Fieldpiece SC220, SC240, SC260 User Manual

NCV

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Fieldpiece

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FD

NCV

VAC

VDC

AAC

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°C

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VDC

AAC

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!

COM

CAT III

600V

Fieldpiece

Select

M/m

SC260

TRUE RMS

V

AC

NCV

A

AC

°F°C

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DC

MFD

TEMP

AUTO OFF

TYPE K

30V
MAX

Fieldpiece

M/m

TRUE RMS

VAC

NCV

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AC

°F°C

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DC

MFD

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DC

TRUE RMS

VAC

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DC

Compact
Clamp
Meters

OPERATOR'S
MANUAL

Models SC260
SC240 SC220

01

Quick Start

1. For electrical testing, connect test leads to
"COM" and "+" jacks.

2. Rotate the dial to your desired measurement.

3. Connect to test points and read measurement.

4. For temperature testing, remove test leads,
slide TEMP switch to the right and connect
Type K thermocouple (SC240/SC260 only).

Certifications

UL 61010-1, Third Edition

EN61010-1
EN61010-2-032
EN61010-2-033
EMC EN61326-1

C-Tick (N22675)

WEEE

CATIII 600V, class II and pollution degree 2

indoor use comply with CE, RoHS compliant.

CATIII is for measurements performed in the

building installation.

02

Description

The new SC200 series compact clamp meters
are designed for everyday HVACR service. Their
compant pocketable design makes them easy
to take on any job.

Hang the SC260 to any metallic surface with
its newly designed swivel magnet to keep your
hands free to do more. Test variable frequency
drives more accurately with True RMS and easily
see your measurements in low lighting with the
bright blue blacklight (SC260 only).

Save time with the new Auto Select mode.
Simply set the dial to (
connect your leads. Your meter will automatically
select the appropriate measurement depending
on what it detects. Move from a cold freezer to
a hot rooftop and get accurate temperature
measurements that lesser thermometers cannot
measure properly (SC240/SC260 only).

Test for proper ame rectication micro amp
DC current on heating systems (SC220 only).

All SC200 compact clamp meters are built to
withstand the rigors of HVACR service with high
impact plastic and a display you can read in very
hot or very cold environments.

03

/

/

/MFD) and

Controls

MFD

A

NCV

°F°C

Rotate dial to the function you want to use.

Select a parameter. Ohms/Continuity/

Select

Diode/MFD. °F/°C (SC240/260 only).

Toggle backlight (SC260 only).

Freeze maximum and minimum read-

M/m

ing. Hold for 1 second to clear .

(SC240/SC260 only)

Manually select a range (SC220/240).

Range

Freeze the display.

HOLD

04

AC

VAC

DC

V

Display

Battery Life (replace 9V if blinking)
Auto Power O Enabled

High Voltage Warning (>16VAC/35VDC)

Manual Range (Range) Mode
Maximum Reading
Minimum Reading
Data Hold Mode
Auto Select Mode (

Continuity Test

Diode Test
Resistance Test (ohms)
Capacitance Test (farads)

Nano Unit (10

-9

Micro Unit (10−6, one millionth)

Milli Unit (10−3, one thousandth)
Kilo Unit (103, one thousand)
Mega Unit (106, one million)

05

/

/

, one billionth)

/MFD)

Safety Information

Never ground yourself when taking electrical

measurements. Do not touch exposed metal
pipes, outlets, xtures, etc., which might be
at ground potential, while taking measure­ments. Keep your body isolated from ground
by using dry clothing, rubber shoes, rubber
mats, or any approved insulating material.

Disconnect the test leads before opening the

case. Inspect the test leads for damage to the
insulation or exposed wire. Replace if suspect.

Keep your ngers behind the nger guards on

the probes while taking measurements.

When disconnecting from a circuit, disconnect

the “RED” lead rst, then the common “BLACK”
lead. Use one handed testing when possible.
Work with others.

Turn o power to the circuit under test before

cutting, unsoldering, or breaking the circuit.

Do not measure resistance (ohms) when circuit

is powered. Isolate load by disconnecting
from circuit.

Disconnect the meter from circuit before turning

any inductor o, including motors, transform­ers, and solenoids. High voltage transients
can damage the meter beyond repair.

06

Do not use during electrical storms.
Do not apply more than rated voltages between

input and ground.

Isolate capacitors from system and discharge

them safely before testing.

Temperature switch prevents leaving thermo-

couple plugged in while measuring voltage.

When measuring high frequency AC current, do

not exceed the rated 400AAC of the clamp.
Failure to adhere may cause the clamp to heat
up dangerously.

All voltage tests: All voltage ranges will
withstand up to 600V. Do not apply more than
600VDC or AC rms.

