The Amprobe 30XR-A is of a manual-ranging multimeter good for general purpose electric, electronic, residential and automotive works. It tests AC/DC current and voltage and has some useful features, such as battery test and non-contact voltage detection. This meter boasts Amprobe’s decent specs and build quality.
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Key Features
- Measures AC/DC voltage (to 600V)
- AC voltage detector (to 600V)
- Measures AC/DC current (to 10A)
- Measures resistance (200Ω to 20MΩ)
- Continuity beeper
- Battery tester: 1.5V/9V (under load)
- Manual ranging
- 3-1/2 digit display
- Min/Max and data Hold
- Size: 7.7″ (196mm) x 3.5″ (92mm) x 2.4″ (60mm)
- Weight: 0.94lb (426g) – with battery, minus holster
Included
- Meter and test leads (TL36)
- 9V battery
- Magne-Grip hanging strap
- User manual (online pdf)
In-depth Review of the 30XR-A
Part of Amprobe’s solid XR-A Series, the 30XR-A is the beginner meter of the group. It is manual ranging only. Many seasoned pros prefer manual ranging over auto ranging meters, which can be slower and twitchy, although beginners might struggle with selecting the correct range at first.
The most important test ranges can be measured with the Amprobe 30XR-A, including AC/DC voltage and current, and resistance and continuity. The battery tester and voltage detector extend usage further.
VOLTTECT VOLTAGE DETECTOR
Will pick up the presence of AC voltage in the 70-600V range, sounding a beeper and lighting an LED. The sensor is on the top. Simply hold it near the potential source (such as extension cord or wall chase) and press the NCV button. Note that these tend to be fairly ambiguous and don’t give exacting results.
TESTING BATTERIES
Features dedicated 1.5V and 9V battery testing ranges, which pre-loads batteries with 150mA and 5mA respectively.
Other Amprobe 30XR-A features include Min/Max recording (to automatically save low and high values while measuring), display data hold, and continuity/diode testers. In addition is a complimentary Magne-Grip holster strap, which attaches to the rear of the meter for hands-free operation.
30XR-A SPECS
| RANGE | ACCURACY | RESOLUTION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC voltage | 200mV / 600V | ±(1.0%+1) | 100μV @ 200mV |
| AC voltage (45-500Hz) | 200mV / 600V | ±(1.5%+4) | 100μV @ 200mV |
| DC current | 200µA / 10A | ±(1.5%+1) @ 200μA-200mA | 0.1µA @ 200μA |
| AC current (45-500Hz) | 200µA / 10A | ±(2.0%+4) @ 200μA-200mA | 0.1µA @ 200μA |
| Voltage detector | 70V / 600V AC | ||
| Resistance | 200Ω / 20MΩ | ±(1.0%+4) @ 200Ω-200kΩ | 100mΩ @ 200Ω |
| Battery test | 1.5V / 9V | ±(3.5%+2) | 1mV @ 10mV |
| Diode test (out) | 3V | ||
Build Quality
Amprobe multimeters are typically well made and rugged, with the XR-A series featuring good construction, able to last many years. The 30XR-A has a nice enclosure that is surrounded by a protective rubber holster and a range dial selector that is ergonomically designed. The milliamp fuse and battery access is within a separate panel via two screws.
Display and Layout
The display is pretty standard, being 3 1/2-digit (2000-count resolution). It has the lowest resolution of this series, but which is satisfactory for the status of the meter and measurement specs. Unfortunately, the screen is not backlit and has small digits that are prone to fade. It has a standard update/refresh rate of about 2.5 times a second. As a comparison, top-flight Fluke meters refresh in the 3-4 times a second range.
The screen displays various functions, such as MIN/MAX, HOLD, range input, over-range (as OL), and low battery indication. Battery usage is typically stated at 200 hours. On the bottom part of the interface is the four input sockets. Amperage, milliamps/micro-amps are separately fused.
Being a manual ranging meter, it is not as easy to read as an auto ranging one since you have more range information printed around the dial. The red facade is also quite monotonous.
Safety Protection
The Amprobe 30XR-A is rated at CAT-II (600V) and CAT-III (300V). This may seem low – being rated only to handling lower energy installations/surges – but Amprobe is straight on its category ratings, where some other brands may tout bogus ones.
Fuses: Both the milliamp/micro-amp (250mA) and high current (10A) input fuses are the safer, fast blow, HRCs. The 10A fuse is accessed by going into the back of the meter, with the 250mA fuse within the battery compartment. A spare fuse can also be found in here.
30XR-A Pros and Cons
PROS
- Battery access
- HRC fuses
- Voltage detector
- Loaded battery tester
- Strong dial
- Good brand
CONS
- Manual ranging only
- Rubbishy display
- No capacitance range
- Quite pricey compared with similar meters
Roundup
In other Amprobe 30XR-A reviews, people often cite good value for money and specs. This is a solid device from a well respected American brand that would appeal to general purpose tasks. Some may baulk at the lack of auto ranging and no backlit display, and there are meters in this class that include those features.
Alternative: The auto-ranging Extech EX330 has all that the 30XR-A has and is cheaper.