Fieldpiece SC260 Compact Clamp Meters Owner’s Manual

Fieldpiece SC260 Compact Clamp Meters

Quick Start

1. For electrical testing, connect test leads to “COM” and “+” jacks.
2. Rotate the dial to your desired measurement.
3. Connect to test points and read measurement.
4. For temperature testing, remove test leads, slide the TEMP switch to the right and connect the Type K thermocouple (SC240/SC260 only).

Certifications

• UL 61010-1, Third Edition
• EN61010-1
• EN61010-2-032
• EN61010-2-033
• EMC EN61326-1
• C-Tick (N22675)
• WEEE
• CATIII 600V, class II and pollution degree 2 indoor use comply with CE, RoHS compliant.
• CATIII is for measurements performed in the building installation.

Description

The new SC200 series compact clamp meters are designed for everyday HVACR service. Their compant pocketable design makes them easy to take on any job. Hang the SC260 to any metallic surface with its newly designed swivel magnet to keep your hands free to do more. Test variable frequency drives more accurately with True RMS and easily see your measurements in low lighting with the bright blue blacklight (SC260 only). Save time with the new Auto Select mode. Simply set the dial to ( TRUE RMS AUTO OFF CAT III 600V TEMP 30V K-TYPE MAX SEL / NCV Hz °F°CTRUE RMS AUTO OFF CAT III 600V TEMP 30V K-TYPE MAX SEL INRUSH / NCV Hz °F°C TRUE RMS AUTO OFF CAT III 600V TEMP 30V K-TYPE MAX SEL INRUSH /MFD) and connect your leads. Your meter will automatically select the appropriate measurement depending on what it detects. Move from a cold freezer to a hot rooftop and get accurate temperature measurements that lesser thermometers cannot measure properly (SC240/SC260 only). Test for proper flame rectification micro amp DC current on heating systems (SC220 only). All SC200 compact clamp meters are built to withstand the rigors of HVACR service with high impact plastic and a display you can read in very hot or very cold environments

Controls

• Select a parameter. Ohms/Continuity/Select a parameter. Ohms/Continuity.
• Diode/MFD. °F/°C (SC240/26 only).
• Freeze maximum and minimum reading. Hold for 1 second to clear (SC240/SC260 only)
• Manually select a range (SC220/240)
• Freeze the display.

Display

• BATTERY: Battery Life (replace 9V if blinking)
• APO: Auto Power Off Enabled
• V: HighVoltageWarning (>16VAC/35VDC)
• (Range): Manual Range
• HOLD: Data Hold Mode
• MAX: Maximum Reading
• MINI: Minimum Reading
• SCAN: Auto Select Mode
• Continuity Test
• Diode Test
• Resistance Test (ohms)
• F: Capacitance Test (farads)
• n: Nano Unit (109, one billionth)
• Micro Unit (10-6, one millionth)
• m: Milli Unit (103, one thousandth)
• K: Kilo Unit (10, one thousand)

Mega Unit (106, one million) Safety Information

Never ground yourself when taking electrical measurements. Do not touch exposed metal pipes, outlets, fixtures, etc., which might be at ground potential, while taking measurements. Keep your body isolated from ground by using dry clothing, rubber shoes, rubber mats, or any approved insulating material. Disconnect the test leads before opening the case. Inspect the test leads for damage to the insulation or exposed wire. Replace if suspect. Keep your fingers behind the finger guards on the probes while taking measurements. When disconnecting from a circuit, disconnect the “RED” lead first, then the common “BLACK” lead. Use one handed testing when possible. Work with others. Turn off power to the circuit under test before cutting, unsoldering, or breaking the circuit. Do not measure resistance (ohms) when circuit is powered. Isolate load by disconnecting from circuit. Disconnect the meter from circuit before turning any inductor off, including motors, transformers, and solenoids. High voltage transients can damage the meter beyond repair Do not use during electrical storms. Do not apply more than rated voltages between input and ground. Isolate capacitors from system and discharge them safely before testing. Temperature switch prevents leaving the thermocouple plugged in while measuring voltage. When measuring high-frequency AC current, do not exceed the rated 400AAC of the clamp. Failure to adhere may cause the clamp to heat up dangerously.

