21
c. Measuring AC Amps
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to make a current measurement with
the test leads. The 296 measures the current by
clamping the jaw around one conductor (wire).
Clamping around more than one wire will result in
erroneous readings.
Instrument set-up:
FUNC.
BLACK RED
MIN
MAX
TEST LEAD TEST LEAD
READING
READING
A
NOT USED NOT USED
0.01A
700A
Measurement Procedure:
1.
Disconnect power to circuit to be measured.
2.
Set rotary switch to
A
function.
3.
Clamp the jaws around one conductor of the circuit
to be measured.
4.
Reconnect power to circuit to be measured.
5.
Read the current on the 296.
Optional Modes
•
TRIM:
Push TRIM button to stabilize reading.
•
HOLD:
Freezes the reading on the LCD.
•
RANGE:
Manually ranges the instrument.
•
PEAK:
Measures the peak amperage.
•
HDR:
Check the harmonic distortion ratio.
•
REC:
Record minimum, maximum and
average values.
14
1. Controls and Functions (cont.):
Rotary Switch
OFF
Turns the 296 completely off.
V
Used to measure AC and DC volts.
Ω
Used to measure resistance and
use the continuity buzzer.
Used to measure diodes.
FRQ
Used to measure the frequency of
the current through the jaws.
A
Used to measure AC amps.
OFF
Turns the 296 completely off.
Input Jacks
COM
Black test lead connection for
ACV, DCV,
Ω
, Continuity Buzzer
and Diode Test functions.
V/
Ω
Red test lead connection for all
ACV, DCV,
Ω
, Continuity Buzzer
and Diode Test functions.
