Hioki 3280-20 Instruction Manual

Warranty

3280-20

CLAMP ON HiTESTER

Instruction Manual

December 2014

Revised edition

5

Printed in Japan

3280E981-05 14-12H

Clamp sensor

Operation grip

LCD panel

(Display: Measurement value,
Units, Symbols, Decimal
point)

,

SAMP. F/S

key

Measurement
terminal

Test lead plug

*Battery cover (rear side)

Function switch

Front

Sleeves

Black test lead (-)

Red test lead (+)

HOLD key

Operation grip

Barrier

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 3280-20 CLAMP ON HiTESTER.
To obtain maximum performance from the instrument, please read this manual
first, and keep it handy for future reference.

Initial 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.

Overview

This instrument is an AC-specialized clamp ammeter which can measure up to
1000 A and uses the true RMS method to handle distorted waveform measure­ments.
It can also measure AC voltage, DC voltage, resistance and conduct continuity
checks.

Safety

This manual contains information and warnings essential for safe operation of
the instrument and for maintaining 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. However,
using the instrument in a way not described in this manual may
negate the provided safety features.
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.

1234

Safety Symbols

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 that the instrument may be connected to or disconnected

from a live circuit.
Indicates a double-insulated device.

Indicates a grounding terminal.
Indicates DC (Direct Current).

Indicates AC (Alternating Current).
Indicates both DC (Direct Current) and AC (Alternating Current).

Symbols for Various Standards

Indicates that the product conforms to regulations set out by the EC Direc-

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

tive.

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 instrument.
Indicates advisory items related to performance or correct opera­tion of the instrument.

Measurement categories

The current input section conforms to CAT III (600 V) safety requirements, and
the voltage input section confirms to. CAT III (300 V), CAT II (600 V) safety
requirements.
To ensure safe operation of measurement instruments, IEC 61010 establishes
safety standards for various electrical environments, categorized as CAT II to
CAT IV, and called measurement categories.

CAT II Primary electrical circuits in equipment connected to an AC electrical

CAT III Primary electrical circuits of heavy equipment (fixed installations)

CAT IV The circuit from the service drop to the service entrance, and to the

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 CAT II to CAT IV
measurement applications could result in a severe accident, and must be care­fully avoided.

Usage Notes

Follow these precautions to ensure safe operation and to obtain the full bene­fits of the various functions.
Before using the instrument the first time, verify that it operates normally to
ensure that no damage occurred during storage or shipping. If you find any
damage, contact your dealer or Hioki representative.

To avoid electric shock, do not touch the portion beyond the
protective barrier during use.

• During current measurement, to avoid an electric shock accident, do not

• To avoid electric shock when measuring live lines, wear appropriate protec-

• Check that there is no damage to the clamp sensor, instrument case, and

outlet by a power cord (portable tools, household appliances, etc.)
CAT II covers directly measuring electrical outlet receptacles.

connected directly to the distribution panel, and feeders from the
distribution panel to outlets.

power meter and primary overcurrent protection device (distribution
panel).

connect the test leads to the instrument.

tive gear, such as insulated rubber gloves, boots and a safety helmet.

test leads before using. Do not use if there is any damage as it could lead to
electric shock.

Avoid the following locations that could cause an accident or damage
to the instrument.

Exposed to
direct sunlight
Exposed to high
temperature

Exposed to water,
oil, other chemi­cals, or solvents
Exposed to high
humidity or con­densation

Exposed to high
levels of
particulate dust

Subject to vibra­tion

In the presence of
corrosive or
explosive gases

Exposed to strong elec­tromagnetic fields
Near electromagnetic
radiators

Near induction heating
systems (e.g., high­frequency induction
heating systems and
IH cooking utensils)

Names and Functions of Parts

Operation grip
Function

switch

Test lead plug

SAMP. F/S

key

HOLD key

The clamp sensor at the same side as the pushed grip opens.
Switching for OFF/AC current [~A] /AC voltage [~V]/DC volt­age [ V]/Resistance, Continuity check [

(Power is turned on in any position other than OFF.)
Connect the test lead plug to the measurement terminal of the

instrument for voltage measurement, resistance measurement
or continuity testing.

/]

n For any function of [~A], [~V], [ V]:

Display update rate (FAST or SLOW) is switchable
If an indicated value fluctuates rapidly and is difficult to read,
a slower display update rate is available to make it easier to
read the indicated value.
(SLOW: about once every three seconds, unit on the LCD
panel flashes at the same time.)

n For [/] function:

Resistance [
When press HOLD key, appears in the display and the

digital display value is maintained. Press HOLD key again to
cancel the data HOLD function.

