HARBOR FREIGHT 59458 400 Amp TRMS Auto Ranging Digital Clamp Meter Owner’s Manual

June 13, 2024
HARBOR FREIGHT

HARBOR FREIGHT logoHARBOR FREIGHT 59458 400 Amp TRMS Auto Ranging Digital
Clamp Meter - logo TRMS AC 600V CAT Ill
BASIC CLAMP METER

59458 400 Amp TRMS Auto Ranging Digital Clamp Meter

HARBOR FREIGHT 59458 400 Amp TRMS Auto Ranging Digital Clamp
Meter

Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions
Save This Manual Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly, operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number in the back of the manual near the assembly diagram (or month and year of purchase if product has no number). Keep this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry place for future reference.
22h
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Email our technical support at: productsupport@harborfreight.com
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken, please call 1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible.
©Copyright 2018 by Harbor Freight Tools® All rights reserved.
No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.
WARNING
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
WARNING SyMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
DANGER
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE CAUTION
Addresses practices not related to personal injury.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Safety Warnings and precautions
WARNING
Read all safety warnings and all instructions.

Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.

  1. Electrical shock can cause death or injury! NEVER TOUCH exposed conductors of electricity.

  2. Test cable voltages with care. Only use one hand when securing the clamp around cable.

  3. Inspect the Meter before use. In addition to a general inspection, look specifically for:
    a. Pay special attention to the insulation protecting the connectors.
    b. Check the leads for exposed metal, damaged insulation, and continuity.
    c. Replace damaged test lead immediately, before use.

  4. Do not use the Meter if:
    a. The test lead is damaged in any way.
    b. The battery is low.
    c. Near any explosive gasses or fumes.
    d. Any abnormal operation is detected. (If in doubt about the condition of the Meter, have it serviced.)
    e. Any abnormal operation is detected. (If in doubt about the condition of the Meter, have it serviced before use.)
    f. The battery cover is open.

  5. This Meter should be powered only by 3, correctly installed AAA batteries.

  6. Use caution when working near voltages above 30 VAC rms, 42 VAC peak, or 60 VDC. Voltages this high present a risk of electric shock.

  7. Connect the common (COM) test lead first and disconnect it last.

  8. Hold the probes with fingers behind guards.

  9. Avoid electrical shock. Use extreme caution when working near uninsulated conductors or bus bars. Prevent body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and cabinet enclosures when testing voltages.

  10. Observe work area conditions. Do not test voltages in damp or wet locations. Don’t expose to rain. Keep work area clean and well lit.

  11. Keep children away. Children must never be allowed in the work area.

  12. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing, use common sense. Do not operate any Meter when you are tired.

  13. Do not operate Meter if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Read warning labels on prescriptions to determine if your judgment or reflexes are impaired while taking drugs. If there is any doubt, do not operate the Meter.

  14. People with pacemakers should consult their physician(s) before use. Electromagnetic fields in close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure.

  15. Do not test voltage on circuits higher than 600 volts. This type of testing should only be done by a qualified electrician.

  16. Do not test current on circuits higher than 600A.

  17. Store idle equipment. When not in use, Meter must be stored in a dry location to decrease exposure to moisture. Lock up Meter and keep out of reach of children.

  18. Dress properly. Protective, electrically nonconductive clothes and nonskid footwear are recommended when working.

  19. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles during use.

  20. Only use accessories intended for use with this Meter.

  21. The warnings, cautions, and instructions discussed in this instruction manual cannot cover all possible conditions and situations that may occur. It must be understood by the operator that common sense and caution are factors which cannot be built into this product, but must be supplied by the operator.

  22. Avoid damaging Meter. Use only as specified in this manual.

  23. Performance of this Meter may vary depending on battery condition.

  24. Use the proper settings, terminals, techniques, and range for the tests performed. Start with the range stated in the instructions.

  25. Do not apply voltage to the Test Leads when the Meter is in the Ohms testing setting. Damage can occur to the Meter.

  26. Do not switch between testing modes with the Meter connected to a circuit.

  27. Prior to testing capacitors, resistance, diodes, or continuity; disconnect all power to the circuit and discharge all high-voltage capacitors.

  28. Have the Meter calibrated by a qualified technician every year. A Meter that is not calibrated yearly may not yield accurate results.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Specifications

DC Voltage Ranges: 200mV / 2V / 20V / 200V / 600V
DC Voltage Accuracy 200mV to 200V 1.5% of rdg + 2d 600V 2% of rdg +2d
TRMS AC Voltage Ranges: 2V/20V/200V/600V

