Tips for Preventing Damage to Digital Multimeters
Technical Overviews
Ensure proper grounding
- Always use the three-prong AC power cord supplied with the instrument.
- Proper grounding of the instrument will prevent a build-up of electrostatic charge which may be harmful to the instrument and the operator.
- Do not damage the earth-grounding protection by using an extension cable, power cable or autotransformer without a protective ground conductor.
- Check AC power quality and polarity; typical AC voltage required is 100 V, 120 V, 220 V ± 10% or 240 V +5%/–10%. Typical expected grounding wire resistance is < 1 Ω, the voltage between neutral and ground line is < 1 V. Install uninterruptible power supply [UPS] if necessary.
- For more information, view “Considerations for Instrument Grounding - Application Note”.
Read the warning labels and specifications
- Do not exceed the values provided in the specifications guide or as indicated by the yellow warning labels on the instrument.
- Refer to the specification guide for conditions required to meet the listed specification. Note information regarding stabilization time, instrument settings and calibration/alignment requirements.
Avoid overpowering the analyzer
- Avoid damage to the digital multimeter (DMM) by having some idea of the signal level to be measured.
- Before turning on or turning off the connected equipment or the DUT, reduce the signal level to the minimum safety level.
- Current input terminals (I) are rated at ± 1.5 A peak with a maximum non-destructive input of < 1.25 A RMS.
Check for proper temperature and humidity
- Keep DMM in a clean and dry environment. Temperature for typical storage condition is between –40 and 75 °C, Humidity < 95% RH.
- Ensure proper ventilation among racks. Temperature for optimal operating is 23 to –5 °C, always keep DMM ambient temperature at < 30 °C.
- Cooling vents and fans should be inspected and cleaned frequently.