Main risks

• Electric shock from contact with energised conductors or the test probes.
• Accidental short circuits by bridging points of different potential with the probes.
• Burns and arcing due to overloads, damaged insulation or use outside the specified ranges.
• Damage to the instrument, fuses or leads from selecting an incorrect function or range.
• Erroneous readings due to low batteries, poor connections or damaged leads/probes, which may lead to unsafe actions.
• Loss of control and slips if used with wet hands or on damp surfaces.

Safe use

• Read the model manual and follow the manufacturer's specific instructions.
• Before use, inspect the housing, leads and probes: they should have no cracks, cuts, looseness or exposed metal parts.
• Verify that the safety category and the voltage/current limits of the instrument and the probes are suitable for the installation.
• Select the correct function and range before connecting; if manual, start with the highest range.
• Keep your fingers behind the probe guards; do not touch the metal parts. Connect the common lead first and disconnect it last.
• To verify absence of voltage, check the meter's operation on a known source before and after the measurement.
• Do not measure resistance, continuity, diodes or capacitance on energised circuits; discharge capacitors where applicable.
• For current measurements, use the correct terminals and observe the limits specified by the manufacturer.
• Keep the instrument and your hands dry; where possible, work with one hand and avoid proximity to live exposed parts.
• Avoid using the meter in the presence of water, rain, conductive dust or corrosive atmospheres. Use personal protective equipment where appropriate (insulating gloves, safety goggles).

Storage and maintenance

• Store the instrument in its case, in a dry, clean and ventilated place, away from moisture, dust and heat sources.
• Clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth; do not use solvents or abrasives.
• Replace the batteries when indicated and remove them if you will not use the meter for long periods to prevent leakage.
• Replace fuses, leads and probes only with spares of the type and rating recommended by the manufacturer.
• Coil the leads without forcing or excessive bending; periodically check the condition of the insulation.
• Consider periodic verification or calibration according to use to maintain accuracy.
• If the instrument has suffered a heavy drop, liquid exposure or there is a smell of burning, do not use it until it has been inspected or the damaged components replaced.

Usage restrictions

• Do not use the meter beyond its voltage, current or safety category limits, or in installations for which it is not intended.
• Do not use it in potentially explosive atmospheres or near flammable gases unless expressly indicated by the manufacturer.
• Do not modify the housing or use incompatible accessories or adapters; do not improvise probes or connectors.
• On meters with a current function, do not use the ammeter mode in parallel with a voltage source, and do not bypass the internal protections.
• This is not a toy: keep the instrument out of the reach of children and avoid use without basic electrical safety knowledge.
• Do not work on electrical panels or medium/high-voltage environments without the appropriate qualifications.