RICHMETERS RM99 Series Digital Clamp Meter Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the RICHMETERS RM99 Series Digital Clamp Meter. This professional-grade instrument is designed for safe and accurate measurement of various electrical parameters in both residential and industrial settings. It features a compact design, auto-ranging capabilities, and a clear digital display, making it an essential tool for electricians, technicians, and DIY enthusiasts. This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your clamp meter.

2. Safety Information

WARNING: To avoid electric shock or personal injury, please read and understand all safety information before using this product.

• Always adhere to local and national safety codes.
• Do not use the meter if it appears damaged or if the test leads are damaged.
• Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on the meter, between terminals or between any terminal and earth ground.
• Use caution when working with voltages above 30V AC RMS, 42V peak, or 60V DC. Such voltages pose a shock hazard.
• Keep your fingers behind the finger guards on the test probes during use.
• Remove test leads from the meter before opening the battery cover.
• Ensure the rotary switch is in the correct position for the desired measurement before connecting to the circuit.
• Do not operate the meter around explosive gas, vapor, or dust.
• Working altitude: up to 2000 meters.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items listed below are included in your package. If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your seller.

• Digital Clamp Meter (Main Unit) x 1
• Silicone Test Leads x 1 pair
• Instruction Manual x 1
• Thermocouple (for temperature measurement, included with RM99B and RM99C) x 1
• Carrying Case x 1

Package contents including the Digital Clamp Meter, test leads, instruction manual, and carrying case.

RICHMETERS Digital Clamp Meter and test leads stored neatly in the included carrying case.

4. Key Features

• Digital Display: Clear LCD with a maximum display value of 6000 counts.
• Auto Ranging: Automatically selects the appropriate measurement range.
• AC/DC Current Measurement: Up to 600A (model dependent) using the clamp jaw.
• AC/DC Voltage Measurement: Up to 600V.
• Resistance Measurement: Wide range for various applications.
• Capacitance Measurement: (RM99B, RM99C)
• Temperature Measurement: (RM99B, RM99C)
• Non-Contact Voltage (NCV) Detection: For identifying live wires without direct contact.
• Diode Test & Continuity Check: For testing diodes and circuit continuity.
• Flashlight & Backlight: For working in dimly lit environments.
• Data Hold Function: To freeze the displayed reading.
• Automatic Power Off: Conserves battery life by turning off after 15 minutes of inactivity.

5. Specifications

General Specifications

• Display Type: Digital Only
• Maximum Display Value: 6000 counts
• Sampling Time: Approximately 3 times/second
• Automatic Power Off: 15 minutes
• Power Supply: 2 x 1.5V AAA batteries (not included)
• Dimensions: 185mm x 71mm x 35mm
• Weight: 295g (approx. 178g body weight)
• Mouth Expansion (Clamp Opening): 26mm
• Working Altitude: Up to 2000 meters
• Certification: CE
• DIY Supplies: Electrical

Measurement Ranges (Model Specific)

Note: 'N/A' indicates the feature is not specified for that model variant in the provided data.

Model Visuals

RM99A Front View

RM99B Front View

RM99C Front View

6. Setup

6.1 Battery Installation

1. Ensure the meter is turned OFF and disconnect any test leads from the input terminals.
2. Locate the battery compartment cover on the back of the meter.
3. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screw(s) on the battery cover.
4. Remove the battery cover.
5. Insert two 1.5V AAA batteries, observing the correct polarity (+ and - markings).
6. Replace the battery cover and tighten the screw(s).

6.2 Connecting Test Leads

For voltage, resistance, capacitance, diode, and continuity measurements, connect the test leads:

• Insert the red test lead into the 'VΩHz' or 'INPUT' terminal.
• Insert the black test lead into the 'COM' (common) terminal.

CAUTION: Ensure test leads are fully inserted before taking measurements.

7. Operating Instructions

7.1 Power On/Off

Turn the rotary dial from 'OFF' to any desired function to power on the meter. To power off, turn the dial back to 'OFF'. The meter will automatically power off after 15 minutes of inactivity.

7.2 Function Selection

Rotate the dial to select the desired measurement function (e.g., V for voltage, A for current, Ω for resistance). Some positions may have multiple functions; use the 'SEL' button to cycle through them.

