Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual
®
12E
Digital Multimeter
Users Manual
PN
3382138
October 2008
© 2008 Fluke Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in China. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
All product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
This Fluke product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for three years from the date of purchase. This war-
ranty does not cover fuses, disposable batteries, or damage from accident, neglect, misuse, alteration, contamination, or
abnormal conditions of operation or handling. Resellers are not authorized to extend any other warranty on Fluke's behalf. To
obtain service during the warranty period, return the unit to point of purchase with a description of the problem.
THIS WARRANTY IS YOUR ONLY REMEDY. NO OTHER WARRANTIES, SUCH AS FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, ARE EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. FLUKE IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY. Since some states or countries
do not allow the exclusion or limitation of an implied warranty or of incidental or consequential damages, this limitation of
liability may not apply to you.
Fluke Corporation
P.O. Box 9090
Everett, WA 98206-9090
U.S.A.
Service Center Address:
Fluke Corporation Beijing Service Center
Room 2301 Scite Tower
22 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chao Yang District
Beijing 100004, PRC
Tel: 010-65123435
Shanghai Shilu Instrument Co., Ltd.
#139, 2638 Nong, Hongmei Nanlu
Shanghai 201108
Biao Zhun Hao: Q/SXAV 1-2002
i
Table of Contents
Title
Page
Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1
Safety Information .......................................................................................................... 1
Safe Working Practices .................................................................................................. 1
Instrument Overview ...................................................................................................... 4
Terminals ................................................................................................................... 4
Display ....................................................................................................................... 4
Battery Saver ................................................................................................................. 5
Making Measurements ................................................................................................... 5
Manual Ranging and Auto Ranging ........................................................................... 5
Data Hold .................................................................................................................. 5
Measuring AC and DC Voltage .................................................................................. 5
Measuring AC or DC Current ..................................................................................... 6
Measuring Resistance ............................................................................................... 7
Testing for Continuity ................................................................................................. 7
Testing Diodes ........................................................................................................... 8
Measuring Capacitance ............................................................................................. 8
Maintenance ................................................................................................................... 8
General Maintenance ................................................................................................ 9
12E
Users Manual
ii
Testing the Fuses...................................................................................................... 9
Replacing the Batteries and Fuses ........................................................................... 10
Service and Parts .......................................................................................................... 10
General Specifications ................................................................................................... 11
Accuracy Specifications ................................................................................................. 12
1
12E
Multimeter
Introduction
Warning
To avoid electric shock or personal injury,
read "Safety Information” and “
Warning and
Precautions” before using the Meter.
The Fluke 12E Multimeter (hereafter referred to as “the
Meter”) is a 4,000 count instrument.
The Meter is battery powered with a digital display.
Safety Information
The Meter complies with IEC 1010-1 CAT I 1000 V, CAT
II 600 V, and CAT III 300 V overvoltage standards. See
Specifications.
Use the Meter only as specified in this manual, otherwise
the protection provided by the Meter may be impaired.
In this manual, a
Warning
identifies conditions and
actions that pose hazards to the user.
A
Caution
identifies conditions and actions that may
damage the Meter or the equipment under test.
International symbols used on the Meter and in this
manual are explained in Table 1.
Safe Working Practices
Review the safety information and comply with the safe
working practices on pages 2 and 3.
12E
Users Manual
2
Warnings and Precautions
To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, and to avoid possible damage to the Meter or to the
equipment under test, comply with the following practices:
Before using the Meter, inspect the case. Do not use the Meter if it is damaged. Look for cracks or missing plastic. Pay
particular attention to the insulation around the connectors.
Inspect the test leads for damaged insulation or exposed metal. Check the test leads for continuity. Replace damaged
test leads before using the Meter.
Verify a Meter’s operation by measuring a known voltage. Do not use the Meter if it operates abnormally. Protection
may be impaired. When in doubt, have the Meter serviced.
Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on the Meter, between the terminals or between any terminal and
earth ground.
Use caution when working with voltages above 30 V ac rms, 42 V ac peak, or 60 V dc. These voltages pose a shock
hazard.
Use the proper terminals, function, and range for your measurements.
Do not operate the Meter around explosive gas, vapor, or dust.
When using the probes, keep the fingers behind the finger guards.
When making connections, connect the common test lead before connecting the live test lead; when disconnecting,
disconnect the live test lead before disconnecting the common test lead.
Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing resistance, continuity, diodes, or
capacitance.
Do not use the Meter in a manner not specified by this manual or the safety features of the Meter may be impaired.
For all dc functions, including manual or auto-ranging, to avoid the risk of shock due to possible improper reading,
verify the presence of any ac voltages by first using the ac function. Then select a dc voltage range equal to or greater
than the ac range.
