Multimeter GB GMT-18A Manual
Multimeter GB GMT-18A Manual
Gardner
GMT-19A Bender
Table of Contents 1.1.0
Meter Functions
Meter Functions
1.0 Meter Functions Figure 1
2.0 Specifications
2.1 For Your Safety Zero
Adjust
3.0 Operating Suggestions Screw
3.1 Preliminary Adjustments
3.2 Internal Battery Condition
4.0 DC Voltage Measurement M S 100
50 20
OHMS
10
1K OH 200
4.1 Automotive Batteries 2K
5K 500
150
0
Ω
10 K 100
200
∞
4.2 Alternators and Generators Ω
0
50
10
2
20
4
30
6 40
8 250
50
DC
DC 0 10
4.3 Household Batteries AC
0
-8
0
+6
+12
PL
+14 +16 +18
ACE
? GOOD
+20
+22
BA
AC
dB
20KΩ/V DC dB RE
8KΩ/V AC
T
T
BA
5.0 DC Milliamp Measurement Function/
GMT-19A Range
6.0 AC Voltage Measurement Selector
OHMS ADJUST
6.1 Wall Receptacles Switch
1000
6.2 Appliance Receptacles 1000 250
A
C
D 50
250 V
10 1.5V +
7.0 Resistance/Continuity Measurement 2.5
AA –
9V V.Ω.A.
DC10A
7.1 Extension Cords COM 500m X1K
O
X10 H
7.2 Appliance Cords Zero
D
C
50m
X1
M
S
1000V DC/AC
500mA DC
MAX
7.3 Fuses
A 5m
Ohms
7.4 Switches Adjustment
7.5 Heating Elements
7.6 Thermostats
8.0 Decibel Measurement
9.0 Battery and Fuse Replacement
Input Jacks
Insulated
Test
Leads
1 2
2.0 Specifications WARNING! Use extreme caution when using
Ranges: 19 measuring ranges
this multimeter. Improper use of this tester can
DC Voltage: 2.5-10-50-250-1000 Volts
result in severe damage to property, severe
AC Voltage: 10-50-250-1000 Volts
personal injury or death. Follow all instructions and
DC Current 5-50-500 milliAmps (fused)
suggestions in this operators manual as well as
10 amps on a separate jack (unfused) observing normal electrical safety precautions. Do not
Resistance (ohms) Rx1 (resistance indicated multiplied by 1) use this multimeter if you are unfamiliar with electrical
Rx10 (resistance indicated multiplied by 10) circuits and proper test procedures.
Rx1K (resistance indicated multiplied by 1000)
10 Megohm Max 2.1 For Your Safety
Continuity Buzzer: For audible continuity checks. Buzzer sounds at
less than 100 ohms. 1) WARNING! Use extreme caution when checking
Decibels: -8dB to +22dB on AC voltage ranges electrical circuits.
Accuracy: DC voltage, Amps = 4% full scale of range
AC voltage = 5% full scale of range 2) WARNING! Do not stand in wet or damp work
Resistance = 4% full scale of range
areas when working with electricity. Wear
Battery Test: 1.5 volt and 9 volt batteries
rubber soled boots or shoes.
Sensitivity: 20,000 ohms per volt DC and 8000 ohms per
volt AC
3) WARNING! Do not apply more voltage or
Operating Temperature: 64°F – 77°F (18°C – 25°C)
current than the set range of the multimeter
Function/Range Switch: 6 Functions
20 Positions
will allow.
19 Measuring ranges
Zero Ohms Adjustment Dial: Located on the front left side of the housing.
4) Do not touch the metal probes of the test leads when
Adjustment dial is used to zero the needle making a measurement.
indicator on the ohms scale while shorting the test
leads together. 5) Replace worn test leads. Do not use test leads with
Mechanical Zero Located directly below the center of the scale, broken or tattered insulation.
Adjustment Screw: used to align needle on the zero settings for
accurate readings. 6) Discharge a capacitor before measuring it.
Mirrored Scale Plate: The mirror on the scale plate is used to line up the
needle with its reflection to improve the reading 7) Remove the test leads from the circuit being measured
accuracy by preventing parallax error.
as soon as the test is completed.
Recessed Input Jacks: Negative (-) input jack for black test lead, positive
(+) input jack for red test lead. Separate jack for
10 Amp range.
8) WARNING! Do not measure voltage when the
function/range switch is set on the resistance
Important: (ohms) or the current (mA) settings. Never measure
Read this operators manual thoroughly before using this current when the tester is set on the resistance range.
multimeter. This manual is intended to provide basic Never measure AC voltage when the tester is set on
information regarding this multimeter and to describe DC voltage or DCmA/A. Setting the tester on the
common test procedures which can be made with this unit. incorrect function may burn out some of the internal
Many types of appliance, machinery and other electrical circuitry and may pose a safety hazard.
circuit measurements are not addressed in this manual and
should be handled by experienced service technicians.
