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Technical Tips
Question: My Digital Multimeter and now my new Digital Clamp-on seem to indicate readings when NOT connected to a circuit, are these instruments defective?
Answer: Your Instruments are NOT defective. Almost all makes and models of Digital Multimeters (including newer Clamp-on products) have millivolt AC and DC Voltage ranges. These meters have a very high input impedance on their voltage ranges, typically 10 Megohms. This desirable feature permits these instruments to pick up "stray" electrical signals and display them as a non-zero reading. If the instruments test leads are shorted together (tips touching each other), the reading in the display should go to zero. This quick test confirms correct instrument zero on its voltage range. The "stray" pickup does NOT interfere with the instruments ability to measure real voltages, since real voltages are usually generated from sources that have much lower impedance and thus will not contain "stray" voltages.
Question: Why should I buy a True RMS (TRMS) reading instrument?
Answer: A quick answer is TRMS instruments are accurate on any AC waveform. There are two basic AC measuring systems. One is "Average Sensing, RMS Indicating." This has been the most common system, since it is low in cost and easy to manufacture. An instrument with this type of measuring system measures the average of the sine wave, then multiplies it by 1.112, to allow the instrument to indicate RMS. This measuring system is called "Average Sensing, calibrated to the RMS of a sine wave," and is accurate ONLY ON SINE WAVES!
The second measuring method is called "RMS Sensing, RMS Indicating." An instrument with this type of measuring system computes the RMS value of the measured waveform (sine or otherwise). This is referred to as "True RMS" reading. This measuring system is accurate for ANY waveform, sine or otherwise. When an Average sensing instrument is used on a non-sinusoidal waveform, measurement accuracy could be as much as 50% off! Since you may not know what type of AC waveform you are measuring, a TRMS instrument should always be used.
-Mel Hendrickson, Amprobe Technical Support Specialist
![LT-10 Lamp Tester LT-10 Lamp Tester](http://www.amprobe.com/NR/rdonlyres/6D2804AA-8BE7-454C-ADC7-A2CADC59EEB5/0/LT10_01a_c_328px_x_220px.jpg)
The Amprobe LT-10 Lamp Tester is a truly groundbreaking tool that takes the guess work out of troubleshooting fluorescent light fixtures.
The LT-10 Lamp Tester is a 3-in-1 solution to test the light bulb, pins and voltage. With an industry leading 48" removable and retractable antenna, VolTect™ non-contact voltage detection and its ultra-compact design, the Amprobe LT-10 Lamp Tester is the right tool for electrical and facilities maintenance applications.
- Test to determine if fluorescent lamps & light bulbs are operational prior to installation or removal
- Verify voltage presence without the need for another lamp testing tool
- Increase productivity by minimizing trips up and down a ladder
- All lamp tests performed with easy, single button operation
- Ultra-compact design for portability
- Industry leading 48 removable, fully retractable antenna
- Visual and audible alerts for pin and voltage test functions.
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Model Name | Description | Amprobe LT-10 Lamp Tester | Test to verify whether fluorescent bulbs are operational prior to installation or removal. Included accessories: user''s manual, carrying case, 9V alkaline battery, 48" antenna, adapter plate. |
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![Amprobe IR-450 3-in-1 Infrared Pocket Thermometer Amprobe IR-450 3-in-1 Infrared Pocket Thermometer](http://www.amprobe.com/NR/rdonlyres/722422CE-9861-4990-9EDB-D8B2D8B0D7F3/0/ir450_01a_c_328px_x_220px.jpg)
3-in-1 Infrared Pocket Thermometer, Laser Pointer and Flashlight
A must have tool for everyday applications, the Amprobe IR-450 3-in-1 Infrared Pocket Thermometer, Laser Pointer, and Flashlight offers a uniquely small and convenient form factor with professional 8:1 distance to spot ratio, a high-quality laser pointer and LED flashlight. Much more portable than traditional infrared thermometers, the IR-450 Infrared Pocket Thermometer can be readily for quick diagnostic checks in a wide variety of applications including: HVAC/R, fire safety and protection, industrial maintenance, automotive and quality control.
- Infrared pocket thermometer with 8:1 distance to spot ratio
- Selectable °F / °C
- Holds temperature reading for 10 seconds
- Bright laser pointer
- Built-in LED flashlight to illuminate dark areas
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![Amprobe ACDC-54NAV 1000A AC/DC Navigator™ Clamp Meter with Temperature Amprobe ACDC-54NAV 1000A AC/DC Navigator™ Clamp Meter with Temperature](http://content.amprobe.com/images/products/Clamp/CATIV-Industrial/ACDC-54NAV/acd-54nav_01_c_328px_x_220px.jpg)
Complete with a full range of diagnostic capabilities including phase sequence, power and power factor, total harmonics distortion and individual harmonics, inrush current and low pass filter, the Amprobe ACDC-54NAV Navigator Clamp On Meter serves as a first line of defense for power monitoring and verifying system conditions before deploying more specialized tools -- or incurring additional costs. Rated CAT IV 600 V/CAT III 1000 V, these clamp on meters offer a new innovative navigation system that eliminates confusing push buttons, and replaces them with a single joystick.
It’s all about easy and reliable measurements. Amprobe’s new line of Navigator Clamp On Meters feature quick, easy to use single hand selection of measurements. The joy stick control allows quick selection of measurement features on the display from MAX/MIN to power factor to AC/DC current, with many more available. Simply highlight the desired measurement feature using the joy stick and press to select. Rugged and CAT IV reliable, this clamp on meter also features, super bright backlight display, built-in jaw flashlight and over mold bodies to absorb shock -- all you need for commercial and industrial environments.
