
3258
SAFETY HiTESTER
Instruction Manual
September 2013 Revised edition 5
Printed in Japan
3258A981-05 13-09H
Name of Parts
• Data Hold/Cancel (Data Hold function)
•Cancels APS (Auto Power Off function)
Power On/Off
(Hold for one
second to turn off)
LR6 (AA-size) alkaline battery × 6
Low-Battery Warning
AC
Volts (unit s)
HOLD button (with internal lamp)
Barrier
Detecting element
POWER button
LCD (Display)
Data Hold display
Auto Power Off enabled
Battery box
Probe (without display)
Follow these precautions to ensure safe operation and to obtain
the full benefits of the various functions.
Usage Notes
• To avoid electric shock when measuring live lines,
wear appropriate protective gear, such as insulated rubber gloves, boots and a safety helmet.
• Do not allow the instrument to get wet, and do not
take measurements with wet hands. This may
cause an electric shock.
• To avoid electric shock, do not hang cables over
your body.
• Touching any of the high-voltage points inside the HiTester is very
dangerous. Do not attempt to modify, disassemble or repair the
HiTester; as fire, electric shock and injury could result.
• Do not store or use the instrument where it could be exposed to direct sunlight, high temperature or humidity, or condensation. Under
such conditions, the instrument may be damaged and insulation
may deteriorate so that it no longer meets specifications.
• This instrument is design ed for use indoors. It can be o perated at
temperatures between 0 and 40°C without degrading safety.
• This instrument is not desig ned to be entirely water- or dust-proo f.
Do not use it in an especially dusty environment, nor where it might
be splashed with liquid. This may cause damage.
• To avoid damage to the instrument, protect it from physical shock
when transporting and handling. Be especially careful to avoid
physical shock from dropping.
• Do not use the instrument near a source of strong electromagnetic
radiation, or near a highly electrically charged object. These may
cause a malfunction.
• To avoid breaking the cables and probes, do not bend or pull them.
• Avoid stepping on or pinching ca bles, which could damage the cable insulation.
• Keep in mind that, in some cases, conductors to be measured may be hot.
This instrument may cause interference if used in residential areas. Such use must be avoided unless the user takes special
measures to reduce electromagnetic emissions to prevent interference to the reception of radio and television broadcasts.
Functions
Live Wire Check
Function
When the line to be measured is live (30 V AC
or more present), the HOLD button lamp blinks.
Monitors contact conditions between the
detecting elements and object to be measured,
and displays the measured value when the
detecting elements are properly applied.
At this point, the HOLD button lamp lights.
While the detecting elements are not properly
applied, “----” is displayed.
Data Hold Function
Data hold is inactive when the HOLD button is
blinking or off (unlit).
When the HOLD button lamp is lit, press the
HOLD button to hold the measured value on
the display ( appears on the LCD, and
the HOLD button lamp turns off).
When Data Hold is active, overflow warning
and live wire check functions are disabled.
To Cancel: Press the HOLD button again
( is cleared from the display).
Overflow Warning
Function
Overflow occurs when the measured value
exceeds 600 V (“600 V” appears blinking, and
the HOLD button lamp also blinks).
Auto Power Off
Function
(APS)
The Auto Power Off function is enabled when
the power is turned on (APS appears on the
LCD).
Power is automatically turned off after ten minutes of inactivity (since the last operation).
To disable Auto Power Off, hold the HOLD button when turning the power on.
Low-Battery
Warning Function
When the battery voltage gets low appears
on the LCD, and the power turns off automatically soon afterwards.
While is displayed, the measurement value
blinks and the HOLD button is disabled.
Probe (with display)
Cable
Warranty
Warranty malfunctions occurring under conditions of normal use in conformity with the Instruction Manual and Product Precautionary Markings will be repaired free of charge. This warranty is valid for a period
of three (3) years from the date of purchase. Please contact the distributor from which you purchased the product for further information on
warranty provisions.
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the HIOKI Model 3258 SAFETY HiTESTER.
To obtain maximum performance from the
instrument, please
read this manual first, and keep it handy for future reference.
