Zico Zi-846 Digital Multimeter Instruction Manual

ZI-846
OPERATING INSTRUCTION DIGITAL MULTIMETER

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

This meter has been designed for safe use, but must be operated with caution. The rules listed below must be carefully followed for safe operation.

1. NEVER apply voltage or current to the meter that exceeds the specified maximum:
2. USE EXTREME CAUTION when working with high voltages.
3. DO NOT measure voltage if the voltage on the “COM” input jack exceeds 500V above earth ground.
4. NEVER connect the meter leads across a voltage source while the function switch is in the current, resistance, or diode mode. Doing so can damage the meter.
5. ALWAYS discharge filter capacitors in power supplies and disconnect the power when making resistance or 1 diode tests.
6. ALWAYS turn off the power and disconnect the test leads before opening the doors to replace the fuse or batteries.
7. NEVER operate the meter unless the back cover and the battery and fuse doors are in place and fastened securely.

SAFETY SYMBOLS
This symbol adjacent to another symbol, terminal or operating device indicates that the operator must refer to an explanation in the Operating Instructions to avoid personal injury or damage to the meter.
WARNING
This WARNING symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
This CAUTION symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which if not avoided, may result in damage to the product.
MAX
This symbol advises the user that the terminal(s) so marked must not be connected to a circuit point at which the voltage with respect to earth ground exceeds (in this case) 500 VAC or VDC.
This symbol adjacent to one or more terminals identifies them as being associated with ranges that may, in normal use, be subjected to particularly hazardous voltages. For maximum safety, the meter and its test leads should not be handled when these terminals are energized.
This symbol indicates that a device is protected throughout by double insulation or reinforced insulation.

CONTROLS AND JACKS

1. LCD Display 3
2. Function switch
3. 10A jack
4. COM jack
5. Positive jack
6. Data Hold Button
7. Backlight Button

Note: Tilt stand, fuse, and battery compartment are on the rear of the unit.

SYMBOLS AND ANNUNCIATORS

	Continuity
	Diode test
	micro (amps)
	milli ( volts, amps)
	kilo (ohms)
	ohms
	volts direct current
	volts alternating current
	amps direct current
	Battery test

SPECIFICATIONS

NOTE: Accuracy specifications consist of two elements:
(% reading) – This is the accuracy of the measurement circuit.
(+ digits) – This is the accuracy of the analog to digital converter.
NOTE: Accuracy is stated at 65oF to 83 F (18 C to 28 C) and less than 75% RH.

SPECIFICATIONS

BATTERY INSTALLATION
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads from any source of voltage before removing the battery door.

1. Disconnect the test leads from the meter
2. Open the battery door by loosening the screw using a Phillips head screwdriver.
3. Insert the battery into the battery holder, observing the correct polarity.
4. Put the battery door back in place. Secure with the screw.

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate the meter until the battery door is in place and fastened securely.
NOTE: If your meter does not work properly, check the fuses and batteries to make sure that they are still good and that they are properly inserted.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

DATA HOLD BUTTON
The Data Hold function allows the meter to “freeze” a measurement for later reference.

1. Press the DATA HOLD button to “freeze” the reading on the indicator. The indicator “HOLD” will appear in the display.
2. Press the DATA HOLD button to return to normal operation.

BACKLIGHT BUTTON

1. The BACKLIGHT button is used to turn the backlight on or off. Press the BACKLIGHT BUTTON to turn the backlight on.
2. Press the BACKLIGHT BUTTON to turn the backlight off.

WARNING: Risk of electrocution. High-voltage circuits, both AC and DC, are very dangerous and should be measured with great care.

1. ALWAYS turn the function switch to the OFF position when the meter is not in use.
2. If “OL” appears in the display during a measurement, the value exceeds the range you have selected. Change to a higher range.

NOTE: On some low AC and DC voltage ranges, with the test leads not connected to a device, the display may show a random, changing reading. This is normal and is caused by the high-input sensitivity. The reading will stabilize and give a proper measurement when connected to a circuit.
DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS
CAUTION: Do not measure DC voltages if a motor on the circuit is being switched ON or OFF. Large voltage surges may occur that can damage the meter.

1. Set the function switch to the highest V DC position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative (COM) jack. Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive (V) jack.
3. Touch the black test probe tip to the negative side of the circuit. Touch the red test probe tip to the positive side of the circuit.
4. Read the voltage in the display. Reset the function switch to successively lower V DC positions to obtain a higher resolution reading. The display will indicate the proper decimal point and value. If the polarity is reversed, the display will show (-) minus before the value.

