Hioki 3246, 3246-20 Instruction Manual

Introduction

3246

PENCIL HiTESTER

Instruction Manual

May 2010 Revised edition 5

Printed in Japan

3246A981-05 10-05H

Thank you for purchasing the HIOKI “3246 PENC IL HiTESTER ”.
To obtain maximum performance from the product, please read this
manual first, and keep it handy for future reference.

Overview

The 3246 is a pencil-shaped digital multimeter designed to
measure DC/AC voltage and resistance, and conduct continui t y
and diode checks. Compact, safe, and easy to use, the 3246
meets all CATIV 300V, CATIII 600V safety requirements. Probe
leads are wound around the protrusions on the rear. The unit also
features a built-in light to illuminate the object to be measured.

Initial Inspection

When you receive the product, inspect it carefully to ensure
that no damage occurred during shipping. If damage is evident,
or if it fails to operate according to the specifications, contact
your dealer or Hioki representative.

Preliminary Checks

• Before using the product the first time, verify that it operates
normally to ensure that the no damage occurred during stor­age or shipping. If you find any damage, contact your dealer
or Hioki representative.

• Before using the product, make sure that the insulation on
the leads is undamaged and that no bare conductors are
improperly exposed. Using the product in such conditions
could cause an electric shock, so cont a ct your dealer or Hioki
representative for repair.

Maintenance and Service

• To clean the product, wipe it gently with a soft cloth moist­ened with water or mild detergent. Never use solvents such
as benzene, alcohol, acetone, ether, ketones, thinners or
gasoline, as they can deform and discolor the case.

• If the product seems to be malfunctioning, confirm that the
batteries are not discharged, and contact your dealer or Hioki
representative.

Safety

Follow these precautions to ensure safe operation and to
obtain the full benefits of the various functions.

This product is designed to conform to IEC 61010 Safety
Standards, and has been thoroughly tested for safety
prior to shipment. However, mishandling during use
could result in injury or death, as well as damage to the
product. Be certain that you understand the instructions
and precautions in the manual before use. We disclaim
any responsibility for accidents or injuries not resulting
directly from product defects.

Measurement categories (Overvoltage categories)

This product conforms to the safety requirements for CAT IV (300 V),
CAT III (600 V) measurement products.
To ensure safe operation of measurement products, IEC 61010 estab­lishes safety standards for various electrical environments, catego­rized as CAT I to CAT IV, and called measurement categories. These
are defined as follows.

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

CAT II: Primary electrical
circuits in equipment con­nected to an AC electri cal
outlet by a power cord
(portable tools, household
appliances, etc.)

CAT III: Primary electrical circuits of heavy equipment (fixed installa­tions) connected directly to the distri bution p anel, and f eeders 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 overcurrent protection device (distri­bution panel).

Higher-numbered categories correspond to electrical environments
with greater momentary energy, so a measurement product designed
for CAT III environments can endure greater momentary energy than
one designed for CAT II. Using a measurement product in an environ­ment designated with a higher-numbered category than that for which
the product is rated could result in a severe accident, and must be
carefully avoided.

Never use a CAT I measuring product in CAT II, III, or IV environ­ments.

The measurement categories comply with the Overvoltage Categories
of the IEC60664 Standards.

Safety Symbol

In the manual, the symbol indicates particularly impor­tant information that the user should read before using the
product.

The symbol printed on the product indicates that the
user should refer to a corresponding topic in the manual

(marked with the symbol) before using the relevant
function.

Indicates a double-insulated device.
Indicates AC (Alternating Current).

Indicates DC (Direct Current).
Indicates DC (Direct Current) or AC (Alternating Current).

Indicates a grounding terminal.

The following symbols in this manual indicate the relative importance
of cautions and warnings.

Indicates that incorrect operation presents an extreme haz­ard that could result in serious injury or death to the user.

Indicates that incorrect operati on pres en t s a sign ific ant h az­ard that could result in serious injury or death to the user.

