Agilent U1241A and
U1242A
Handheld Digital
Multimeters
User’s and Service Guide
Agilent Technologies
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc., 2007 – 2012
No part of this manual may be reproduced in
any form or by any means (including elec-
tronic storage and retrieval or translation
into a foreign language) without prior agree-
ment and written consent from Agilent
Technologies, Inc. as governed by United
States and international copyright laws.
Warranty
The material contained in this docu-
ment is provided “as is,” and is sub-
ject to being changed, without notice,
in future editions. Further, to the max-
imum extent permitted by applicable
law, Agilent disclaims all warranties,
either express or implied, with regard
to this manual and any information
contained herein, including but not
limited to the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a par-
ticular purpose. Agilent shall not be
liable for errors or for incidental or
consequential damages in connec-
tion with the furnishing, use, or per-
formance of this document or of any
information contained herein. Should
Agilent and the user have a separate
written agreement with warranty
terms covering the material in this
document that conflict with these
terms, the warranty terms in the sep-
arate agreement shall control.
Safety Notices
CAUTION
A
CAUTION
notice denotes a haz-
ard. It calls attention to an operat-
ing procedure, practice, or the like
that, if not correctly performed or
adhered to, could result in damage
to the product or loss of important
data. Do not proceed beyond a
CAUTION
notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and
met.
Manual Part Number
U1241-90003
Edition
Seventh Edition, May 4, 2012
Printed in Malaysia
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
3501 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95052 USA
WA R N I N G
A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or
the like that, if not correctly per-
formed or adhered to, could result
in personal injury or death. Do not
proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated condi-
tions are fully understood and
met.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described in
this document are furnished under a license
and may be used or copied only in accor-
dance with the terms of such license.
Restricted Rights Legend
U.S. Government Restricted Rights. Soft-
ware and technical data rights granted to
the federal government include only those
rights customarily provided to end user cus-
tomers. Agilent provides this customary
commercial license in Software and techni-
cal data pursuant to FAR 12.211 (Technical
Data) and 12.212 (Computer Software) and,
for the Department of Defense, DFARS
252.227-7015 (Technical Data - Commercial
Items) and DFARS 227.7202-3 (Rights in
Commercial Computer Software or Com-
puter Software Documentation).
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U1241A/U1242A User’s and Service Guide
Safety Symbols
The following symbols on the instrument and in the documentation indicate
precautions which must be taken to maintain safe operation of the instrument.
Direct current (DC)
Off (supply)
Alternating current (AC)
On (supply)
Both direct and alternating current
Caution, risk of electric shock
Three-phase alternating current
Caution, risk of danger (refer to this manual
for specific Warning or Caution information)
Earth (ground) terminal
Caution, hot surface
Protective conductor terminal
Out position of a bi-stable push control
Frame or chassis terminal
In position of a bi-stable push control
Equipotentiality
CAT III
1000 V
CAT IV
600 V
Category III 1000 V overvoltage protection
Equipment protected throughout by
double insulation or reinforced
insulation
Category IV 600 V overvoltage protection
U1241A/U1242A User’s and Service Guide
III
General Safety Information
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of
operation, service and repair of this instrument. Failure to comply with these
precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual violates safety
standards of design, manufacture and intended use of the instrument. Agilent
Technologies assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these
requirements.
WA R N I N G
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Observe all markings on the instrument before connecting any
wiring to the instrument.
When working above 60 VDC, 30 VAC RMS or 42 V peak, exercise
caution – such range pose a shock hazard.
Do not measure more than the rated voltage (as marked on the
meter) between terminals, or between terminal and earth ground.
Double-check the meter’s operation by measuring a known voltage.
For current measurement, turn off circuit power before connecting
the meter to the circuit. Always place the meter in series with the
circuit.
When connecting probes, always connect the common test probe
first. When disconnecting probes, always disconnect the live test
probe first.
Detach test probes from the meter before you open the battery cover.
Do not use the meter with the battery cover or part of the cover
removed or loose.
Replace the battery as soon as the low battery indicator
flashes
on screen. This is to avoid false readings, which may lead to possible
electric shock or personal injury.
Do not operate the product in an explosive atmosphere or in the
presence of flammable gases or fumes.
Inspect the case for cracks or missing plastic. Pay extra attention to
the insulation surrounding the connectors. Do not use the meter if it
is damaged.
Inspect the test probes for damaged insulation or exposed metal,
and check for continuity. Do not use the test probe if it is damaged.
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U1241A/U1242A User’s and Service Guide
WA R N I N G
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Do not use repaired fuses or short-circuited fuse-holders. For
continued protection against fire, replace the line fuses only with
fuses of the same voltage and current rating and recommended type.
Do not service or perform adjustments alone. Under certain
condition, hazardous voltages may exist, even with the equipment
switched off. To avoid dangerous electric shock, service personnel
must not attempt internal service or adjustment unless another
person, capable of rendering resuscitation or first aid, is present.
Do not substitute parts or modify equipment to avoid the danger of
introducing additional hazards. Return the product to Agilent
Technologies Sales and Service Office for service and repair to
ensure the safety features are maintained
Do not operate damaged equipment as the safety protection features
built into this product may have been impaired, either through
physical damage, excessive moisture, or any other reason. Remove
power and do not use the product until safe operation can be verified
by service-trained personnel. If necessary, return the product to
Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office for service and repair
to ensure the safety features are maintained.
CAUTION
•
Turn off circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors in the
circuit before you perform resistance, continuity, diodes, or
capacitance tests.
Use the correct terminals, function, and range for your measurements.
Never measure voltage when current measurement is selected.
Ensure proper insertion of battery in the meter, and follow the correct
polarity.
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U1241A/U1242A User’s and Service Guide
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