Overview
The HiTester employs a coupling capacitance cancellation
method to measure voltage in AC circuit s without requiring metal-to-metal contact. Voltage can be measured safely in practically any location, on either insulated or exposed metal
conductors.The inter-probe voltage measurement design is ideal for confirming line voltage.
Inspection
When you receive the instrument, 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.
Maintenance and Service
• To clean the instrument, 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 protective functions of the instrument are damaged,
either remove it from service or mark it clearly so that others
do not use it inadvertently.
• If the instrument seems to be malfunctioning, contact your
dealer or Hioki representative.
• Pack the
shipping, and include a description of existing damage. We do
not take any responsibility for damage incurred during shipping.
instrument so that it will not sustain damage during
Safety
This manual contains information and warnings essential for
safe operation of the instrument and for maint aining it in safe operating condition. Before using it, be sure to carefully read the
following safety precautions.
This instrument is designed to comply with 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 instrument. 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 instrument defects.
Safety Symbol
In the manual, the symbol indicates particularly important
information that the user should read before using the instrument.
The symbol printed on the instrument indicates that the user
should refer to a corresponding topic in the manual (marked with
the symbol) before using the relevant function.
Indicates AC (Alternating Current).
Indicates DC (Direct Current).
Indicates a double-insulated device.
Indicates a grounding terminal.
Symbols for Various Standards
WEEE marking:
This symbol indicates that the electrical and electronic appliance
is put on the EU market after August 13, 2005, and producers of
the Member States are required to display it on the appliance
The following symbols in this manual indicate the relative importance of cautions
and warnings.
under Article 11.2 of Directive 2002/96/EC (WEEE).
This symbol indicates that the product conforms to safety regula-
tions set out by the EC Directive.
Indicates that incorrect operation presents an extreme hazard
that could result in serious injury or death to the user.
Indicates that incorrect operation presents a significant hazard
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 device.
Indicates advisory items related to performance or correct
operation of the instrument.
Measurement categories
This instrument complies with CAT IV (600V) safety requirements.
To ensure safe operation of measurement instruments, I
safety standards for various electrical environments, categorized as CAT II to
CAT IV, and called measurement categories. These are defined as follows.
: Primary electrical circuits in equipment connected to an AC electrical
CAT II
outlet by a power cord (portable tools, household appliances, etc.)
CAT II covers directly measuring electrical outlet receptacles.
: Primary electrical circuits of heavy equipment (fixed installations) con-
CAT III
nected directly to the distribution panel, and feeders from the distribution panel to outlets.
: The circuit from the service drop to the service entrance, and to the
CAT IV
power meter and primary overcurrent protection device (distribution
panel).
Using a measurement instrument in an environment designated with a highernumbered category than that for which the instrument is rated could result in a
severe accident, and must be carefully avoided.
Use of a measurement instrument that is not CAT -rated in CA T II to CA T IV measurement applications could result in a severe accident, and must be carefully
avoided.
EC 61010 establishes

12
34
LR6 (AA-size) alkaline battery × 6
Required items :
Phillips screwdriver and six new LR6 (AA-size) alkaline batteries.
Hold the POWER button for one
second to turn the HiTester off.
Loosen the screw in the battery
compartment cover on the back
of the probe (without the display), and remove the cover.
Replace the batteries.
Confirm the correct polarity when
installing the new batteries.
Replace the battery compartment cover and screw.
Replacing the batteries
Range
Display
Range
Display
Resolution
Range of
Guaranted
Accuracy
Accuracy
40 to 66 Hz 66 to 400 Hz
420.0 V
0.0 V to
420.0 V
0.1 V
30.0 V to
420.0 V
±1.5%rdg. ±5dgt. ±2.5%rdg. ±5dgt.
600 V
380 V to
600 V
1 V
380 V to
480 V
±2.0%rdg. ±5dgt.
481 V to
600 V
±5.0%rdg. ±5dgt.
Preliminary Checks
Confirm the following items before using the HiT ester .
• Check for any damage from storage or transportation, and
ensure that the cable insulation is intact and that no bare
metal is exposed. Any damage could present an electrical
hazard, so contact your supplier or Hioki representative if
damage is found.