] or Continuity test [] is switchable

Functions and Display

The display is blanked automatica ll y.
(Auto Power Save Function)

• The auto power save function is activated automatically when the power is
turned on. (Not possible to cancel)

• If no key is pressed for about 30 minutes, the display is blanked au tomati­cally. (Power save state)

• To restore from the power save state, turn the function switch to the OFF
position once.

The measurement range is automatically set to the most
appropriate range.(Auto-range Function)

• Except for continuity test, the measurement range is automatically set to the
most appropriate range.

• The "AUTO" indication appears in the display.

A manual range setting becomes available.
(Manual Range Function)

• Power on the tester while holding down ,SAMP. F/S key or HOLD
key, then a manual range setting becomes available except when testing
continuity. Either display update rate is selectable by the keys.
( ,SAMP. F/S key: SLOW, HOLD keys: FAST)

• Press the ,SAMP. F/S key to switch the range.

• The "AUTO" indication disappears.

Indication when the input is out of range.
(Overflow indication)

• When the input exceeds the measurement range, "OF" or "-OF" is displayed.

Specifications

LCD panel 4199 maximum display value
Out of range

indication
Battery low

warning
Data hold

indication
Zero

suppression
Display update

interval
Range

switching
Withstand

voltage
Location of use Altitude up to 2000 m (6562 feet), indoors, Pollution Degree 2

Maximum
conductor
diameter for
measurement

Operating
temperature
and humidity

Storage
temperature

Temperature
characteristics

Power supply
Maximum rated

power
Continuous
operating time
Dimensions and
mass
Drop proof One meter to concrete
Accessories Instruction manual, 9398 Carrying Case, L9208 Test Leads

Maximum rated
voltage to earth

Applicable
standards

OF or -OF

(during which time accuracy cannot be guaranteed).

5 count or less (current measurement only)

FAST: 400 ms ±25 ms, SLOW: 3.2 s

Auto range / Manual range
Between case and circuit: AC4290 Vrms for 1 min.

Between clamp sensor and case: AC7060 Vrms for 1 min.
Between clamp sensor and circuit: AC5400 Vrms for 1 min.

33 mm (1.30") or less

0 to 40C (32 to 104F), 80%RH max (no condensation)

-10 to 50C (14 to 122F) (no condensation)
In 0 to 40C (32 to 104F) range: 0.1 x Measurement

accuracy / (C)
Lithium battery: CR2032 x 1 (Rated supply voltage 3 V DC)

15 mVA
Approx. 50 hours min.

(in AC current measurement mode, continuous, no load)
Approx. 57W x 175H x 16D mm, approx. 100 g
(Approx. 2.24"W x 6.89"H x 0.63"D, approx. 3.5 oz.)

Current measurement section:
Measurement category CAT III 600 V
(anticipated transient overvoltage 6000 V)
Voltage measurement section:
Measurement Category CAT III 300 V, CAT II 600 V
(anticipated transient overvoltage 4000 V)

Safety :EN61010
EMC :EN61326

±0.2 s

Measurement Procedures

1. Set the function switch to ~A.

2. Clamp the tester on the conductor, so that the conductor passes through

the center of the clamp core. Clamp the tester on one lead only.

1

2

2

3

4

Outlet

Test leads

1. Plug the test leads into the

measurement terminal.

2. Set the function switch to ~V.

3. Connect the test leads to

the object to be measured.
When measuring AC voltage,
the polarity of the leads can
be ignored.

4. Read the display.

2

3

4

Red (+)
test lead

Black (-)
test lead

Battery

1. Plug the test leads into

measurement terminal.

2. Set the function switch

to V.

3. Connect the test leads to

the object to be measured.

4. Read the display.

2

3

4

Resistor

Test leads

1. Plug the test leads into

the measurement terminal.

2. Set the function switch
to

/ .

3. Connect the test leads
to the object to be
measured.

4. Read the display.

2

3

4

Test leads

Cord

1. Plug the test leads into

the measurement
terminal.

2. Set the function switch
to

/ .

3. Press key to
display " " indication.

4. Connect the test leads
to the object to be mea­sured.
Conductivity is
good when the buzzer
sounds.

1. Disconnect the test leads from the object to be mea-

sured and then switch the function selector to
[OFF].

2. Remove the instrument from the case, and remove
the screws on the battery cover.

3. Remove the used battery.

4. Being careful about the polarity, insert the new bat-

tery of the specified type.
(CR2032 lithium battery: Panasonic or MAXELL)

5. Replace the battery cover and fasten the screws.

Battery cover

Battery

Adjustment screws

Screw

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

Pre-Operation Inspection

Check the following before using the instrument.

