Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter User Manual

1. Overview

The Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter is a rugged, reliable, and accurate tool designed for various electrical applications. It offers essential measurement capabilities in a user-friendly design, suitable for both professional and serious DIY users.

Image: Front view of the Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter, showing the display, rotary dial, and input jacks.

Key Features:

• CAT III 600V Safety Rating: Ensures safety for electrical systems in residential and commercial settings.
• AC/DC Voltage Measurement up to 1000V: Measures both AC and DC voltage for a wide range of applications.
• AC/DC Current Measurement up to 10A: Accurately measures AC and DC current for diagnosing electrical issues.
• Multiple Measurement Functions: Includes Voltage, Resistance, Continuity, Diode, and Capacitance.
• Input Terminal for AC/DC Current Measurements: Dedicated input for current measurements up to 10A.

2. Safety Information

Always adhere to safety precautions when using any electrical testing equipment. Failure to do so may result in injury or damage to the meter or equipment under test.

• Read Instructions: Read and understand all instructions and safety information before use.
• Proper Use: Use the multimeter only as specified in this manual; otherwise, the protection provided by the multimeter might be impaired.
• Rated Voltage: Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on the multimeter, between the terminals or between any terminal and earth ground.
• Inspect Leads: Inspect test leads for damaged insulation or exposed metal. Replace damaged leads.
• Avoid Live Circuits: Do not use the multimeter on live circuits with exposed conductors or bus bars.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and insulated gloves, when working with electrical systems.
• CAT III 600V: This meter is rated for CAT III 600V. Do not use it in environments exceeding this rating.

3. What's in the Box

Your Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter package includes the following items:

• Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter
• TL75 Test Leads
• 2 AA Batteries (pre-installed or included separately)

Image: The Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter shown alongside its red and black TL75 test leads and protective caps.

4. Setup

4.1 Battery Installation

The Fluke 15B+ requires two AA batteries for operation. These are typically included with your purchase.

1. Ensure the multimeter is turned OFF.
2. Locate the battery compartment cover on the back of the multimeter.
3. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screw(s) securing the cover.
4. Remove the cover and insert the two AA batteries, observing the correct polarity (+/-) as indicated inside the compartment.
5. Replace the battery compartment cover and tighten the screw(s).

4.2 Connecting Test Leads

Proper connection of test leads is crucial for accurate and safe measurements.

1. Insert the black test lead into the COM (common) input jack.
2. For most voltage, resistance, continuity, diode, and capacitance measurements, insert the red test lead into the VΩHzCAP input jack.
3. For current measurements (mA/A), insert the red test lead into the appropriate current input jack (e.g., mA/A or 10A FUSED), depending on the expected current level. Refer to the multimeter's faceplate for specific jack labels.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 General Operation

1. Power On/Off: Rotate the central dial from the OFF position to any desired measurement function to turn the meter on. Rotate back to OFF to power off.
2. Function Selection: Use the central rotary dial to select the desired measurement function (e.g., V~ for AC Voltage, V- for DC Voltage, Ω for Resistance).
3. Range Button: Press the RANGE button to manually select a measurement range if auto-ranging is not desired. Press again to cycle through ranges or hold to return to auto-ranging.
4. HOLD Button: Press the HOLD button to freeze the current reading on the display. Press again to release.
5. Backlight Button: Press the backlight button (sun icon) to illuminate the display in low-light conditions.

Image: A gloved hand holding the Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter, demonstrating its ergonomic design.

5.2 Measurement Functions

5.2.1 AC/DC Voltage Measurement

1. Turn the rotary dial to V~ (AC Voltage) or V- (DC Voltage).
2. Connect the black test lead to the COM terminal and the red test lead to the VΩHzCAP terminal.
3. Carefully touch the test probes to the points where voltage is to be measured (in parallel with the circuit).
4. Read the voltage value on the display.