• Turn the power on and confirm that the batteries are not
depleted (if the low-battery indicator is displayed, accurate measurements cannot be performed).
• Check that the detecting elements on the ends of the probes
are clean (accurate measur ement may not be possible if a
detecting element is dirty).
Measurement Procedure
Observe the following precautions to avoid electric
shock.
• Avoid touching the ends of the probes beyond the
barrier.
• The maximum rated voltage between input terminals and ground is 600V AC. Attempting to measure voltages exceeding 600V with respect to
ground could damage the instrument and result in
personal injury.
• Even when the HOLD button lamp is not lit and
when no measurement value is displayed, wiring
may be live, so avoid touching the electrical circuit.
• The HiTester normally emits beeping tones during operation.
• Accurate measurements may not be possible if the measured waveform contains frequency components outside of the specified frequency range for guaranteed accuracy.
• Dirt on the measurement surfaces can prevent accurate measurement.
• This is an inter-probe voltage measurement design. Ensure that the
detecting elements on the probes are properly applied to the object to
be measured, as illustrated below.
T o avoid electric shock, always confirm the following bef ore
operating.
Apply the probes to live conductors with a known voltage of least
30 V AC between them, and check the displayed values.Then
reposition the probes so that both are applied to the same (live)
conductors, and confirm the displayed voltage.
Note, however , that this metho d is not usable with shielded conductors.
• If the correct voltage is displayed, proceed with measurements.
• If the correct voltage is not displayed, do not proceed with
measurements. Contact your supplier or Hioki representative.
Check the cables to be measured.
Confirm that they are type IV or CV insulated cables with at least
100 mm
2
cross-section.
1
Pre-Operation Inspection (Required)
2
AC Voltage Measurement
Operating Status
Description
HOLD
Button
Lamp
LCD
Lit
Displays
measured
value
Displays the measured voltage.
To hold the displayed value, press the HOLD
button (Data Hold function).
If the detecting elements are not properly
applied to the objects being measured, “----” is
displayed.
Blinking
“600 V” is
displayed,
blinking
The voltage to be measured exceeds 600 V AC.
This is the over-range measurement state
(Overflow Warning function)
Blinking “----”
The object to be measured has live voltage
(30 V AC or more, Live Wire Check function).
Unlit “----”
Non-live condition or detecting element is
improperly applied to measurement object.
• This is an inter-probe vo ltage measurement design. Properly apply
the detecting elements of both probes to the measurement points.
• When battery charge is low, is displayed, the HOLD button lamp
is not lit, and the measured value, “----” or “600 V” blinks, depending
on measurement conditions (Low-Battery Warning function).
• Be aware that measure d values below 30 V AC are outside of the
range of guaranteed accuracy, regardless of any displayed value.
1.
2.
3.
Press the POWER button to turn the HiTester on.
This is an inter-probe voltage measurement design. Apply the
detecting elements of both probes to the measurement points.
When measuring between the line and earth, one of the two
probes must be contact with the granding line.
When the detecting elements are proper ly applied, measurement occurs, the HOLD lamp lights, and the measured voltage is displayed.
Proper measurement is not possible.
Apply detecting elements perpendicular to and
flush with the surface of the cables to be measured.
×
Cable
Correct probe application
Cable
Cable
Cable
Cable
Replacing the Batteries
• To avoid electric shock when replacing batteries,
remove each probe from the object being measured
and turn the power off before opening the case.
• Use only LR6 (AA-size) alkaline batteries. Use of
any other battery may result in explosion.
• Do not mix old and new batteries, or different types
of batteries. Also, be careful to observe battery
polarity during installation. Otherwise, poor performance or damage from battery leakage could result.
• Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not shortcircuit, recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire.
• Handle and dispose of batteries in accordance with
local regulations.
To avoid corrosion from battery leakage, re mo ve the b atteries fro m th e
instrument if it is to be stored for a long time.
Error Display
When an error is displayed on the LCD, the HiTester requires
repair. Contact your supplier or Hioki representative.
