The Amprobe 33XR-A is a full range, full size manual ranging DMM. Essentially, it is the 30XR-A meter with the addition of a couple of extra ranges and a temperature input, but is albeit minus voltage detection and a battery tester. It thus appeals more to electronics tasks and service technicians, and comes with relative, peak hold and Min/Max modes.
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Main Features
- Measures DC voltage to 1000V
- Measures AC voltage to 750V
- Measures AC/DC amperage up to 10A
- Resistance to 4MΩ
- Capacitance and frequency ranges
- Temperature input (°F and °C)
- Manual ranging
- 3-3/4 digit display with bar graph
- Min/Max and peak hold functions
- Relative mode
- Dimensions: 7.7″ (196mm) x 3.5″ (92mm) x 2.4″ (60mm)
- Weight: 0.88lb (400g) – with battery
What’s Included?
- Meter, holster and 9V battery
- Test leads with alligator clips
- Type K thermocouple
- Spare milliamps fuse
- Magnetic hanger strap
- User manual (33XR-A pdf)
Complete 33XR-A Review
Slightly more expensive than the starter meter of Amprobe’s XR-A Series of digital multimeters, the Amprobe 33XR-A also includes capacitance and frequency ranges. It is the same size as the entry level 30XR-A and is also manual ranging, though has tighter DC accuracy.
In addition, DC voltage can be measured up to 1000V, AC to 750V, as opposed to 600V across the board. Voltage category ratings are also slightly higher for the 33XR-A, although the resistance range is narrower at 400Ω to 4MΩ. Current is measurable to 10A, albeit for periods of up to a few minutes before the meter will need to rest.
You also get a Min/Max recording mode, which retains the low and high readings of a signal. In addition is peak hold, which will automatically record the maximum and minimum values in a measured AC signal. The relative mode will zero the display and allow one to compare a previous reading.
33XR-A SPECS
| RANGE | ACCURACY | RESOLUTION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC voltage | 400mV / 1000V | ±(0.7%+1) | 100µV |
| AC voltage | 400mV / 750V | ±(1.5%+4) | |
| Peak hold | 40V / 750V | ±(3.0%+60) | |
| DC current | 400µA / 10A | ±(1.0%+1) @ 400µA-300mA | 0.1µA |
| AC current | 400µA / 10A | ±(1.5%+4) @ 400µA-300mA | 0.1µA |
| Resistance | 400Ω / 4MΩ | ±(1.0%+4) @ 400Ω-40kΩ | 100mΩ |
| Capacitance | 4µF / 4000µF | ±(5.0%+5) @ 40µF-400µF | 0.1µF |
| Frequency | 4kHz / 1 MHz | ±(0.1%+3) | 1Hz |
| Temperature °F | -4°F to 1832°F | ±(1.0%+6°F) @50-400°F | 1°F |
| Temperature °C | -20°C to1000°C | ±(1.0%+3°C) @ 10-200°C | 1°C |
| Diode test | 3V | ±(1.5%+3) | 1mV |
Design and Interface
This series is quite well made and has its fans. The Amprobe 33XR-A itself is finished in a toughened case and enclosed by a rubber boot. It looks the same as the 30XR-A, with the addition of extra ranges on the dial and more function buttons. Its straightforward, red facade has four jack sockets on the bottom, including a main terminal, common, and the two amperage inputs.
The battery and lower current-rated fuse can be accessed via an external panel. This device also ships with a Magne-Grip holster, which includes a hanging strap with a magnet attached. Ideal for hanging on control panel boards or under cars for hands-free use.
Display: The 33XR-A has higher resolution than its sister meter, to 4000-count. This makes it a 3 3/4-digit unit able to read to a better resolution, albeit with a similar level of accuracy across the ranges. It also includes an analog-style bar graph. This is useful for when observing a changing signal, almost in real-time, though is not as responsive as your typical analog multimeter. The downside is, the XR-A Series generally has pretty naff displays, with small digits and some fading.
Performance and Battery Life
The 33XR-A is about on par with the Amprobe AM-500 Series of meters, with a slightly sluggish display refresh rate. However, as it is manual ranging, it is typically quicker at pinning down a reading over a standard auto-ranging multimeter. An auto power-off function helps preserve the battery and kicks in after 30 minutes of inactivity. This can be disabled. Battery life is around 200 hours.
Fuses and Category Rating
Category ratings for the Amprobe 33XR-A are 600V at CAT-III and 1000V at CAT-II. This makes it okay to use on installations after the switch gear, including local power distribution and motors and appliances, etc. The jack plug input warning system helps prevent damage to the meter and personnel.
Fuses are the well engineered, high rupture capacity type, with a 315mA fuse on the low current side and a larger, 10A fuse on the higher amperage input. The latter is accessible from inside the case.
33XR-A Pros and Cons
The GOOD
- Full range meter
- Capacitance and frequency ranges
- Temperature range
- High rupture fuses
- Good build
- Peak hold, min/max and relative modes
The BAD
- Display not backlight, small digits
- Refresh rate a bit slow
- Manual ranging
Roundup
Aside from the cheaper brands, fewer meter manufacturers seem to be making manual ranging multimeters nowadays, at least to a high standard. The Amprobe 33XR-A is fairly pricey, however, but is well made and measures most things, including capacitance and temperature. While tempting to go with a cheaper, manual Mastech, such as the MS8264, the Amprobe has a lot going for it and decent input protection.
