Ideal Industries 61-704 True RMS Clamp-Meter, 200A AC, Conductors to 33mm, Voltage, Capacitance, Frequency, and Resistance Measurement

The Ideal Industries 61-704 digital clamp-meter is a true RMS sensing, auto-ranging multimeter for measuring current, voltage, capacitance, frequency, and resistance in electrical testing applications. It has a clamp that measures AC (alternating current) to 200A (amperes). The clamp has two jaws that can close around an electrical conductor up to 33mm (1.3 inches) in diameter to measure current without touching or interrupting the circuit. A set of test leads is included for measuring AC voltage to 750V, DC (direct current) voltage to 1,000V, capacitance to 200μF (microfarads), frequency to 1kHz (kilohertz), and resistance to 200kΩ (kilohms). The test leads are silicone-insulated for flexibility and resistance to heat and cold. The meter has a rotary switch to select the property to measure, and a 2,000-count LCD with a backlight for visibility in low light that turns off automatically after 60 seconds.

The meter's non-contact voltage detector senses AC voltage without making contact with the circuit. When contact is made with a voltage greater than 30V, a beeper sounds, a red high-voltage LED blinks, and the meter shakes. The meter has a clean power indicator that turns off when the circuit has more than 5% (+ or -2%) of THD (total harmonic distortion) which can degrade the quality of the power being supplied by the system. The maximum function captures the highest reading displayed during a measurement session. To aid documentation of readings and capture readings in tight spaces, the data hold function keeps the most recent reading on the display after disconnecting from the circuit. A continuity buzzer confirms that the circuit conducts electricity, and a diode check detects whether a circuit's diodes are working properly. The unit operates on a single 9V battery, and turns off automatically after 60 minutes of non-use to conserve battery life. It has a low-battery indicator that signals when the battery needs to be replaced.

This true RMS (root mean square) sensing meter provides accurate readings when measuring linear or non-linear loads, regardless of the waveform. It is auto-ranging, automatically selecting the appropriate operating range for the property being measured. Accuracy and resolution specifications vary according to the range being measured. The meter meets IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) safety standards 1010-1 and 1010-2-032, and is rated for CAT (category) III installations to 1,000V, which covers equipment in fixed installations, such as switches in the fixed installation and some industrial equipment that is permanently connected to the fixed installation. It is UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed 61010 and has CE (European Conformity) marking, and complies with Australia N12966. It comes with a nylon carrying case.

Specifications

H is height, the vertical distance from lowest to highest point; W is width, the horizontal distance from left to right; D is depth, the horizontal distance from front to back.

Clamp-meters, also called clamp-on meters, have two jaws that fit around a conductor to measure electrical current without cutting through wires, or touching or interrupting the electrical circuit. Available in handheld or benchtop models, clamp-meters diagnose problems in electrical equipment, wiring, and power supplies. All clamp-meters test for current. Some come with test leads and inputs for measuring voltage, capacitance, and resistance. They display information either in analog or digital form. Factors that influence meter choice include the electrical properties to be measured, the anticipated range of results, and the desired level of protection against transient voltage. Safety ratings are based on International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards for low-voltage test equipment. IEC 61010 delineates four overvoltage installation categories. In general, a meter with a category IV rating will provide more protection against transient voltages than a meter with a lower category rating.

Ideal Industries manufactures test and measurement equipment, electrical supplies, and tools, among other products. The company, founded in 1916, is headquartered in Sycamore, IL.

What's in the Box?

• Ideal Industries 61-704 digital clamp-meter
• Test lead set
• 9V battery
• Nylon carrying case
• Instructions