7.3 Measuring AC/DC Current (Clamp)

1. Turn the rotary dial to the 'A' (Ampere) position for AC or DC current measurement. Use the 'SEL' button to switch between AC and DC if applicable to your model.
2. Press the clamp trigger to open the clamp jaws.
3. Enclose only one conductor of the circuit with the clamp jaws. Ensure the jaws are fully closed.
4. Read the current value on the display.

Perspective view of the clamp meter with the current clamp jaws open, ready for measurement.

7.4 Measuring AC/DC Voltage

1. Connect the test leads as described in Section 6.2.
2. Turn the rotary dial to the 'V' (Voltage) position. Use the 'SEL' button to switch between AC (~) and DC (---) voltage.
3. Connect the test probes in parallel to the circuit or component you wish to measure.
4. Read the voltage value on the display.

7.5 Measuring Resistance (Ω)

1. Connect the test leads.
2. Turn the rotary dial to the 'Ω' (Resistance) position.
3. Ensure the circuit or component is de-energized before measuring resistance.
4. Connect the test probes across the component.
5. Read the resistance value on the display.

7.6 Measuring Capacitance (F) (RM99B, RM99C)

1. Connect the test leads.
2. Turn the rotary dial to the 'F' (Capacitance) position.
3. Ensure the capacitor is fully discharged before measurement to avoid damage to the meter.
4. Connect the test probes across the capacitor terminals.
5. Read the capacitance value on the display.

7.7 Measuring Temperature (°C/°F) (RM99B, RM99C)

1. Connect the thermocouple to the meter's input terminals (usually 'VΩHz' and 'COM'). Observe polarity.
2. Turn the rotary dial to the '°C/°F' (Temperature) position. Use the 'SEL' button to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
3. Place the thermocouple probe on or near the object whose temperature you wish to measure.
4. Read the temperature value on the display.

7.8 Diode Test

1. Connect the test leads.
2. Turn the rotary dial to the Diode symbol position (often shared with Continuity or Resistance). Use 'SEL' to select Diode.
3. Connect the red probe to the anode and the black probe to the cathode of the diode. The display will show the forward voltage drop.
4. Reverse the probes. The display should show 'OL' (Open Loop) for a good diode.

7.9 Continuity Test

1. Connect the test leads.
2. Turn the rotary dial to the Continuity symbol position (often shared with Diode or Resistance). Use 'SEL' to select Continuity.
3. Connect the test probes across the circuit or component.
4. If the resistance is below a certain threshold (e.g., 50Ω), the meter will emit an audible beep, indicating continuity.

7.10 Non-Contact Voltage (NCV) Detection

1. Turn the rotary dial to the 'NCV' position.
2. Move the top end of the meter close to a live conductor.
3. The meter will emit an audible beep and/or flash an indicator light when AC voltage is detected.

7.11 Flashlight and Backlight

Press the flashlight/backlight button (often marked with a light bulb or 'H/*') to turn on the display backlight or the integrated flashlight. Press again to cycle through modes or turn off.

Angled view of the RM99C Digital Clamp Meter with the clamp open, showing the integrated flashlight.

7.12 Data Hold (H)

Press the 'H' button (often shared with backlight) to freeze the current reading on the display. Press again to release the hold function.

8. Maintenance

8.1 Cleaning

Wipe the meter with a dry, soft cloth. Do not use abrasives or solvents. Keep the input terminals free of dirt and moisture.

8.2 Battery Replacement

When the battery indicator appears on the display, replace the batteries as described in Section 6.1. Always use fresh 1.5V AAA batteries.

8.3 Storage

If the meter is not used for a long period, remove the batteries to prevent leakage. Store the meter in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

9. Troubleshooting

10. User Tips

• For current measurements, always clamp around a single conductor, not a bundle of wires, to get an accurate reading.
• When measuring voltage, always connect the test leads in parallel with the component or power source.
• Before measuring resistance or capacitance, ensure the circuit is de-energized and any capacitors are discharged to prevent damage to the meter or inaccurate readings.
• Utilize the backlight feature in dark environments for better visibility of the display.
• The NCV function is a quick way to check for the presence of AC voltage without direct contact, enhancing safety.

11. Warranty and Support

RICHMETERS products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact the seller or the RICHMETERS Official Store directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.