Safety guidelines are provided with clamp meters to help users avoid electrical shock or personal injury. Always follow manual specifications and use the meter only as specified in the manual, otherwise the protection provided by the meter can be compromised. When servicing the meter, use only specified replacement parts. Have the meter serviced only by qualified service personnel.
Start with this checklist
- Examine the case before you use the meter. Look for cracks or missing plastic.
- Carefully look at the insulation around the connectors.
- Examine the test probes for damaged insulation or exposed metal. Check test probe continuity. Replace damaged test probes before using the meter.
- Do not use the meter if it operates incorrectly. Protection can be compromised. When in doubt, have the meter serviced.
- Use only the specified battery type, properly installed in the meter case, to power the meter.
- Make sure the battery door is closed and latched before operating the meter.
- Remove the test probes from the meter before the battery door is opened.
- Never measure current while the test probes are inserted into the input jacks.
- Never operate the meter with the back cover removed or the case open.
- Connect the common test probe before connecting the live test probe. When disconnecting test probes, disconnect the live test probe first.
- Do not use the flexible current sensor if the inner contrasting insulation color is showing.
- To avoid false readings that can lead to electrical shock and injury, replace the batteries as soon as the low-battery indicator
appears.
appears.Stay safe and follow regulations
Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid using the meter around explosive gas, vapor or in damp or wet environments. When measuring current with the meter's Jaw, keep fingers behind the tactile barrier.
Always 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. Working alone is a huge risk, so always work with at least one other so assistance can be rendered in an emergency. Voltages > 30 V ac rms, 42 V ac peak, or 60 V dc pose a shock hazard. Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on the meter, between the terminals or between any terminal and earth ground.
When using a flexible current probe, take special care while fitting and removing the probe. De-energize the installation under test or wear suitable protective clothing. When using the probes, keep fingers behind the finger guards on the probes. Do not apply a flexible current probe around or remove from HAZARDOUS LIVE conductors. Use extreme caution when working around bare conductors or bus bars. Contact with the conductor could result in electric shock.