IDEAL Electrical Ideal 61-517 Manual

IDEAL® Test and Measurement

61-517 GFCI

Receptacle/VoltageTester

Operation and Safety Manual

TestEquipmentDepot.com

Instrucciones en español adentro / Instructions en français
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Notes

2

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

Contacting IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC ................. 3

Safety Information ...................................... 4

Warnings ...............................................................5-6

Cautions ................................................................... 6

Symbols ................................................................... 7

Operation............................................. 8-15

Identification and description of operating

controls and functions ..........................................8-9

Operating Features ................................................. 10

Meter Operation ...............................................11-12

Voltage and Polarity ........................................ 11

Testing a GFCI .................................................12

Polarity Indications Table ....................................... 13

Functions Operation Table ......................................14

Functions Indication Table .....................................14

Electrical Specifications ......................................... 15

Environmental Specifications ........................15

Mechanical .............................................16

EMC / EMI ...............................................16

FCC ................................................16

Safety ................................................16

Maintenance and Service ............................17

Disposal and Warranty ................................18

3

Introduction

The IDEAL 61-517 GFCI Receptacle Tester is a 120V AC plug in outlet
tester that indicates proper polarity or mis-wired outlets via Green and
Red LEDs and line voltage via a LCD. It also tests for GFCI functioning.

Arc Flash and Shock Hazard, Proper PPE Required. Follow all safety
procedures, wear proper PPE in accordance to NFPA 70E. Read and
fully understand the instruction manual prior to using this product.
Failure to comply can result in serious injury or death.

4

Safety Information

Warning - Identifies conditions and actions
that could result in possible death or serious injury if the hazard is
realized.

Caution - Identifies conditions and actions that could result
in meter damage, equipment under test damage or data loss if the
hazard is realized.

Arc Flash and Shock Hazard, Proper PPE Required. Follow all safety
procedures, wear proper PPE in accordance to NFPA 70E and follow
the guidelines below and the instructions in this manual when
operating the meter. Failure to comply can result in serious injury
or death.

• Choking Hazard, Small Parts. Keep Away from Children.

• Only experienced or technically competent consumers should

• Use the Meter only as specified in this manual or protection

• Before using or connecting the Meter, visually inspect it

• This Meter is intended for use by qualified electricians.

• Do not use without the batteries correctly in place and the

• Do not use Meter if it operates incorrectly as protection may

• When servicing the Meter, use only specified replacement

WARNING

Sharp Objects Hazard, This is not a toy. It is not for use or
play by children. Keep Away from Children. Failure to do so
can result in serious injury.

use this equipment. When in doubt, call an experienced
electrician to make any and all necessary repairs or
installations. At all times, perform any necessary work on a
de-energized circuit that has had its circuit breaker turned off
and has been locked out.

provided by the Meter can be compromised.

to ensure the cases are not cracked and the back case is
securely in place. Do not use if the Meter appears damaged.

Follow NFPA 70E Standards for Electrical Safety in the
Workplace when using this Meter.

battery door closed and secured.

be compromised. When in doubt, have the Meter serviced.

parts.

5

WARNING

Arc Flash and Shock Hazard, Proper PPE Required. Follow all safety
procedures, wear proper PPE in accordance to NFPA 70E and follow
the guidelines below and the instructions in this manual when
operating the meter. Failure to comply can result in serious injury
or death.

• Have the Meter serviced only by qualified service personnel.

• Do not use the Meter around explosive gas, dust, or vapor, or
during electrical storms, or in wet environments.

• Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on the
Meter, between the terminals or between any terminal and
earth ground.

• To avoid false readings that can lead to electrical shock
and injury, replace the batteries as soon as the low battery
indicator ( ) appears.

• Voltages exceeding 30VAC or 60VDC pose a shock hazard so
use caution.

• Do not work alone so that assistance can be rendered in an
emergency.

• Use extreme caution when working around bare conductors.
Contact with the conductor could result in electric shock.

• Adhere to local and national safety codes. Individual
protective equipment must be used to prevent shock and arc
blast injury where hazardous live conductors are exposed.

• Never operate the Meter with the back cover removed or the
case open.

• Cancer and Reproductive Harm

Meter damage, equipment under test damage or data loss can occur if
the following guidelines are not adhered to.

• Clean the case and accessories with a damp cloth and mild
detergents only. Do not use abrasives or solvents. Make sure
the meter is completely dry before use.

6

CAUTION

Symbols & Descriptions

SYMBOL DESCRIPTION

Arc Flash and Shock Hazard

Shock Hazard

Warning or Caution

Choking Hazard

AC (Alternating Current)

Low Battery Indicator

Earth Ground

IEC Measurement Category II

CAT II

CAT II has protection against transients
in fixed and non-fixed powered devices
including appliances, lighting, and 120V
or 240V equipment inside a building.

Voltage AC

VAC

LCD Liquid Crystal Display

Double Insulation

Do not dispose of this product as unsorted
municipal waste. It must be properly
disposed of in accordance with local
regulations.

