Fieldpiece SC420, SC440 User Manual

OFF

VAC

VAC

%

NCV

V

DC

µADC

MFD

H

Z

AAC

50

HZ
AAC

400

°F
°C

H

Z

Select

INRUSH

SEL

HOLD

INRUSH

HOLD

INRUSH

VAC

%

V

DC

H

Z

AAC

HZ
AAC

400

H

Z

INRUSH

OFF

VAC

VAC

%

NCV

V

DC

µADC

MFD

H

Z

AAC

50

HZ
A

AC

400

°F

°C

H

Z

Select

Range Hold

INRUSH

TRUE RMS

VAC

VAC

%

V

DC

µADC

H

Z

AAC

50

HZ
AAC

400

H

Z

INRUSH

Fieldpiece

O

F
F

M

FD

NCV

VAC

VDC

AAC

Hz

Hz

%

°C

SC56

SEL

HOLD

INRUSH

O
F
F

M

FD

NCV

VAC

VDC

AAC

Hz

Hz

%

°C

SC56

SEL

HOLD

INRUSH

O

F
F

FD

NCV

VAC

VDC

AAC

Hz

Hz

SC56

SEL

HOLD

INRUSH

NCV

VAC

VDC

AAC

Hz

SEL

HOLD

INRUSH

SEL

HOLD

INRUSH

HOLD

INRUSH

HOLD

INRUSH

NCV

SEL

HOLD

INRUSH

O

F
F

NCV

VAC

VDC

AAC

Hz

SEL

HOLD

INRUSH

HOLD

INRUSH

HOLD

INRUSH

O

F
F

NCV

VAC

VDC

AAC

Hz

SC56

SEL

HOLD

INRUSH

NCV

VDC

SEL

HOLD

INRUSH

NCV

VDC

AAC

Hz

SEL

HOLD

INRUSH

!

SC440

Fieldpiece

TRUE RMS

V

AC

NCV

MFD

H

Z

A

AC

°F°C

Select

RangeHold

%

V

DC

µA

DC

H

Z

TEMP

AUTO OFF

COM

TYPE K

30V
MAX

CAT III

600V

!

Essential
Clamp
Meters

OPERATOR'S
MANUAL

Models SC440 SC420

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.

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 SC400 series clamp meters are
designed for HVACR service. Hang clamp meter
to any metallic surface with the redesigned
heavy-duty magnet and keep your hands free
to do more (SC440 only). See both voltage and
amperage readings at the same time on the
dual LCD display, even in low light conditions
using the bright blue backlight (backlight SC440
only). Take measurements with one hand using
the single test lead holder for added safety. Test
leads come with removable gold plated tips to
connect with Fieldpiece accessory heads.

Take more accurate VAC and AAC readings
on VFDs with True RMS sensing technology
(SC440 only). Measure the starting amp draw of
a compressor with Inrush current feature (SC440
only). Find the wire you want to test with the
automatic clamp jaw light (SC440 only).

The SC400 series clamp meters are built to
withstand the rigors of HVACR with high impact
plastic and a display you can read in hot or
cold environments. Move from a cold freezer
to a hot roof top and get accurate temperature
measurements that lesser thermometers can
not measure properly.

03

Controls

Z

H

AAC

MFD

NCV

°F °C

Rotate dial to the function you want to use.

Cycle through parameters
within VAC/AAC/Hz and Ω/
switch positions.

Illuminate backlight (SC440).

Activate inrush current and scroll

INRUSH

through dierent inrush ranges (SC440).

Manually select a range.

Freeze the display.

04

VAC

VDC

HZ

%

µADC

Display

Battery Life (replace 9V if blinking)

Auto Power O Enabled

High Voltage Warning (>30VAC/VDC)

Manual Range (RNG) Mode

Data Hold Mode

Inrush Amps Mode (Model SC440)

Continuity Test

Diode Test

Frequency Test (hertz)
Resistance Test (ohms)
Capacitance Test (farads)

Duty Cycle Test (percentage)
Micro Unit (10−6, one millionth)

Milli Unit (10−3, one thousandth)

Kilo Unit (103, one thousand)

/

Mega Unit (106, one million)

05

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.

When disconnecting from a circuit, disconnect

Keep your ngers behind the nger guards
on the probes while taking measurements.

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

Disconnect the meter from circuit before turning

06

is powered. Isolate load by disconnecting
from circuit.

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

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: 5000 count dual display
Backlight: 60 second duration with auto-o. Blue color. SC440 only.
Overrange: (OL) or (-OL) is displayed
Measurement rate: 3.3 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: Single standard 9-volt battery, NEDA 1604, JIS 006P, IEC 6F22
Battery life: 200 hours typical alkaline (SC420); 100 hours typical

alkaline (SC440)

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

when the battery voltage drops below the operating level

Dimensions: 233mm(H) x 79mm(W) x 45mm(D)
Weight: Approx. 315g 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)

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.