• All voltage tests: All voltage ranges will withstand up to 600V. Do not apply more than 600VDC or AC RMS.

Symbols used:

• Caution, risk of electric shock
• Caution, refer to manual.
• Ground
• Double insulation

WARNINGS

DISCONNECT AND UNPLUG TEST LEADS before opening case. TEST NCV FUNCTION ON KNOWN LIVE WIRE before using. DO NOT APPLY VOLTAGE greater than 30VAC or 60VDC to the thermocouple or the jacks when the rotary dial is on °F°C. (Use only Type K thermocouples) DO NOT APPLY VOLTAGE TO THE JACKS when the rotary dial is on microamps. Even low voltages can cause a current overload and potentially harm the meter.

Specifications

• Display: 4000 count
• Backlight: 5-minute duration with auto-off. Blue color. SC260 only
• Overrange: (OL) or (-OL) is displayed Measurement rate: 3 times per second, nominal
• Zero: Automatic
• Operating environment: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C) at <70% relative humidity
• Storage temperature: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C), 0 to 80% RH (with the battery removed)
• Accuracy: Stated accuracy @ 73°F±9°F (23°C±5°C), <75%RH
• Temperature coefficient: 0.1 x (specified accuracy) per °C [0°C to 19°C (32°F to 66°F), 28°C to 50° C(82°F to 122°F)]
• APO (Auto Power Off): Approx. 30 minutes
• Power: 9V, NEDA 1604A, IEC 6LR61 9V alkaline battery
• Battery life: 200 hours typical alkaline (SC220/SC240); 150 hours typical alkaline (SC260)
• Low battery indication: Battery icon blinks and “LO.bt” is displayed when the battery voltage drops below the operating level
• Dimensions: 205.5mm(H) x 67.4mm(W) x 45.1mm(D)
• Weight: Approx. 265g including battery
• Altitude: Up to 6562 ft (2000m)
• Overload protection: 600 VDC or 600VAC RMS unless otherwise stated
• Test leads: Use UL-listed test leads that comply with UL61010-031 rated CATIII 600V or above. Included test leads are gold-plated and have removable safety caps.

Please operate the instrument following all instructions of the operator’s manual to avoid impairing the safety of the product.

Functions

Temperature (F/C)

sC240 and SC260 only Plug any Type K thermocouple directly into the meter to measure temperature. The cold junction is located inside the meter and allows for extremely accurate n temperatures (going from rooftop to freezer). No adapter is required. See the Temp Calibration section for calibration instructions. Press SELECT button to switch between °F and °

• Range:-30F to 752°E, (-35°C to 400°C)
• Resolution: 0.1
• Accuracy: t(1°)* 32°F to 120°F, E(1°0) O°C to 49°C +(16+2°F) 32°F to 392°, +(1%+1°C) 0°Cto 200°C (2%+6°F)-30°F to 32°, (29%6+3°C)-35°C to 0°C +[2%+6°F) 392°F to 752°F, +{2%+3°0) 200°C to 400°C asurements even in rapidly changi ambient
• Sensor type: Tvne K thermocouple *After field calibration
• Overload protection: 30 VDC or 30VAC rms

Voltage DC (VDC)

Select VDC and measure DC voltages on circuit boards on more advanced HVACR systems.

• Ranges: 4V, 40V, 400V, 600V Resolution: 0.001V
• Accuracy: ±(0.5% + 2)
• Input impedance: 10MΩ (4V), 9.1MΩ (40V-600V)

Voltage AC (VAC) (50Hz-500Hz)

Test power lines (120, 220, 480), test 24V going to controls, and test for transformer failure.

