User Guide

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the HIOKI “3246 PENCIL HiTESTER”.
To obtain maximum performance from the product, please read this
manual first, and keep it handy for future reference.
Overview
The 3246 is a pencil-shaped digital multimeter designed to
measure DC/AC voltage and resistance, and conduct continu-
ity and diode checks. Compact, safe, and easy to use, the
3246 meets all CATIII 600V safety requirements. Probe leads
are wound around the protrusions on the rear. The unit also
features a built-in light to illuminate the object to be measured.
Initial Inspection
When you receive the product, inspect it carefully to ensure
that no damage occurred during shipping. If damage is evident,
or if it fails to operate according to the specifications, contact
your dealer or Hioki representative.
Preliminary Checks
• Before using the product the first time, verify that it operates
normally to ensure that the no damage occurred during stor-
age or shipping. If you find any damage, contact your dealer
or Hioki representative.
• Before using the product, make sure that the insulation on
the leads is undamaged and that no bare conductors are
improperly exposed. Using the product in such conditions
could cause an electric shock, so contact your dealer or Hioki
representative for repair.
Maintenance and Service
• To clean the product, wipe it gently with a soft cloth moist-
ened with water or mild detergent. Never use solvents such
as benzene, alcohol, acetone, ether, ketones, thinners or
gasoline, as they can deform and discolor the case.
• If the product seems to be malfunctioning, confirm that the
batteries are not discharged, and contact your dealer or Hioki
representative.
Follow these precautions to ensure safe operation and to
obtain the full benefits of the various functions.
Measurement categories (Overvoltage categories)
This product conforms to the safety requirements for CAT III (600 V)
measurement products.
To ensure safe operation of measurement products, IEC 61010 estab-
lishes safety standards for various electrical environments, catego-
rized as CAT I to CAT IV, and called measurement categories. These
are defined as follows.
CAT I: Secondary electri-
cal circuits connected to
an AC electrical outlet
through a transformer or
similar device.
CAT II: Primary electrical
circuits in equipment con-
nected to an AC electrical
outlet by a power cord
(portable tools, household
appliances, etc.)
CAT III: Primary electrical circuits of heavy equipment (fixed installa-
tions) connected directly to the distribution panel, and feeders from the
distribution panel to outlets.
CAT IV: The circuit from the service drop to the service entrance, and
to the power meter and primary overcurrent protection device (distri-
bution panel).
Higher-numbered categories correspond to electrical environments
with greater momentary energy, so a measurement product designed
for CAT III environments can endure greater momentary energy than
one designed for CAT II. Using a measurement product in an environ-
ment designated with a higher-numbered category than that for which
the product is rated could result in a severe accident, and must be
carefully avoided.
Never use a CAT I measuring product in CAT II, III, or IV environ-
ments.
The measurement categories comply with the Overvoltage Categories
of the IEC60664 Standards.
Safety Symbol
The following symbols in this manual indicate the relative importance
of cautions and warnings.
This manual contains information and warnings essential for
safe operation of the product and for maintaining it in safe
operating condition. Before using the product, be sure to care-
fully read the following safety notes.
*1:Overload protection is 600 V DC/AC rms (sine wave) or 3x10
6
VHz
(for 1 min.), for all functions and ranges.
dgt.: resolution (The smallest displayable unit, i.e., the input value that causes
the digital display to show a "1".)
rdg.: reading value (The value currently being measured and indicated on the
measuring product)
3246
PENCIL HiTESTER
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
September 2006 Revised edition 1 Printed in Japan
3246A981-01 06-09H
HEAD OFFICE
81 Koizumi, Ueda, Nagano 386-1192, Japan
TEL [phone] / FAX [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail] URL http://www.hioki.co.jp/
HIOKI USA CORPORATION
6 Corporate Drive, Cranbury, NJ 08512, USA
TEL [phone] / FAX [phone]
Safety
This product is designed to conform to IEC 61010 Safety
Standards, and has been thoroughly tested for safety
prior to shipment. However, mishandling during use
could result in injury or death, as well as damage to the
product. Be certain that you understand the instructions
and precautions in the manual before use. We disclaim
any responsibility for accidents or injuries not resulting
directly from product defects.
