Overview
The UT196 is a True-RMS multimeter built for photovoltaic work, rated to 1700 V DC and 1500 V AC with CAT III 1000 V / CAT IV 600 V safety — the voltage headroom string and combiner measurements need. It's sealed to IP65 and survives a 2 m drop, with a dual display, analog bar graph, and built-in flashlight for rooftop and outdoor use.
True-RMS reads AC accurately on distorted waveforms, a low-pass filter helps on inverter outputs, and an optional clamp sensor extends AC current measurement to 3000 A. Non-contact voltage detection, resistance to 60 MΩ, and capacitance to 60 mF round out the field set. It's backed by UNI-T's nearly 40 years of test-meter manufacturing.
Key Features
- Rated 1700 V DC / 1500 V AC for PV strings and combiners
- True-RMS measurement with dual display and analog bar graph
- CAT III 1000 V / CAT IV 600 V safety rating
- IP65 sealing and 2 m drop protection
- AC current to 3000 A with optional clamp sensor
- Low-pass filter (LPF) for inverter outputs
- Non-contact voltage (NCV) detection
- Resistance to 60 MΩ; capacitance to 60 mF; built-in flashlight
UT196 Details
Built for PV Voltages
Photovoltaic strings sit well above ordinary mains levels. The UT196 measures up to 1700 V DC and 1500 V AC, so string and combiner voltages stay on-scale and within the meter's safety rating.
True-RMS & Inverter Work
True-RMS sensing keeps AC accurate on the distorted waveforms around inverters, and a low-pass filter strips high-frequency content to read the fundamental on an inverter output.
Field-Sealed Build
An IP65-sealed body and 2 m drop rating handle rooftops and outdoor arrays, while a dual display, analog bar graph, and built-in flashlight keep readings clear in the field.
Extended Current & Safety
An optional clamp sensor extends AC current measurement to 3000 A for string and feeder work, and non-contact voltage detection flags live conductors before you probe.
Applications
Solar PV installation and commissioning; string, combiner, and inverter measurement; rooftop and ground-mount maintenance; and outdoor electrical work where high DC voltage, sealing, and drop resistance matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the UT196 measure to 1700 V DC?
Photovoltaic strings operate well above ordinary mains voltage; the 1700 V DC range keeps string and combiner measurements within the meter's safety rating.
Is it suitable for outdoor use?
Yes — it is IP65-sealed, rated for a 2 m drop, and has a built-in flashlight for low-light work.
Can it measure high current?
Yes — AC current up to 3000 A with an optional clamp sensor.
Specifications
| DC Voltage |
1700 V, ±(0.2% + 5) |
| AC Voltage |
1500 V, ±(0.8% + 3) |
| AC Current (with clamp sensor) |
up to 3000 A |
| Frequency |
1 MHz, ±(0.08% + 4) |
| Resistance |
60 MΩ, ±(0.8% + 2) |
| Capacitance |
60 mF, ±(1.9% + 5) |
| Display Count |
6000 |
| True RMS |
Yes |
| Dual Display |
Yes |
| Frequency Response |
45 Hz to 1 kHz |
| Low-Pass Filter (LPF) |
Yes |
| NCV |
Yes |
| Analog Bar Graph |
Yes |
| Safety Rating |
CAT III 1000 V, CAT IV 600 V |
| IP Rating |
IP65 |
| Drop Protection |
2m |
| Auto Power Off |
15 min |
| Flashlight |
Yes |
Documentation