• Ranges: 4V, 40V, 400V, 600V Resolution: 0.001V
• Accuracy: ±(1.2% + 8), ±(1.5% + 8) on 600V range
• True RMS: model SC260 only Crest factor: ≤ 3
• Audio/Visual Hi-V indicator: >16VAC/35VDC
• Input impedance: 10MΩ (4V), 9.1MΩ (40V-600V

Capacitance (MFD)

SC240 and SC260 only Start and run capacitors are one of the most failure- prone components in an HVACR system. Disconnect from power and resistors between terminals. Discharge capacitor before testing. If dIS.C is displayed, the capacitor is not fully discharged. Set to MFD 10 test capacitance of motor start and run capacitors or press SELECT three times to manually select MFD.

• Ranges: 4nf, 40nf, 400nf, 4uf, 40uf, 400uf, 4mf
• Resolution: 1pf
• Accuracy: (3% + 20) 4nf, (3% +5) 40nF to 400u, t(5%+20) 4mF
• Auto Select Ranges: 4nF to 400uF, >500pF
• Overlnad Pratection: 60oVDC or 600VAC ms

Resistance (Ω)

Used for “ohming out” a compressor. 0.01Ω resolution is useful to test the resistance between the motor poles because the values are typically very low.

• Ranges: 40Ω, 400Ω, 4kΩ, 40kΩ, 400kΩ, 4MΩ, 40MΩ
• Resolution: 0.01Ω
• Accuracy: ±(1.0% + 15) 40Ω, ±(1.0% + 5) 400Ω to 400kΩ, ±(1.5% + 5) 4MΩ, ±(3.0% + 5) 40MΩ
• Auto Select Ranges: 4KΩ to 4MΩ, >400Ω (SC240/SC260 only)
• Overload Protection: 600VDC or 600VAC rms

ifa circuit is open or dlosed or press SELECT once to manully select continuity. Use this feature to check fuses as well. A steady”beep” and green LED indicate you have continuity.

Continuity

Set to MFD and measure continuity to test if a circuit is open or closed or press SELECT once to manually select continuity. Use this feature to check fuses as well. A steady “beep” and green LED indicate you have continuity.

• Range: 4000
• Resolution: 0.10
• Response time: 100ms
• Audible beep: <300 Overload
• Protection: 600VDC or 600VAC RMS

and reversed-biased functions. Press SELECT twice to manually select the diode test. A constant beep and green LED indicate continuity.

Diode TEST

Set to MFD test diodes for proper forward and reversed-biased functions. Press SELECT twice to manually select. A constant beep and green LED indicate continuity

• Test current: 1.0mA (Approx.)
• Accuracy: (1.5%6+5) Open circuit
• volts: 3.2VDC typical
• Visual indicator. Green LED
• Audible beep: <0.03V
• Auto Select Threshold: Forward voltage drop <0.BV (SC240/SC260 only)
• Overload Protection: 600VDC or 600VAC RMS

Non Contact Voltage (NCV)

Use NCV to check for 24VAC from a thermostat or live voltage up to 600VAC. Always test on a known live source before using. A three-segment graph and RED LED will display the presence of voltage. The audible beep increases from intermittent to continuous as the intensity of field (EF) increases. AC

• Voltage Detection Range: 24VAC to 600VAC (50-60Hz)

Amps AC (AAC)

Test any isolated power line, compressor, or capacitor wire. True RMS on SC260 only.

• Ranges: 40A, 400A Resolution: 0.01A Crest factor: ≤ 3
• Accuracy: ±(2.0% + 10) 50-60Hz Jaw Opening: 1.2in (30 mm)
• True RMS: model SC260 only Overload Protection: 400AAC
• Note: AAC through the clamp and voltage through the test leads can be measured simultaneously. However, if only AAC is measured through the clamp, test leads and thermocouple must be unplugged from the meter

MicroAmps DC (µADC) SC220 only

Microamps for flame rectifier test on a heater control. Connect leads between the flame sensor probe and control module and turn the heating unit on to read µA measurement. When the flame is on, there should be a measurable µADC signal, typically under 10µADC. Compare the measurement to the manufacturer’s specification to determine if replacement is necessary.