After turning on the instrument and changing over the functions, it could take a
dozen seconds to stabilize the display.

Checkpoints In case of failures
Check whether the cladding of the

test lead is not torn and the white or
red portion (insulation layer) inside
the cable is not exposed.

Check whether the clamp sensor or
the case is free of damage.

Make sure that the mating portion of
the clamp sensor tip is mate prop­erly.

Make sure there are no missing dis­play of the LCD panel.

Make sure that the display of the
LCD panel is not dim or faint.

Make sure that the battery indicator
" " does not light up when power

is turned on.
Check whether the reading is

around 0 A when no measurements
are being made in current mea­surement mode.
Check whether the reading is
around 0 V while the test leads are
short-circuited in voltage measure­ment mode.
Check whether the reading is
around 0  while the test leads are
short-circuited in resistance mea­surement mode.

Observe the following precautions to avoid electric shock.

• Always verify the appropriate setting of the function selector before connect­ing the test leads.Disconnect the test leads from the measurement object
before switching the function selector.

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

• Test leads and this product should only be connected to the secondary side
of a breaker, so the breaker can prevent an accident if a short circuit occurs.
Connections should never be made to the primary side of a breaker,
because unrestricted current flow could cause a serious accident if a short
circuit occurs.

• Removable sleeves are attached to the metal pins at the ends of the test
leads.
To prevent a short circuit accident, be sure to use the test leads with the
sleeves attached when performing measurements in the CAT III measure­ment category. Remove the sleeves from the test leads when performing
measurements in the CAT II measurement categories. For details on mea­surement categories, see "Measurement categories" in the instruction
manual.

• When performing measurements with the sleeves attached, be careful to
avoid damaging the sleeves. If the sleeves are inadvertently removed dur­ing measurement, be especially careful in handling the test leads to avoid
electric shock.

• The tips of the metal pins are sharp, so take care not to injure yourself.

When damage is found, replace with
the specified new test leads Model
L9208. Failure to do so may result in
electric shock.

If damage has occurred,
avoid using the instrument. Use of the
instrument under these conditions may
result in electric shock.
If the mating portions do not mate prop­erly, accurate measurements cannot
guaranteed. Gently wipe off any dirt
with a soft cloth found on the surface of
the mating portions. If the sensors do
not mate properly, repair is necessary.

If missing, repair is necessary.
If the display is dim or faint, the envi-

ronmental condition may be low tem­perature (lower than 0°C) or battery
may be exhausted. In case of battery
exhaustion, replace battery.
If the display remains dim even after
the battery is replaced, repair is neces­sary.

If the indicator is on, the measurement
accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
Replace battery immediately.

If not, confirm that the " " indication
does not appear in the display or con­firm that the test leads are not discon­nected.

If no problems for the above, the instru­ment is possibly being damaged.(See­Troubleshooting)

5678

AC Current Measurement [

To avoid short circuits and potentially life-threatening hazards, never attach the
instrument in current measurement mode to a circuit that operates at more
than the maximum rated voltage to earth CAT III 600 V.



A]

Voltage Measurement

• The maximum input voltage is 600 VDC/AC
Attempting to measure voltage in excess of the maximum input could
destroy the instrument and result in personal injury or death.

• To avoid electrical shock, be careful to avoid shorting live lines with the test
leads.

• In voltage measurement mode, the maximum rated voltage between input
terminals and ground is CATIII 300 V or CATII 600 V. Do not measure volt­ages exceeding these CATIII 300 V or CATII 600V with respect to ground.
The attempt may damage the instrument and result in personal injury.

Make sure that the test lead plug is inserted into the measurement terminal of
the instrument correctly.

Measuring AC Voltage [~V]

Measuring DC Voltage [ V]

Reversing the polarity of the test leads displays a negative value.

Resistance Measurement [



]

Continuity Test [ ]

Replacing Battery

• If the instrument is connected to a line that is to be measured, dangerous
voltage levels may be applied to the terminals, and removing the case may
expose live components.
To avoid electric shock when replacing the battery, first disconnect the test
leads from the object being measured. Also, after replacing the battery,
always replace the cover and tighten the screw before using the instrument.

• Use only CR2032 (Panasonic or MAXELL) lithium battery. Use of any other
battery may result in explosion.

• 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 short-circuit, recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire.

• Handle and dispose of batteries in accordance with local regulations.

• Keep batteries away from children to prevent accidental swallowing.

• The " " indicator lights up when the remaining battery capacity is low. In
this case, the instrument's reliability is not guaranteed. Replace the battery
immediately.

• The test battery is built in this instrument. The usable time depends on the
battery.When the test battery is exhausted, replace a new battery.