Multimeter
Safe Working Practices
3
Warnings and Precautions (Continued)
Before measuring current, check the Meter’s fuses (see “Testing the Fuses”) and turn OFF power to the circuit before
connecting the Meter to the circuit.
Do not operate the Meter with the case (or part of the case) removed.
Use only two AA batteries, properly installed in the Meter case, to power the Meter.
Replace the battery as soon as the battery indicator (
) appears. With a low battery, the Meter might produce false
readings that can lead to electric shock and personal injury.
Do not measure voltages above 600 V in Category II, or 300 V in Category III installations
.
Remove test leads from the Meter before opening the Meter case or battery door.
When servicing the Meter, use only specified replacement parts.
Table 1. International Electrical Symbols
AC (Alternating Current)
Earth Ground
DC (Direct Current)
Fuse
AC or DC
Double Insulated
Safety Information
Shock Hazard
Battery
Complies with EU directives
12E
Users Manual
4
Instrument Overview
Terminals
COM
A
mA A
V
400mA
FUSED
C
10A
FUSED
CAT I 1000 V
CAT II 600 V
4
3
2
1
apg1f.eps
Item
Description
1
Input terminal for ac and dc current
measurement to 10 A.
2
Input terminal for ac and dc microamp and
milliamp measurement to 400 mA.
3
Common (return) terminal for all
measurements.
4
Input terminal for voltage, resistance,
continuity, diode, capacitance,
measurements.
Display
2
5
4
6
7
11
1
3
8
9
10
apg2f.eps
Item
Description
1
Relative mode is active
2
Continuity selected
3
Display Hold is enabled
4
Diode test is selected
5
F
– Farads for capacitance
6
A, V
– amps or volts
7
DC, AC
– dc or ac voltage or current
8
Ω
- Ohms is selected
9
m, M, k
– decimal prefix
10
Auto range selected
11
Battery is low and should be changed
Multimeter
Battery Saver
5
Battery Saver
The Meter enters the “Sleep mode” and blanks the display
if the Meter is not used and the input is inactive for 30
minutes. Press any button or turn the rotary switch to
wake the Meter up. To disable the Sleep mode, hold down
the YELLOW button while turning the Meter on.
Making Measurements
Manual Ranging and Auto Ranging
The Meter has both manual and auto range options. In the
auto range mode, the Meter selects the best range for the
input detected. This allows you to switch test points
without having to reset the range. You can override auto
ranging by selecting the range manually.
The Meter defaults to the auto range mode in
measurement functions that have more than one range.
When the Meter is in the auto range mode,
Auto Range
is
displayed.
To enter and exit the manual range mode:
1.
Press
.
Each press of
increments the range. When the
highest range is reached, the Meter wraps to the
lowest range.
2.
To exit the manual range mode, press and hold
for two seconds.
Warning
Dangerous voltages may be present at the
input terminals and may not be displayed.
Data Hold
To hold the present reading, press
. Press
again
to resume normal operation.
Measuring AC and DC Voltage
To minimize improper reading of an unknown voltage
containing either ac or ac + dc voltage components, first
select the ac voltage function on the meter making
particular note of the ac range required for a good
measurement. Next manually select the dc function with
the dc range that either matches or is higher than the
previously noted ac range. Using this procedure minimizes
the effects of ac transients while making accurate dc
measurements.
1.
Choose ac or dc by turning the rotary switch to
,
or
2.
Connect the red test lead to the
terminal and the
black test lead to the
COM
terminal
3.
Measure the voltage by touching the probes to the
desired test points of the circuit
4.
Read the measured voltage on the display.
Note
The only way to access the 400
range is by
manual ranging.
12E
Users Manual
6
+
_
_
+
_
+
Volts AC
Volts DC
Millivolts DC
V
V
mV
apg3f.eps
Figure 1. Measuring AC and DC Voltage
Measuring AC or DC Current
1.
Turn the rotary switch to
,
or
.
2.
Toggle between ac or dc current measurement by
pressing the YELLOW button.
3.
Connect the red test lead to either the
A
, or
mA
terminal based on the current to be measured and
connect the black test lead to the
COM
terminal.
4.
Break the circuit path to be measured. Then connect
the test leads across the break and apply power.
5.
Read the measured current on the display.
AC
apg4f.eps
Figure 2. Measuring AC and DC Current
Multimeter
Making Measurements
7
Measuring Resistance
Warning
To avoid electrical shock or damage to the
Meter when measuring resistance or
continuity in a circuit, make sure the power to
the circuit is turned off and all capacitors are
discharged.
1.
