Hioki 3246-60 Instruction Manual Download Page 1

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Warranty

Warranty malfunctions occurring under conditions of normal use in con-
formity with the Instruction Manual and Product Precautionary Mark-
ings will be repaired free of charge. This warranty is valid for a period
of three (3) years from the date of purchase.  Please contact the dis-
tributor from which you purchased the product for further information on
warranty provisions.

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the HIOKI 3246-60 PENCIL HiT-
ESTER. To obtain maximum performance from the product,
please read this manual first, and keep it handy for future refer-
ence.

Overview

The 3246-60 is a pencil-shaped digital multimeter designed to
measure DC/AC voltage and resistance, and conduct continuity
and diode checks. Compact, safe, and easy to use, the 3246-60
meets all CATIV 300 V, CATIII 600 V 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.

• To prevent an electric shock accident, confirm that the white or

red portion (insulation layer) inside the cable is not exposed. If
a color inside the cable is exposed, do not use the cable.
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 

This product complies with CAT IV (300 V), CAT III (600 V), CAT II 
(600 V) safety requirements.
To ensure safe operation of measurement products, IEC 61010 estab-
lishes safety standards for various electrical environments, catego-
rized as CAT II to CAT IV, and called measurement categories.
CAT II: Primary electrical circuits in

equipment connected to an
AC electrical outlet by a power
cord (portable tools, house-
hold appliances, etc.) CAT II
covers directly measuring
electrical outlet receptacles.

CAT III:Primary electrical circuits of

heavy equipment (fixed installations) connected directly to the dis-
tribution 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
(distribution panel).

Using a measurement instrumentin an environment designated with a
higher-numbered category than that for which the instrument is rated
could result in a severe accident, and must be carefully avoided.
Use of a measurement instrument that is not CAT-rated in CAT II to
CAT IV measurement applications could result in a severe accident,
and must be carefully avoided.

Safety Symbol

Symbols for Various Standards

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.

Handling the Sleeve of test lead

Handling the Cap (yellow) of Pencil Hitester

Handling the Test Leads

General

3246-60

PENCIL HiTESTER

Instruction Manual

(3246-61)

Safety

This instrument is designed to comply with 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 instrument Using the instrument in a way not
described in this manual may negate the provided safety
features. 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 instrument defects.

In the manual, the 

 symbol indicates particularly important 

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).

This symbol indicates that the product conforms to safety 

regulations set out by the EC Directive.
WEEE marking:

This symbol indicates that the electrical and electronic 

appliance is put on the EU market after August 13, 2005, 

and producers of the Member States are required to dis-

play it on the appliance under Article 11.2 of Directive 

2002/96/EC (WEEE).

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.

I

ndicates 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.

• To avoid electric shock when measuring live lines, wear

appropriate protective gear, such as insulated rubber

gloves, boots and a safety helmet.

• 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 environment.

• 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.

Parts Names

• Selects DC/AC (

 

V

)

(Press the select button

 

for at least 

1 second in manual ranging mode.)

• Selects mode (

).

(Press the select button

 

for at least 

1 second in manual ranging mode.)

• Changes to the manual range func-

tion. (Turn on the power while 
pressing the select button.)

• Selects range (in manual ranging 

mode).

OFF

Power Off (Power is turned ON in any position other than OFF.)

V

: DC voltage function (DCV)
: AC voltage function (ACV)

Select with the select button

Resistance function

Select with the select button

Continuity Check function

Diode Check function

Black (

)

Red (+)

• Holds the measurement 

value (

 lights up).

• Cancels the Auto-Power 

Save function (APS).
(Turn on the power while 
pressing 

HOLD

.)

• Turns on the light. 

(Press 

HOLD

 for at least 

1 second.)

Penlight

Select Button

LCD Display

Function Selector

HOLD Button

Barrier

Test Leads

Hole for attaching your own 

strap for greater portability.

Removable sleeves can be attached to the metal pins at
the ends of the test leads. To prevent a short circuit acci-
dent, be sure to use the test leads with the sleeves
attached when performing measurements in the CAT III
and CAT IV measurement categories. Remove the sleeves
from the test leads when performing measurements in the
CAT II measurement category.
For details on measurement categories, see "Measure-
ment categories") in the instruction manual.

• The tips of the metal pins are sharp, so take care not to in-

jure yourself.

• When performing measurements with the sleeves attached,

be careful to avoid damaging the sleeves. 

• If the sleeves are inadvertently removed during measure-

ment, be especially careful in handling the test leads to

avoid electric shock.

Observe the following to avoid damage to the product.
• Do not pull the cap with excessive force.
• Replace the cap when not using the product.

Specifications

Measurement 
Method

Dual integration

AC Measurement 
System

Average rectifying measurement

Function

DC voltage (DCV), AC voltage (ACV), Resistance (

), 

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

LCD Display

Indicates Continu-
ity Check function
Indicates during 
Resistance mea-
surement and 
Continuity check
Indicates during 
Voltage measure-
ment

Indicates Auto Power Save is enabled

Indicates Diode Check function

Indicates DC

voltage function

Indicates AC

voltage function

Indicates Autoranging

Indicates HOLD function

Indicates Battery-Life Warning. (Accuracy is not 
guaranteed when the indicator is on.)

When using the 3246, remove the
cap and securely fasten the cap to
the rear, as shown in the figure.

Cap

When removing the cap, be careful
not to prick your finger with the tip
of the lead.

Pull

When storing the 3246-60 test lead (black), be sure to wind

the lead around the protrusion on the rear.

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