Symbols used:

Caution, risk of electric shock

Caution, refer to manual.

Ground

Double insulation

WARNINGS

DISCONNECT AND UNPLUG TEST LEADS before opening case.
TEST NCV FUNCTION ON KNOWN LIVE WIRE before using.
DO NOT APPLY VOLTAGE greater than 30VAC or 60VDC to the

thermocouple or the jacks when the rotary dial is on °F°C. (Use
only Type K thermocouples)

DO NOT APPLY VOLTAGE TO THE JACKS when the rotary dial is on

microamps. Even low voltages can cause a current overload and
potentially harm the meter.

07

Specifications

Display: 4000 count
Backlight: 5 minute duration with auto-o. Blue color. SC260 only
Overrange: (OL) or (-OL) is displayed
Measurement rate: 3 times per second, nominal
Zero: Automatic
Operating environment: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C) at <70%

relative humidity

Storage temperature: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C), 0 to 80% RH

(with battery removed)

Accuracy: Stated accuracy @ 73°F±9°F (23°C±5°C), <75%RH
Temperature coecient: 0.1 x (specied accuracy) per °C [0°C to

19°C (32°F to 66°F), 28°C to 50° C(82°F to 122°F)]

APO (Auto Power O): Approx. 30 minutes
Power: 9V, NEDA 1604A, IEC 6LR61 9V alkaline battery
Battery life: 200 hours typical alkaline (SC220/SC240); 150 hours

typical alkaline (SC260)

Low battery indication: Battery icon blinks and "LO.bt" is displayed

when the battery voltage drops below the operating level

Dimensions: 205.5mm(H) x 67.4mm(W) x 45.1mm(D)
Weight: Approx. 265g including battery
Altitude: Up to 6562 ft (2000m)
Overload protection: 600 VDC or 600VAC rms unless otherwise

stated

Test leads: Use UL listed test leads that comply to UL61010-031

rated CATIII 600V or above. Included test leads are gold-plated
and have removeable safety caps.

Please operate the instrument following all instructions

of the operator's manual to avoid impairing the safety
of the product.

08

Functions

Temperature (°F/°C) SC240 and SC260 only

Plug any Type K thermocouple directly into the meter to measure
temperature. Cold junction is located inside the meter and allows for
extremely accurate measurements even in rapidly changing ambient
temperatures (going from rooftop to freezer). No adapter is required.
See Temp Calibration section for calibration instructions.

Range: -30°F to 752°F, (-35°C to 400°C) Resolution: 0.1°
Accuracy: ±(1°F)* 32°F to 120°F, ±(1°C) 0°C to 49°C

±(1%+2°F) 32°F to 392°F, ±(1%+1°C) 0°C to 200°C
±(2%+6°F) -30°F to 32°F, ±(2%+3°C) -35°C to 0°C
±(2%+6°F) 392°F to 752°F, ±(2%+3°C) 200°C to 400°C

Sensor type: Type K thermocouple *After eld calibration
Overload protection: 30 VDC or 30VAC rms

Voltage DC (VDC)

Select VDC and measure DC voltages on circuit boards on more
advanced HVACR systems.

Ranges: 4V, 40V, 400V, 600V Resolution: 0.001V
Accuracy: ±(0.5% + 2)
Input impedance: 10MΩ (4V), 9.1MΩ (40V-600V)

Voltage AC (VAC) (50Hz-500Hz)

Test power lines (120, 220, 480), test 24V going to controls, and
test for transformer failure.

Ranges: 4V, 40V, 400V, 600V Resolution: 0.001V
Accuracy: ±(1.2% + 8)

±(1.5% + 8) on 600V range

True RMS: model SC260 only Crest factor: ≤ 3
Audio/Visual Hi-V indicator: >16VAC/35VDC

Input impedance: 10MΩ (4V), 9.1MΩ (40V-600V)

09

10

NCV

°F°C

NCV

°F°C

°F°C

NCV

MFD

MFD

MFD

AUTO OFF

A

AC

VAC

DC

V

A

AC

VAC

DC

V

A

AC

VAC

DC

V

TYPE K

COM

Unplug Leads and Slide

TEMP Switch to the Right

30V

MAX

Capacitance (MFD) SC240 and SC260 only

NCV

SEL

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SEL

HOLD

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HOLD

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SEL

HOLD

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NCV

SEL

HOLD

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SEL

HOLD

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HOLD

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HOLD

INRUSH

NCV

SEL

HOLD

INRUSH

SEL

HOLD

INRUSH

HOLD

INRUSH

!