Indicates that incorrect operation presents a possibility of

injury to the user or damage to the product.
Advisory items related to performance or correct operation

of the product.

Usage Notes

This manual contains information and warnings essential for
safe operation of the product and for maintaining it in safe
operating condition. Before using the product, be sure to care­fully read the following safety notes.

• To avoid electric shock, do not allow the product to get
wet, and do not use it when your hands are wet.

• Do not use the product where it may be exposed to cor­rosive or combustible gases. The product may be dam­aged or cause an explosion.

• Do not store or use the product where it could be exposed
to direct sunlight, high temperature or humidity, or conden­sation. Under such conditions, the produc t may be damaged
and insulation may deteriorate so that it no longer meets
specifications.

• This product is not designed to be entirely water- or dust­proof. To avoid d amage , do not use it in a wet or dusty envi­ronment.

• This product is designed for indoor use, and operates reli­ably from 0°C to 40°C.

• To avoid damage to the product, protect it from vibration or
shock during transport and handling, and be especially care­ful to avoid dropping.

• Do not use the product near a device that generates a strong
electromagnetic field or electrostatic charge, as these may
cause erroneous measurements.

• To avoid damaging the test leads, do not bend or pull the
leads.

• If the protective functions of the product are damaged, either
remove it from service or mark it clearly so that others do not
use it inadvertently.

• Accurate measurement may be impossible in the presence of
strong magnetic fields, such as near transformers and high­current conductors, or in the presence of strong electromag­netic fields such as near radio transmitters.

• To avoid battery depletion, turn the Function Selector OFF
after use (the Auto Power Save feature consumes a small
amount of current).

• The indicator appears when ba ttery voltage becomes low.
Replace the batteries as soon as possible.

• To avoid corrosion from batt ery leakage, remove the batteries
from the product if it is to be stored for a long time.

Specifications

General

Measurement
Method

AC Measurement
System

Function

Additional
Function

Display Type TN type LCD, 1/4 duty, dynamic drive

Display Elements

Units and Symbols
Range Switching Auto/Manual range

Sampling Rate 2.5 S/s
Input T ermin als V/ Ω/ continuity/ diode terminal, COM terminal
Functions OFF/ V/ Ω

Dual integration
Average rectifying measurement

DC voltage (DCV), AC voltage (ACV), Resistance (Ω),
Continuity check( ), Diode check( )(Forward direc­tion/Reversed direction judgment only)

Auto Range function, Manual Range function, Hold func­tion, Auto Power Save function (APS), Battery-Life Warn­ing function, Overflow Warning functi on, Penlight function,
LCD Backlight function

3(1/2) dgt., Max. 4199 counts (600 VAC/DC range: 699
counts)
Polarity indicator: "–" sign (automatic)
Overflow indicator: "OF" or "–OF"

(AC), (DC), , AUTO, HOLD, , , APS, M,

k, m, V,

General

Buttons
Power Supply Coin-shaped lithium battery CR2032 × 1
Battery-Life Warning

Dimensions
Mass Approx.80 g (2.8 oz.)(including battery)

Operating
Environment

Operating Tempera­ture & Humidity

Storage Tempera­ture & Humidity

Accessories

Standards
Applying

Options 9081 EXTERNAL SHUNT (10A) (no CE marking)

HOLD, (select)

indicates low battery (2.3 V±0.15 V or less)

Approx. 30W ×182H ×26.5D mm (without protrusions)
(1.18”W × 7.17”H × 1.04”D)

Indoors, altitude up to 2000 m (6562-ft.)
0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F), at 80%RH or less

(non-condensating)

-20 to 60°C (-4 to 140°F), at 70%RH or less
(non-condensating)

Instruction Manual
Coin-shaped lithium battery (CR2032) x1 (supplied with
this product for monitor)

Safety EN61010

Pollution Degree 2
Measurement Category IV (300 V),
Measurement Category III (600 V),
(Anticipated Transient Overvoltage: 6000 V)

EMC EN61326

Electrical Characteristics

Accuracy guarantee
for temperature and
humidity

Regulated
power supply range

Temperature
Characteristic

Noise Suppression

Dielectric Strength
Maximum input

Voltage
Maximum rated volt-

age between input
terminals and
ground

Rated Power
Supply Voltage

Maximum
Rated Power

Rated Power 4 mVA (Typ) (supply voltage 3.0 VDC, in DCV mode)
Power during Auto

Power Saving
Continuous

Operating Time

Accuracy (Accuracy guaranteed for one year at 23°C±5°C (73°F±9°F),

80%RH or less.)