Range: -30°F to 932°F, (-35°C to 500°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 572°F, ±(1%+1°C) 0°C to 300°C
±(2%+6°F) -30°F to 32°F, ±(2%+3°C) -35°C to 0°C
±(2%+6°F) 572°F to 932°F, ±(2%+3°C) 300°C to 500°C

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

Non Contact Voltage (NCV)

Use NCV to check 24VAC from a thermostat or live voltage up to
600VAC. Always test a known live source before using. A segment graph
and RED LED will display the presence of voltage. Audible beep increases
from intermittent to continuous as intensity of eld (EF) increases.

AC Voltage Detection Range: 24VAC to 600VAC (50-60Hz)

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

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

Ranges: 500mV, 5V, 50V, 500V, 600V Resolution: 0.1mV
Accuracy: ±(1.2% + 8) 500mV range (50-60Hz)

±(1.2%+8), 5V, 50V, 500V; ±(1.5% + 8) 600V range

True RMS: model SC440 only Crest factor: ≤ 3
Audio/Visual Hi-V indicator: >30VAC/VDC
Input impedance: >100MΩ (500mV), 10MΩ (5V),

9.1MΩ (50V-600V)

09

10

NCV

°F°C

NCV

°F°C

NCV

°F°C

MFD

MFD

MFD

AAC

VAC

AAC

VAC

AAC

VAC

H

H

H

Z

VDC

Z

VDC

Z

VDC

HZ

µADC

HZ

µADC

HZ

µADC

AUTO OFF

TYPE K

%

COM

Unplug Leads and Slide

TEMP Switch to the Right

%

%

30V

MAX

600V

MAX

30V

CAT III

TEMP

COM

AUTO OFF

K-TYPE

SC440

TRUE RMS

DC

Range Hold

µA

%

Z

H

Select

DC

V

AC
Z
AC

V
H

A

°F°C

MFD

NCV

Fieldpiece

MicroAmps DC (µADC)

SEL

HOLD

INRUSH

HOLD

INRUSH

!

HOLD

VAC

V

DC

HOLD

VAC

V

DC

VAC

%

V

DC

Z

HZ
AAC

400

H

Z

INRUSH

VAC

%

V

DC

Z

HZ
AAC

400

H

Z

INRUSH

OFF

V

AC

V

AC

%

NCV

V

DC

µA

DC

MFD

H

Z

A

AC

50

H

Z

A

AC

400

°F

°C

H

Z

SC640

AUT

O OFF

TYPE K

30V

MAX

Select

Range Hold

INRUSH

COM

TRUE RMS

TEMP CAL

DO NOT SWITCH
FROM J2

A

B

C

Microamps for ame rectier diode test on a heater control.
Connect 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: 500µA Resolution: 0.1µA
Accuracy: ±(1.0% + 2) Voltage burden: 1V
Overload Protection: 600VDC or 600VAC rms

Frequency (Hz) Through Leads

Check incoming voltages to ensure they are cycling at 60Hz. For
frequency measurements on VFD equipment, use the amp clamp.

Ranges: 500Hz, 5kHz, 50kHz, 500kHz, 1MHz Resolution: 0.1Hz
Accuracy: ±(0.1% + 5) Sensitivity: 10Hz to 1MHz: >3.5Vrms
PW: >1µs Duty Cycle Limits: >30% and <70%

Duty Cycle (%)

Duty cycle shows the % On Time of a 5V logic signal square wave.

Ranges: 5%-95% (40Hz to 10kHz), 10%-90% (10kHz to 20kHz)
Accuracy (5V logic): ±(2% + 10) Resolution: 0.1% PW: >10µs
Overload Protection: 600VDC or 600VAC rms

Capacitance (MFD)

Set to MFD to test motor start and run capacitors. 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
discharged completely.

Ranges: 5µF, 50µF, 500µF, 5mF Resolution: 1nF
Accuracy: ±(3% + 15) 5µF, ±(3% + 5) 50µF to 500µF, ±(5% + 20) 5mF
Overload Protection: 600VDC or 600VAC rms

11

12

°F°C

NCV

°F°C

NCV

°F°C

MFD

NCV

MFD

MFD

AAC

VAC

VAC

AAC

VAC

H

AAC

H

H

Z

VDC

Z

VDC

Z

VDC

HZ

HZ

HZ

µADC

%

µADC

%

µADC

%

Discharge Cap First!

Voltage DC (VDC)

Select VDC and measure DC voltages on circuit boards on more

advanced HVACR systems.

Ranges: 500mV, 5V, 50V, 500V, 600V Resolution: 0.1mV
Accuracy: ±(0.5% + 2)
Input impedance: >100MΩ (500mV), 10MΩ (5V),

9.1MΩ (50V-600V)

Resistance (Ω)

Used for “ohming out” a compressor. 0.1Ω resolution is necessary
to test the resistance between the motor poles because the values are
typically very low.

