WA RN I N G

IEC Measurement Category II. The HI and LO input terminals may be connected to mains in IEC Cate- gory II installations for line volt- ages up to 300 VAC. To avoid the danger of electric shock, do not connect the inputs to mains for line voltages above 300 VAC. See "IEC Measurement Category II Overvoltage Protection" on the following page for further infor- mation.

WA RN I N G

Protection Limits: To avoid instru- ment damage and the risk of elec- tric shock, do not exceed any of the Protection Limits defined in the following section.

Protection Limits

The Agilent 34401A Digital Multimeter pro- vides protection circuitry to prevent damage to the instrument and to protect against the danger of electric shock, provided the Pro- tection Limits are not exceeded. To ensure safe operation of the instrument, do not exceed the Protection Limits shown on the front and rear panel, and defined as follows:

Note: The front-panel terminals are shown above. The rear-panel terminals are identi- cal. The Front/Rear switch selects the ter- minal set to be used. Do not operate this switch while signals are present on the front or rear terminals. The current-protec- tion fuse is on the rear panel.

Input Terminal Protection Limits

Protection Limits are defined for the input terminals:

Main Input (HI and LO) Terminals. The HI and LO input terminals are used for voltage, resistance, frequency (period), and diode test measurements. Two Protection Limits are defined for these terminals:

HI to LO Protection Limit. The Protection Limit from HI to LO (Input terminals) is 1000 VDC or 750 VAC, which is also the maximum voltage measurement. This limit can also be expressed as 1000 Vpk maximum.

LO to Ground Protection Limit. The LO input terminal can safely "float" a maxi- mum of 500 Vpk relative to ground.

As is implied by the above limits, the Protec- tion Limit for the HI input terminal is a maxi- mum of 1500 Vpk relative to ground.

Current Input Terminal. The current input ("I") terminal has a Protection Limit of 3A (rms) maximum current flowing from the LO input terminal. Note that the current input terminal will be at approximately the same voltage as the LO terminal.

Note: The current-protection circuitry includes a fuse on the rear panel. To main- tain protection, replace this fuse only with a fuse of the specified type and rating.

Sense Terminal Protection Limits

The HI and LO sense terminals are used only for four-wire resistance and tempera- ture measurements ("Ω 4W"). The Protec- tion Limit is 200 Vpk for all of the terminal pairings:

LO sense to LO input

HI sense to LO input

HI sense to LO sense

Note: The 200 Vpk limit on the sense termi- nals is the Protection Limit. Operational voltages in resistance measurements are much lower — less than 10 V in normal operation.

IEC Measurement Category II Overvoltage Protection

To protect against the danger of electric shock, the Agilent 34401A Digital Multime- ter provides overvoltage protection for line-voltage mains connections meeting both of the following conditions:

The HI and LO input terminals are con- nected to the mains under Measurement Category II conditions, defined below,

and

The mains are limited to a maximum line voltage of 300 VAC.

iv

34401A User’s Guide

Page 3 Page 5
Page 4
Image 4
Agilent Technologies 34401A manual Protection Limits
Page 3 Page 5

34401A specifications

Agilent Technologies 34401A is a highly reputable digital multimeter (DMM), renowned for its accuracy, versatility, and performance in a wide range of measurement applications. First introduced in the early 1990s, the 34401A has become a staple in laboratories, manufacturing environments, and educational institutions due to its robust build and comprehensive features.

One of the standout characteristics of the 34401A is its impressive accuracy, boasting a basic DC voltage accuracy of 0.0035%, making it ideal for precise measurements in electronic testing. The multimeter offers a wide range of measurement capabilities, including voltage (DC and AC), current (DC and AC), resistance, frequency, and continuity test, making it a highly versatile tool for engineers and technicians.

The 34401A utilizes a 6½-digit resolution, enabling the user to measure small changes in electrical signals with remarkable precision. With a sampling rate of up to 1000 readings per second, it can handle dynamic test requirements, providing timely results without sacrificing measurement integrity.

In terms of connectivity, the Agilent 34401A includes a GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus) for remote operation, allowing users to automate their testing processes and integrate the multimeter easily into larger measurement systems. This feature is particularly beneficial in automated test environments, where speed and accuracy are paramount.

Additionally, the DMM incorporates advanced measurement functions, such as statistical analysis, including mean, standard deviation, and minimum/maximum readings, which provide users with valuable insights into their data. The instrument's user-friendly interface, complete with a clear digital display and intuitive controls, enhances usability and ensures that users can easily navigate its various functions.

Robust software support further extends the capabilities of the Agilent 34401A. It is compatible with a range of software tools for data logging and analysis, enabling users to efficiently document and analyze their measurements over time.

In summary, Agilent Technologies 34401A stands out in the realm of digital multimeters due to its high accuracy, extensive measurement functionalities, and user-friendly features. Whether for research and development, quality control, or educational purposes, the 34401A remains a preferred choice for professionals demanding reliable and precise measurement solutions. Its enduring legacy in the industry speaks to its performance and reliability, making it an essential tool for anyone involved in electronic testing and measurement.
Top Page Image Contents