AC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS
WARNING:
Risk of Electrocution. The probe tips may not be long enough to contact the live parts inside some 240V outlets for appliances because the contacts are recessed deep in the outlets. As a result, the reading may show 0 volts when the outlet actually has voltage on it. Make sure the probe tips are touching the metal contacts inside the outlet before assuming that no voltage is present.
CAUTION:
Do not measure AC voltages if a motor on the circuit is being switched ON or OFF. Large voltage surges may occur that can damage the meter.

1. Set the function switch to the highest V AC position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative (COM) jack. Insert red test lead banana plug into the positive (V) jack.
3. Touch the black test probe tip to the negative side of the circuit. Touch the red test probe tip to the positive side of the circuit.
4. Read the voltage in the display. Reset the function switch to successively lower V AC positions to obtain a higher resolution reading. The display will indicate the proper decimal point and value.

DC CURRENT MEASUREMENTS
CAUTION: Do not make current measurements on the 10A scale for longer than 30 seconds. Exceeding 30 seconds may cause damage to the meter and/or the test leads.

1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative (COM) jack.
2. For current measurements up to 200mA DC, set the function switch to the highest DC mA position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the (mA) jack.
3. For current measurements up to 10A DC, set the function switch to the 10A range and insert the red test lead banana plug into the (10A) jack.
4. Remove power from the circuit under test, then open up the circuit at the point where you wish to measure current.
5. Touch the black test probe tip to the negative side of the circuit. Touch the red test probe tip to the positive side of the circuit.
6.  Apply power to the circuit.
7. Read the current in the display. For mA DC measurements, reset the function switch to successively lower mA DC positions to obtain a higher resolution reading. The display will indicate the proper decimal point and value.

RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect power to the unit under test and discharge all capacitors before taking any resistance measurements. Remove the batteries and unplug the line cords.

1. Set the function switch to the highest position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative (COM) jack Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive jack.
3. Touch the test probe tips across the circuit or part under test. It is best to disconnect one side of the part under test so the rest of the circuit will not interfere with the resistance reading.
4. Read the resistance in the display and then set the function switch to the lowest position that is greater than the actual or any anticipated resistance. The display will indicate the proper decimal point and value.

CONTINUITY CHECK
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, never measure continuity on circuits or wires that have voltage on them.

1. Set the function switch to the / position.
2. Insert the black lead banana plug into the negative (COM) jack Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive (Ω) jack.
3. Touch the test probe tips to the circuit or wire you wish to check.
4. If the resistance is less than approximately audible signal will sound. If the circuit is open, the display will indicate “1”.

DIODE TEST

1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack and the red test lead banana plug into the positive diode jack.
2. Turn the rotary switch to the /  position.
3. Touch the test probes to the diode under test. Forward voltage will indicate 400 to 700mV. Reverse voltage will indicate “I”. Shorted devices will indicate near 0mV. Shorted devices will indicate near 0mV and an open device will indicate “I” in both polarities.

BATTERY TEST

1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack and the red test lead banana plug into the positive V jack.
2. Select the 1.5V or 9V BAT position using the function select switch.
3. Connecting the red test lead to the positive side of the 1.5V or 9V battery and the black test lead to the negative side of the 1.5V or 9V battery.
4. Read the voltage in the display.

REPLACING THE BATTERIES
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads from any source of voltage before removing the battery door.

1. When the batteries become exhausted or drop below the operating voltage, “BAT” will appear in the right-hand side of the LCD display. The batteries should be replaced.
2. Follow instructions for installing batteries. See the Battery Installation section of this manual.
3. Dispose of the old batteries properly. WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate your meter until the battery door is in place and fastened securely.

REPLACING THE FUSES
WARNING:
To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads from any source of voltage before removing the fuse door.

1. Disconnect the test leads from the meter and any item under test.
2. Open the fuse door by loosening the screw on the door using a Phillips head screwdriver.
3. Remove the old fuse from its holder by gently pulling it out.
4. Install the new fuse into the holder.
5. Always use a fuse of the proper size and value (0.2A/250V fast blow for the 200mA range, 10A/250V fast blow for the 10A range).
6. Put the fuse door back in place. Insert the screw and tighten it securely.

WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate your meter until the fuse door is in place and fastened securely.

References

• Zico Tech - Professional Solutions