The 35XP-A is a compact DMM from Amprobe that is fairly good for HVAC work and general purpose electrical / electronics tasks. It measures amperage (including micro-amps), resistance, frequency, capacitance and temperature and can auto range as well as manual range. The Amprobe 35XP-A is the smallest meter in the X range and comes with voltage detection, though lacks a full current range and backlit display.
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Main Features
- Temperature measurements to 1000°C
- Voltage to 1000V DC, 750V AC
- VolTect voltage detector
- Basic DC accuracy: ±0.5%
- Capacitance range
- Micro-amps resolution for testing flame sensors
- Resistance measurements to 40MΩ
- Frequency measurements to 1MHz
- Data hold
- Magne-Grip holster
- Battery: 9V
- Dimensions: 155mm x 72mm x 32mm
- Weight: 400g (includes battery)
Comes With
- Meter and 9V battery
- Test leads (TL245A)
- Type-K thermocouple
- Magne-Grip magnetic strap
- Data sheet (online pdf)
Optional
Carry case
Test lead kit
In-depth Review of the Amprobe 35XP-A
This is quite a basic multimeter from Amprobe, though the X Series is well made and fairly reliable. Although it comes with most of the ranges, amperage only measures to 2A. The input protection is thus not up to par for higher energies, but it does tout a DC voltage maximum of 1000V and 750 AC volts. The resistance and temperature ranges are also pretty decent.
The temperature input makes it especially useful in HVAC applications, while the micro-amps range can check flame sensors down to a resolution of 0.1μA. The capacitance range is not very wide, but you can check some motor starters and basic electronic circuitry.
Non-contact voltage: Only this meter and the 30XR-A have voltage detection in this series of DMMs. The sensor is on the top and will beep and light an LED when it senses an AC voltage of between 70V and 600V.
Modes: The Amprobe 35XPA unfortunately loses out here. There is no Min/Max to record peaks and troughs, or a relative mode. It does have a data hold key, and you can select (partial) auto range or manual ranging.
Hanging strap: A Magne-grip holster is included with the meter to allow the user to hang it up and free up both hands for testing.
SPECS
| Range | accuracy | resolution | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC voltage | 400 mV / 1000V | ±(0.5%+1) | 100μV |
| AC voltage (45-500Hz) | 400mV / 750V | ±(1.5%+5) | 100μV |
| DC current | 400 μA / 2A | ±(1.0%+2) @ 400µA-400mA | 0.1μA |
| AC current (45-500Hz) | 400μA / 2A | ±(1.5%+5) @ 400µA-400mA | 0.1μA |
| Burden voltage | 500mV max | ||
| Resistance | 400Ω / 40MΩ | ±(1.0%+4) @ 400Ω-4MΩ | 100mΩ |
| Capacitance | 4nF / 4mF | ±(5.0%+5) @ 40-400μF | 1pF |
| Frequency | 4kHz / 1MHz | ±(0.1%+3) | 1Hz |
| Diode Test | 1.2mA | ± (1.5%+3) | |
| Continuity response | 100ms | ||
| Temperature °C | -20°C to 1000°C | ±(1.0%+3°C) @ 10-200°C | 1°C |
| Temperature °F | -4°F to 1832°F | ±(1.0%+6°F) @50-400°F | 1°F |
Interface
Display: The display of the 35XP-A is okay, with a resolution of 4000 counts, or 3-3/4 digit. It is LCD and quite old hat compared with newer meters, also having no backlight, though all icons are clearly displayed. Refresh rate is 2-2.5 times per second.
Battery: There is an automatic sleep mode, which comes into effect after about 10 minutes of non-use. Battery performance is typically around 150-200 hours.
Layout: Although an auto-ranging multimeter, the dial selector function goes a full 360°. Some of the ranges are partially auto ranging, such as temperature and amperage. There are three jack socket inputs, with the main terminal on the left and the amperage input on the right. This is back to front from most multimeters.
Protection
Safety category rating is CAT-III 300V, CAT-II 600V. This makes it able to withstand a 4kV over-voltage surge from machinery or lightening strikes, for example. It is okay to use the Amprobe 35XP-A on single phase distribution boards and on appliances and socket outlets, but three phase power should probably be avoided. A 2A HRC fuse protects the amperage input.
Pros and Cons
PROS
- Compact and tough
- Voltage detection function
- Measures all amperage scales
- Can auto-range
- Measures °F and °C
- Capacitance and frequency ranges
CONS
- Low current range
- Not backlit
Roundup
The Amprobe 35XP-A is a good little multimeter, but is without niceties such as a backlit display and a separate milliamp/micro-amp input. It can auto and manual range, however, and does temp and capacitance, but is not fully equipped to handle higher amperage or three phase work.
Alternatives: The newer Amprobe AM-520 and AM-560 have more features and higher ratings, plus they include a backlit display. Also on 35XPA level is the similarly sized Extech EX330, which is cheaper and has close features, also without a backlight.