IDEAL 61-557 User manual
Instrucciones en español adentro / Instructions en français à l’intérieur
61-557
AC/DC Voltage/Continuity Indicator
IDEAL®Test and Measurement
Table of Contents
2
Introduction.......................................................................3
Contacting IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC ..........................................3
Safety Information...............................................................4
Warnings................................................................................................... 4-5
Cautions........................................................................................................5
Symbols.................................................................................................... 6-7
Operation......................................................................8-15
Identification and description of operating controls and functions ............ 8-9
Operating Features......................................................................................10
Using Test Leads.........................................................................................11
Meter Operation ................................................................................... 12-13
Non-Contact Voltage Testing.......................................................................12
Measuring Voltage......................................................................................13
Checking a GFCI.........................................................................................14
Verifying Continuity ....................................................................................14
Functions Operation Table...........................................................................15
Functions Indication Table ..........................................................................16
Electrical Specifications ..............................................................................17
Environmental Specifications................................................ 17
Mechanical Specifications ................................................... 18
EMC / EMI ....................................................................... 18
FCC ............................................................................ 18
Safety............................................................................ 18
Maintenance and Service .................................................... 19
Introduction
The IDEAL 61-557 Voltage Continuity Tester is an auto ranging average root mean
square (ARMS) digital meter that measures AC and DC voltage, Low Impedance
AC Voltage (Lo Z) (to reduce the possibility of false readings due to ghost voltages)
, and continuity, via test-leads. It detects the presence of voltage between 90V
to 600V AC via a non-contact sensor in the top center of the meter. The meter is
also capable of performing a GFCI trip test via the probes. The meter also has a
flashlight and backlit display.
3
Arc Flash and Shock Hazard, Proper PPE Required. Follow all safety procedures,
wear proper PPE in accordance to NFPA 70E. Read and fully understand the
instruction manual prior to using this product. Failure to comply can result in
serious injury or death.
Contacting IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC.
To contact IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC., call one of the following telephone numbers:
IDEAL Industries USA Customer Service
• Phone Number: 800-435-0705
IDEAL Industries Canada Customer Service
• Phone Number: 905-683-3400
IDEAL Industries EMEA
• Phone Number: +44 (0)1925 444 446
IDEAL Industries Australia
• Phone Number: +61 3 9562 0175
Or visit the IDEAL Electrical Website at www.idealind.com
To register your product, find manuals, watch videos, simply scan this QR code.
Warning -Identifies conditions and actions that could result in
possible death or serious injury if the hazard is realized.
Caution - Identifies conditions and actions that could result in meter dam-
age, equipment under test damage or data loss if the hazard is realized.
WARNING
Safety Information
Arc Flash and Shock Hazard, Proper PPE Required. Follow all safety procedures,
wear proper PPE in accordance to NFPA 70E and follow the guidelines below and
the instructions in this manual when operating the meter. Failure to comply can
result in serious injury or death.
• Choking Hazard, Small Parts. Keep Away from Children. ......
Sharp Objects Hazard, This is not a toy. It is not for use or play by children.
Keep Away from Children. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
• Only experienced or technically competent consumers should use this
equipment. When in doubt, call an experienced electrician to make any and
all necessary repairs or installations. At all times, perform any necessary
work on a de-energized circuit that has had its circuit breaker turned off and
has been locked out.
• Use the Meter only as specified in this manual or protection provided by the
Meter can be compromised.
• Before using or connecting the Meter, visually inspect it to ensure the cases
are not cracked and the back case is securely in place. Do not use if the
Meter appears damaged.
• Before using the test leads, inspect carefully for damaged insulation,
exposed metal or cracked probes. Check test leads for continuity. Do not use
leads if they appear damaged.
• Use only approved test leads. Do not use improvised connections that could
present a safety hazard.
• When measuring, keep fingers behind the Guard Ring. See “Using Test
Leads” on pg 11.
• Connect the common test lead before connecting the live test lead. When
disconnecting test leads, disconnect the live test lead first.
• This Meter is intended for use by qualified electricians. Follow NFPA 70E
Standards for Electrical Safety in the Workplace when using this Meter.
• Do not use without the batteries correctly in place and the battery door
closed and secured.
• Do not use Meter if it operates incorrectly as protection may be
compromised. When in doubt, have the Meter serviced.
• When servicing the Meter, use only specified replacement parts.
4
Arc Flash and Shock Hazard, Proper PPE Required. Follow all safety procedures,
wear proper PPE in accordance to NFPA 70E and follow the guidelines below and
the instructions in this manual when operating the meter. Failure to comply can
result in serious injury or death.
