AM-42, AM-45 & AM-47
USER'S MANUAL
1) PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Note: Our top of the line model is used as the representative for
illustration purposes. Please refer to your respective model for
function availability.
1) LCD display
2) Rotary Selector to Select additional functions (AM-47 & AM-
42 only), and to turn the Power On or Off (AM-42 only). AM-45
does not have a physical Rotary Selector.
3) Push-button to Select additional functions (all models), and
to switch the Power On or Off (AM-47 & AM-45 only)
4) Input for all functions, or otherwise specified. Red test lead
for positive (+) polarity and Black test lead for Ground reference
(-).
Terms in this manual
WARNING
identifies conditions and actions that could result in serious injury or even death to the user.
CAUTION
identifies conditions and actions that could cause damage or malfunction in the instrument.
This manual contains information and warnings that must be followed for operating the instrument safely and maintaining
the instrument in a safe operating condition. If the instrument is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the
protection provided by the instrument may be impaired. The meter is intended only for indoor use. The meter is protected by
double insulation per EN61010-1, IEC61010-1, CSA C22.2 No. 1010-1-92 and UL61010B-1 to CAT III 300V & CAT II 600V
(CAT II 450V for model AM-45).
Measurement Category III (CAT III)
is for measurements performed in a building installation. Examples are measurements
on distribution boards, circuit-breakers, wiring, including cables, bus-bars, junction boxes, switches, socket-outlets in the
fixed installation, and equipment for industrial use and some other equipment, for example, stationary motors with
permanent connection to the fixed installation.
Measurement Category II (CAT II)
is for measurements performed on circuits directly connected to the low voltage
installation. Examples are measurements on household appliances, portable tools and similar equipment.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or moisture. To avoid electrical shock hazard,
observe the proper safety precautions when working with voltages above 60 VDC or 30 VAC rms. These voltage levels
pose a potential shock hazard to the user. Do not touch test lead tips or the circuit being tested while power is applied to the
circuit being measured. Keep your fingers behind the finger guards of the test leads during measurement. Inspect test leads
and probes for damaged insulation or exposed metal before using the instrument. If any defects are found, replace them
immediately.
2) SAFETY
INTERNATIONAL ELECTRICAL SYMBOLS
!
Caution ! Refer to the explanation in this Manual
Caution ! Risk of electric shock
Earth (Ground)
Double Insulation or Reinforced insulation
Fuse
AC--Alternating Current
DC--Direct Current
2
3) CENELEC DIRECTIVES
The instrument conforms to CENELEC Low-voltage directive 73/23/EEC and Electromagnetic compatibility
directive 89/336/EEC
4) OPERATION
Note: All function operations described hereafter are via the Red test lead for positive (+) polarity and Black test
lead for Ground reference (-), or otherwise specified
4-1) FUNCTIONS IN “Auto V.Ω” POSITION (AM-47 & AM-45 only)
-Quick Start (AM-47 & AM-45 only)
AutoCheck
TM
mode is the default function in
“Auto
V.Ω” position. Press the SELECT button momentarily to select
and step through the functions:
AutoCheck
TM
→Continuity→EF→ACV→DCV→
Ω
→Hz→Cx→AutoCheck
TM
-AutoCheck
TM
mode (AM-47 & AM-45 only)
This innovative AutoCheck
TM
feature automatically selects measurement function of DCV, ACV or Resistance (Ω)
based on the input via the test leads.
●With
no input, the meter displays “Auto” when it is ready.
●With
no voltage signal but a resistance below 6MΩ is present, the meter displays the resistance value. When
below 25Ω is present, the meter AM-47 produces a continuity beep tone.
●When
a signal above the threshold of DC 1.2V or AC 1.5V up to the rated 600V (450V for AM-45) is present; the
meter displays the appropriate voltage value in DC or AC, whichever larger in peak magnitude.
●Overload-Alert
Feature:
When above rated 600V (450V for AM-45) is present; the meter displays “OL” with a
warning beep tone. Disconnect the test leads from the signal immediately to avoid hazards.
Note:
*Range-Lock Feature:
When a measurement reading is being displayed in AutoCheck
TM
mode, press the
”
turns
SELECT
button momentarily
1 time
can lock the function-range it was in. The LCD annunciator
“
off. Range-lock can speed up repetitive measurements. Press the
SELECT
button momentarily again to return to
AutoCheck
TM
mode.
*Hazardous-Alert:
When making resistance measurements in AutoCheck
TM
mode, an unexpected display of
voltage readings alerts you that the part under test is still energized.
*AutoCheck
TM
nominal input impedances are slightly lower than that of common digital multimeters. They are, in
fact, more similar to that of most traditional analog multimeters. “LoZ” will display on the LCD to remind the users
in such cases. Although not likely, if such impedance might damage your circuits, use the common impedance
(Hi-Z) voltage mode (AM-47 and AM-42 only) for making voltage measurements on them.