NCV

SEL

HOLD

INRUSH

SEL

HOLD

INRUSH

HOLD

INRUSH

TRUE RMS

VAC

A

AC

V

DC

HOLD

VAC

V

DC

TRUE RMS

VAC

A

AC

V

DC

HOLD

VAC

V

DC

TRUE RMS

VAC

A

AC

V

DC

TRUE RMS

VAC

A

AC

V

DC

TRUE RMS

VAC

A

AC

V

DC

TRUE RMS

VAC

A

AC

V

DC

A

C

B

TEMP CAL

DO NOT SWITCH FROM J2

Start and run capacitors are one of the most failure prone
components in a HVACR system. Disconnect from power and resistors
between terminals. Discharge capacitor before testing. If dIS.C is

displayed, capacitor is not fully discharged. Set to

/

/

MFD to test capacitance of motor start and run capacitors or press

SELECT three times to manually select MFD.

Ranges: 4nF, 40nF, 400nF, 4µF, 40µF, 400µF, 4mF Resolution: 1pF
Accuracy: ±(3% + 20) 4nF, ±(3% + 5) 40nF to 400µF,

±(5% + 20) 4mF

Auto Select Ranges: 4nF to 400µF, >500pF
Overload Protection: 600VDC or 600VAC rms

Resistance (Ω)

Used for “ohming out” a compressor. 0.01Ω resolution is useful to
test the resistance between the motor poles because the values are
typically very low.

Ranges: 40Ω, 400Ω, 4kΩ, 40kΩ, 400kΩ, 4MΩ, 40MΩ
Resolution: 0.01Ω
Accuracy: ±(1.0% + 15) 40Ω, ±(1.0% + 5) 400Ω to 400kΩ,

±(1.5% + 5) 4MΩ, ±(3.0% + 5) 40MΩ

Auto Select Ranges: 4KΩ to 4MΩ, >400Ω (SC240/SC260 only)
Overload Protection: 600VDC or 600VAC rms

Continuity (

Set to
if a circuit is open or closed or press SELECT once to manully select
continuity. Use this feature to check fuses as well. A steady “beep”
and green LED indicate you have continuity.

Range: 400Ω Resolution: 0.1Ω Response time: 100ms
Audible beep: <30Ω
Overload Protection: 600VDC or 600VAC rms

11

/

/

)

/MFD and measure continuity to test

MFD

A

NCV

°F°C

AC

AC

V

DC

V

/

Diode Test (

Set to

/

and reversed-biased functions. Press SELECT twice to manually select
the diode test. A constant beep and green LED indicate continuity.

Test current: 1.0mA (Approx.) Accuracy: ±(1.5% + 5)
Open circuit volts: 3.2VDC typical
Visual indicator: Green LED Audible beep: <0.03V
Auto Select Threshold: Forward voltage drop <0.8V (SC240/SC260

only)

Overload Protection: 600VDC or 600VAC rms

Non Contact Voltage (NCV)

Use NCV to check for 24VAC from a thermostat or live voltage up
to 600VAC. Always test on a known live source before using. A three
segment graph and RED LED will display the presence of voltage. The

NCV

°F°C

MFD

Discharge Cap First!

A

AC

VAC

DC

V

audible beep increases from intermittent to continuous as intensity of

)

/

/MFD to test diodes for proper forward

°F°C

NCV

°F°C

NCV

MFD

MFD

MicroAmps DC (µADC) SC220 only

Microamps for ame rectier test on a heater control. Connect

A

AC

VAC

DC

V

600V
MAX
30V

A

AC

VAC

DC

V

DC

V

AC

V

S

AC

A

TRUE RM

°F°C

NCV

MFD

Fieldpiece

CAT III

TEMP

COM

AUTO OFF

TYPE K

SC260

m/M

Select

leads between ame sensor probe and control module and turn
heating unit on to read µA measurement. When the ame is on,
there should be a measurable µADC signal, typically under 10µADC.
Compare measurement to manufacturer’s specication to determine
if replacement is necessary.

Ranges: 400µA, 4000µA Resolution: 0.1µA
Accuracy: ±(1.0% + 2) Voltage burden: 1V, 8V on 4000µA
Overload Protection: 600VDC or 600VAC rms

A

AC

µADC

VACNCV

VDC

eld (EF) increases.
AC Voltage Detection Range: 24VAC to 600VAC (50-60Hz)

NCV

°F°C

MFD

Amps AC (AAC)

Test any isolated power line, compressor or capacitor wire. True

RMS on SC260 only.

A

AC

VAC

DC

V

Ranges: 40A, 400A Resolution: 0.01A Crest factor: ≤ 3
Accuracy: ±(2.0% + 10) 50-60Hz Jaw Opening: 1.2in (30 mm)
True RMS: model SC260 only Overload Protection: 400AAC

Note: AAC through the clamp and voltage through the test

leads can be measured simultaneously. However, if only AAC is
measured through the clamp, test leads and thermocouple must
be unplugged from the meter.