In the manual, the symbol indicates particularly impor-
tant information that the user should read before using the
product.
The symbol printed on the product indicates that the
user should refer to a corresponding topic in the manual
(marked with the symbol) before using the relevant
function.
Indicates a double-insulated device.
Indicates AC (Alternating Current).
Indicates DC (Direct Current).
Indicates DC (Direct Current) or AC (Alternating Current).
Indicates a grounding terminal.
Indicates that incorrect operation presents an extreme haz-
ard that could result in serious injury or death to the user.
Indicates that incorrect operation presents a significant haz-
ard that could result in serious injury or death to the user.
Indicates that incorrect operation presents a possibility of
injury to the user or damage to the product.
Advisory items related to performance or correct operation
of the product.
Usage Notes
• To avoid electric shock, do not allow the product to get
wet, and do not use it when your hands are wet.
• Do not use the product where it may be exposed to cor-
rosive or combustible gases. The product may be dam-
aged or cause an explosion.
• Do not store or use the product where it could be exposed
to direct sunlight, high temperature or humidity, or conden-
sation. Under such conditions, the product may be damaged
and insulation may deteriorate so that it no longer meets
specifications.
• This product is not designed to be entirely water- or dust-
proof. To avoid damage, do not use it in a wet or dusty envi-
ronment.
• This product is designed for indoor use, and operates reli-
ably from 0°C to 40°C.
• To avoid damage to the product, protect it from vibration or
shock during transport and handling, and be especially care-
ful to avoid dropping.
• Do not use the product near a device that generates a strong
electromagnetic field or electrostatic charge, as these may
cause erroneous measurements.
• To avoid damaging the test leads, do not bend or pull the
leads.
• If the protective functions of the product are damaged, either
remove it from service or mark it clearly so that others do not
use it inadvertently.
• Accurate measurement may be impossible in the presence of
strong magnetic fields, such as near transformers and high-
current conductors, or in the presence of strong electromag-
netic fields such as near radio transmitters.
• To avoid battery depletion, turn the Function Selector OFF
after use (the Auto Power Save feature consumes a small
amount of current).
• The indicator appears when battery voltage becomes low.
Replace the batteries as soon as possible.
• To avoid corrosion from battery leakage, remove the batteries
from the product if it is to be stored for a long time.
Specifications
General
Measurement
Method
Dual integration
AC Measurement
System
Average rectifying measurement
Function
DC voltage (DCV), AC voltage (ACV), Resistance (Ω),
Continuity check( ), Diode check( )(Forward direc-
tion/Reversed direction judgment only)
Additional
Function
Auto Range function, Manual Range function, Hold func-
tion, Auto Power Save function (APS), Battery-Life Warn-
ing function, Overflow Warning function, Penlight function,
LCD Backlight function
Display Type TN type LCD, 1/4 duty, dynamic drive
Display Elements
3(1/2) dgt., Max. 4199 counts (600 VAC/DC range: 699
counts)
Polarity indicator: "–" sign (automatic)
Overflow indicator: "OF" or "–OF"
Units and Symbols
(AC), (DC), , AUTO, HOLD, , , APS, M,
k, m, V,
Range Switching Auto/Manual range
Sampling Rate 2.5 S/s
Input Terminals V/ Ω/ continuity/ diode terminal, COM terminal
Functions OFF/ V/ Ω
Buttons
HOLD, (select)
Power Supply Coin-shaped lithium battery CR2032 × 1
Battery-Life Warning
indicates low battery (2.3 V±0.15 V or less)
Dimensions
Approx. 30W ×182H ×26.5D mm (without protrusions)
(1.18”W × 7.17”H × 1.04”D)
Mass Approx.80 g (2.8 oz.)(including battery)
Operating
Environment
Indoors, altitude up to 2000 m (6562-ft.)
