IDEAL Electrical Ideal 61-744 Manual

600 AAC Clamp Meter

Instruction Manual

CLAMP
CAT.III

V

61-746

V

Ω

40

A

600

OFF

NCV

True RMS

HOLD

APO

DC

KACmΩ V

COM

CAT.III

600V

V/Ω

#61-744
#61-746

Read First: Safety Information
Understand and follow operating instructions carefully. Use the meter, test leads
and all accessories only as specified in this manual; otherwise, the protection
provided by the meter can be impaired.

WARNING

To avoid possible electric shock, personal injury or death, follow these
guidelines:

• Do not use if meter appears damaged. Visually inspect the meter to ensure case
and jaws are not cracked.

• Inspect and replace test leads if insulation is damaged, metal is exposed, or
probes are cracked. Pay particular attention to the insulation surrounding the
connectors.

Register your product and access more information at www.idealindustries.com

•

600V
600A

To preserve the safety rating of this product, use only test leads with a minimum
rating of CAT III 600V. Do not use improvised connections that could present a safety
hazard.

• Note that the measurement category and voltage rating of combinations of
the meter, the test leads, and the accessories is the lowest of the individual
components.

• Do not use meter if it operates abnormally as protection maybe impaired.

• Do not use during electrical storms or in wet weather.

• Do not use around explosive gas, dust, vapor, amperage or in damp or wet
environments.

• Do not apply more than the rated voltage or amperage.

• Remove the test leads from the input jacks before measuring current.

• Replace battery as soon as battery indicator appears to avoid false readings.

• Remove the test leads from the meter prior to removing battery cover.

• Do not use without the battery and battery cover properly installed.

AM

• Do not attempt to repair this unit as it has no user-serviceable parts.

• Use the proper terminals, functions and range for your measurements.

• Never ground yourself when taking electrical measurements.

• Connect the black common lead to ground or neutral before applying the red test
lead to potential voltage. Disconnect the red test lead from the voltage first.

• Keep fingers behind the guard rings of the probe tips.

• Hold the clamp behind the tactile barrier.

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Page 2

CAUTION
To protect yourself, think “Safety First”:

• Comply with local and national safety codes.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as face shields, insulating
gloves, insulating boots, and/or insulating mats.

• Before each use:

- Perform a continuity test by touching the test leads together to verify the

functionality of the battery and test leads.

- Use the 3 Point Safety Method. (1) Verify meter operation by measuring a

known voltage. (2) Apply meter to circuit under test. (3) Return to the
known live voltage again to ensure proper operation.

• Always work with a partner.

Features:

• Auto/manual ranging clamp meter

• Non-Contact Voltage (70-600VAC)

• Measures 600 AAC Current

• Measures AC/DC Voltage and Resistance

• Audible continuity

• Data hold

• Auto Power Off

• Low Battery Indicator

• Compact jaws for reaching into tight spaces

• Electronic overload protection on all ranges

• 61-744 model is averaging sensing, rms calibrated

• 61-746 model is true rms sensing.

Features

1. Jaw Clamp

2. Lever

3. Function Dial

4. Display (LCD)

5. Volts and resistance (V-Ω)
input terminal

6. Common (COM) input terminal

7. Non-Contact Voltage (NCV)

8. Range ( )

9. Data Hold

10. Measuring Functions

11. Tactile Barrier

2

10

Display Icons

1. 4000 count display

2. Units of measure

7

3. Voltage

4. Amperes

5. Ohms

6. Continuity

6

7. AC measurement is selected

8. DC measurement is selected

9. Polarity indicator for DC

10. Low battery indicator

11. Range ( )

12. Data hold

13. APO - Auto Power Off

7
9
8

Symbols on the Unit

• Warning - read the instruction manual

• NCV - Non-Contact Voltage

• Cat III - 600V Safety category

CLAMP
CAT.III

V

61-746

V

Ω

40

A

600

OFF

NCV

True RMS

HOLD

DC

KACmΩ V

COM

CAT.III

600V

11 12 13

HOLD APO

AC

DC

K M Ω m VA

10

2

5

APO

1

600V
600A

11

9

3

8

4

AM

V/Ω

5

6

1

4

3

Page 3

Page 4

Symbols on the Unit

Risk of Danger. Important Information. See Manual.

Hazardous voltage. Risk of electrical shock.

Application around and removal from Hazardous Live conductors is permitted.

~

CAT II

CAT III

CAT IV

AC (Alternating Current)

...

