MASTECH MS8301A Digital Multimeter
Instruction Manual
Introduction
The instrument of this series is a small hand-held 3 1/2 digital multimeter. It offers stable, highly reliable, and anti-drop performance. It is equipped with a 15 mm height LCD display for clear reading. The circuit design utilizes an LSI double-integral A/D converter as its core, protected by an overload protection circuit, making it a superior and handy instrument. It can be used to measure DC and AC voltage, DC current, resistance, battery voltage, diodes, and for in-circuit continuity testing.
Measurement Features
- Alternating Voltage measurement (V~)
- Direct Voltage measurement (V-)
- Direct current measurement (A-)
- Resistance measurement (Ω)
- Diode measurement (+)
- On-off measurement (*)
- Battery measurement (1.5V, 9V)
- Data hold (HOLD)
Front Panel Description
The front panel features:
- 1. Display: 3 1/2 digital LCD display.
- 2. Function and range switch: Select different functions and ranges.
- 3. VΩmA Jack: For voltage, resistance, diode, continuity, and current measurements up to 200mA.
- 4. COM Jack: Common (negative) terminal.
- 5. 10A Jack: For current measurements up to 10A.
- 6. Data hold button: Press to hold the current reading on the display. The symbol will appear when active. When the button is released, the instrument returns to normal.
Safety Information
The MS8301A Digital Multimeter is designed based on EN 61010-1, EN 61010-2-030, EN 61010-2-033, 600V CAT III, and pollution degree 2.
⚠️ Warnings
Special attention must be paid when using the meter to avoid electric shock and damage. Comply with common safety regulations and operating instructions.
Safety Signs
- ▲ Important safety information: Read the manual.
- ▲ High voltage with danger: ⚡
- ៖ Ground: ?
- Π Double Insulation (Class II safety equipment): ?️
- CE: Accord with related EU laws and regulations.
- ~ AC (Alternating Current)
- - DC (Direct Current)
Certifications: CONFORMS TO UL STD 61010-1, 61010-2-030 and 61010-2-033, CERTIFIED TO CSA STD C22.2 NO. 61010-1, 61010-2-030 and IEC STD 61010-2-033.
Notices
- The instrument can only be used in conjunction with the probe for compliance with safety standards. If a probe needs replacement due to damage, the replacement must be of the same type or have the same electrical specifications.
General Safety Precautions
- Do not exceed the input limits specified for each range.
- When measuring, do not touch unused input terminals.
- If a measurement range is uncertain, turn the function/range switch to the maximum range position.
- Before turning the function/range switch, ensure the probe is disconnected from the circuit being measured.
- Before on-line resistance measurement, turn off all power and discharge all capacitors.
- Be careful when measuring voltages higher than 60V DC / 30V AC; keep fingers behind the hand shield of the probe.
- When measuring a TV set or switch power supply, watch for pulses in the circuit that may damage the multimeter.
- Verify meter operation with a known voltage. If the meter is working abnormally, stop using it immediately, as a protective device may be damaged. Have the meter inspected by a qualified technician if there is any doubt.
- Before taking voltage measurements, ensure no electronic element is connected to the test socket of the transistor.
Maintenance
- Before removing the rear cover, disconnect the probe from the circuit.
- To protect the internal circuit, replace the fuse with one of the same specification: F1: FF 10A H 600V, 10kA; F2: FF 400mA H 600V, 10kA.
- Do not use the instrument until the rear cover is placed back and the screws are tightened.
- Clean the housing with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid chemical solutions.
- In case of any abnormality, stop using it and send it for maintenance.
General Warning
To avoid electric shock, ensure probes are disconnected from the measured circuit before removing the rear cover. Make sure the rear cover is tightly screwed before using the instrument.
Specifications
Accuracy Indicators
Accuracy: ±(% of reading+digits) with one year warranty. Reference conditions: environmental temperature is from 18°C~28°C, relative humidity is not more than 80%.
