AMES 1000a Original instruction manual
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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� 17i
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© 2017 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�
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Safety ������������������������������������������2
Specifications ������������������������������5
Setup �������������������������������������������6
Operation ������������������������������������� 8
Maintenance �������������������������������15
Warranty �������������������������������������16
U@;ECEV%?QDWRG?%@EX%X6<CECACRE?
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�
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury�
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury�
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury�
Addresses practices not related to personal injury�
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Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result
in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
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1� Electrical shock can cause death
or injury! NEVER TOUCH exposed
conductors of electricity�
2� A*#$%4,+7*%Y&7$,3*#%)"$.%4,(*1
One 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� Either of the test leads are
damaged in any way�
b� Test leads are dirty or
have residue on them�
c� The battery is low�
d� Near any explosive
gasses or fumes�
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� Power this Meter using only
the battery(ies) referenced in
the Specifications Chart�
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� Disconnect the circuit’s power
before connecting the Meter in
series, when measuring current�
8� Connect the common (COM) test
lead first and disconnect it last�
9� Hold the probes with fingers
behind guards�
10� 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�
11� 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�
12� Keep children away� Children must
never be allowed in the work area�
13� Stay alert� Watch what you are doing,
use common sense� Do not operate
any Meter when you are tired�
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14� 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�
15� 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�
16� Do not test voltage on circuits higher
than 1000 VDC or 750 VAC�
17� Do not test current on circuits
higher than 1000A�
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� Avoid damaging Meter� Use only
as specified in this manual�
22� Prior to testing resistance, diodes,
or continuity; disconnect all power
to the circuit and discharge all
high-voltage capacitors�
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� Do not use the Meter at a setting
marked as blank on the scale�
28� Have Meter calibrated by a
qualified technician every year
to maintain accurate results�
29� Do not disassemble charger;
take it to a qualified technician
when service or repair is required�
Incorrect reassembly may result
in a risk of electric shock or fire�
30� 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�
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DC Voltage Ranges: 60mV / 600mV / 6V / 60V / 600V / 1000V
DC Voltage Accuracy (@60mV-600V) ± 0�5% of rdg + 5D
(@1000V) ± 0�8% of rdg + 4D
DC Current Ranges: 60A / 600A / 1000A
DC Current Accuracy ± 2�0% of rdg + 8D
AC Voltage Ranges: 60mV / 600mV / 6V / 60V / 600V / 750V
Frequency Range: 40-400Hz
AC Voltage Accuracy (@60mV-600V) ± 0�6% of rdg + 5D;
(@750V) ± 0�8% of rdg + 4D
AC Current Ranges: 60A / 600A / 1000A
Frequency Range:
(@0A - 600A) 40-400Hz
(@600A-1000A) 40-60Hz
AC Current Accuracy ± 2�0% of rdg + 8D
Inrush Current Ranges: 60A / 600A / 1000A
Frequency Range: 40-400Hz
Inrush Current Accuracy (@0A-60A) Reference only;
(@600A-1000A) ± 5�0% of rdg + 60D
Resistance Ranges: 600Ω / 6kΩ / 60kΩ / 600kΩ / 6MΩ / 60MΩ
Resistance Accuracy (@600Ω-600kΩ) ± 0.8% of rdg + 3D
(@6MΩ-60MΩ) ± 2.0% of rdg + 5D
Continuity Meter beeps at < 50Ω
Diode Forward DC Current: ~ 1mA
Reverse DC Voltage: ~ 3�2V
Capacitance Ranges: 9�999nF / 99�99nF / 999�9nF /
9.999μF / 99.99μF / 999.9μF / 9.999mF / 99.99mF
Capacitance Accuracy ± 3�0% of rdg + 5D
Frequency Current Mode Range: 100Hz / 1000Hz
Voltage Mode Range: 100Hz / 1000Hz / 10kHz
Hz/Duty Mode Range: 10Hz / 100Hz / 1000Hz /
10kHz / 100kHz / 1000kHz / 10MHz
Frequency Accuracy Current Mode: ± 1�5% of rdg + 5D
Voltage Mode: ± 1�5% of rdg + 5D
Hz/Duty Mode: ± 0�3% of rdg + 5D
Duty Cycle 0�1%-99�9%
Duty Cycle Accuracy ± 3�0%
Sampling Rate ~3 samples per second
Operating Temperature Range: 64�4°F - 82�4°F (18°C - 28°C)
Display Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
Battery 9V (Included)
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@T Alternating current
XT Direct current
Indicates that display data is being held
Auto Power-Off
@FAR Auto range mode
CE; Inrush mode
Continuity
Diode test
;6G Relative measurement mode
ET! Non-contact voltage detection
D@] The maximum value is being measured
DCE The minimum value is being measured