DC Volt­age Mea­surement

DCV)

(
AC Voltage

Measure­ment
(

ACV)

Resistance
Measure­ment (Ω)

Continuity
Check( )

Diode
Check( )

*1:Overload protection is 600 V DC/AC rms (sine wave) or 3x106 VHz

(for 1 min.), for all functions and ranges.

dgt.: resolution (The smallest displayable unit, i.e., the input value that causes

the digital display to show a "1".)

rdg.: reading value (The value currently being measured and indicated on the

measuring product)

23°C±5°C (73°F±9°F), 80%RH or less
(non-condensating)

3.4 V or lower (until the mark lights up)
(Measurement accuracy) × 0.1/°C (except 23°C±5°C)

NMRR DCV: 40dB or better (50/60 Hz)

ACV: 40dB or better (DC)

CMRR DCV:100dB or better (50/60 Hz)

ACV: 60dB or better (50/60 Hz)

(1kΩ Unbalance)
Input terminals to case: 5.55 kVrms sin (50/60 Hz for one

minute)
600 VDC/ 600 Vrms (sin) or 3 ×106 VHz

6

voltage

VHz

Measurement fre­quency range:
50 Hz to 500 Hz

Measurement cur­rent: 800 μA max.
Vari es accord ing to
resistance levels to
be measured.

Threshold level
(beep sound):
Less than
(50 Ω±40 Ω).

Measurement cur­rent: 800 μA max.

600 VDC/ 600 Vrms (sin) or 3 ×10

3.0 VDC
30 mVA (Max) (supply voltage 3.0 VDC)

0.1 mVA (Max)
Approx. 150 hours (in DCV mode)

Approx. 30 hours (with light in repeating cycles of 10 sec­onds on and 20 seconds off, in DCV mode)

Range Accuracy

420.0 mV

4.200 V

42.00 V

420.0 V
600 V

4.200 V

42.00 V

420.0 V
600 V

420.0 Ω

4.200 kΩ

42.00 kΩ

420.0 kΩ

4.200 MΩ

42.00 MΩ

420.0 Ω ±2.0%rdg.±4dgt. 3.4 V or less

Judgment only
(0.3 V to 2.0 V)

±1.3%rdg.±4dgt.

±2.3%rdg.±8dgt.

Range Accuracy

±2.0%rdg.±4dgt.
±2.0%rdg.±4dgt.
±2.0%rdg.±4dgt.
±2.0%rdg.±4dgt.
±5.0%rdg.±4dgt.
±10.0%rdg.±4dgt.

Input Impedance
100 MΩ or more

Approx. 11 MΩ
Approx. 10 MΩ
Approx. 10 MΩ
Approx. 10 MΩ

Approx. 11 MΩ
Approx. 10 MΩ
Approx. 10 MΩ
Approx. 10 MΩ

Open terminal

3.4 V or less
Approx. 0.7 V
Approx. 0.5 V
Approx. 0.5 V
Approx. 0.5 V
Approx. 0.5 V

3.4 V or less

Notes*1

Notes*1

Parts Names

• Selects DC/AC ( V)
(Press the select button for at least
1 second in manual ranging mode.)

• Selects mode ( ).
(Press the select button for at least
1 second in manual ranging mode.)

• Changes to the manual range func­tion. (Turn on the power while
pressing the select button.)

• Selects range (in manual ranging
mode).

OFF

Power Off (Power is turned ON in any position other than OFF.)

