Vol-Con®XL (61-086)
Voltage/Continuity Tester
and Vol-Test™ (61-085)
Voltage Tester
Instruction Manual
WARNING
Read First: Safety Information
This tester complies with UL3111-1, Cat
III-600 overvoltage protection, Pollution
Degree 2. Use the tester only as specified
in this manual; otherwise, the protection
provided by the tester may be impaired.
In this manual, a Warning identifies conditions and actions that pose hazards to the
user. A Caution identifies conditions and
actions that may damage the meter or the
equipment under test.
Warning
To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, follow these guidelines:
• Do not use tester if it is damaged.
Visually inspect tester to ensure case is
not cracked and battery cap is in place.
• Inspect and replace leads if insulation is
damaged, metal is exposed, or probes are
cracked. Pay particular attention to the
insulation surrounding the connectors.
• Do not use tester if it operates abnormally as protection maybe impaired.
#61-085
#61-086
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• Do not use during electrical storms or
in wet weather.
• Do not use around explosive gas, dust,
or vapor.
• Do not apply more than the rated voltage to the tester. Voltage is not to
exceed 600V.
• Always operate this solenoid-type tester
within the specified duty cycle on the
front of the tester. Duty cycle ratio is:
• 1:15 ON:OFF time.
• Maximum ON time is 15 seconds.
• Do not use without batteries and cap
properly installed.
• Remove test leads prior to removing
battery cap.
Caution
To protect yourself, think "Safety First":
• Voltages exceeding 30VAC or 60VDC
pose a shock hazard so use caution.
• Never ground yourself when taking
electrical measurements.
• Use appropriate personal protective
equipment such as safety glasses, face
shields, insulating gloves, insulating
boots, and/or insulating mats.
• Use the 3-Step Testing Method. Before
each use:
• Perform a continuity test by touching
the probe tips together, an audible
sound should be heard and the continuity LED should light. This test
verifies the functionality of the batteries and test leads (61-086 only).
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• Verify tester operation by measuring a
known voltage. Apply tester to circuit
under test. And, then test on the
known live voltage again to ensure
proper operation.
• Connect the black common lead to
ground before applying the red test lead
to voltage. Disconnect the red test lead
from the voltage first.
• Always work with a partner.
• When using the probes, keep fingers as
far behind the probe tips as possible.
Features:
• Vibration Mode w/indicator movement
• Audible and LED Indication of Voltage
Levels (61-085 has LED indication only).
• Auto-Switching Voltage/Continuity
Technology (61-086 only)
• Independent solenoid and electronic circuitry design provides back-up voltage
indication for added safety.
• Low Impedance Measuring Device
• Replaceable Test Leads
• Shielded probe tips
• Ultrasonically welded and o-ring sealed
for added durability
Accessories:
• TL-82 Resistor-fused test leads
• C-90 Soft-sided carrying case
To Measure AC Voltage:
• Ensure that the plug for the test leads is
fully seated into the banana jacks.
• Connect the tester in parallel with the
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load or circuit.
• The tester indicates both the voltage
type and the voltage level. (See Tester
Operation table)
To Measure DC Voltage:
• Ensure that the plug for the test leads is
fully seated into the banana jacks.
• Connect the tester in parallel with the
load or circuit.
• The tester indicates the voltage type,
polarity, and the voltage level. (See
Tester Operation table)
To Test for Continuity: (61-086 only)
• Ensure that the plug for the test leads is
fully seated into the banana jacks.
• De-Energize circuit before performing
continuity test. Note, if voltage is present in the circuit, the tester automatically switches to voltage indication mode.
• Test for continuity by connecting the
tester to the circuit.
• If circuit has 500kΩ or less resistance,
an audible indication is heard and the
Continuity LED lights. (See Tester
Operation table)
• Reversing prods on the circuit under
test verifies continuity versus low voltage +DC.
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Neon Bulb
Indicator
Left LED Right LED
Neon Bulb Left LED Right LED Indicator
Continuity Off On Off No movement.
Open
Circuit
No Voltage Off Off Off No movement.
6-65 AC Off On On No movement.
6-90 DC Off On if black On if red No movement.
prod is prod is
on negative, on negative,
off if it is on off if prod is
positive. reversed.
65-110 AC On On On Little or no
movement.
90-110 DC On On if black On if red Little or no
prod is prod is movement.
on negative, on negative
off if it is on off if prod is
positive. reversed.
110-600 AC On On On
Scale indicates
relative
magnitude.
110-600 DC On On if black On if red
Scale indicates
prod is prod is
relative voltage.
on negative, on negative,
off if it is on off if prod is
positive. reversed.
Tester Operation Table
61-086 only
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Applications:
• Locating Blown
Fuses
With power off: Place
tester across the suspected fuse to perform
continuity check. If
continuity LED turns
“On,” the fuse is good. If the continuity
LED does not turn “On,” the fuse is
defective. (61-086 only)
With power on: Place tester across the
“source” side of one fuse and the load
side of an adjoining fuse. If no voltage
is indicated, the fuse next to the load
side prod is blown. If voltage is indicated, the fuse next to the load side
prod is OK. Repeat the same test with
the prods on the opposite side of the
same two fuses to check the other fuse.
