34
General Information and Safety
Measurement Categories
The measurement categories refer to transients that are
superimposed on the mains voltage. Transients are short,
very fast (steep) current and voltage variations which may
occur periodically and non-periodically. The level of poten-
tial transients increases as the distance to the source of the
low voltage installation decreases.
❙
Measurement CAT IV
: Measurements at the source of
the low voltage installations (e.g. meters)
❙
Measurement CAT III
: Measurements in building
installations (e.g. power distribution installations, power
switches, firmly installed sockets, firmly installed engines
etc.).
❙
Measurement CAT II
: Measurements on circuits
electronically directly connected to the mains (e.g.
household appliances, power tools, etc.)
❙
0
(instruments without measured measurement cate-
gory): Other circuits that are not connected directly to the
mains.
1.9 Mains Voltage
Prior to operating the instrument, please check if the avai-
lable mains voltage (115 V or 230 V ±10%, 50-60 Hz) cor-
responds to the value indicated on the voltage selector of
the instrument. If this is not the case, the main voltage will
need to be switched. The voltage selector is located on the
back of the instrument.
The instrument is equipped with a mains fuse which is
located in the rubber connector on the back of the casing.
The correct fuse type must be used in accordance with the
specified mains voltage.
❙If setting is 115 V: T1L250V
❙If setting is 230 V: T500L250V
The measuring circuit is equipped with two fuses for over-
current protection. The user may replace one of the fuses
(type: F10H250V) on the front panel of the instrument. An
additional fuse is built into the instrument; however, this is
not intended to be replaced by the user.
1.10 Limits
The ¸HMC8012 multimeter is equipped with a protec-
tive overload feature. The protective overload feature pre-
vents damage to the instrument and is intended to protect
against a possible electrical shock. The maximum values
If the instrument is to remain unattended for a longer time period,
it must be switched off at the mains switch for safety reasons.
Fig. 1.2: Rear panel of the HMC with voltage selector and connectors
for the instrument must not be exceeded. The protection
limits are listed on the front panel of the ¸HMC8012 to
ensure the safe operation of the instrument. These protec-
tion limits must be adhered to:
Max. input voltage:
1000 V
peak
(DC) or 750 V
RMS
(AC)
Max. input current:
10 A (max. 250 V) protected by fuse
F10H250V (on the front panel of the
instrument)
Max. voltage between connector V+ and ground:
1000 V
peak
Max. voltage between connector COM and ground:
600 V
peak
Power supply:
115 V / 230 V ±10%,
switchable by voltage selector on the back panel of
the instrument
Frequency:
50 Hz / 60 Hz
Power consumption:
25 W maximum, 15 W typical
1.11 Batteries and Rechargeable Batteries/Cells
1. Cells must not be disassembled, opened or crushed.
2. Cells and batteries may not be explosed to heat or fire.
Storage in direct sunlight must be avoided. Keep cells
and batteries clean and dry. Clean soiled connectors
using a dry, clean cloth.
3. Cells or batteries must not be short-circuited. Cells or
batteries must not be stored in a box or in a drawer
where they can short-circuit each other, or where they
can be short-circuited by other conductive materials.
Cells and batteries must not be removed from their ori-
ginal packaging until they are ready to be used.
4. Keep cells and batteries out of reach of children. Seek
medical assistance immediately if a cell or battery was
swallowed.
5. Cells and batteries must not be exposed to any mecha-
nical shocks that are stronger than permitted.
Fig. 1.3: Connectors on the front panel of the instrument
If the information regarding batteries and rechargeable batter-
ies/cells is not observed either at all or to the extent necessary,
product users may be exposed to the risk of explosions, fire and/or
serious personal injury, and, in some cases, death. Batteries and
rechargeable batteries with alkaline electrolytes (e.g. lithium cells)
must be handled in accordance with the EN 62133 standard.