3 4
3.0 Operating Suggestions Reading the Scale
1) Set the function/range switch to the proper position Resistance
5K 100 50
20 (Ohms) Scale
before making a measurement. When the voltage or 2K 200 10
500
current is not known, it MUST be determined that the 10K
1K
capacity of the selected range will handle the amount of
voltage or current in the circuit (see #3 under “For Your
Safety”). Always start with the highest range in the DC } DC Voltage &
Milliamps Scale
function. If the voltage applied falls within the range of 6
a lower setting, reset the function/range switch to the 8
Common Markings for
appropriate setting for greatest accuracy of reading. both the AC & DC
AC Voltage Scale Voltage Scales
2) Avoid placing the tester in areas where vibration, dust or
dirt are present. Do not store the tester in excessively dB Scale for Transistor
hot, humid or damp places. This tester is a sensitive Gain Measurement
measuring device and should be treated with the same
regard as other electrical and electronic devices. 3.2 Check Condition of Internal Battery
3) Using the tester in areas with high magnetic fields can Before making resistance or continuity tests, check the
result in inaccurate readings. For greatest accuracy of condition of the internal battery. First turn the function/range
reading, lay the tester on a flat, non-metallic surface. switch to the ohms Rx1 position. Short the test leads together
4) When the tester is not in use, keep the function/range and the needle indicator should deflect to the right side of the
switch in the OFF position. This keeps the needle scale. Keep the test leads shorted together while
indicator from deflecting or “bouncing” excessively. simultaneously turning the zero ohms adjustment dial until the
needle indicates zero at the right side of the ohms scale. If the
5) When disconnecting the test leads from the unit, always needle will not zero, replace the batteries with two new 1.5 volt
grasp the leads where the input jacks meet the tester AA size batteries (see Battery Replacement).
housing. Never pull the leads out of the jacks by the
insulated wire or transport the tester using the test leads 4.0 DC Voltage Measurement
as a carrying strap.
6) Never immerse the tester in water or solvents. To clean 1) Fully seat the test leads in the correct input jacks, (-) black
the housing use a damp cloth with a minimal amount of lead, (+) red lead.
mild soap. 50 20
OHMS
MS 100 10
1K OH 200
2K 0
DC
4 8
2 50
0 10
DC 0
dB
-8
0
+6
RE
+12
PL
+14 +16 +18
ACE
? GOOD
+20
+22
BAT
AC
dB
battery to avoid potential leaks that may damage the unit. Voltage 8KΩ/V AC
BAT
GMT-19A
Scale OHMS ADJUST
1000
A
1000 250 C
DC 10
2.5
1.5V +
AA –
Voltage
DC10A
necessary, using a small flat tip screwdriver, slowly turn the Range
D
C
A 5m
X1
M
S
1000V DC/AC
500mA DC
MAX
Figure 2
7 8
4.3 Household Batteries Common DC Milliamperage Measurements
Household batteries can be tested in either one of two ways. It is important to point out that milliamps can also be
For a good/bad check, set the function/range switch to the expressed as thousandths of an Ampere. Therefore 500
1.5V or 9V BAT setting depending on which type of battery is milliamps is 500 thousandths of one Amp or 1⁄ 2 of one Amp.
to be tested. Plug the red test lead into the jack marked The milliamperage function of your multimeter is commonly
“ V.Ω.A.”. Touch the red (+) lead to the (+) terminal of the used by electronics repair technicians and hobbyists to
battery and the black (-) lead to the (-) terminal of the battery. troubleshoot various low voltage circuits. Although not
Read the BAT scale at the very bottom of the scale plate. The normally used for electrical troubleshooting around the home,
scale will indicate if the battery is good, questionable or should this function can be used to measure the milliamperage draw
be replaced. To more accurately measure the voltage value of of household items such as flashlights and other battery
household batteries, set the function/range switch to 10 VDC operated devices that do not draw more than 500mA. In fig. 4,
and touch the leads to the battery as before. Read the 0-10 the red (+) test lead is hooked up to the (+) terminal of the
scale to determine the condition of the battery. lantern battery while the black (-) test lead is hooked up to the
bulb. The tester will indicate the milliamperage draw when the
5.0 DC Milliamp Measurement flashlight switch is thrown in the ON position.
10
range. See #8 under For Your Safety.