Operating Tempera-
ture & Humidity
0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F), at 80%RH or less
(non-condensating)
Storage Tempera-
ture & Humidity
-20 to 60°C (-4 to 140°F), at 70%RH or less
(non-condensating)
Accessories
Instruction Manual
Coin-shaped lithium battery (CR2032) x1 (supplied with
this product for monitor)
Standards
Applying
Safety EN61010-1:2001
EN61010-031:2002
Pollution Degree 2
Measurement Category III (600 V),
(Anticipated Transient Overvoltage: 6000 V)
EMC EN61326:1997+A1:1998+A2:2001+A3:2003
Options 9081 EXTERNAL SHUNT (10A) (no CE marking)
Electrical Characteristics
Accuracy guarantee
for temperature and
humidity
23°C±5°C (73°F±9°F), 80%RH or less
(non-condensating)
Regulated
power supply range
3.4 V or lower (until the mark lights up)
Temperature
Characteristic
(Measurement accuracy) × 0.1/°C (except 23°C±5°C)
Noise Suppression
NMRR DCV: 40dB or better (50/60 Hz)
ACV: 40dB or better (DC)
CMRR DCV:100dB or better (50/60 Hz)
ACV: 60dB or better (50/60 Hz)
(1kΩ Unbalance)
Dielectric Strength
Input terminals to case: 5.55 kVrms sin (50/60 Hz for one
minute)
Maximum input
Voltage
600 VDC/ 600 Vrms(sin) or 3 ×10
6
VHz
Maximum rated volt-
age between input
terminals and
ground
600 VDC/ 600 Vrms(sin) or 3 ×10
6
VHz
Rated Power
Supply Voltage
3.0 VDC
Maximum
Rated Power
30 mVA (Max) (supply voltage 3.0 VDC)
Rated Power 4 mVA (Typ)(supply voltage 3.0 VDC, in DCV mode)
Power during Auto
Power Saving
0.1 mVA (Max)
Continuous
Operating Time
Approx. 150 hours (in DCV mode)
Approx. 30 hours (with light in repeating cycles of 10 sec-
onds on and 20 seconds off, in DCV mode)
Accuracy (Accuracy guaranteed for one year at 23°C±5°C (73°F±9°F),
80%RH or less.)
Range Accuracy Input Impedance Notes*1
DC Volt-
age Mea-
surement
(
DCV)
420.0 mV
4.200 V
42.00 V
420.0 V
600 V
±1.3%rdg.±4dgt.
100 M Ω or more
Approx. 11 MΩ
Approx. 10 MΩ
Approx. 10 MΩ
Approx. 10 MΩ
AC Voltage
Measure-
ment
(
ACV)
4.200 V
42.00 V
420.0 V
600 V
±2.3%rdg.±8dgt.
Approx. 11 MΩ
Approx. 10 MΩ
Approx. 10 MΩ
Approx. 10 MΩ
Measurement fre-
quency range:
50 Hz to 500 Hz
Range Accuracy
Open terminal
voltage
Notes*1
Resistance
Measure-
ment (Ω)
420.0 Ω
4.200 kΩ
42.00 kΩ
420.0 kΩ
4.200 MΩ
42.00 MΩ
±2.0%rdg.±4dgt.
±2.0%rdg.±4dgt.
±2.0%rdg.±4dgt.
±2.0%rdg.±4dgt.
±5.0%rdg.±4dgt.
±10.0%rdg.±4dgt.
3.4 V or less
Approx. 0.7 V
Approx. 0.5 V
Approx. 0.5 V
Approx. 0.5 V
Approx. 0.5 V
Measurement
current: 800 μA
max.
Varies according
to resistance lev-
els to be mea-
sured.
Continuity
Check( )
420.0 Ω ±2.0%rdg.±4dgt. 3.4 V or less
Threshold:
50 Ω±30 Ω
Diode
Check( )
Judgment only
(0.3 V to 2.0 V)
3.4 V or less
Measurement
current: 800 μA
max.
General