V

: DC voltage function (DCV)
: AC voltage function (ACV)

Select with the select button

Resistance function

Select with the select buttonContinuity Check function

Diode Check function

Black (−)

Red (+)

• Holds the measurement
value ( lights up).

• Cancels the Auto-Power
Save function (APS).
(Turn on the power while
pressing HOLD.)

• Turns on the light.
(Press HOLD for at least
1 second.)

Penlight

Select Button

LCD DisplayFunction Selector

HOLD Button

Barrier

T est Leads

Hole for attaching your own
strap for greater portability.

LCD Display

Indicates Continu­ity Check function

Indicates during
Resistance mea­surement and
Continuity check

Indicates during
Volt age meas ur e­ment

Indicates Auto Power Save is enabled

Indicates Diode Check function

Indicates DC

voltage function

Indicates AC

voltage function

Indicates Autoranging

Indicates HOLD function

Lights up when the voltage drops below
the battery accuracy guarantee voltage
(2.3 V±0.15 V)

When using the 3246, remove the
cap and securely fasten the cap to
the rear, as shown in the figure.

Cap

When removing the cap, be careful
not to prick your finger with the tip
of the lead.

Pull

When storing the 3246 test lead (black), be sure to wind the
lead around the protrusion on the rear.

1.

Move the Function Select or to the V position.
To select DC or AC ( ), use the select
button. (During manual ranging, press the
select button for at least 1 second.)

2. Connect the test leads to the measurement
object, and read the indicated value.

AC Voltage
Measurement

DC Voltage
Measurement

1. Move the Function Selector to the
position.

2. Connect the test leads to the measure­ment object, and read the indicated value.

1. Move the Function Selector to the
position and press the select button. (
lights up)
(During manual ranging, press the select
button for at least 1 second.)

2. Connect the test leads to the measure­ment object.
When the continuity (threshold: 50±40 Ω
or less) is established, the beeping
sounds.

1. Move the Function Selector to the
position and press the select button twice.
( lights up)
(During manual ranging, press the select
button for at least 1 second.)

2. Connect the test leads to the measure­ment object.

AnodeCathode

Forward
direction

Necessary tool:

• Phillips screwdriver

• Coin-shaped lithium battery (CR2032)

1. Turn OFF the power.

2. Turn the 3246 over and use a

Phillips screwdriver to remove
the one retaining screw from
the battery case.

3. Remove the battery case and
mount a new CR2032 battery.
Make sure the polarity is cor­rect.

4. Mount the battery case and
tighten the retaining screw.

Screw

Battery case

2
3

4

CALIFORNIA, USA ONLY

This product contains a CR Coin Lithium Battery which contains Perchlorate Material ­special handling may apply.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate

Handling the Cap

Observe the following to avoid damage to the product.

• Do not pull the cap with excessive force.

• Replace the cap when not using the product.

Handling the Test Leads

Functions

Auto/Manual Range Function ( V, only)
Autoranging: The Autoranging function automatically sel ects the opti-

mum measurement range.
Turning on the power also switches Autoranging on (AUTO lights up).
The range automatically switches up when the display shows 4200
counts or more, and down when the display shows less than 400
counts. (A beep sound is generated when the 3246 is switched to a
different range.)

Manual ranging: Set a range manually.
Turn on the power whi le pre ssing the select button (
Range selection: Each pressing of the select button selects the next
larger range. After the largest range, pressing the select button again
returns you to the smallest range.
Press and hold down the select button (for about 1 second) to select
AC or DC in manual ranging mode, or sel ect betw een r es ist an ce mea­surement, continuity check, and diode check in manual rangi ng mod e.
The Manual ranging function is active until the 3246 is turned off.

Hold Function [ ] (Available for any measurement function.)
Press HOLD to hold the measurement value ( lights up).

In hold mode, the select button operation, the warning beep for voltage
measurement overflow, and beep for diode check judgment are disabled.
To cancel the hold mode: Press HOLD again.