Scale ∞
2K
5K 500
10 K
50
10
100
20
150
30
6
200
40 250 DC
0
Ω
Ω 4 8
2 50
0 10
DC 0
0 +12
+14 +16 +18 +20
AC
DC 10Amp Measurement
+6
? GOOD +22 dB
AC -8
0
PL
ACE
20KΩ/V DC dB RE BAT
8KΩ/V AC
T
BA
GMT-19A
A separate input jack is provided for measurement of DC
DC Milliamp OHMS ADJUST
1000
current up to 10 Amps. This range is not fused so it is
Measurement D
C
1000
250
250
50
A
C
V
DC10A imperative that the circuit under test does not exceed 10
V 50 10
10
2.5
1.5V +
AA –
9V V.Ω.A.
Amps. Additionally, this function is designed for intermittent
use only. Maximum contact of the test leads with the circuit
DC10A
A 5m
10
6.1 Wall Receptacles
0
5K
10 Amp DC
20KΩ/V DC
0
0
AC
0
dB
-8
0
+6
RE
P
+12
LAC
+14 +16 +18
E ? GOOD
+20
+22
BAT
10
AC
dB
switch is ON. Set the function/range switch to 250 ACV.
8KΩ/V AC
Scale
T
BA
GMT-19A
Touch the test leads to the “hot” and “neutral” slots of the
OHMS ADJUST
receptacle (see fig. 5.) The needle indicator should read 120
1000
1000
250
A
C
VAC on the 0-250 scale. To test for proper grounding of the
receptacle, touch one test lead to the “hot” (narrow) side of
D 50
C 250 V
DC10A
V 50 10
10 1.5V +
DC10A
2.5
AA –
9V V.Ω.A. the receptacle, and the other test lead to the ground slot.
COM
D
C
500m
50m
X1K
X10
X1
O
H
M
S
1000V DC/AC
500mA DC
MAX
The tester should read 120 VAC as before. To test for proper
A 5m
grounding of non- polarized receptacles (fig.6), alternately
Red touch the test leads between the receptacle slots and the
wall plate screw. The tester should indicate 120 VAC when
Black one test lead contacts the “hot” side of the receptacle. If
ground contact cannot be made on the wall plate screw,
remove the wall plate and touch the electrical box with the
test lead in the same manner as before. The tester should
6.0 AC Voltage Measurement read 120 VAC with one test lead touching the electrical box
1 ) Fully seat the test leads in the correct input jacks. and the other touching the live side of the receptacle. If not,
the receptacle is not properly grounded.
2) Set the function/range switch to the appropriate AC
voltage range. If the voltage is unknown, use the highest OHMS
AC Voltage
AC Scale 1K MS
OH 200
100
50 20
10
(Use black
+12 +20
+6
? GOOD +22 dB
AC -8
0
PL
ACE
20KΩ/V DC dB RE BAT
numbers on GMT-19A
3) Touch the test leads to the circuit under test. With AC top for scale.) OHMS ADJUST
1000
10 1.5V +
AA –
2.5
9V V.Ω.A.
DC10A
A 5m
voltage measurements:
Black Red
ACV Read and
Range Following Multiply Neutral Hot
Setting Scale Reading By:
10 0-10 1
50 0-50 1
250 0-250 1
5A 5B
1000 0-10 100
Ground
Figure 5 Figure 6
11 12
6.2 Appliance Receptacles scale. If the needle will not zero, replace the internal
Set the function/range switch to 250 VAC. Touch the test batteries with two new 1.5 volt AA size batteries (see
leads to the receptacle slots. The tester should read 240 VAC Battery Replacement) .
between the two “hot” sides of the receptacle, and 120 VAC 3) Touch the test leads to the resistance or non-energized
between the neutral slot and either of the two “hot” sides circuit to be measured. Measure the value of the reading
(see fig. 7). on the ohms scale and multiply the reading by 1000. If
you’re making basic continuity tests, the needle indicator
Figure 7 should move all the way to the right side of the ohms
scale if continuity exists.
Note: When switching the unit back and forth from ohms to
other functions, always zero the needle indicator before
taking another reading. Failure to zero the needle before
taking resistance/continuity measurements will result in
inaccurate readings.
Continuity Buzzer Setting
6.3 Circuit Breaker Panel
For quick, audible continuity checks, turn the function/range
To test for defective circuit breakers, set the function/range
switch to the setting. If the circuit under test has a
switch to the 250 VAC or 600 VAC settings. Touch one test lead
resistance of 100 ohms or less, the internal buzzer will sound
to the neutral (buss) terminal strip of the breaker panel and the
other test lead to the terminal on the circuit breaker (see fig. 8). when the test leads are touched to the circuit. This makes
The tester should read 120 VAC on the 0-250 scale. continuity checks quick and easy. Note: The needle indicator
will not indicate resistance values when the tester is in the
mode. Do not operate the continuity buzzer continuously
Figure 8 as this will discharge the internal batteries.
