EN 61010-1 installation category CAT II 500 V and CAT III 300 V. This implies that certain restrictions in use apply that are related to voltages and voltage peaks which can occur within the environment of use. Refer to the table above. This device is only suitable for measurements up to 500 V in CAT II and up to 300 V in CAT III

Pollution Degree

IEC 61010-1 specifies different types of pollution environments, for which different protective measures are necessary to ensure safety. Harsher environments require more protection, and the protection against the pollution which is to be found in a certain environment depends mainly on the insulation and the enclosure properties. The pollution degree rating of the DVM indicates in which environment the device may be used.

Pollution degree 1| No pollution or only dry, nonconductive pollution occurs. The pollution has no influence. (only to be found in hermetically sealed enclosures)
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Pollution degree 2| Only nonconductive pollution occurs. Occasionally, temporary conductivity caused by condensation is to be expected.(home and office environments fall under this category)
Pollution degree 3| Conductive pollution occurs, or dry nonconductive pollution occurs that becomes conductive due to condensation that is to be expected. (industrial environments and environments exposed to outside air – but not in contact with precipitation)
Pollution degree 4| The pollution generates persistent conductivity caused by conductive dust or by rain or snow. (exposed outdoor environments and environments where high humidity levels or high concentrations of fine particles occur)

Warning: This device was designed in accordance with EN 61010-1 pollution degree 2. This implies that certain restrictions in use apply that are related to pollution which can occur within the environment of use. Refer to the table above. This device is only suitable for measurements in Pollution degree class 2 environments.

Specifications

This device is not calibrated when purchased! Regulations concerning environment of use:
Use this meter only for measurements in CAT I, CAT II and CAT III environments (see §7). Use this meter only in a pollution degree 2 environment (see §8). Ideal working conditions include:

temperature: 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)
relative humidity: max. 80 %
accuracy: ± (a% reading + b digit)
voltage ………………………………………………………………… 500 V
fuse protection
F0.5 A/500 V, 5 x 20 mm
power supply ………………………………….. 2 x 1.5 V AAA/R03 (incl.)
display …………………………………………………… LCD, 1999 counts
over-range ……………………………………………………………….. yes
continuity buzzer ………………………………………………………… yes
diode test …………………………………………………………………. yes
low-battery indication ………………………………………………….. yes
ranging mode ………………………………………………………. manual
data hold …………………………………………………………………. yes
backlight ………………………………………………………………….. yes
auto power-off …………………………………………………………… yes
dimensions …………………………………………….. 134 x 75 x 25 mm
weight (with battery) ………………………………………………… 110 g
storage environment
temperature …………………………………………. -20 °C to 60 °C
humidity …………………………………………………… < 90 % RH
test lead probe …………………. RE10, CAT II 500 V, 10 A; L = 90 cm

DC VOLTAGE

****| Do not measure circuits that may contain voltages

500 VDC or > 500 VAC

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range| resolution| accuracy
200 mV| 0.1 mV| ****

± (1.0 % rdg + 2 digits)

2 V| 1 mV
20 V| 10 mV
200 V| 100 mV
500 V| 1 V| ± (1.2 % rdg + 2 digits)

Overload protection: 500 V DC or AC rms Impedance: 1 MΩ

AC VOLTAGE

Average sensing, calibrated to rms of sine wave Frequency range: 40 Hz-500 Hz
Overload protection: 500 V DC or AC rms Impedance: 450 kΩ

DC CURRENT

****| Do not measure circuits that may contain voltages

600 VDC or > 600 VAC

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range| resolution| accuracy
200 µA| 0.1 µA| ****

± (1.5 % rdg + 2 digits)

2 mA| 1 µA
20 mA| 10 µA
200 mA| 100 µA| ± (2.0 % rdg + 3 digits)

Overload protection: F0.5 A/500 V fuse

RESISTANCE

****	Do not conduct resistance measurements on live circuits
range	resolution
200 Ω	0.1 Ω
2 kΩ	1 Ω

± (1.0 % rdg + 3 digits)

20 kΩ| 10 Ω
200 kΩ| 100 Ω
2 MΩ| 1 kΩ| ± (1.5 % rdg + 3 digits)

Overload protection: F0.5 A/500 V fuse

DIODE AND CONTINUITY

****	Do not conduct diode or continuity measurements on live circuits
range	description

| display reads the approximate forward voltage of the diode| ****

forward DC current ± 10 µA reversed DC voltage ± 1.8 V

****| built-in buzzer sounds if resistance < 50 Ω| open-circuit voltage ± 1.8 V

Overload protection: F0.5 A/500 V fuse

NON-CONTACT AC VOLTAGE DETECTION

Test voltage range: 90 V-1000 V AC rms
The built-in buzzer will sound when live voltage is detected.

Operation

DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT

****| Do not measure circuits that may contain voltages > 500 VDC or

500 VAC
---|---
****| Use extreme caution when measuring voltages higher than 60 VDC or 30 VAC rms. Always place your fingers behind the protective edges of the test probes while measuring!