DC (Direct Current)

Earth Ground

Measurement Category II applies to test and measuring circuits connected directly to
utilization points (socket outlets and similar points) of the low-voltage installation

Measurement Category III applies to measuring circuits connected to the distribution
part of the building’s low-voltage installation

Measurement Category IV applies to test and measuring circuits connected at the
source of the building’s low-voltage installation

Auto/Manual Ranging Mode ( )
The meter defaults to autoranging mode when powered on. In this mode, the meter
automatically selects the best range to display the measurement. By pressing the
Range ( ) button on the meter, the manual range mode will override the auto­ranging feature of the meter. A ( ) appears in the upper left side of the display.
Continue pressing the Range button until the desired range is obtained. Use this
mode to lock in a specific range for repeated measurements. To return to the
autoranging mode, either depress the Range button for greater than 1 second or turn
the meter off and then back on again.

Data Hold Feature

Press the Hold button on the side of the meter to toggle in and out of the data hold
mode. “HOLD” appears in the upper left of the meter display when data hold is
active. Use the data hold feature to lock a measurement reading on the display.
Press the Hold button again to unlock the display and obtain a real-time reading.

Test Leads

CAT IV 600V
CAT III 1000V

CAT II 1000V

Guard ring

OPERATION:
Non-contact voltage (NCV)

With the NCV tab on the tip of the clamp close to an AC voltage, press the NCV but­ton. The NCV LED will light and the beeper will sound. The closer the NCV tab is to
AC voltage, the louder the beep. To differentiate between hot and neutral in an outlet,
insert the NCV tab into each slot in the outlet. The beeper will be much louder on
the hot side of the outlet than the neutral. The test lead can also be used to differen­tiate between the hot and neutral. Plug the red test lead into the V/Ω input jack on
the meter. Press the NCV button and insert the probe tip into each slot of the outlet.
The beeper will only beep on the hot side of the outlet.

Page 5

Auto Power Off (APO) Feature

The meter automatically powers itself down after about 10 minutes of no use. Press
any button, and the meter will wake up and display the last reading taken before
power down. This feature can be overridden by holding the Range ( ) button while
turning the function switch from Off to any other position. When APO is defeated,
the “APO” will be removed from the display. Turning the meter off will restore the
APO default.

Page 6

V

Ω

V

40

A

600

600V
600A

61-746

Measuring AC Current (Amps):

V

Ω

V

600V
600A

V

V

600V
600A

V

Ω

V

40

600V
600A

61-746

V

Ω

V

600V
600A

61-746

61-746

40

A

NCV

DC

V

Ω

600

OFF

True RMS

HOLD

KACmΩ V

COM

600V
600A

V

APO

AM

V/Ω

CAT.III
600V

CLAMP
CAT.III

Measuring Resistance (Ohms):

• Verify the circuit is de-energized to obtain accurate measurements.

H

600V

CLAMP
CAT.III

61-746

40

A

NCV

DC

V

Ω

600

OFF

True RMS

HOLD

KACmΩ V

COM

CAT.III
600V

600V
600A

V

APO

AM

V/Ω

CLAMP
CAT.III

61-746

40

A

NCV

DC

KACmΩ V

COM

600V
600A

N

V

V

Ω

600

OFF

True RMS

HOLD

APO

AM

V/Ω

CAT.III
600V

CLAMP
CAT.III

61-746

40

A

NCV

DC

COM

V

Ω

600

OFF

True RMS

HOLD

KACmΩ V

600A

V

APO

AM

V/Ω

CAT.III

600V

CORRECT

Single

Conductor

only

INCORRECT

Currents

cancel

CORRECT

Use with

line splitter

Measuring Voltage:

Verifying Continuity ( ):

600V

CLAMP

CAT.III

61-746

40

A

NCV

DC

COM

V

Ω

600

OFF

True RMS

HOLD

KACmΩ V

600A

V

APO

AM

V/Ω

CAT.III
600V

• Verify the circuit is de-energized.

600V

CLAMP
CAT.III

600A

V

61-746

V

Ω

40
A

600

OFF

NCV

True RMS

HOLD

APO

DC

AM

KACmΩ V

V/Ω

COM

CAT.III
600V

600V

CLAMP
CAT.III

600A

V

61-746

V

Ω

40

A

600

OFF

NCV

True RMS

HOLD

APO

DC

AM

KACmΩ V

V/Ω

COM

CAT.III
600V

• The meter will sense the level of
resistance and beep if the resistance
is less than 25Ω to confirm that
continuity is present.