- True-rms
- Voltage up to 1000 V AC/DC, resistance, frequency, THD (total harmonics distortion) and individual harmonics form 1 to 25, power, power factor
- AC Current Up to 1000 A
- DC Current Up to 1000 A
- Capacitance
- Temperature measurement in °C or °F
- Phase rotation indication
- Non-contact voltage detection
- Inrush current measurement for motors
- Low pass filter for variable frequency drives
- Continuity beeper
- Min, max and smart data hold
- Peak hold
- Auto torch-light when clamping
- Large 10,000 count display with active backlight and analog bar graph
- Auto power off
- Maximum jaw opening 1.77 (45mm)
- 4 feet drop proof
- Test leads ( one pair), temperature adapter probe, carrying case and users manual
![INSP-3 Wiring Inspector Circuit Tester INSP-3 Wiring Inspector Circuit Tester](http://content.amprobe.com/images/products/Elec/Circuit-Test-and-Analysis/INSP-3/insp-3_01b_c_328px_x_220px.jpg)
The Amprobe INSP-3, wiring inspector is a rugged circuit tester designed to test whether a building’s wiring is in compliance with electrical code in seconds, especially voltage drop under load. Without scrolling or switching screens, you can quickly identify issues with splices, connections and conductor quality, crucial to safety and performance of the electrical system. The flashing screen on this circuit tester will clearly indicate incorrect wiring or failures and it won’t trip circuit breakers or blow fuses during the test.
- Testing efficiency - relevant test data (voltage, voltage drop, hot and neutral voltage drop, voltage with load, ground impedance) is presented on a single large display to save operator time - no scrolling or switching screens needed
- Verifies if wiring is tested for load carrying ability that it meets electrical code recommendations for voltage drop under load
- Meter detects faulty wiring in need of repair without removing outlets cover plates, or panel covers:
- Faulty splices and connections
- Incorrect wiring
- Undersized wiring
- Faulty GFCIs,
- Faulty or incorrectly wired AFCIs
- Incorrect line voltage
- Poor ground quality
- User selectable 0, 10, 15 and 20 amps loads to verify performance of the electrical system
- Incorrect wiring or voltage drop test failure is clearly indicated by flashing screen
- Will not trip circuit breakers or blow fuses during the test
- Tests GFCI and AFCI operations
- Check ground quality for safety and ability to support sensitive electronic equipment
- Measure fault currents
- Save money and time by eliminating guess work
- NOTE: The INSP-3 does not check the condition of wiring insulation.
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![AM-510 AM-510](http://content.amprobe.com/images/products/DMM/AM5xx/AM510/AM-510_01a_c_328px_x_220px.jpg)
- The Amprobe INSP-3, wiring inspector is a rugged circuit tester designed to test whether a building’s wiring is in compliance with electrical code in seconds, especially voltage drop under load. Without scrolling or switching screens, you can quickly identify issues with splices, connections and conductor quality, crucial to safety and performance of the electrical system. The flashing screen on this circuit tester will clearly indicate incorrect wiring or failures and it won’t trip circuit breakers or blow fuses during the test.
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- Testing efficiency - relevant test data (voltage, voltage drop, hot and neutral voltage drop, voltage with load, ground impedance) is presented on a single large display to save operator time - no scrolling or switching screens needed
- Verifies if wiring is tested for load carrying ability that it meets electrical code recommendations for voltage drop under load
- Meter detects faulty wiring in need of repair without removing outlets cover plates, or panel covers:
- Faulty splices and connections
- Incorrect wiring
- Undersized wiring
- Faulty GFCIs,
- Faulty or incorrectly wired AFCIs
- Incorrect line voltage
- Poor ground quality
- User selectable 0, 10, 15 and 20 amps loads to verify performance of the electrical system
- Incorrect wiring or voltage drop test failure is clearly indicated by flashing screen
- Will not trip circuit breakers or blow fuses during the test
- Tests GFCI and AFCI operations
- Check ground quality for safety and ability to support sensitive electronic equipment
- Measure fault currents
- Save money and time by eliminating guess work
- NOTE: The INSP-3 does not check the condition of wiring insulation
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![50:1 IR thermometer with memory 50:1 IR thermometer with memory](http://content.amprobe.com/images/products/HVAC/Temperature/IR-750/IR-750_01a_c_328px_x_220px.jpg)
- The Amprobe IR-750, a precision performance 50:1 spot to distance ratio infrared thermometer, offers unparalleled accuracy and response time with a temperature measurement range of -58°F to 2822°F or -50°C to 1550°C. The IR-750 is perfect for demanding quality and process control applications with extremely high accuracy and distance to spot. The IR-750 also features 99 data points recognition, thermocouple inputs, and USB download for advanced HVAC/R, electrical, industrial maintenance, automotive as well as quality control and fire prevention applications.
- Applications:
Check AC units, ventilation, bearings, motors and transformers for overheating, bad electrical connections and fuses.Key feature list:
- 50:1 Distance to Spot Ratio
- Temp Range of -58°F to 2822°F or -50°C to 1550°C
- Precision accuracy and rapid response time (suggested icon plus/minus symbols)
- Laser pointer, backlit dual LCD Display (suggested icon: light bulb icon per dial)
- Auto display hold and MAX/MIN memory
- Adjustable emissivity for measuring a variety of materials
- 99 memory locations and PC download cable included
Supplied with: Software CD, USB cable, K-type thermocouple probe, Carrying bag, Hard carrying case, Battery and Instruction Manual
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