• Have the Meter serviced only by qualified service personnel.
• Do not use the Meter around explosive gas, dust, or vapor, or during
electrical storms, or in wet environments.
• When measuring, keep fingers behind the Tactile Barrier. See “The Meter”
on pg. 8 and 9.
• Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on the Meter, between
the terminals or between any terminal and earth ground.
• To avoid false readings that can lead to electrical shock and injury, replace
the batteries as soon as the low battery indicator ( ) appears.
• Remove the test leads from the circuit prior to removing the battery door.
• Voltages exceeding 30VAC or 60VDC pose a shock hazard so use caution.
• Always ensure that test leads are secured so that they cannot be accidentally
snagged or tripped over.
• Do not work alone so that assistance can be rendered in an emergency.
• Use extreme caution when working around bare conductors or bus bars.
Contact with the conductor could result in electric shock.
• 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.
• Never operate the Meter with the back cover removed or the case open.
• These meters are IP42 dust & water resistant. Following any contact with
water, thoroughly dry meter and test lead jacks prior to subsequent use.
• Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
5
Meter damage, equipment under test damage or data loss can occur if the following
guidelines are not adhered to.
• Use the proper terminals, function, and range for the measurement
application.
• Clean the case and accessories with a damp cloth and mild detergents
only. Do not use abrasives or solvents. Make sure the meter is completely
dry before use.
CAUTION
WARNING
Symbols & Descriptions
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
Arc Flash and Shock Hazard
Shock Hazard
Warning or Caution
Choking Hazard
AC (Alternating Current)
DC (Direct Current)
Battery Level Indicator
Earth Ground
CAT III IEC Measurement Category III
CAT III has protection against transients in equipment in fixed-
equipment installations such as distribution panels feeders,
and short branch circuits. Also included are lighting systems in
larger buildings.
CAT IV IEC Measurement Category IV
CAT IV has protection against transients from the primary
supply level such as a Meter or overhead or underground utility
service.
NCV Non-Contact Voltage Sensing
NCV Non-Contact Voltage Sensing Point
VVoltage AC or DC
6
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
Continuity
LoZ Low Impedance Voltage Measurement
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
Double Insulation
Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal waste.
It must be properly disposed of in accordance with local
regulations. Please see www.epa.gov or www.erecycle.org for
additional information.
Conforms to applicable North American Safety Standards
Conforms to applicable Australian Safety Standards
Conforms to European Directives
NOTE: The Measurement Category (CAT) and voltage rating of any combination
of test probe, test probe accessory, current clamp accessory, and the Meter is the
LOWEST rating of any individual component.
7
Identification and Description of Operating
Controls and Functions for the 61-557 AC/DC
Voltage Tester:
1. Flashlight/NCV Sensing Point
2. NCV/Continuity High Voltage Indicator LED (RED)
3. Main Display (LCD)
4. VAC VDC LoZ Select Button
5. Continuity Select Button
6. Flashlight/ Backlight Select Button
7. Volts Input Terminal
8. COM Input Terminal
9. Ergonomic Grip
10. NCV Select Button
11. On/Off Button
12. GFCI Button
13. Tactile Barrier
14. Probe Holders
15. Hanging Strap Clip
8
Operation
5
1
11
4
7
10
9
8
13
12
3
6
9
2
14
15
High Voltage Warning (HI-V)
The meter indicates PPE when measuring > 36V AC on the VAC function and >50V
DC when on the VDC function.
10
Operating Features
Auto Power Off (APO) Feature
The meter automatically beeps 5 times and powers down after 15 minutes of
detecting no activity in any of the three following modes; Voltage Test, NCVT, or
Continuity.
LoZ
Low impedance measurements defeat the influence of ghost or stray voltages on
the displayed value which are often caused by induced voltages coupling from one
parallel conductor to the next as found when measuring one conductor in multiple
conductor circuits.
Press and hold the button on the meter to turn the backlight/flashlight on
and off. A short press of the backlight button for less than 1 second will turn the
backlight on or off. A long press of more than 3 seconds will power the flashlight
on or off. The white backlight and flashlight will remain lit for about 5 minutes
before they automatically turn off to conserve battery power. Or turn the lights off by
pressing and holding the button again.
Backlight / Flashlight
Caution - Use caution when using the LoZ function on equipment that may
be damaged by being connected to a low impedance source.
Backlight and flashlight
are selectable to be
on in all functions.
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