• CR2032 lithium batteries (Panasonic or MAXELL) can be purchased at elec­tronics and appliance stores where specialized batteries are sold.

• Do not turn the adjustment screws as this may disrupt the m easurement
values.

• Do not overtighten the screw on the battery cover. Doing so may damage the
main body of the instrument (recommended tightening torque: 0.1 N/m).

Accuracy

• Guaranteed accuracy period is 1 year
sor 10,000 times, whichever comes first).

• Accuracy guarantee for temperature and humidity: 23±5°C (73°F±9°F) and 80%
RH or less (no condensation, battery warning indicator is not lighting)

• AC measurement: True-rms

Func-

Range (Accu-

tion

racy range)

42.00 A

(4.00 to 41.99 A)
ACA
[~A]

Effect of conductor position: within±5.0% (in any direction from sensor center)

Function Range (Accuracy range) Accuracy*

[ V]

Function

Resistance

Function

Continuity

[]

*1 rdg.: reading or displayed value, dgt.: resolution
*2 Frequency range

420.0 A

(40.0 to 419.9 A)

1000 A

(100 to 1000 A)

4.200 V (0.400 to 4.199 V)

ACV

42.00 V (4.00 to 41.99 V)

[~V]

420.0 V (40.0 to 419.9 V)
600 V (400 to 600 V)

420.0 mV (40.0 to 419.9 mV)

4.200 V (0.400 to 4.199 V)

DCV

42.00 V (4.00 to 41.99 V)

420.0 V (40.0 to 419.9 V)
600 V (400 to 600 V)

(Accuracy range)

(40.0 to 419.9 )

(0.400 to 4.199 k)

(4.00 to 41.99 k)

[]

(40.0 to 419.9 k)

(0.400 to 4.199 M)

(4.00 to 41.99 M)

Range

420.0 

40 to 45 Hz

±2.0%rdg.

±5dgt.

Range

420.0 

4.200 k

42.00 k
k



420.0

4.200 M

42.00 M

Accuracy*

±2.0%rdg.±6dgt Less than 50 ±40  3.4 V or less

±10.0%rdg.±4dgt.

1

(Opening and closing of the Clamp sen-

1

Accuracy*

*2

45 to 66 Hz*266 to 1 kHz

±1.5%rdg.

±5dgt.

±2.3%rdg. ±8dgt.

(50 to 500 Hz

±1.3%rdg. ±4dgt.

Accuracy*

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

1

Threshold level

(beep sound)

±2.0%rdg.

±5dgt.

1

Input impedance

11 M ±5%
10 M ±5%

*2

)

10 M ±5%
10 M ±5%
100 M and over
11 M ±5%
10 M ±5%
10 M ±5%
10 M ±5%

Open terminal

voltage

3. 4 V or less

0.7 Vtyp. 3.4 V or less

0.47 Vtyp. 3.4 V or less

0.47 Vtyp. 3.4 V or less

0.47 Vtyp. 3.4 V or less

0.47 Vtyp. 3.4 V or less

Open terminal

voltage

Max. input

*2

AC 2000 Arms

continuous

current

Max. input

voltage

AC

600 Vrms

600 V DC

Overload
protection

250 V

AC/DC

Overload
protection

250 V

AC/DC

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.

Troubleshooting

When the instrument is not functioning properly and if you have not performed
the pre-operation inspection, please do so now. If you cannot find a problem in
the pre-operation inspection, please refer to the following symptoms before con­tacting your dealer or the nearest Hioki representative. When you send the unit
for repair, please pack the unit carefully so that it will not be damaged during
transport, and write a detailed description of the problem. Hioki cannot bear any
responsibility for damage that occurs during shipment.

Symptom Description

• Waveform containing components out of the
frequency property range cannot be measured
accurately.

• In the case that the sample to be measured is a
distorted waveform, the measured value with

The measured value of
current or voltage is
different from the
measured value with other
clamp-on tester.

The measured current value
is smaller than expected.

The measured current value
is larger than expected.
(current value is displayed
even with no input.)

the 3280-20 and that with another clamp-on
tester using MEAN value method (Average
value rectified, effective value display) are dif­ferent. Using true RMS method, the 3280-20
can measure such a waveform accurately.

• In the case that the sample to be measured is a
waveform with both AC and DC components,
half or full-wave rectified waveform, accurate
measurement is not be possible due to the
large margin of error. We recommend using
another instrument with AC+DC mode.

The measurement value is not correct, if the
measurement is performed leaving the clamp jaws
open.

Accurate measurement is not possible in the
presence of strong magnetic fields, such as
transformers and high-current conductors, or in
the presence of strong electromagnetic fields
such as radio transmitters.