HT instruments HT32 - Manual (Page 6)

HT32
EN - 5
2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
This instrument performs the following measurements:
 DC and AC TRMS Voltage
 DC and AC TRMS Current
 Resistance and Continuity test
 Diode test
 Frequency
 Capacitance
All selectable by means of a 10-position function selector (including OFF position). 4
FUNCTION keys are also available to hold the displayed value and select the desired
function. The selected quantity is displayed with indication of measuring unit and active
functions.
The instrument disposes of an Auto Power Off function consisting in an automatic
switching off 10 minutes after last pressure on keys or rotation of selector. To resume
normal operation turn the selector on OFF and switch it on again.
2.1. MEAN VALUE AND TRMS : DEFINITION
Safety testers for AC quantities are divided in two big families:

MEAN VALUE instruments, measuring only the value of the wave at the fundamental
frequency (50 or 60 Hz)
 TRUE ROOT MEAN SQUARE (or “TRMS”) instruments, measuring the true root mean
square value of the quantity under test.
In presence of a perfectly sinusoidal wave, both families provide identical results. While in
presence of distorted waves, readings are different. Mean value instruments provide only
the value of the fundamental wave while TRMS instruments provide the value of the entire
wave, including harmonics (within the passband of the instrument). Accordingly, if the
same quantity is measured with both kinds of instruments, the measured values are
identical only if the wave is purely sinusoidal. Should it be distorted, TRMS instruments
provide higher values than MEAN VALUE instruments.
2.2. TRUE ROOT MEAN SQUARE VALUE AND CREST FACTOR : DEFINITION
The effective current value is defined as follows: “In an interval of time equivalent to a
period, an alternate current with effective value having an intensity of 1A, by passing on a
resistor, disperses the same energy which would be dispersed in the same period of time
by a direct current having an intensity of 1A”. From this definition comes the numerical
expression: G= 
T t
t
dt t g
T
0
0
) (
1
2 The effective value is indicated as RMS (root mean square).
The crest factor is defined as the ratio between the peak value of a signal and its effective
value: CF (G)=
RMS
p
G
G
. This value varies according to the waveform of the signal, for a
purely sinusoidal wave it’s worth 2 =1.41. In presence of distortions the crest factor
assumes higher values as long as the wave distortion is higher.