Frequency Range: 50-400Hz
TRMS AC Voltage Accuracy| 2V to 200V 1.5% of rdg + 8d 600V 2.5% of rdg +8d
TRMS AC Current| Ranges: 2A / 20A / 200A / 400A
Frequency Range: 50-60Hz
TRMS AC Current Accuracy| (@2A @400A 3.0% + 8d) ± 2.5% of rdg + 8D
(@20A & 200A) ± 2.5% of rdg + 5D
Resistance| Ranges: 200Ω / 2KΩ / 20KΩ/ 200KΩ/ 2MΩ/ 20MΩ
Resistance Accuracy| (@200Ω) ± 1.0% of rdg + 4D
(@2kΩ-200k0) ± 1.5% of rdg + 4D
(@2MΩ) ± 2.5% of rdg + 4D
(@20MΩ) ± 3.5% of rdg + 4D
Continuity| Meter beeps at < 50Ω
Diode Test| Forward DC Current:~ 1 mA
Reverse DC Voltage: ~2V
Sampling Rate| ~3 times/second
Storage Temperature| Range: -4°F to 140°F
Operating Temperature| Range: 41° – 104° F
Operating Humidity| Max 80% RH
Storage Humidity| < 80% RH
Operating Altitude| 7000ft. (2000meters) maximum
Max Jaw Opening| 1.2″
Battery| 3x AAA batteries (included)

Setup – Before Use:

Read the ENTIRE IMpORTANT SAFETy INFORMATION section at the beginning of this manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
FunctionsHARBOR FREIGHT 59458 400 Amp TRMS Auto Ranging Digital Clamp
Meter - Functions

DisplayHARBOR FREIGHT 59458 400 Amp TRMS Auto Ranging Digital Clamp
Meter - Display

Symbol Description
Ac Alternating Current
Dc Direct Current
Minus Sign
Low Battery
Diode Test
Audible Continuity
Auto Power Off
MAX Maximum
MIN Minimum
Data Hold Mode
AUTO Auto Range Mode
2000 count LcD Display 0 to 1999 measurement Reading
mV, V Volts (Voltage)
μA, mA, A Amps (Current)
Ω, kΩ, MΩ Ohms (Resistance)

Operating Instructions

Read the ENTIRE IMpORTANT SAFETy INFORMATION section at the beginning of this manual including all text under subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
Electrical shock can cause death or injury! NEVER TOUcH exposed conductors of electricity.
General Operating Instructions
MODE/Auto Backlight

Press and hold the MODE/Auto Backlight button for 2 seconds to turn the backlight on. Press again for 2 seconds to turn the backlight off.
Note: the Backlight will only illuminate in dark areas, or if the light sensor below the LCD screen is covered.
Note: Frequent use of the backlight will shorten the life of the batteries. Only use the backlight when necessary.
Data Hold/Backlight

  • To freeze the LCD meter reading, press the Hold/Backlight button.
  • While data hold is active, the HOLD display icon appears on the LCD.
  • Press the Hold/Backlight Button again to return to normal operation.
  • Press and hold the Hold/Backlight Button for 2 seconds to turn the backlight on, press again for 2 seconds to turn the backlight off.

Note: the Backlight will only illuminate in dark areas, or if the light sensor below the LCD screen is covered.
Note: Frequent use of the backlight will shorten the life of the batteries. Only use the backlight when necessary.
MAX/MIN Button

  1. Press the MAX/MIN Button to activate the MAX/MIN/ mode, “MAX” will appear on the LCD display, the Meter will display and hold the highest reading and update the reading when a higher “Max” occurs.
  2. Press the MAX/MIN Button again to view the lowest reading, “MIN” will appear on the LCD display, the Meter will display and hold the lowest reading and update the reading when a lower “MIN” occurs.
  3. Press and hold the MAX/MIN Button for 2 seconds to end MAX/MIN/and return to normal operation.

Note: MAX/MIN does not work on Continuity.
Auto power Off
If Meter is not used for approximately 15 minutes, it will automatically turn it self off to conserve battery power. To turn Meter back on after auto-off, press any button or turn the Rotary Function Switch. To disable Auto
Power Off Mode, hold down the MODE button and then power on.
Measurement Operation
Note: Remove plugs from ends of Test Leads (included) before connecting to Meter.
Note: Test Lead probes have removable covers for overvoltage protection. With covers in place, Test Leads are rated for use with CAT III circuits. Exposed probes are rated for use with CAT II circuits.
Current Measurement
Measure AC conductors carrying up to 400 amperes.
WARNING! TO pREVENT SERIOUS INJURy: To avoid electric shock, use only one hand to hold Meter when measuring current.
AUTION! Remove Test Leads before taking measurements with the Current Clamp.
Note: To measure 2- and 3-wire power cords, use an AC Line Splitter (not included) and follow its instructions.

  1. Turn Rotary Switch to 2A~400A range. Start with highest range if amperage is unknown.

  2. Using one hand, press Trigger to open Clamp jaws. Position Clamp jaws around conductor to be tested.
    HARBOR FREIGHT 59458 400 Amp TRMS Auto Ranging Digital Clamp Meter - Clamp
jaws

  3. Center conductor between guides in Clamp Jaws, as shown.

  4. Read measured current on the Display. Switch to lower ranges, as necessary, to get the most accurate reading.

  5. When testing is complete, turn Rotary Switch to OFF, and store Meter.

Ac Voltage Measurement
Measure AC conductors carrying up to 600V, 40-400 Hz.
WARNING! TO pREVENT SERIOUS INJURy: Use caution when working near voltages above 30 VAC rms, 42 VAC peak, or 60 VDC. Voltages this high present a risk of electric shock.