Conforms to applicable North American
Safety Standards

7

Operation
Identification and Description of

Operating Controls and Functions
for the 61-517 GFCI Receptacle/
Voltage Tester:

1. On Off Button

2. GFCI Test Active LED

3. GFCI Test Button

4. Polarity Legend

5. AC Voltage LCD

6. Red-Green Polarity Indicator LEDs

7. Hot-Neutral-Ground Prongs

8

6

5

4

1

3

6

2

7

9

Operating Features

High Voltage Warning (HI-V)

The meter indicates a when measuring ~120V AC

Backlight

Backlight is always on when

meter is functioning.

10

Meter Operation

Voltage and Polarity

First, turn the meter on by pressing the ON/OFF Button and then
insert into an outlet. If the batteries are good, the 61-517 will beep
continuously to indicate live voltage, display the correct voltage,
and indicate 3 bright green LEDS on the top and the bottom IF the
HOT NEUTRAL and GROUND polarity of the outlet is correct. After
removing the 61-517 from an outlet it will continue to display the
polarity LED’s and measured voltage value for 5 seconds and shut off
after 3 minutes of inactivity. This gives the user time to unplug from
hard to reach or limited access outlets such as those behind furniture
and still have a clear indication of the outlets condition.

If any other polarity condition is encountered other than correct
H-N-G, one or more red lights will illuminate. Refer to the legend to
identify the incorrect wiring condition.

See table on page 13 for all conditions the 61-517 can detect.

NOTE: The 61-517 will automatically turn itself on when inserted into
a live outlet.

11

Testing a GFCI

Turn the unit on. Insert the unit into a live GFCI receptacle. Confirm
that the 3 polarity indicators are all green. Press and hold the GFCI
button for 6 seconds or until the GFCI trips. The light next to the GFCI
button will turn RED until the GFCI trips. If the GFCI DOES NOT trip
then a defective GFCI or a wiring issue is likely the cause.

NOTE: Modern GFCI’s will trip when self testing even without a ground
connected. The 61-517 requires a low impedance ground to trip a
GFCI. If the GFCI does not trip, pressing the GFCI repeatedly or for
more than 6 seconds will not make it function and may cause damage
to the 61-517.

12

Polarity Indications Table

Wire

Indication When Plugged Into Outlet (Values Maintained for 5

Condition

Correct Wiring

is indicated
by 3 Green

LED’s

Open (No)

Neutral

Open (No) Hot NA 000V display on LCD

Open (No)

Ground

Hot and Ground

Reversed

Hot and Neutral

Reversed

Hot on Ground
and Open (No)

Ground

One or more red

LED’s indicates

incorrect polarity

and a miswired

outlet.

Seconds After Unplugging from Outlet)

LED Indication Buzzer LCD display

Green (G)

Red (R)

Off (O)

1. 5s continuous beep

(if Voltage between 108

~ 132 VAC(120+/-

2. 5s intermittent beep
if voltage <108VAC or

>132VAC

5s intermittent beep Err displayed on LCD

5s intermittent beep

5s intermittent beep Err displayed on LCD

5s intermittent beep

5s intermittent beep Err displayed on LCD

10%))

1. If Voltage is between 85
~ 150VAC, LCD Displays

Live voltage

2. If voltage is <85VAC,

recycle displays “”85--LO-

-85””; if >150VAC, LCD

recycle displays “”150--

OL---150””

1. If Voltage is between 85
~ 150VAC, LCD Displays

Live voltage

2. If voltage is <85VAC,

recycle displays “”85--LO-

-85””; if >150VAC, LCD

recycle displays “”150--

OL---150””

1. If Voltage is between 85
~ 150VAC, LCD Displays

Live voltage

2. If voltage is <85VAC,

recycle displays “”85--LO-

-85””; if >150VAC, LCD

recycle displays “”150--

OL---150””

13

Functions Operation Table

Button Response

Silent Mode Audible

Default

Function

Turns ON OFF

RED LED OFF

Operation

1) Press the on button for
longer than 2 sec. The unit
will turn on and be in the
silent mode.

2) Press the ON button for
less than 1 sec. The unit
will turn on and be in the
audible mode.

3) Press the ON/OFF
button for longer than
2 seconds when unit is
on to turn off. Unit will
automatically power off
after 2 minutes.

4) Press the GFCI Button
to test a GFCI.

Functions Indication Table

Function Description

LCD 300 count LCD. Displays VAC and
LCD Backlight White backlight.
High Voltage

Alarm

Over Range
Indication

Low Battery
Indication

APO No button presses for 3 minutes will be automat-

14

1) Effective setting: ACV.

2) In ACV/DCV, voltage measurement value:
ACV/DCV ≥30V, LCD displays high voltage
alarm is Simultaneously the buzzer emits a
continuous tone.

LCD displays “OL” when over range is
encountered.

The “ ” symbol appears in the LCD display
with insufficient voltage. The low battery icon will
flash for 5 seconds and the unit will power off.
This ensures accurate readings.

ically cause the unit to shut down and enter the
low-power state.