Closed

AC Voltage DC Voltage

Page 7

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Circuit

CLAMP
CAT.III

V

61-746

V

Ω

40

A

600

OFF

NCV

True RMS

HOLD

APO

DC

KACmΩ V

COM

CAT.III
600V

Open

Circuit

600V
600A

AM

V/Ω

Battery Replacement:

• Ensure test leads are disconnected from
circuit or components.

• Remove test leads from input jacks
on meter.

• Remove the two screws from the
battery cap.

+

-

-

+

• Remove the battery cap.

• Replace batteries with two
“AAA” batteries.

• Assemble the battery cap
to the meter and re-tighten
the screws.

Maintenance:

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.

For replacement parts or to inquire about service information contact IDEAL
INDUSTRIES, INC. at 1-877-201-9005 or visit our website www.idealindustries.com.

Specifications:

Display: 3-3/4 digit LCD with 4000 counts
Polarity: Automatic, positive implied, negative (-) polarity indication.
Overrange: “OL” indication is displayed.
Measure Rate: Samples 2 times per second, nominal.
Auto Power Off: Approximately after 10 minutes of non-use.
Battery Life: 400 hours continuous with Alkaline (61-744)

250 hours continuous with Alkaline (61-746)

Low Battery Indication: The “ “ is displayed when battery voltage drops below

+

operating level.
Power Supply: (2) 1.5V “AAA” batteries (NEDA R03).

Includes an isolated battery compartment.
Accuracy: Stated accuracy at 23°C ±5°C, <75% R.H.
Temperature 0.1 x (specified accuracy) per °C,
Coefficient: (0°C to 18°C, 28°C to 50°C).
Altitude: 6561.7 ft. (2000m)
Operating Environment: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C) at < 70% R.H.
Storage Environment: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C) at < 80% R.H.
Jaw Opening: Accepts a 1.50” (38mm) conductor
Dimensions: 8.0”H x 2.6”W x 1.5”D (203mm H x65mm W x37mm D)
Weight: 7.1 oz (200g) including batteries
Accessories included: Carrying Case, Test Leads, (2) 1.5V “AAA” batteries,

operating instructions.
Safety: Complies with UL/IEC/EN: 61010-1, 61010-2-032,

61010-031 specifications, Cat III-600V.

N12966

Double Insulation
Instrument has been evaluated and complies with insulation category III (overvoltage
category III). Pollution degree 2 in accordance with IEC-644. Indoor use.

Ranges & Accuracies:

AC Converter:

61-744 model is averaging sensing, rms calibrated
61-746 model is true rms sensing.

Accuracy:

Accuracy is specified as +/-(a percentage of the reading + a fixed amount) at
23°C±5°C (73.4°F ± 9°F), less than 75% relative humidity.

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Page 10

Temperature Coefficient: 0.1 times the applicable accuracy specification per
degree C from 0°C to 18°C and 28°C to 50°C (32°F to 64°F and 82°F to 122°F)

Function

AC Current*

40.00A//400.0A/600A (50Hz - 60Hz) 1.7% + 6 digits 1.7% + 10 digits

40.00A/400.0A/600A (60Hz - 400Hz) 3.0% + 6 digits 3.0% + 10 digits

400.0V (50Hz - 500Hz) 1.2% + 5 digits 1.2% + 8 digits

AC Voltage

600V (50Hz - 500Hz) 1.5% + 5 digits 1.5% + 8 digits

DC Voltage 400.0V/600V 0.5% + 2 digits 600 VDC or AC rms

400.0k Ω

Resistance

40.00MΩ 3.0% + 5 digits

Audible indication < 25Ω

Continuity

Response time: 500ms

Range and
Resolution

400.0Ω/4.000kΩ/40.00kΩ/

4.000MΩ 1.5% + 4 digits

61-744 61-746

Accuracy

600 VDC or AC rms

1.0% + 4 digits

600 VDC or AC rms

N/A 600 VDC or AC rms

Overload

Protection

600AAC

* Accuracy stated for crest factor ≤ 3
Input Impedance is 10MΩ.

Warranty Statement:

This tester is warranted to the original purchaser against defects in material and
workmanship for two years from the date of purchase. During this warranty period,
IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. will, at its option, replace or repair the defective unit,
subject to verification of the defect or malfunction.

This warranty does not cover fuses, batteries or damage 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 may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.

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