-Continuity, Audible With Symbolic Display (AM-47 & AM-45 only)
From AutoCheck
TM
with “Auto” being displayed, press the
SELECT
button momentarily
1 time
to select Continuity
function. The meter displays a symbolic open-switch display “
” when it is ready. Continuity is convenient for
checking wiring connections and operation of switches. A continuous beep tone with a symbolic closed-switch
” indicates a complete circuit. In noisy environments, it is helpful to “see” continuity measurements.
display “
-Electric Field EF-Detection (AM-47 & AM-45 only)
From AutoCheck
TM
with “Auto” being displayed, press the
SELECT
button momentarily
2 times
to select EF-
Detection feature. The meter displays “EF” when it is ready. Signal strength is indicated as a series of bar-graph
segments on the display and variable beep tones.
●Non-Contact
EF-Detection:
An antenna is located at the top left corner of the meter, which detects electric field
surrounds current-carrying conductors. It is ideal for tracing live wiring connections, locating wiring breakage and
to distinguish between live or earth connections.
●Probe-Contact
EF-Detection:
For more precise indication of live wires, such as distinguishing between live and
ground sockets, use the Red (+) test probe for direct contact measurements.
-V and
Ω
of AutoCheck
TM
In Manual Selection (AM-47 & AM-45 only)
From AutoCheck
TM
with “Auto” being displayed, press the
SELECT
button momentarily
3 times
to select ACV,
4
times
to select DCV and
5 times
to select Resistance (Ω) functions of AutoCheck
TM
. Such selected function
remains auto-ranging.
-Frequency And Capacitance (AM-47 & AM-45 only)
From AutoCheck
TM
with “Auto” being displayed, press the
SELECT
button momentarily
6 times
to select
Frequency (Hz),
7 times
to select Capacitance (F) functions and
8 times
to return to AutoCheck
TM
mode.
Note:
*Unlike
the Line Level Hz Frequency function (for AM-47 only) as stated, this (Common) Hz Frequency function is
set only at the highest input sensitivity mainly for measuring small electronic signals of below 20VAC rms.
4-4) OTHER FUNCTIONS
-DCV, ACV & Line-Level Hz functions (AM-47 only)
Rotate the rotary selector to the V position selects common impedance (Hi-Z) voltage measurements. DCV is the
default function. Press
SELECT
button momentarily to select ACV. The AC annunciator “ ” turns on. Press
momentarily again to activate the Line-Level Hz function.
Note:
*Line-Level Hz input sensitivity varies automatically with ACV range selected when Line-Level Hz is selected. AC
6V range has the highest and AC 600V range has the lowest sensitivity. Measuring the signal in ACV function
WHILE selecting Line-Level Hz function in that ACV range automatically sets the most appropriate sensitivity for
higher voltage applications. This can avoid electrical noises as in 110/220V line voltage applications for example.
If the reading shows zero due to insufficient signal levels, select Line-Level Hz function BEFORE making
measurements (at AC 6V range) will set the highest sensitivity.
-Diode & 600Ω functions (AM-47 only)
/600Ω position.
Rotate the rotary selector to the
Diode test is the default function. The reading shows the approximate voltage drop across the test leads. Normal
forward voltage drop (forward biased) for a good silicon diode is between 0.400V to 0.900V. A reading higher than
that indicates a leaky diode (defective). A zero reading indicates a shorted diode (defective), and the meter will
give a long beep as continuity warning. An OL indicates an open diode (defective). Reverse the test leads
connections (reverse biased) across the diode. The digital display shows OL if the diode is good. Any other
readings indicate the diode is resistive or shorted (defective).
Press
SELECT
button momentarily selects the lowest 600Ω range for lower resistance measurements. It is an
extended range to complement the AutoCheck
TM
Resistance (Ω) function.
-DC-µA & AC-µA Micro-Amp functions (AM-47 only)
Rotate the rotary selector to the
µA
position. The display-reading unit is in
µA
although there is no unit
annunciator on the display. DC-µA is the default function. There is no annunciator for DC. Press
SELECT
button
momentarily to select AC-µA. The AC annunciator “
” turns on. These ranges, like other functions, are
protected up to the maximum rated voltages of the meter.
3
-DCV & ACV functions (AM-42 only)
Rotate the rotary selector to the V position selects common impedance (Hi-Z) voltage measurements. DCV is the
default function. The DC annunciator “ ” turns on. Press
SELECT
button momentarily to select ACV. The AC
annunciator “ ” turns on.
-Resistance, Continuity, Diode & Capacitance functions (AM-42 only)
position. Resistance “Ω”is the default function.
Rotate the rotary selector to the
Ω/
/ /
Press
SELECT
button momentarily selects Continuity function. The Audible annunciator “ ” turns on. Continuity
is convenient for checking wiring connections and operation of switches. A continuous beep tone indicates a
complete circuit.