Function Range Resolution Accuracy

61-517 ±(a%+b)

AC Voltage (V) 150V 1V ±(3.0%+2)

GFI (mA) 6mA~9mA 102V,>6.0mA ±(2.0%+5)

Environmental Specifications

Operating Temperature:

Operating Altitude:

Storage Temperature:

Intended for indoor use.

32ºF to 104ºF (0ºC to 40ºC)

(<80%RH)

6500 ft (2000 m)

14ºF to 122ºF (-10ºC to 50ºC)

(<80%RH)

15

Mechanical Specifications

Dimensions: (L x W x H)

Weight: 0.25 LBS (0.1 KG)
Display: LCD
Display Count: 300
Power Source: 2 x 1.5V AAA
Battery Life: 100 Hours Typical

3.25 in. x 2.6 in. x 1.25 in.

(85 mm x 65 mm x 33 mm)

EMC/EMI

CISPR 22 3rd Edition. Class B Limits.
EN 55032
CISPR 32
CISPR 11
FCC 15. 107 with reference to Section 15.109 (g).
ICES-003
EN 61326-2-2 Sec 6.4.2.101

USA (FCC)

47 CFR 15 subpart B. This product is considered an exempt device
per clause 15.103.

Safety

Complies with the following:
IEC 61010-1, Edition 3 (2010-06) +AMD1 (2016-12)
ANSI/UL/IEC EN 61010-1, Edition 3 (2016-04-29)
CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1-12 Edition 3 (2019-07-19)
IEC 61010-031 Hand-held Probe Assemblies (2015-

05)+AMD1(2018-05)
IEC 61010-2-033 (2019-06)
UL1436
Overvoltage CAT II 150V.
Any voltages exceeding the defined maximum voltage measurement
categories described above are outside the normal use of the equip­ment and protection cannot be guaranteed.
Pollution Degree Class 2

16

Maintenance and Service

Equipment Maintenance and Service

Meter Inspection

Do not use if meter appears damaged. Visually inspect the meter to
ensure case is not cracked.

Prong Inspection

Inspect the insertion prongs and ground pin for any signs of corrosion
and for straightness. If the blades are bent, do no use the unit. Return
to IDEAL for service.

Battery Inspection/Replacement

Inspect the battery compartment monthly for any signs of degradation.
Low battery voltages will cause inaccuracies in readings. Remove the
batteries for storage or if the meter will not be used for longer than one
month. Battery leakage will compromise the safety of the meter and
cause irreparable damage to internal components.

Maintenance and Storage

Switch off and disconnect the meter completely before carrying
out any maintenance. Clean the case with a damp cloth and mild
detergent. Do not use abrasives or solvents. Keep away from liquids
and ensure the meter is completely dry before use.

Service and Replacement Parts

This unit has no user-serviceable parts.

17

Disposal of Waste, Electrical & Electronic
Equipment

In order to preserve, protect and improve the quality of the environment, protect human
health and utilize natural resources prudently and rationally, the user should return
unserviceable product to relevant facilities in accordance with statutory regulations. The
crossed-out wheeled bin indicates the product needs to be disposed separately and not
as municipal waste.

Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal waste. It must be properly disposed
of in accordance with local regulations.

Disposal of Used Batteries/Accumulators

The user is legally obliged to return used batteries and accumulators. Disposing used
batteries in household waste is prohibited! Batteries/accumulators containing hazardous
substances are marked with the crossed-out wheeled bin. The symbol indicates that the
product is forbidden to be disposed via domestic refuse. The chemical symbols for the
respective hazardous substances are Cd = Cadmium, Hg = Mercury, Pb = Lead.

You can return used batteries/accumulators free of charge to any collecting point of your
local authority, our stores, or where batteries/accumulators are sold. Consequently, you
must comply with your legal obligations and contribute to environmental protection.

TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

This tester is warranted to the original purchaser against defects in material and
workmanship for a period of two (2) years from date of purchase. With proof of purchase
from an authorized IDEAL distributor, a defective tester will be repaired or replaced with
the same product or a functionally equivalent product, at the option of IDEAL
INDUSTRIES, INC. during the warranty period, subject to verification of the defect or
malfunction. Warranty does not cover consumables such as fuses, batteries, and excludes
defects caused by leakage from batteries, abuse, mishandling, dropping, ordinary wear and
tear, misuse, neglect, unauthorized repair, improper use, alterations, accidents or any
causes beyond IDEAL’s reasonable control. Consequential or incidental damages are not
recoverable under this warranty. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not
apply to you. This LIMITED WARRANTY gives you specific legal rights, which vary from
state to state. This warranty constitutes the sole and exclusive remedy of the purchaser and
the exclusive liability of IDEAL, and is in lieu of any and all other warranties, and expressly
disclaims all other warranties, implied, or statutory as to merchantability, fitness for
purpose sold, description, quality productiveness, or any other matter. No agent,
distributor or other supplier has the authority to modify or amend this warranty or make
other representations or warranties other than those contained in this warranty without
express written authorization from IDEAL. For warranty service, call IDEAL customer
service at 1-800-435-0705.

Made in China.

18