Ranges: 500Ω, 5kΩ, 50kΩ, 500kΩ, 5MΩ, 50MΩ
Resolution: 0.1Ω Overload Protection: 600VDC or 600VAC rms
Accuracy: ±(1.0% + 5) 500Ω to 500kΩ, ±(1.5% + 5) 5MΩ, ±(3.0%

+ 5) 50MΩ

Continuity (

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

Range: 500Ω Resolution: 0.1Ω Response time: 100ms
Audible beep: <30Ω Overload Protection: 600VDC or 600VAC rms

Diode Test (

Test diodes for proper forward and reversed-biased functions.

Test current: 0.8mA (Approx.) Accuracy: ±(1.5% + 5)
Open circuit volts: 3.2VDC typical Audible beep: <0.03V
Visual Indicator: Green LED
Overload Protection: 600VDC or 600VAC rms

13

)

)

14

°F°C

°F°C

°F°C

NCV

°F°C

NCV

NCV

NCV

MFD

MFD

MFD

MFD

VAC

VAC

VAC

VAC

AAC

AAC

AAC

AAC

Z

H

VDC

%

HZ

µADC

Amps AC (AAC) True RMS

Test any isolated power line. Press SELECT on VAC/AAC/Hz

position. Read AAC in upper display. True RMS on SC440 only.

Ranges: 50A, 400A Resolution: 0.01A Crest factor: ≤ 3
Accuracy: ±(2.0% + 10) 50-60Hz Jaw Opening: 1.2in (30 mm)

Frequency (Hz) Through Clamp

Measure Hz on variable frequency drive motors. Turn dial to VAC/

AAC/Hz and press SELECT twice. Hz will show in upper display.

Z

H

VDC

%

HZ

µADC

Range: 10Hz to 400Hz Accuracy: ±(0.1% + 5)
Minimum current range: > 5AAC Overload Protection: 400AAC
Resolution: 0.1Hz

Z

H

AAC

VAC

MFD

VDC

%

NCV

HZ

°F°C

µADC

Inrush Current (SC440 only)

Inrush feature captures starting current of a compressor motor.

Starting current can assist in diagnosing a motor before it fails.

Z

H

VDC

%

HZ

µADC

Z

H

VDC

%

HZ

µADC

To activate Inrush feature

1. Turn selector switch to VAC/AAC/Hz

2. Press SELECT once to show AAC on upper display.

3. Press INRUSH once to select 50AAC range. Press INRUSH twice to
select 400AAC range.

4. Clamp meter around compressor start wire. Turn motor on. The
starting current will hold on the upper display.

5. Hold INRUSH for 2 seconds to exit Inrush feature or press and
release INRUSH to measure starting current again.

Inrush measurement period: 100-milliseconds
Minimum input: >2A on 50A range; >20A on 400A range

Note: AAC through the clamp and voltage through the test

leads can be measured simultaneously. However, if only AAC,
Frequency (Hz), or Inrush is measured through the clamp, test
leads and thermcouple must be unplugged from the meter.

15

Modular
Expandability

Your new Swivel Clamp Meter is compatible
with all Fieldpiece Accessory Heads. With
Fieldpiece Accessory Heads, you can measure
any available parameter, and read the
measurement on your new meter's display in
real-time.

Just set the range to VDC and press the
RANGE button until mV is displayed. Remove
the probe tips of your test leads, and connect
your accessory head (model AAV3 shown).

MFD

NCV

°F°C

Visit www.eldpiece.com to see all of the
dierent accessory heads that Fieldpiece oers.

16

Z

H

AAC

VAC

VDC

%

HZ

µADC

Fieldpiece

MFD

NCV

°F°C

Select

H
A

AC

V

Range Hold

TRUE RMS

SC440

TYPE K

COM

Z
AC

DC

V

%

Z

H

DC

µA

AUTO OFF

30V
MAX

TEMP

CAT III

600V

AirVelocity
&Temperature
Head

English Metric

Ft/min M/s

ºF ºC

OFF

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.

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.

LCDX
100

ON

READLOBATT

Average

English

(16sec)

Real

Metric

time

KM/hrMPH

AUTO­OFF

AAV3

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

adjust calibration pot C below

the battery as close to 32°F

(0°C) as you would like.
Note: J1-J2 switch is for auto-

calibration purposes only. Do

not switch from J2.

17

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

Range

power on the meter by turning the selector dial
to any range. Release

Range

after the beep. APO will

no longer display over the battery icon.

Auto Hold

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

for two seconds. Meter

to exit this mode.

Battery Replacement

When your meter’s battery is low, the battery
icon will appear 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 with magnet
strap (SC440 only) on the back of your meter.
Remove old battery and replace with a standard
9V battery only. Be sure to re-insert the magnet
strip before re-installing the battery cover.

18

and

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

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.

19

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.

www.eldpiece.com

© Fieldpiece Instruments, Inc 2014; v21

20