General VS3000A User Manual

AUDIBLE/VISUAL

NON-CONTACT

VOLTAGE TESTER

USER’S MANUAL

VS3000A

Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly before using this product.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 –5

Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Setup Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 –7

Install Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 –7

Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 –9

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Return for Repair Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

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INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing General Tools & Instruments’
(General’s) VS3000A Audible/Visual Non-contact Voltage
Detector. Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly
before using the product.

The VS3000A provides a safe (non-contact) way to check
whether a line, cable or AC outlet is “hot” (energized). It does
so by sensing from a short distance the electromagnetic field
created by AC voltage.

Even unloaded AC circuits generate electromagnetic fields.
Although these fields are extremely weak, their constantly
changing nature means that they generate some current.
A sensitive non-contact voltage detector can sense this current
via induction, in much the same way that a sensitive radio
receiver can sense weak radio waves.

Non-contact voltage detectors, including the VS3000A, cannot
detect DC voltages, such as those present in automotive
electrical systems. The VS3000A also cannot detect AC voltages
through a wall or metal conduit.

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KEY FEATURES

• Dual indications (beeper sounds and LED flashes) when
voltage is detected

• Safe for use on CAT III 1000V equipment. (Equipment rated
CAT III 1000V is designed to protect against transients in
equipment in fixed installations, such as distribution panels,
feeders and short branch circuits for lighting systems in
large buildings.)

• ETL certified

• Automatic battery check function

• Powered by (2) “AAA” batteries (included)

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

•

WARNING

•

• Read and understand all of the instructions and safety
information in this manual before operating the tester.

• Failure to observe these precautions can result in injury and
can damage the instrument.

• Using this unit near equipment that generates
electromagnetic interference can result in unstable or
inaccurate readings.

• Although the unit automatically checks the charge of its
batteries each time it is powered on, it is good practice to
confirm that the VS3000A is operating normally before you
use it to test for the presence of AC voltage. It is important
that you do this each time you use the instrument.

The usual way to check the unit’s operation is to insert the
blade tip into both slots of an outlet known to be energized; if
the beeper does not sound and the LED does not flash for
either slot, replace both “AAA” batteries before proceeding.

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