Set the rotary switch in the desired “ ” position.
Connect the red test lead to the “VmA” jack and the black lead to the “COM” jack.
Connect the test leads to the source being measured.
Read the voltage value and the polarity of the red test lead on the LCD display.

Notes

If the range is not known beforehand, set the selector switch to a high range and lower gradually.
An over-range is indicated by 1 or -1. Set to a higher range.
The maximum input current is 500 V rms.

AC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT

| Do not measure circuits that may contain voltages > 500 VDC or > 500 VAC
---|---
| Use extreme caution when measuring voltages higher than 60 VDC or 30 VAC rms. Always place your fingers behind the protective edges of the test probes while measuring!

Set the rotary switch in the desired “ ” position.
Connect the red test lead to the “VmA” jack and the black lead to the “COM” jack.
Connect the test leads to the source being measured.
Read the voltage value and the polarity of the red test lead on the LCD display.

Notes

See DC Voltage Measurement

DC CURRENT MEASUREMENT

| Do not measure circuits that may contain voltages > 500 VDC or > 500 VAC
---|---
| Use extreme caution when measuring voltages higher than 60 VDC or 30 VAC rms. Always place your fingers behind the protective edges of the test probes while measuring!

Set the rotary switch in the desired “ ” position.
Connect the red test lead to the “VmA” jack and the black test lead to the “COM” jack.
Open the circuit in which the current is to be measured and connect the test leads to the circuit IN SERIES.
Read the current value and the polarity of the red lead connection on the LCD display.

Notes

If the range is not known beforehand, set the selector switch to a high range and lower gradually.
An over-range is indicated by 1 or -1. Set to a higher range.
The maximum input current is 500 mA.

RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT

****| Do not conduct resistance measurements on live circuits. Make sure all capacitors in the circuit are depleted.
---|---

Set the rotary switch in the desired “Ω” position.
Connect the red test lead to the “VmA” jack and the black test lead to the “COM” jack.
Connect the test leads to the resistor to be measured and read the LCD display.

Notes

If the resistance being measured is connected to a circuit, turn off the power and discharge all capacitors before applying the test probes.
An over-range is indicated by 1 or -1. Set to a higher range.

DIODE AND CONTINUITY TEST

| Do not conduct diode or continuity measurements on live circuits. Make sure all capacitors in the circuit are depleted.
---|---

Set the rotary switch in the “ ” position for the diode measurement mode. Set the rotary switch in the “ ” position for the continuity measurement mode.
Connect the red test lead to the “VmA” jack and the black lead to the “COM” jack.
For measuring the diode, connect the red test lead to the anode of the diode to be tested and the black test lead to the cathode of the diode. The approx. forward voltage drop of the diode will be displayed.
For measuring continuity, connect the test leads to two points of the circuit to be tested. If continuity exists, the built-in buzzer will sound.

NON-CONTACT AC VOLTAGE DETECTION

Even without buzzing sound, voltage may still be present. Do not rely solely on non-contact voltage detection.

Set the rotary switch in the “NCV” position.
Hold the meter close to the conductor to be measured. The buzzer will sound when live voltage ≥ 90 V AC rms.

DATA HOLD

Press “HOLD” to lock the displayed value. Press again to exit.

BACKLIGHT

Hold “ ” pressed for 2 seconds to switch the backlight on or off. The backlight will also switch off automatically.

Battery and Fuse Replacement

| WARNING: To avoid electrical shock always disconnect the test leads prior to opening the housing. To prevent fire hazards, only use fuses with the same ratings as specified in this manual.
Remark: refer to the warning on the battery compartment
---|---
| There are no user-serviceable parts inside the device. Refer to an authorized dealer for service and/or spare parts.
| Disconnect the test leads from the test points and remove the test leads from the measuring terminals before replacing the batteries or fuses.

When” ” is displayed, the battery should be replaced.
Fuses rarely need replacement and blown fuses almost always result from human error.

To replace the battery:

Switch of the meter.
Remove the screw at the back of the case and gently open the housing.
Remove the old battery and insert a new one.
Close the housing and fasten the screw.

Battery: 2x AAA/R03, make sure to respect the polarity
Fuse: F0.5 A/500 V, 5 x 20 mm
Make sure the meter is closed tight and put the protective edge back in place before using the meter.

Troubleshooting

If the device acts abnormal while measuring, this means that the internal fuse is defective.
Keep in mind that a low battery level could lead to incorrect measurements. Replace the battery on a regular basis.
(tip: the reduced luminosity of the backlight/LCD display indicates a low battery level)
Use this device with original accessories only. Velleman cannot be held responsible in the event of damage or injury resulting from (incorrect) use of this device. For more info concerning this product and the latest version of this manual, please visit our website www.velleman.eu. The information in this manual is subject to change without prior notice.
© COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The copyright to this manual is owned by Velleman nv. All worldwide rights reserved. No part of this manual may be copied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic medium or otherwise without the prior written consent of the copyright holder.