NCV

°F°C

MFD

DC

V

AC

V

S

AC

A

AC

VAC

DC

V

A

TRUE RM

MFD

Fieldpiece

600V

CAT III

MAX
30V

TEMP

COM

AUTO OFF

K-TYPE

SC260

m/M

Select

°F°C

NCV

Auto Select Mode

For SC240/260 only. Save time and let your
meter select the appropriate test parameter. Set
the selector switch to

/

/

/MFD and use
your test leads to take the measurement. The
clamp meter will automatically display an ohms,
diode, continuity, or capacitance reading. In
Auto Select mode, the

M/m

and

buttons

Range

are disabled.

12

13

14

15

Temp. Calibration

For accuracies of ±1°F, calibrate to a known
temperature. A glass of stabilized ice water
is very close to 32°F (0°C) and is usually very
convenient but any known temperature can be
used. For SC240/SC260 models only.

1. Select the °F °C range.

2. Plug thermocouple to be

calibrated into the Type K jack.

3. Unscrew A and B and remove

the battery cover.

4. Stabilize a large cup of ice

water. Stir the ice with the

water until temperature stays

at a stable value.

5. Immerse the thermocouple

probe and let it stabilize. Keep

stirring water to prevent micro-

environments.

6. Do not let the thermocouple

come in direct contact with ice.

7. Use a small screwdriver to

Note: J1-J2 switch is for auto-

adjust calibration pot C below

the battery as close to 32°F

(0°C) as you would like.

calibration purposes only. Not

intended for use in the eld.

Safety Features

1. Bright LED and beeper warn when testing volt­ages >16VAC/35VDC. High Voltage warning.

2. Switch to the NCV function (non contact volt­age) and point clamp claw towards suspected
voltage source. Monitor the bright RED LED
and beeper to see if the source is “hot.”

3. Temperature switch prevents the thermo­couple plugging in while measuring voltage.

Auto Hold

Press and hold

will beep and HOLD will blink on LCD. After 6
seconds the measurement on screen will freeze
automatically. Press

HOLD

for two seconds. Meter

HOLD

to exit this mode.

Auto Power Off

Auto power o or APO will automatcially turn

o your meter after 30 minutes of inactivty. By
default it is activated and APO will show on the
display. To disable, turn meter o. Hold
(SC240/260) and power on the meter by turning
the selector dial to any range. For SC220, follow
the same procedure but hold

and power on.

Range

M/m

Max/Min SC240 and SC260 only

Record and freeze the maximum and
minimum measurements. Press
freeze the maximum reading. MAX will show on
display. Press

M/m

again to freeze the minimum
reading. MIN will show on display. Press
again to display real-time measurement
with both maximum and minimum readings
recording in the background. MAX MIN will blink
on display. Press and hold

M/m

to exit Max/Min mode.

Max/Min functionality is disabled in Auto

Select mode.

M/m

once to

M/m

for one second

Maintenance

Clean the exterior with a dry cloth. Do not

use liquid.

Limited Warranty

This meter is warranted against defects in
material or workmanship for one year from
date of purchase. Fieldpiece will replace or
repair the defective unit, at its option, subject
to verication of the defect.

This warranty does not apply to defects
resulting from abuse, neglect, accident,

Obtaining Service

Call Fieldpiece Instruments for one-price­fix-all out-of-warranty service pricing. Send
check or money order for the amount quoted.
Send the meter freight prepaid to Fieldpiece
Instruments. Send proof of date and location
of purchase for in-warranty service. The meter
will be repaired or replaced, at the option
of Fieldpiece, and returned via least cost
transportation.

For international customers, warranty for
products purchased outside of the U.S. should
be handled through local distributors.

unauthorized repair, alteration, or unreasonable
use of the instrument.

Battery Replacement

When the battery is low, the battery icon will
empty and blink for 30 seconds. “LO.bt” will
display and meter will power o.

Turn dial to OFF position, disconnect test
leads and remove the battery cover. Remove
old battery and replace with a standard 9V
battery only.

Any implied warranties arising from the sale of
a Fieldpiece product, including but not limited
to implied warranties of merchantability and
tness for a particular purpose, are limited to
the above. Fieldpiece shall not be liable for loss
of use of the instrument or other incidental or
consequential damages, expenses, or economic
loss, or for any claim of such damage, expenses,
or economic loss.

State laws vary. The above limitations or
exclusions may not apply to you.

www.eldpiece.com

© Fieldpiece Instruments, Inc 2014; v15

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