Can I use Uni-t 61E for measuring domestic mains? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: timfayz
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 16, 2016, 06:46:03 pm
content: Hello, guys! Recently, I've bought Uni-t 61E and I'm curious if I can use it not only for my hobby low-current DC measurements, but also for checking domestic mains (eg. sockets). The rated voltage in my country is 220V. I'm very new to electricity so it would be sad to burn out my new multimeter. Any ideas or recommendations?

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2016, 08:14:16 pm
content: Of course, you can. But what are you looking to get out of that measurement?

author: DimitriP
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2016, 09:24:20 pm
content: QuoteSince you asked...Before you go sticking probes into places...You should read the manual that came with it.Ask questions about what you don't understand.Then go back and read it again.The answer to your question is in there, and if you can't tell what it is, you should not be sticking probes into wall sockets.

author: timfayz
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 17, 2016, 08:10:03 am
content: @ataradov, thank you for straightforward answer!@DimitriP, I got your idea and of course I've read manual several times. I found out one line at the manual that made me doubt...Section Accuracy specification with subsection AC Current states:Uni-t 61ERangeOverload protection400uA - 400mAFuse 1: F1A H 240V (CE)4A - 10AFuse 2: F10A H 240V (CE)220V (it's just a rated value, who know what the actual voltage will be..) is quite close to "overload" 240V. And that's why I decide to ask an advice..

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2016, 08:13:17 am
content: DON'T measure "current" in the outlet. You will blow the fuse in the meter and probably a circuit breaker in the apartment.

author: timfayz
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 17, 2016, 08:29:06 am
content: Hm..great! Got it, sir. Now things become much clear. Thank you again.

author: MrSlack
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2016, 11:01:37 am
content: Yes. I do regularly. However three notes:* If you have no experience or knowledge or are new to this, just stay away from it.* Don't measure current with it.* Don't stick it on any other range other than volts AC. I can't vouch for it not exploding if you stick it on ohms or something. A Fluke would be fine. This? I don't know. I'm not going to test it and find out.Proof:Coincidentally, Zanussi, you suck.

author: Towger
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2016, 08:11:38 pm
content: It will quite happy measure 400v across two phases. But as others pointed out it might not be wise to do that with the leads plugged into the amp sockets.

author: joseph nicholas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2016, 11:12:49 pm
content: Its the circuit board in that dryer your trying to trouble shoot.

author: MrSlack
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2016, 05:57:29 am
content: Yeah. No power to the microcontroller on it. Found the issue. There was a cascading failure caused by the SMPS tank cap exploding which overvolted the entire board. There was ~100v floating around the more delicate bits. Write off. Replacement Bosch dryer ordered.