On a three phase circuit, repeat the
same test as above. An indication of no
voltage or lower than normal line voltage indicates the blown fuse.
• Finding Grounded Side of Line
(neutral)
Hold one test prod to the ground and
touch the other test prod to each of the
line terminals until one is found that
does not give a voltage indication. The
continuity LED should be “On.” This is
the grounded side of the line.
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• Testing for
“Grounded” Side of
Motor or Appliance
With power to motor or
appliance “Off,” touch
one test prod to the
frame and the other
prod to each of the terminal connections. The terminal which turns the
continuity LED “On” is the grounded
side. With power to motor or appliance
“On,” place tester across the frame and
to each of the terminal connections.
The terminal which does not give a voltage indication, but does give a continuity indication, is the grounded side.
• Testing for 25 to 60 Cycle
Frequency
Place tester between each side of AC
line. A low frequency hum and slow
vibrations indicate 25 cycle current. 60
cycle current is indicated by a higher
frequency hum and more rapid vibrations.
• Checking Continuity of Cords,
Motors, Appliances, etc. (61-086
only)
Remove power source and place tester
across circuit to be tested. Continuity
LED turns “On” and an audible beep is
heard if resistance is less than 500K
ohms.
• Locating Excessive Leakage to
Ground
Place tester across the neutral terminal
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and the ground, only the continuity light
should turn “On,” indicating neutral and
ground are connected. If the “ – DC”
light also turns “On,” there is 6VAC or
greater between neutral and ground
indicating a high resistance leakage to
ground. High resistance leakage is
qualified since a low resistance (high
current) leak to ground would open a
circuit breaker or blow a fuse.
Battery Replacement: (61-086 only)
• Replace batteries when touching the
leads together no longer lights the continuity LED or produces an audible
sound.
• Remove test leads from tester.
• Loosen the encapsulated screw from the
bottom of the case.
• Remove battery cap.
• Replace the batteries with (4) new 1.5V
button-type batteries (IDEAL# 61-201,
IEC #LR44, or NEOA# 1166A).
• Replace battery cap and re-tighten the
encapsulated screw.
Test Lead Replacement:
• Replace leads only with IDEAL test
leads below.
• # TL-80 Standard Test Leads with
Shielded Probe Tips
• # TL-82 Resistor-fused Test Leads
with Shielded Probe Tips. Each
probe tip contains a special, currentlimiting resistor which acts like a fuse
to limit short-circuit current and pre-
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vents dangerous arcing during a
shorted condition. The resistors are
rated to 140Ω +/- 10%. Fusing current is 1A at 125V. Fusing time is
30-60ms at 125V, without causing
dangerous conditions during opening
of the fuse element. Leads need to
be replaced when fuse has opened.
Note that TL-80 and TL-82 test leads
can only be specifically used with the
61-085 and 61-086 testers.
Maintenance:
• Clean the case with a damp cloth and
mild detergent. Do not use abrasives or
solvents.
Service, and Replacement Parts:
For replacement parts or to inquire about
service information contact
IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC.
Attn: Repair Dept.
1000 Park Avenue
Sycamore, IL 60178
Technical Support: 1-877-901-2005
or visit our website
www.testersandmeters.com.
Specifications:
VAC Ranges: 120V, 240V, 480V, 600V AC.
VAC Accuracy: Relative indication only
VDC Ranges: 120V, 240V, 600V DC
VDC Accuracy: Relative indication only
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Continuity (61-086 only): Continuous LED
and audible indication at less than 500kΩ
resistance.
Response time of 100ms.
Operating Frequency: 25-60 Hz
Input Impedance: Low
Operating Environment: 32° F to 122° F
(<70% humidity)
Storage Temp.: -4° F to 140° F
(<80% humidity)
Altitude: 2000m
Indoor Use
Battery: (4) 1.5V (IDEAL# 61-201, IEC
#LR44, or NEOA# 1166A).
Battery Life: 200 hours typical.
Accessories included: Test Leads, (4)
1.5V "LR44" batteries, operating instructions
Dimensions: 6.0" (H), 2.3" (W), 1.2" (D)
Weight: 8.0 oz
Safety: EN61010, CAT III 600V, CE, UL,
(3111) cUL
n Double Insulation
Warranty Statement:
This tester is warranted to the original purchaser against defects in material and workmanship for five years after purchase.
During this warranty period, IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. will, at it’s option, replace or
repair the defective unit, subject to verification of the defect or malfunction.
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This warranty does not apply to defects
resulting from abuse, neglect, accident,
unauthorized repair, alteration, or unreasonable use of the instrument.
Any implied warranties arising out of the
sale of an IDEAL product, including but not
limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to the above. The manufacturer shall not be liable for loss of use
of the instrument or other incidental or
consequential damages, expenses, or economic loss, or for any claim or claims for
such damage, expenses or economic loss.
State laws vary, so the above limitations or
exclusions mat not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights,
and you may also have other rights which
vary form state to state.
Cat III – 600V
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CUS