Auto Power Save Function [APS] (Available for any measurement
function.)
When the measurement product is turned on, it automatically enters
Auto Power Save mode (APS lights up).
Approximately 10 minutes after completing final operation, the mea­surement product automatically enters Power Save mode with a beep­ing sound.
Exiting the Power Save State: turn off the power once.
Disabling Auto Power Saving: turn on the power while pressing

HOLD. (APS is turned off)
Overflow Warning Function [OF] ( V only)

When the measured value exceeds the maximum indication, a beep
sound is generated (OF lights up).
This function is disabled in hold mode.

Penlight/LCD Backlight Function

• ON: Press and hold down HOLD. The penlight and LCD backlight
will light. (The hold mode is not influenced)

• OFF: The lights will go off automatically in about 10 seconds. Oper­ating the Function Selector or a key will turn of f the li gh t s in about 10
seconds after the last key operation.

• Hold down HOLD to keep the lights on.

AUTO

is turned off).

Measurement Procedures

Observe the following precautions to avoid electric shock.

• Do not grip the 3246 or test lead between the barrier
and the tip during operation (

• Disconnect the test leads fro m the measurement object
before handling the Cap.

• Always verify the appropriate setting of the Function
Selector before connecting the test leads.

• Disconnect the test leads fro m the measurement object
before switching the Function Selector.

• Never apply voltage to test leads when the Resistance,
Continuity or Diode Check functions are selected.
Doing so may damage the product and result in per­sonal injury. To avoid electrical accidents, remove
power from the circuit before measuring.

Pre-Operation inspection

To avoid the possibility of electric shock or incorrect measure­ment, check the following items before using the product.
If the operation check reveals any abnormalities, stop the
check immediately and do not use the product.

Before using the product ch eck that the body of the pro duct
is not damaged. Also make sure that the insulation on the test
leads is undamaged and that no bare cond uctors are improp­erly exposed. Using the product in such conditions could
cause an electric shock a ccident may occur, so contact your
dealer or Hioki representative for repair.

See "Parts Names").

• For voltage measurement, short the test leads an d check that
0 V is displayed.

• For Measuring Resistance or Continuity Check, short the test
leads and check that 0 Ω is displayed.

• Measure a test item with a known value (battery, AC supply,
resistor, etc.) to confirm t ha t t he known value can be displayed.

Periodic calibration and inspection is necessary in order to
ensure that this product operates according to its product spe c­ifications.

Voltage Measurement

• The maximum input voltage is 600 V DC/ 600 Vrms (sin)

• To avoid electrical shock, be careful to avoid shorting

• For safety, test lead connections must always be made

• The maximum rated voltage between input terminals

6

or 3x10

V•Hz. Attempting to mea sure voltage in excess
of the maximum rating could destroy the product and
result in personal injury or death.

live lines with the test leads.
at the secondary side of a circuit breaker.
and ground is 600 V DC/AC. Attempting to measure

voltages exceeding 600 V with respect to ground could
damage the product and result in personal injury.

Resistance Measurement

Continuity Check

Diode Check

When the diode is connected in the forward direction, the dis­play shows “-00-” with a beeping sound.
(When the forward voltage is out of the 0.3 V to 2.0 V range,
the results may be incorrect.)
When connection is reversed, the display shows “----.”
If displays for both directions are the same, the following may
have occurred:

• The diode has malfunctioned.

• The forward voltage of the diode is out of the measurement range.

Replacing the Batteries

• To avoid electric shock when replacing the batteries, first
disconnect the test leads from the object to be measured.

• Before replacing the batteries, make sure that the Func­tion Selector is OFF.

• When replacing the batteries, be sure to insert them
with the correct polarity. Otherwise, poor performance
or damage from battery leakage could result.

• Replace batteries only with the specified type. (Coin­shaped lithium battery CR2032)

• After replacing the batteries, replace the cover and
screws before using the product.

• Keep batteries away from children to prevent accidental
swallowing.

• To avoid the possibility of explosion, do not short cir­cuit, disassemble or incinerate batteries.

• Handle and dispose of batteries in accordance with

local regulations.