General Features
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Safety Class | CAT III 600V |
| Waterproof | IP20 |
| Fuse | F1:FF 10A H 600V, 10kA; F2:FF 400mA H 600V, 10kA |
| Power | AAA 1.5V x 2 batteries |
| Maximum display value | 1999 |
| Over-range indication | "OL" |
| Polarity display | "-" for negative polarity |
| Low voltage indication | "Battery Low" on the display |
| Operating temperature | 0~40°C (32~104°F) |
| Storage temperature | -10~50°C (14~122°F) |
| Relative humidity | <80% RH |
| Altitude | <2000m |
| Dimension (LxWxH) | 150x74x48mm |
| Weight | About 220g |
Measurement Ranges and Accuracy
Direct Voltage Measurement
| Range | Resolution | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| 200mV | 100μV | ±0.5% of reading, ±3 digits |
| 2V | 1mV | ±0.5% of reading, ±3 digits |
| 20V | 10mV | ±0.5% of reading, ±3 digits |
| 200V | 100mV | ±0.5% of reading, ±3 digits |
| 600V | 1V | ±0.8% of reading, ±5 digits |
| Overload protection: 200mV range: 250V DC or RMS AC; Other ranges: 600V DC or RMS AC | ||
Alternating Voltage Measurement
| Range | Resolution | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| 200V | 100mV | ±1.0% of reading, ±10 digits |
| 600V | 1V | ±1.2% of reading, ±10 digits |
| Frequency range: 40Hz to 400Hz. Overload protection: 600V DC or RMS AC. Display: Average (effective value of sinusoid). | ||
Direct Current Measurement
| Range | Resolution | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| 2mA | 1μA | ±1% of reading, ±3 digits |
| 20mA | 10μA | ±1% of reading, ±5 digits |
| 200mA | 100μA | ±1.5% of reading, ±5 digits |
| 10A | 10mA | ±3% of reading, ±10 digits |
| Overload protection: F1:FF 10A H 600V, 10kA; F2:FF 400mA H 600V, 10kA. Note: Continuous measurement for >2A is limited to 2 minutes. Wait 10 minutes before another measurement. | ||
Resistance Measurement
| Range | Resolution | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| 200Ω | 0.1Ω | ±1.2% of reading, ±5 digits |
| 2kΩ | 1Ω | ±0.8% of reading, ±2 digits |
| 20kΩ | 10Ω | ±0.8% of reading, ±2 digits |
| 200kΩ | 100Ω | ±0.8% of reading, ±2 digits |
| 2MΩ | 1kΩ | ±1.0% of reading, ±5 digits |
| Maximum open circuit voltage: 2.4V. Overload protection: 250V DC or RMS AC. | ||
Diode and Circuit On-Off Measurement
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Diode Test (+) | Displays approximate forward voltage drop. Beeps if resistance < 30Ω for continuity. |
| Circuit On-Off (*) | Beeps if resistance < 30Ω. |
| Overload protection: 250V DC or RMS AC. | |
Battery Voltage Measurement
| Position | Resolution | Load impedance |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5V | 0.001V | 47Ω |
| 9V | 0.01V | 300Ω |
| Overload protection: F2:FF 400mA H 600V, 10kA. | ||
Operating Instructions
Notices before operation
- Plug in the instrument. Check batteries. If low, "Battery Low" symbol appears; otherwise, follow steps below.
- The "A" symbol near probe jacks indicates input limits to protect the circuit.
- Set the function/range switch to the desired range before measurement.
Direct Voltage Measurement
- Insert red probe into "VΩmA" jack, black probe into "COM" jack.
- Set switch to "V-" and connect probes to the power supply or load. Polarity of red probe connection displays on screen.
- Warning: If range is unknown, start with maximum and decrease. "OL" indicates overrange. Do not exceed 600V to prevent damage. Exercise caution with high voltages.
Alternating Voltage Measurement
- Insert red probe into "VΩmA" jack, black probe into "COM" jack.
- Set switch to "V~" and connect probes to the power supply or load.
- Refer to Direct Voltage Measurement warnings (points 1, 2, 3, and 4).
Direct Current Measurement
- Insert black probe into "COM" jack. For current < 200mA, use "VΩmA" jack for red probe. For current 200mA to 10A, use "10A" jack for red probe.
- Set switch to "A-" range and connect probes in series with the load. Display shows current and polarity.
- Warning: If range is unknown, start with maximum and decrease. "OL" indicates overrange. The "A" symbol indicates max current for the jack (200mA or 10A); exceeding this will blow the fuse.
Resistance Measurement
- Insert black probe into "COM" jack, red probe into "VΩmA" jack.
- Set switch to "Ω" and connect probes to the resistor. Read results.
- Warning: "OL" indicates resistance exceeds range. "OL" in default (open circuit). De-energize circuit and discharge capacitors before measuring online resistors.
Diode Measurement
- Insert black probe into "COM" jack, red probe into "VΩmA" jack (red probe is positive).
- Set switch to "+" and connect red probe to diode's positive pole, black probe to negative pole. Read forward voltage drop.
Circuit On-Off Measurement
- Insert black probe into "COM" jack, red probe into "VΩmA" jack.
- Set switch to "))" and connect probes across the two points. A beep indicates continuity (< 30Ω).
Battery Voltage Measurement
- Insert red probe into "VΩmA" jack, black probe into "COM" jack.
- Set switch to "E" range and connect probes to the battery or load. Polarity of red probe connection displays on screen.
Replace Test Leads
If insulation on leads is damaged, replace test leads. Use leads meeting EN 61010-031 standard, rated CAT III 600V, 10A or better.
Replacement of Battery and Fuse
Under normal conditions, fuse replacement is unnecessary. Replace only after probes are unplugged and power is shut down. Remove screws on the rear cover to access. Use fuses of the same specification: F1: FF 10A H 600V, 10kA; F2: FF 400mA H 600V, 10kA. Use AAA 1.5V x 2 batteries for power. Do not use the instrument until the rear cover is securely screwed back.
