What happens if DMM is used to measure > 250VDC?

[treez]

This DMM

https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/2606863.pdf

..only measures up to 250VDC, so if i accidentally use it to measure voltage on a post rectifier bus cap on 240VAC mains, (thats 339Vpk), then does the meter blow up?

Ditto question for >250VAC on its 250VAC voltage range

 

[danadakk]

Your meter rated for CAT II, should survive but hard telling what the actual measurement outside its
250 VAC rated measurement scale.

**broken link removed**


Regards,. Dana.

 

[FvM]

Applying the specified surge pulses and temporary overvoltages according to 300V CAT II must not cause safety issues, e.g. shorting the input voltage, spread of fire or exposing hazardous contact voltage to the operator.

You probably also expect that no permanent reduction of accuracy or damage is caused by the overvoltage, this expectation is however beyond the scope of safety regulations. Don't use the instrument outside the specified voltage range.

 

[treez]

Seems very odd that anyone would make a DMM which couldnt measure the mains in its known range...ie, up to 265VAC.

Also, its DC voltage range is only up to 250V...when European mains peak is 311V......seems very odd to make a meter which just falls short of what is likely to be its mains useage?
If i measure EU mains with this meter and it blows up, then i think anyone would be right to feel very disappointed in the meter.

 

[barry]

Why would you use a meter not rated for your intended purpose? That’s like plugging a 12v bulb into a 230V circuit and then complaining the bulb is poorly designed.

 

[c_mitra]

There are DMMs that can measure upto 1000VDC. There are desktop meters with very robust performance. You need the right tool.

I am not sure but the idea is that a handheld multimeter must not be used to measure very high voltages- you may fail to take required safety precautions.

Still, you can use a high voltage probe with a regular DMM- just search for high voltage probes.