  1. Plug black test lead into cOM Jack. Plug red test lead into INpUT Jack.
  2. Turn Rotary Switch to the position to choose AC voltage.
  3. Carefully touch exposed conductors with tips of probes.
  4. Read measured voltage on the Display.
  5. When testing is complete, turn Rotary Switch to OFF, remove Test Leads and store with Meter.

Note: If voltage is too high, Display will read OL.
Dc Voltage Measurement
Measure DC conductors carrying up to 600 VDC.
WARNING! TO pREVENT SERIOUS INJURy: Use caution when working near voltages above 30 VAC rms, 42 VAC peak, or 60 VDC. Voltages this high present a risk of electric shock.

  1. Plug black test lead into cOM Jack. Plug red test lead into INpUT Jack.
  2. Turn Rotary Switch to the position to choose DC voltage.
  3. Carefully touch exposed conductors with tips of probes.
  4. Read measured voltage on the Display
  5. When testing is complete, turn Rotary Switch to OFF, remove Test Leads and store with Meter.

Note: If voltage is too high, Display will read OL.
continuity Measurement
Test continuity between two points of a circuit.
AUTION! To prevent electric shock, turn off all power and fully discharge capacitors on the circuit under test before measuring.

  1. Plug black test lead into COM Jack. Plug red test lead into INPUT Jack.
  2. Turn Rotary Switch to the position.
  3. Press MODE until is displayed.
  4. Connect the test leads across the circuit to be measured.
  5. Read measured resistance on the Display. If measured resistance is less than 50Ω Meter will beep; if the circuit is open, the display will indicate “OL”.
  6. When testing is complete, turn Rotary Switch to OFF, remove Test Leads and store with Meter.

Diode Measurement
Test voltage drop in diodes.
WARNING! TO pREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY: To prevent electric shock, turn off all power and fully discharge capacitors on the circuit under test before measuring.

  1. Plug black test lead into COM Jack. Plug red test lead into INpUT Jack.

  2. Turn Rotary Switch to the  position.

  3. Press MODE until is displayed.

  4. Connect red probe to diode’s anode and black probe to its cathode.

  5. Read measured forward biased voltage drop on the Display.
    Note: If the leads are reversed, OL is displayed.

  6. When testing is complete, turn Rotary Switch to OFF, remove Test Leads and store with Meter.

Resistance Measurement
WARNING! TO pREVENT SERIOUS INJURY : To prevent electric shock, turn ofall power and fully discharge capacitors on the circuit under test before measuring.
Note: When measuring Ohms, start with the lowest range if the resistance is unknown.

  1. Plug black test lead into OM Jack. Plug red test lead into INPUT Jack.
  2. Turn Rotary Switch to the position.
  3. Press MODE until Ω is displayed.
  4. Carefully touch exposed conductors with tips of probes.
  5. Read measured resistance on the Display.
  6. When testing is complete, turn Rotary Switch to OFF, remove Test Leads and store with Meter.

Note: Sometimes resistor value and measured resistance differ. This is due to the Meter’s output test current going through all possible paths between leads.
Note: For low resistance measurements, short the test leads and record the resistance displayed. Then connect to the circuit and subtract the recorded resistance from the measurement for the most accurate results.
Ac NcV (Non-contact Voltage)

  1. Turn Rotary Switch to the position.
  2. Move the tip of the clamp close to the unshielded conductor.
  3. If AC voltage is present, the LCD will display 1 to 3 dashes, Meter will beep and the Non-Contact Voltage Indicator will flash. The higher the AC voltage, the more dashes that will be displayed. Thicker wire insulation, and different power outlets will give lower reading.

WARNING! TO pREVENT SERIOUS INJURY: Even if no indication is given, voltage may still be present. Do not rely solely on NCV detection to determine the presence of voltage.

Maintenance and Servicing

procedures not specifically explained in this manual must be performed only by a qualified technician.

cleaning, Maintenance, and Lubrication

  1. Wipe unit with a dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasives.
  2. Remove batteries if not in use for long periods.
  3. Store unit in a dry location.
  4. Other than the batteries, there are no replaceable parts on this unit. Repairs should be done by a qualified technician.

Battery Replacement

If the symbol appears on the LCD display, the battery should be replaced.

  1. Remove Test Leads from the Meter.
  2. Turn the unit over.
  3. Remove screw on battery cover.
  4. Remove battery cover carefully.
  5. Pull batteries out of unit and replace with the same.
  6. Replace cover and retighten screw.

Calibration
Have the Meter calibrated by a qualified technician every year to maintain accuracy.
Record Serial Number Here:
Note:
If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Refer to UPC 193175471482

Limited 90 Day Warranty

Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 90 days from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly, to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, criminal activity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection verifies the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

HARBOR FREIGHT logo 26677 Agoura Road
calabasas, cA 91302
Item 59458

For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.

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