• Ranges: 400µA, 4000µA Resolution: 0.1µA
• Accuracy: ±(1.0% + 2) Voltage burden: 1V, 8V on 4000µA
• Overload Protection: 600VDC or 600VAC rms

Auto Select Mode

For SC240/260 only. Save time and let your meter select the appropriate test parameter. Set the selector switch to MFD for your test leads to take the measurement. The clamp meter will automatically display an ohm |diode, continuity, or capacitance reading. In Auto Select mode, they are disabled.

Temp. Calibration

For accuracies of ±1°F, calibrate to a known temperature. A glass of stabilized ice water is very close to 32°F (0°C) and is usually very convenient but any known temperature can be used. For SC240/SC260 models only.

1. Select the °F °C range.
2. Plug thermocouple to be calibrated into the Type K jack.
3. Unscrew A and B and remove the battery cover.
4. Stabilize a large cup of ice water. Stir the rice with the water until the temperature stays at a stable value.
5. Immerse the thermocouple probe and let it stabilize. Keep stirring water to prevent microenvironments.
6. Do not let the thermocouple come in direct contact with ice.
7. Use a small screwdriver to adjust calibration pot C below the battery as close to 32°F (0°C) as you would like.

Note: J1-J2 switch is for autocalibration purposes only. Not intended for use in the field

Safety Features

1. Bright LED and beeper warns when testing voltages >16VAC/35VDC. High Voltage warning.
2. Switch to the NCV function (noncontact voltage) and point the clamping claw towards the suspected voltage source. Monitor the bright RED LED and beeper to see if the source is “hot.”
3. The temperature switch prevents the thermocouple from plugging in while measuring voltage.

Auto Hold

Press and hold HOLD for two seconds Meter will beep and hold will blink on the LCD. After 6 seconds and hold will blink on the LCD. After 6 seconds the measurement on the screen will freeze automatically. Press to exit this mode

Auto power off

Auto power will automatically turn off your meter after 30 minutes of inactivity. By default, it is activated and APO will show on the display. To disable it, turn the meter off. Hold (SC240/260) and power on the meter by turning the selector dial to any range. For SC220, follow the same procedure but hold and power on.

Max/Min

sz40and SC260 only Record and freeze the maximum and minimum measurements. Connect the test leads to begin the measurement, then pressMim once to freeze the maximum reading. MAX will show on display. Press Mim again to freeze the minimum reading. MIN will show on display. Press Mim again to display real- time measurement with both maximum and minimum readings recording in the background. MAX MIN will blink on display. Press and hold Mm for one second to exit Max/Min mode.

Battery Replacement

When the battery is low, the battery icon will empty and blink for 30 seconds. “LO.bt” will display and the meter will power off. Turn the dial to the OFF position, disconnect test leads and remove the battery cover. Remove the old battery and replace it with a standard 9V battery only.

Maintenance

Clean the exterior with a dry cloth. Do not use the liquid.

Limited Warranty

This meter is warranted against defects in material or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Fieldpiece will replace or repair the defective unit, at its option, subject to verification of the defect. 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 from the sale of a Fieldpiece product, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to the above. Fieldpiece 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 of such damage, expenses, or economic loss. State laws vary. The above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.

Obtaining Service

Call Fieldpiece Instruments for one-prefix all out-of-warranty service pricing. Send a check or money order for the amount quoted. Send the meter freight prepaid to Fieldpiece Instruments. Send proof of date and location of purchase for in-warranty service. The meter will be repaired or replaced, at the option of Fieldpiece, and returned via least cost transportation. For international customers, warranty for products purchased outside of the U.S. should be handled through local distributors.

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