Error
Display
E-01 Internal ROM Error
E-02 Calibration Data Faulty
E-03 to 05 Internal Variable Error
Display of “----” or blinking indicators on the LCD are not error indications.
• “----” is displayed when the detectin g element on a probe is not applied correctly.
• The display blinks wh en the batteries are depleted, and when the
measured voltage exceeds 600 V.
Meaning Remedial Action
Repair is necessary.
Contact your supplier or
Hioki representative.
Specifications
Environmental and Safety Specifications
Operating environment Indoors, Pollution degree2, a ltitude up to 2000 m (6562-ft.)
Storage temperatu re
and humidity
Operating temperature
and humidity
Dielectric strength AC 8540 Vrms (@1 mA sensing current)
Applicable standards
Power supply
Maximum rated power
Maximum operating
time
Dimensions
Cable length Approx. 900 mm (35.43”)
Mass Approx. 670 g (23.6oz.)
Accessories
Voltage Detection Specifications
Voltage Detection
Method
Maximum rated
voltage to earth
Functional Specifications
Auto Power Off The HiTester automatically turns off after 10 ±1 minutes of
Data Hold Holds the displayed value (displayed value updating is
Low-Battery Warning
Guaranteed Accuracy Specifications
Accuracy guarantee
for temperature and
humidity
Guaranteed accuracy
period
Measurement Method True RMS value (True RMS)
Measurement Ranges
AC Voltage Measurement Accuracy (Auto-Ranging):
• Zero-suppression pr events display of values between 0.0 and 1.0 V.
When is displayed, accuracy cannot be guarante ed.
Maximum rated
voltage to earth
Circuit Dynamics Crest Factor: 1.8 (in 600 V range, si ne waves only)
Objects of
Measurement
Influence of Conductor
Diameter
Temperature
Characteristic
Influence of Adjacent
Wiring
Influence of External
Magnetic Field
Display Specifications
Volt ag e D isplay 4200 counts
Function Display
Display Response
Display Refresh Interval
-10 to 50°C (14 to 122°F), 80%RH or less (non-condensating)
0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F), 80%RH or less (non-condensating)
Between detecting elements and cabl e
Safety EN61010
EMC EN61326 Class A
DC 1.5 V × 6
LR6 alkaline battery × 6
2 VA
Approx. 14 h (power on, no measurement), or the equivalent
of 1000 one-minute uses or 200 five- minute uses
Approx. 51W × 275H × 37.5D mm (Each device)
(2.01”W × 10.83”H × 1.48”D)
Instruction manual ×1, LR6 alkaline battery × 6
Carrying soft case ×1
Coupling capacitance cancellation method
AC 600 V (Measurement Category IV)
Anticipated Transient Overvoltage: 8000 V
Refer to the “Functions” section for details.
inactivity (since the last operatio n). T he op erat or can di sabl e
this function.
stopped, can be disabled).
When the HiTester supply voltage falls below 6.3 V DC, this
indicator appears, the HOLD button is disabled, and measurement accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
The HiT ester shuts itself off if the supply voltage falls to 5.5 V .
23°C±5°C (73°F±9°F), 80%RH or less
1 year
AC 420.0 V/ 600 V
(Fully automatic ranging, no manu al range selection)
AC600 Vrms
Insulated conductors (IV or CV equivalent, min. 100 mm2 xsection), bare metal conductors
Note: Not usable on shielded cond uctors.
0.5% rdg. IV or CV equivalent insulated cond uctors (combine
with above accuracy if diameter is 38 mm
0.05% rdg./°C (combine with above accuracy except at 23°C
±5°C (73°F±9°F))
Within ±5% rdg. *The indicated voltage measurement value
(rdg.) can be affected by phase changes on the third wire when
measuring the other two wires in a 3-wire system.
None
Less than 10 counts zero-suppressed
................Data Hold
2
to 100 mm2)
APS.....................Auto Power Off Active
........................Low-Battery Warning
“600 V” (blinking)... Over-Range Measurement Indicator
Not more than 2.4 s
600 ms ±200 ms
(for 601+ V AC)