GPS-176
Handheld MultimeterA 6000 count autoranging handheld with an analogue bargraph and a backlit display, reading to 1000 V, 10 A and 60 MΩ. Sealed to IP67, rated for a two metre drop, and fused at 1000 V on both current paths.
Every function on one set of terminals
One switch position covers resistance, capacitance, continuity and diode, with the MODE key selecting between them. That keeps the switch short and the meter narrow enough for a pocket.
The MODE key also switches between DC and AC on the voltage and current positions, and the Hz% key reaches frequency and duty cycle from either of them.
Every function, and what it resolves to
| Function | Maximum range | Maximum resolution | Basic accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC voltage | 1000 V | 0.1 mV | ±(0.09% + 2) |
| AC voltage | 1000 V | 1 mV | ±(1% + 3) |
| DC current | 10 A | 0.1 µA | ±(1% + 3) |
| AC current | 10 A | 0.1 µA | ±(1.5% + 3) |
| Resistance | 60 MΩ | 0.1 Ω | ±(0.3% + 4) |
| Capacitance | 1 mF | 10 pF | ±(3.5% + 4) |
| Frequency | 40 MHz | 0.001 Hz | ±(0.1% + 1) |
| Duty cycle | 99.9% | 0.1% | ±(1.2% + 2) |
| Temperature | 750 °C | 1 °C | ±(3% + 5) |
| Diode | — | — | — |
| Continuity | — | — | — |
These are basic accuracy figures: the best available across the ranges of each function, shown against the maximum range and the finest resolution the meter offers. They are not range-by-range figures. The datasheet below carries the full ladders, all six DC voltage ranges and the rest, with an accuracy against each. Temperature accuracy excludes the error of the thermocouple probe.
Worth knowing before you measure
- AC volts start at 6 V, not the 600 mV the DC ranges reach
- The AC band is 40 Hz to 1 kHz. The figure above holds from 50 to 60 Hz and widens to ±(2% + 3) either side of it
- The counter reads to 40 MHz; the specification covers 10 MHz
- On the 600 Ω range the leads themselves add 0.1 to 0.2 Ω. The relative mode takes it out
- Above 1 MΩ, give the reading a few seconds to settle
- Ranging is automatic with manual selection on RANGE · hold, MAX/MIN and relative are on the front panel
The 20 A range carries no stated accuracy and is limited to thirty seconds at a time, with fifteen minutes between measurements. It is marked that way on the panel.
Made for the conditions
A bench meter is protected by the bench. This one is protected by its case, its fuses and its category rating, and it is worth knowing what each of them covers.
IP67 and a two metre drop
Double moulded housing, sealed against dust and against immersion, and rated to survive a drop of two metres. This is a meter for a van and a plant room rather than a bench.
Fused where it matters
The µA and mA path carries an 800 mA 1000 V ceramic fuse and the 10 A path a 10 A 1000 V ceramic. Both are 1000 V rated, which is the part that decides whether a wrong-socket mistake is an inconvenience or an incident.
CAT IV 600 V and CAT III 1000 V
Two permissions rather than one range: up to 600 V at the origin of the installation, where the transients are largest, and up to 1000 V further downstream. Every range carries 1000 V protection.
One thing to know before the first job
The specified operating range is 5 °C to 40 °C, which is narrower than the IP67 rating suggests. Accuracy figures assume the ambient is stable to within a degree; after a five degree change the rated figure is reached about two hours later.
What’s in the box
- GPS-176 meter
- Test lead set
- Type K temperature probe and adapter
- 9 V 6F22 battery, fitted
- Soft carrying case
- User manual
Spare fuses, 800 mA/1000 V and 10 A/1000 V ceramic, and replacement test leads are available from GPS.