Resistance 1K
2K
MS
OH 200
100
50 20
OHMS
10
Audible
0
(Ohms) Scale 5K
10 K
∞
Ω
500
50
10
2
100
20
4
150
30
6
200
40
8 250
50
DC
Ω
Continuity
0 10
DC 0
dB
-8
BA
T
0
+6
RE
+12
PL
+14 +16 +18
ACE
? GOOD
+20
+22
BAT
AC
dB
Scale GMT-19A
OHMS ADJUST
1000
A
1000 250 C
D 50
C 250 V
DC10A
V 50 10
10 1.5V +
AA –
D
C
500m
50m
X1K
X10
X1
O
H
M
S
1000V DC/AC
500mA DC
MAX
Dial A 5m
13 14
Common Resistance and Should it be determined that the cord is not the source of the
Continuity Measurements problem, the appliance may need to be disassembled in order
to pinpoint the problem. Refer to the owners manual of the
Continuity tests are probably the most frequently performed appliance. The manufacturer of the appliance may require that
electrical troubleshooting procedures around the home. the appliance be serviced only by a qualified repair technician.
ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT CONTINUITY CHECKS ARE
TO BE MADE WITH THE POWER TO THE CIRCUIT 7.3 Fuses
TURNED OFF. Polarity of the test leads is not a factor in Note: With the power OFF, always remove a fuse from its
making continuity checks. socket before testing it. With cartridge fuses, touch the test
leads to each end of the fuse (see fig. 10). If the fuse is good,
7.1 Extension Cords the needle indicator will move to -0- ohms, or if the continuity
Unplug the cord. Set the function/range switch to the Rx1K buzzer is being used it should sound. If not, replace the fuse.
position. Touch one of the test leads to one of the metal prong On plug-type fuses, touch the the test leads on the bottom
ends of the cord, and insert the other test lead in either one of contact and the other on the threaded metal contact (see fig.
the receptacle slots on the other end of the cord, making sure 11). On time-delay/tamper-proof fuses, the other metal contact
the test lead is making good contact with the receptacle (see is at the top of the ceramic threads.
fig. 9). If the needle indicator does not move to -0- ohms, or if
the continuity buzzer is being used and does not sound, insert
the test lead into the other receptacle slot, again making sure
of good contact. If the needle indicator does not move to -0- Figure 10 Figure 11
ohms, or if the continuity buzzer is being used and does not
sound, the cord should be replaced.
Figure 9
7.4 Switches
Cut off the power source to the switch. If necessary, remove
the switch from whatever it’s mounted to. Turn the switch to
the ON position and touch the test leads to the switches
terminals (see fig. 12). If the switch is good, the needle
indicator will move to -0- ohms, or if the continuity buzzer is
7.2 Appliance Cords being used it should sound. If not, replace the switch. On
Unplug the appliance from its power source. Turn its power other than two-way SPST (single pole, single throw)
switch to the ON position. Touch the test leads to the metal switches such as three-way light switches or double pole
prong ends of the cord. The tester should indicate a low double throw (ON-OFF-ON) switches, in each ON position
resistance value. If not, flex the cord while the leads are still in you will need to alternate the test leads between the
contact with the metal prongs. If the needle indicator moves switches terminals to determine which two terminals control
sporadically, or if the continuity buzzer does not sound, while that ON position.
the cord flexes, there may be a broken conductor in the cord.
If the needle indicator does not move at all, or the buzzer does
not sound, there may be an open circuit in the appliance.
15 16
Figure 12 range you selected, you will need to compute the actual
measurement by using the decibel conversion chart
located at the bottom right of the faceplate.
Important: For absolute decibel measurements, circuit
impedance must be at least 600 ohms. -0- decibels = 1
milliwatt in a 600 ohm impedance (equivalent to 0.775 volts
across 600 ohms).
2) Set the function/range switch to any one of the AC voltage City State Zip
ranges and read the decibel measurement on the bottom
Qty. Ordered
(red) scale of the faceplate. Based on the AC voltage
Please print clearly.
17
www.gardnerbender.com
PO Box 3241 • Milwaukee, WI 53201-3241 • 414-352-4160
Gardner 6615 Ordan Drive • Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1X2 • 905-564-5749
Bender Rev. A