Press
SELECT
button momentarily AGAIN selects Diode test function. The annunciator “ ” turns on. The
reading shows the approximate voltage drop across the test leads. Normal forward voltage drop (forward biased)
for a good silicon diode is between 0.400V to 0.900V. A reading higher than that indicates a leaky diode
(defective). A zero reading indicates a shorted diode (defective). An OL indicates an open diode (defective).
Reverse the test leads connections (reverse biased) across the diode. The digital display shows OL if the diode is
good. Any other readings indicate the diode is resistive or shorted (defective).
Press
SELECT
button momentarily AGAIN selects Capacitance function.
-Frequency function (AM-42 only)
Rotate the rotary selector to the Hz position selects Frequency function.
*Unlike
the Line Level Hz Frequency function (for AM-47 only) as stated, this (Common) Hz Frequency function is
set only at the highest input sensitivity mainly for measuring small electronic signals of below 20VAC rms.
4-3) OTHER FEATURES
-Power On & Off
For models AM-47 and AM-45, press and hold the SELECT button for 1 second and then release to turn the
power ON or OFF. Press and hold the SELECT button for approximately 6 seconds to master reset the system to
the default stage if in case the meter hangs up unexpectedly.
For model AM-42, rotate the rotary selector to turn the power ON or OFF.
-Auto Power Off
Models AM-47 and AM-45 turn off after approximately 3 minutes of idle measurement readings and no
button/switch activities. Model AM-42 turns off automatically after approximately 30 minutes of no button/switch
activities.
-HOLD and
30ms MAX
features (AM-42 only)
The Hold feature freezes the display for later viewing. Press the
HOLD (MAX )
button momentarily to activate
or to exit the Hold feature.
The Max feature captures voltage signals that have durations as short as 30ms (milliseconds) within a single
range, and has automatic up range capability. This mode is available in DCV & ACV functions. Press the
HOLD
(MAX )
button for 1 second or more to activate or to exit the Max feature.
-Auto-ranging
If the function selected has more than one range, the meters will auto-range to the best range and resolution. No
manual ranging is required.
5) MAINTENANCE
WARNING
To avoid electrical shock, disconnect test leads from live circuits before opening the case. Do not operate with
open case.
4
Cleaning and Storage
Periodically wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent; do not use abrasives or solvents. If the meter is
not to be used for periods of longer than 60 days, remove the battery and store it separately
5
Trouble Shooting
If the instrument fails to operate, check battery, leads, etc., and replace as necessary. Double check operating
procedure as described in this user’s manual
If the instrument voltage-resistance input has subjected to high voltage transient (mostly caused by lightning or
switching surge to your system) by accident or abnormal conditions of operation, the series fusible resistors will be
blown off (become high impedance) like fuses to protect the user and the instrument. Most measuring functions
through this input will then be open circuit. The series fusible resistors and the spark gaps should then be
replaced by qualified technician. Refer to the LIMITED WARRANTY section for obtaining warranty or repairing
service.
Battery replacement
If the meter starts up with persistent resetting display or with low battery icon turns on, replace the battery
ASAP. The meter uses one 3V coin battery IEC-CR2032.
Before opening the case bottom, make sure the meter is switched off to avoid abrupt power reset to a running
meter system. Disconnect test leads from live circuits. Loosen the screw from the case bottom. Lift the end of the
case bottom nearest the input test leads until it unsnaps from the case top. Replace the battery. Observe battery
polarities with positive (+) faces up (towards the case bottom). Replace the case bottom, and ensure that the snap
on the case top (near the LCD side) is engaged. Re-fasten the screw.
Note for AM-47 and AM-45 battery replacement:
*AM-47 and AM-45 use micro-controller (like a computer) to run the meter system. WHEN THE METER IS
POWER-ON, intermittence battery power failure (fast intermittence battery contact interval in the order of
millisecond) may cause the meter reset/re-startup abnormally. Simply press and hold the SELECT button for
approximately 6 seconds to master reset the system if such a situation occurs.
6) SPECIFICATION
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Display & Update Rate:
AM-42: 3-3/4 digits 4000 counts; Updates 3 per second nominal
AM-45 & AM-47: 3-5/6 digits 6000 counts; Updates 5 per second nominal
Operating Temperature:
0
o
C ~ 40
o
C
Relative Humidity:
Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperature up to 31
o
C decreasing linearly to 50%
relative humidity at 40
o
C
Altitude:
Operating below 2000m
Storage Temperature:
-40
o
C ~ 60
o
C, < 80% R.H. (with battery removed)
Temperature Coefficient:
Nominal 0.15 x (specified accuracy)/
o
C @ (0
o
C ~ 18
o
C or 28
o
C ~ 40
o
C), or otherwise
specified
Sensing:
Average sensing
Pollution Degree:
2
Safety:
Meets IEC61010-1, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 1010.1-92
Transient Protection:
4kV lightning surge (1.2/50µs)
Measurement Category:
AM-42 & AM-47: CAT II 600V and CAT III 300V
AM-45: CAT II 450V and CAT III 300V