Gardner Bender GCM-221 Operating Instructions Manual

Input Terminals

LCD Display

Functional Buttons

Rotary Switch

Transformer Jaws

Trigger

Figure 1

1

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Digital Clamp Meter

Model GCM-221

Read this owners manual thoroughly before use and save.

Number

Description

1 Indicator for AC voltage or current

2 Indicator for DC voltage

3 The battery is low.

Warning: To avoid false readings, which
could lead to possible electric shock or
personal injury, replace the battery as soon as
the battery indicator appears.

4 The Meter is in the auto range mode in
which the Meter automatically selects
the range with the best resolution.

5 Test of diode

6 The continuity buzzer is on

7 Maximum reading displayed

8 Data hold is active

9 Amperes (amps). The unit of current.

10 Ω: Ohm. The unit of resistance.
kΩ:Kilohm. 1000 ohms
MΩ:Megohm. 1,000,000 ohms

11 V: Volts. The unit of voltage.

mV: Millivolt. 0.001 volts

12 Indicates negative reading

Rotary Functional Buttons
Switch SELECT MAX HOLD
Positions
Ω • N/A •

N/A • •

N/A • •

A 20A N/A • •

A 200A N/A • •

A 600A N/A • •

B. DC Voltage: Auto Ranging

Range Resolution Accuracy

200.0mV 0.1mV ±(0.8%+3)

2.000V 1mV

20.00V 10mV ±(0.8%+1)

200.0V 100mV

600V 1V ±(1%+3)

Remarks:

● Input impedance: 10MΩ

International Electrical Symbols

AC (Alternating Current)

DC (Direct Current)

Grounding

Double Insulated

Warning. Refer to the Operating Manual

Low Battery Indication

Continuity Test

Diode

Conforms to Standards of European Union

Number

Description

1 Indicator for AC voltage or current

2 Indicator for DC voltage

3 The battery is low.

Warning: To avoid false readings, which
could lead to possible electric shock or
personal injury, replace the battery as soon as
the battery indicator appears.

4 The Meter is in the auto range mode in
which the Meter automatically selects
the range with the best resolution.

Rotary Functional Buttons
Switch SELECT MAX HOLD
Positions
Ω • N/A •

N/A • •

N/A • •

A 20A N/A • •

A 200A N/A • •

A 600A N/A • •

I. DISPLAY SYMBOLS

DC

AC

AUTO

TRMS

MAX

˚C˚F

A
A
A

VA

MK

Ω

m

3

9

10

2

12

1

11

4 5 6 7 8

Figure 2

DANGER is reserved for conditions and actions that are likely to cause serious or fatal injury.

WARNING is reserved for conditions and actions that can cause serious or fatal injury.

CAUTION is reserved for conditions and actions that can cause injury or instrument damage.

II. SAFETY WARNINGS

• This instruction manual contains warnings and safety rules which must be observed by
the user to ensure safe operation of the instrument and retain it in safe condition.

• Read through and understand the instructions contained in this manual before using the instrument.

• Keep the manual at hand to enable quick reference whenever necessary.

• The instrument is to be used only in its intended applications.

• Understand and follow all the safety instructions contained in the manual.

• It is essential that all safety instructions are adhered to.

• Failure to follow the safety instructions may cause injury, instrument damage

The symbol indicated on the instrument means that the user must refer to the related parts in the
manual for safe operation of the instrument. It is essential to read the instructions wherever the symbol
appears in the manual.

DANGER

• Never make measurement on a circuit in which voltage over 600V exists.

• Do not exceed the CAT rating of the measuring device

• Do not attempt to make measurement in the presence of flammable gases.
The use of the instrument may cause sparking, which can lead to an explosion.

• Transformer jaw tips are designed to not short the circuit during a test. If equipment under test has exposed
conductive parts extra precaution should be taken to minimize the possibility of shorting.

• Never use the instrument if its surface or your hand is wet.

• Do not exceed the maximum allowable input of any measuring range.

• Never open the battery cover during a measurement.

• The instrument is to be used only in its intended applications or conditions.
Use in other than as intended may cause instrument damage or serious personal injury.

WARNING

• Never attempt to make any measurement if any abnormal conditions are noted, such as broken case,
cracked test leads and exposed metal part.

• Do not turn the function selector switch with plugged in test leads connected to the circuit under test.

• Do not install substitute parts or make any modification to the instrument.
Return the instrument to your distributor for repair or recalibration.

• Do not try to replace the batteries if the surface of the instrument is wet.

• Always switch off the instrument before opening the battery compartment cover for battery replacement.

• Set the Function Switch to an appropriate position before starting measurement.

• Firmly insert the test leads.

• Disconnect the test leads from the instrument for current measurement.

• Do not expose the instrument to the direct sun, high temperature and humidity or dewfall.

• Be sure to power off the instrument after use. When the instrument will not be in use for a long period,
place it in storage after removing the batteries.

• Use only a soft cloth dampened with water or neutral detergent for cleaning the meter.
Do not use abrasives, solvents or harsh chemicals. Allow to dry thoroughly before use.

CAUTION

2

Measurement categories (Over-voltage categories)

To ensure safe operation of measuring instruments, IEC61010 establishes safety standards for various electrical
environments, specified as CAT I through CAT IV, and called measurement categories. Higher-numbered categories
correspond to electrical environments with greater momentary energy, so a measuring instrument designed for CAT III
environments can endure greater momentary energy than one designed for CAT II.

• CAT I: Secondary electrical circuits connected to an AC electrical outlet through a transformer or similar device.

• CAT II: Primary electrical circuits of equipment connected to an AC electrical outlet by a power cord.

• CAT III: Primary electrical circuits of the equipment connected directly to the distribution panel, and feeders
from the distribution panel to outlets.

• CAT IV: The circuit from the service drop to the service entrance, and to the power meter and primary over
current protection device (distribution panel).

Incoming wire

Interior wiring

CAT. III

Transformer

CAT. II

CAT. I

CAT. IV

Socket

Symbols

Caution, risk of danger, refer to the operating manual before use

Caution, risk of electric shock

AC (Alternating Current)

DC (Direct current)

AC/DC Selectable (Alternating Current/Direct Current)

Earth (ground) Terminal

The equipment is protected throughout by
double insulation or reinforced insulation

Application around and removal from hazardous
live conductors is permitted.

Conforms to Standards of European Union

Designates the product as recyclable
electronic waste per WEEE Directive

3

III. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Display: 3 1/2 digits LCD display, Maximum display 1999

• Auto Polarity Display

• Overloading: Display OL or –OL

• Low Battery Indication: Display

• Measurement Speed: Updates 3 times/second.

• Measuremnet Deviation: When theconductor being

meaured is not placed in a correct position during
AC current measurement, it will cause ±3% reading deviation.

• Drop Test: 1 meter drop test passed

• Max. Jaw Opening: 28mm diameter

• Max. Tested Current Conductor: 26mm diameter.

• Power: 9V battery

• Sleep Mode (can be disabled)

• Dimensions: 76mm x 208mm x 30mm.

• Weight: Approximate 260g (battery included)

• The Meter is suitable for indoor use.

• Altitude: Operating: 2000m
Storage: 10000m

• Safety/ Compliances: IEC 61010 CATII 600V,
CATIII 300V and Double Insulation

• Pollution degree: 2

• Temperature and humidity:

Operating: 0˚C~30˚C (≤75%R.H);
30˚C~40˚C (≤70%R.H);
40˚C~50˚C (≤45%R.H);
Storage: -20˚C~+60˚C (≤75%R.H)

AUTO

T

RMS

MAX

˚C˚F