5.2.2 AC/DC Current Measurement

Caution: Always ensure the circuit is de-energized before connecting the multimeter in series for current measurements. Incorrect connection can blow the fuse or damage the meter.

1. Turn the rotary dial to A~ (AC Current) or A- (DC Current).
2. Connect the black test lead to the COM terminal.
3. For currents up to 400mA, connect the red test lead to the mA/A terminal. For currents up to 10A, connect the red test lead to the 10A FUSED terminal.
4. Open the circuit where current is to be measured and connect the multimeter in series.
5. Re-energize the circuit and read the current value on the display.

Image: The Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter connected to an electrical panel, displaying a voltage reading.

5.2.3 Resistance Measurement

1. Turn the rotary dial to Ω (Resistance).
2. Connect the black test lead to COM and the red test lead to VΩHzCAP.
3. Ensure the component or circuit under test is de-energized.
4. Touch the test probes across the component or circuit.
5. Read the resistance value on the display.

5.2.4 Continuity Test

1. Turn the rotary dial to the Continuity symbol (looks like a sound wave).
2. Connect the black test lead to COM and the red test lead to VΩHzCAP.
3. Ensure the circuit under test is de-energized.
4. Touch the test probes across the points to be tested.
5. The meter will beep if a continuous path (low resistance) is detected. The display will show the resistance value.

5.2.5 Diode Test

1. Turn the rotary dial to the Diode symbol (looks like an arrow with a bar).
2. Connect the black test lead to COM and the red test lead to VΩHzCAP.
3. Ensure the diode is disconnected from the circuit.
4. Touch the red probe to the anode and the black probe to the cathode. A forward voltage drop (e.g., 0.5V to 0.8V for silicon diodes) should be displayed.
5. Reverse the probes. The display should show OL (Open Loop) for a good diode.

5.2.6 Capacitance Measurement

1. Turn the rotary dial to the Capacitance symbol (looks like two parallel lines).
2. Connect the black test lead to COM and the red test lead to VΩHzCAP.
3. Ensure the capacitor is fully discharged before testing.
4. Touch the test probes across the capacitor terminals.
5. Read the capacitance value on the display.

Image: A technician wearing safety gear, using the Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter to take a reading inside an electrical panel.

6. Maintenance

6.1 Cleaning

To clean the multimeter, wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not use abrasives or solvents. Ensure the meter is completely dry before use.

6.2 Battery Replacement

Replace the batteries when the low battery indicator appears on the display. Refer to Section 4.1 for battery installation instructions.

6.3 Fuse Replacement

If the current measurement function stops working, the fuse may need replacement. Always replace with a fuse of the specified type and rating to maintain safety and performance.

1. Ensure the multimeter is turned OFF and test leads are disconnected.
2. Open the battery compartment cover as described in Section 4.1.
3. Carefully remove the old fuse.
4. Install a new fuse of the correct type and rating (refer to the specifications section or the meter's internal markings).
5. Replace the battery compartment cover and tighten the screw(s).

7. Troubleshooting

• No Display: Check battery installation and charge. Replace batteries if necessary.
• Incorrect Readings: Ensure test leads are correctly connected to the appropriate input jacks for the selected function. Verify the rotary dial is set to the correct measurement function. Check for damaged test leads.
• Current Measurement Not Working: Check the fuse. Replace if blown (refer to Section 6.3). Ensure the red test lead is in the correct current input jack.
• "OL" Display: This typically means "Overload" or "Open Loop." For resistance, it indicates an open circuit. For diode test, it indicates a reverse-biased good diode. For voltage/current, it means the measured value exceeds the selected range (if not in auto-range) or the meter's maximum capability.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

The Fluke 15B+ Digital Multimeter is manufactured by Fluke Corporation. For detailed warranty information, technical support, or service, please refer to the official Fluke website or contact their customer service directly. Always ensure you purchase from authorized distributors to guarantee product authenticity and valid warranty coverage.

For additional resources and product information, visit the Fluke Store on Amazon.