Turn the rotary switch to
. Make sure power is
disconnected from the circuit to be measured.
2.
Connect the red test lead to the
terminal and the
black test lead to the
COM
terminal.
3.
Measure the resistance by touching the probes to the
desired test points of the circuit.
4.
Read the measured resistance on the display.
Testing for Continuity
With the resistance mode selected, press the YELLOW
button twice to activate the continuity beeper. If the
resistance is under 50
Ω
, the beeper will sound
continuously, designating a short circuit. If the meter reads
, the circuit is open.
<50
apg5f.eps
Figure 3. Measuring Resistance/Continuity
12E
Users Manual
8
Testing Diodes
Warning
To avoid electrical shock or damage to the
Meter when testing diodes in a circuit, make
sure the power to the circuit is turned off and
all capacitors are discharged.
1.
Turn the rotary switch to
.
2.
Press the YELLOW function button once to activate
Diode Test.
3.
Connect the red test lead to the
terminal and the
black test lead to the
COM
terminal.
4.
Connect the red probe to the anode side and the
black test lead to the cathode side of the diode being
tested.
5.
Read the forward bias voltage value on the display.
6.
If the polarity of the test leads is reversed with diode
polarity, the display reading shows
. This can be
used to distinguish the anode and cathode sides of a
diode.
Measuring Capacitance
Caution
To avoid damage to the Meter, disconnect
circuit power and discharge all high-voltage
capacitors before measuring capacitance.
1.
Turn the rotary switch to
.
2.
Connect the red test lead to the
terminal and the
black test lead to the
COM
terminal.
3.
Touch the probes to the capacitor leads.
4.
After allowing the reading to stabilize (up to 15
seconds), read the capacitance value on the display.
Maintenance
Beyond replacing batteries and fuses, do not attempt to
repair or service your Meter unless you are qualified to do
so and have the relevant calibration, performance test,
and service instructions. The recommended calibration
cycle is 12 months.
Multimeter
Maintenance
9
General Maintenance
Periodically wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild
detergent. Do not use abrasives or solvents.
Dirt or moisture in the terminals can affect readings.
To clean the terminals
1.
Turn the Meter
OFF
and remove the test leads.
2.
Shake out any dirt that may be in the terminals.
3.
Soak a new swab with isopropyl alcohol and work
around the inside of each input terminal.
4.
Use a new swab to apply a light coat of fine machine
oil to the inside of each terminal.
Testing the Fuses
Warning
To avoid electric shock or injury, remove the
test leads and any input signals before
replacing the fuses.
1.
Turn the rotary switch to
.
2.
Plug a test lead into the
terminal and touch the
probe to the
A
or
mA
terminal.
•
A good
A
terminal fuse is indicated by a reading
between 000.0
Ω
and 000.1
Ω
. A good
mA
terminal fuse is indicated by a reading between 0.990
k
Ω
and 1.010 k
Ω
.
•
If the display reads
, replace the fuse and test
again.
•
If the display shows any other value, have the Meter
serviced. See “Service and Parts” later in this manual.
12E
Users Manual
10
Replacing the Batteries and Fuses
Warning
To avoid false readings, which could lead to
possible electric shock or personal injury,
replace the batteries as soon as the battery
indicator (
) appears.
To prevent damage or injury, install ONLY
replacement fuses with the specified
amperage, voltage, and interrupt ratings.
Disconnect test leads before opening the
case or the battery door.
B1
F1
F2
apg6f.eps
F1 Fuse, 500 mA, 1000V
Fluke PN 1989732
F2 Fuse, 10A, 1000 V
Fluke PN 1989726
B1 Battery, 2 X AA Alkaline
NEDA 15A, IEC LR6
Fluke PN 376756
Battery Door
Fluke PN 1884065
Service and Parts
If the Meter fails, first check the batteries and fuses, then
review this manual to make sure that you are operating
the Meter correctly.
To contact Fluke call:
+86-10-65123435 ext 15 in China
Visit Fluke’s Web site at
www.fluke.com
Multimeter
General Specifications
11
General Specifications
Maximum Voltage between any Terminal
and Earth Ground:
1000V
Fuse Protection for mA
μ
A inputs:
500 mA, 1000 V FAST, Min. Interrupt Rating 20,000 A
Fuse Protection for A input:
10 A, 1000 V FAST, Min. Interrupt Rating 20,000 A
Display:
Digital: 4000 count updates 3/sec
Temperature:
Operating: 0
°
C to 40
°
C, Storage: -30
°
C to 60
°
C indefinitely (to -40
°
C for 100 hours)
Operating Altitude:
0 to 2000 meters
Temperature Coefficient:
0.1 X (specified accuracy)/
°
C (<18
°
C or >28
°
C)
Electromagnetic Compatibility:
Complies with FCC Part 15, Class B, IEC 61326, 3 V/m, performance criterion B
Rated Transient Overvoltage:
4 kV (1.2 x 50
μ
s) Peak for measurement Categories I, II, and III.