Battery low
^Percent (Duty cycle)
Ω, kΩ, MΩ Ohms, Kilohms, Megaohms (Resistance)
nF, μF, mF Nanofarads, Microfarads, Millifarads (Capacitance)
5!I%! Millivolts, Volts (Voltage)
@Amperes (Current)
B_I%[B_ Hertz, Kilohertz (Frequency)
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;6G0CE;F?B
1� Press the ;6G0CE;F?B button
once to enter relative measurement
mode and store a reference value�
2� Take additional measurements to
display difference between measured
value and reference value�
3� Hold ;6G0CE;F?B button for two or
more seconds to enter inrush mode�
E&$*- Relative measurement mode can
only be used in manual range mode�
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The Meter’s default range is @FAR� To select manual range, press ;@E� Each press
of the button increases the range� Hold the ;@E button to return to auto-range�
E&$*- Manual range cannot be used while measuring frequency�
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1� While working with voltage or
current ranges, press the B_^
button one time to measure the
frequency of the voltage or current�
2� Press the B_^ button twice to
measure the duty cycle of the voltage
or current� The range is set to manual�
3� Press the B_^ button a third
time to return to normal voltage
or current measurement�
E&$*- Frequency and duty cycle
modes cannot be used while in
minimum or maximum value mode�
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1� Press the DCE0D@] button one
time to measure the maximum
value at any range�
2� Press the DCE0D@] button
two times to measure the
minimum value at any range�
3� Press the DCE0D@] button three times
to display difference between maximum
and minimum measurements�
4� Hold the DCE0D@] button
for one or more seconds to
return to normal mode�
E&$*- The Meter is automatically set to
manual range mode when measuring
minimum or maximum value�
E&$*- Frequency and duty cycle modes
cannot be used while in minimum
and maximum value mode�
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1� Press the W1G%BRGX button for
two or more seconds to turn on the
LCD backlight for 30 seconds�
2� Press the W1G%BRGX button for
two or more seconds again to
turn the LCD backlight off�
3� While in current range modes,
turning the backlight on also
turns the clamp Worklight on�
E&$*- Frequent use of the backlight will
shorten the life of the batteries� Only
use the backlight when necessary�
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The data hold function keeps the current reading on the Display� To activate data hold:
1� Press the W1G%BRGX button and
the reading will be held on the
Display� The %symbol appears�
2� Press W1G%BRGX again
to release the hold�
ET!%aE&8KT&8$,4$%!&7$,3*b
1� Turn Rotary Switch to
the ET! position�
2� Move the tip of the clamp close to the
unshielded conductor� If detected
voltage is >110V AC, Meter will beep
and the NCV Indicator will flash�
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Do not rely solely on NCV detection to
determine the presence of voltage�
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If the Meter is not used for approximately 15 minutes, it will automatically turn itself off
to conserve battery power� To turn the Meter back on after auto-off, press the <FET
button� To disable Auto Power-Off, hold the <FET button while powering the Meter on�
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E&$*- Remove plugs from
ends of Test Leads (included)
before connecting to Meter�
E&$*- Test Lead probes have removable
covers for overvoltage protection� With
covers in place, Test Leads are rated for
use with CAT IV circuits� Exposed probes
are rated for use with CAT II circuits�
T'((*8$%D*,#'(*5*8$
U@;ECEV` To avoid electric shock,
use only one hand to hold Meter
when measuring current�
U@;ECEV` Remove test leads
before taking measurements
with the Current Clamp�
E&$*- Amperage is always tested
in series with circuit under test�
E&$*- To measure 2- and 3-wire power
cords, use an AC Line Splitter (not included)
and follow its instructions�
E&$*- When using manual range
mode, always start with the highest
range if the amperage is unknown�
E&$*- Center conductor between
guides in Clamp jaws, as shown�
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Measure AC and DC conductors
carrying up to 1000 amperes�
1� Turn the Rotary Switch to the
Mc0Mcc or Jccc position,
depending on the amperage of
the conductor under test�
2� Always start with the highest range
if the amperage is unknown�
3� Using one hand, press Trigger to
open Current Clamp� Position Clamp
jaws around conductor to be tested�
E&$*- When measuring DC current,
ensure that current flows in the direction
indicated by the Positive (+) and Negative
(-) Symbols on the Current Clamp�
4� Read measurement� Switch to
lower ranges, as necessary, to
get the most accurate reading�
5� When testing is complete, turn
Rotary Switch to R<<I%and store Meter�
E&$*- If the Display shows RG while in
manual range mode, the measurement
has exceeded the selected range� A
higher range should be selected�
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