Relative Humidity:
Noncondensing < 10
°
C
90% from 10
°
C to 30
°
C; 75% from 30
°
C to 40
°
C
Relative Humidity, 40 M
Ω
Range:
80% from 10
°
C to 30
°
C; 70% from 30
°
C to 40
°
C
Battery Type:
2 X AA, NEDA 15A, IEC LR6
Battery Life:
Alkaline: 500 Hours
Size (H x W x L):
180 mm x 89 mm x 51.5 mm (with holster)
Weight:
425 grams
Certifications:
CMC,
Safety Compliance:
IEC 61010-1, 2000 CAT I 1000 V, CAT II 600 V, and CAT III 300 V overvoltage standards
Overvoltage installation categories per IEC 61010-1, 2000:
The
Meter is designed to protect against transients in these catagories:
CAT I
CAT II
CAT III
From high-voltage low-energy sources, e.g., electronic circuits or a copy machine.
From equipment supplied from the fixed installation, e.g., TVs, PCs, portable tools and household appliances.
From equipment in fixed equipment installations, e.g., installation panels, feeders and short branch circuits, and lighting
systems in large buildings.
12E
Users Manual
12
Accuracy Specifications
Accuracy is specified for 1 year after calibration, at operating temperatures of 18
°
C to 28
°
C, relative humidity at 0% to 75%.
Accuracy specifications take the form of:
±
([% of Reading] + [Number of Least Significant Digits])
Function
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
AC Volts (40 to 500 Hz)
400.0 mV
1
0.1 mV
3.0% + 3
4.000 V
40.00 V
400.0 V
1000 V
0.001 V
0.01 V
0.1 V
1 V
1.0% + 3
DC Millivolts
400.0 mV
0.1 mV
1.0% + 10
DC Volts
4.000 V
40.00 V
400.0 V
1000 V
0.001 V
0.01 V
0.1 V
1 V
0.5% + 3
Diode Test
2
1.000 V
0.001 V
10 %
1.
Manual Range only
2.
Diode test open circuit test voltage is 1.1 V to 1.6 V and short circuit current is < 0.6 mA (typical).
Multimeter
Accuracy Specifications
13
Function
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
Resistance (Ohms)
400.0
Ω
4.000 k
Ω
40.00 k
Ω
400.0 k
Ω
4.000 M
Ω
40.00 M
Ω
0.1
Ω
0.001 k
Ω
0.01 k
Ω
0.1 k
Ω
0.001 M
Ω
0.01 M
Ω
0.5% + 3
0.5% + 2
0.5% + 2
0.5% + 2
0.5% + 2
1.5% + 3
Capacitance
3
50.00 nF
500.0 nF
5.000
μ
F
50.00
μ
F
100.0
μ
F
0.01 nF
0.1 nF
0.001
μ
F
0.01
μ
F
0.1
μ
F
2% + 5
2% + 5
5% + 5
5% + 5
5% + 5
AC Current (40 to 200 Hz)
400.0
μ
A
4000
μ
A
0.1
μ
A
1
μ
A
1.5% + 3
AC Current (40 to 200 Hz)
40.00 mA
400.0 mA
0.01 mA
0.1 mA
1.5% + 3
AC Current (40 to 200 Hz)
4.000 A
4
10.00 A
0.01 A
0.01 A
1.5% + 3
DC Current
400.0
μ
A
4000
μ
A
0.1
μ
A
1
μ
A
1.5% + 3
3.
Specifications do not include errors due to test lead capacitance and capacitance floor (may be up to 1.5 nF in the 50 nF range).
4.
When in the 4A range, display will show 4000 counts, please ignore the last digit.
12E
Users Manual
14
Function
Range
Resolution
Accuracy
DC Current
40.00 mA
400.0 mA
0.01 mA
0.1 mA
1.5% + 3
DC Current
4.000 A
4
10.00 A
0.01 A
0.01 A
1.5% + 3
4. When in the 4A range, display will show 4000 counts, please ignore the last digit.
Function
Overload
Protection
Input Impedance
(Nominal)
Common Mode
Rejection Ratio
AC Volts
1000 V
>10 M
Ω
<100 pF
>60 dB at dc,
50 or 60 Hz
DC Volts
1000 V
>10 M
Ω
<100 pF
>100 dB at dc,
50 or 60 Hz
10
6
V Hz Max