Hioki 3291-50 Instruction Manual Download Page 2

Pre-Operation Inspection (Check the following before us-
ing the instrument.)

• Before using the instrument the first time, verify that it oper-

ates normally to ensure that the no damage occurred during
storage or shipping. If you find any damage, contact your
dealer or Hioki representative.

• The jaws or the case shall be free of damage. (If damage has

occurred, avoid using the instrument. Use of the instrument
under these conditions may result in electric shock.)

• The mating portions of the jaws should be free of any

scratches or cracks.

• Battery power should be near full capacity when power is

turned on. (Refer to “Replacing Battery”)

• The reading should be around 0 A when no measurements

are being made.

Open Jaws to Power On.

Crest factor

“Crest factor = Waveform peak value/ Internal rated range” is defined for this
instrument. There are cases when the accurate measurement cannot be per-
formed with our previous models, because a top portion of the waveform is
clipped off due to the rated range if a high crest factor current (= RMS is low and
a waveform peak is high) is flowed. This instrument defines the range based on
a waveform peak value and measured value so that the accurate measurement
can be performed. As for a high crest factor current, its measured value be-
comes small to the range. If a current exceeding a crest factor of 2.8 is inputted,

OVER

 is displayed. This measurement is the out of accuracy guarantee

range and the measured value is for reference purpose only.

Regarding the MAX value display

(1) Press the MAX key once to confirm the MAX value. Whenever a maximum

value is updated, the display will be updated.

(2) A maximum value will be cleared by pressing 

MAX

 key and 

HOLD

key

simultaneously whether when a maximum value is displayed or an instanta-
neous value is displayed.

Filter function

The default setting of Filter is OFF. Please change the setting
according to the use.

Adjust the angle of the display panel for better viewing.

Fix the strap for fall prevention. 

When an error is displayed on the LCD, the HiTester requires
repair. Contact your supplier or Hioki representative.

Auto power-off

Details of operation: The power cuts off when "0" is 
displayed continuously for 1 minute.
Any key operation is not performed for approx.10 
minutes.
To de-activate: Power ON while pressing the 

 key.

Battery Level 
Indicator

Details of operation:Displays 4 levels of remaining 
battery charge.
*Refer to “Replacing Battery”.

Back light

Activate/De-activate: Press

 key for 2 seconds or 

longer. (About 15 seconds lighting.)
Frequent use of backlight reduces battery life.

Liquid crystal display 
(LCD) reversal

Details of operation: Automatically reverses when the 
display panel is opened and closed. 
Manual reversal: Pressing the 

 key once.

*Refer to “Opening and Closinng the Display Panel”.

Bar graph

Shows the proportion of the measured value to the 
range.

Over-Range Display

Displays “OVER

 when a high crest factor current is 

inputted, which means an out of the accuracy 
guarantee.
*Refer to “Crest factor”.

Measurement Procedures

• This instrument should only be connected to the sec-

ondary side of a breaker, so the breaker can prevent
an accident if a short circuit occurs. Connections
should never be made to the primary side of a breaker,
because unrestricted current flow could cause a seri-
ous accident if a short circuit occurs.

• To avoid electric shock, do not touch the portion

beyond the protective barrier during use.

• Be careful to avoid dropping the instrument or otherwise

subjecting them to mechanical shock, the jaws tip will be
damaged, negatively influencing measurement.

• Do not input current greater than 1000 A. It will damage the

device.

• Please note that waveforms that include elements outside the

frequency characteristic range may not be measured correctly.

• Correct 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.

AC Current Measurement

To avoid short circuits and potentially life-threaten-
ing hazards, never attach the instrument in current
measurement mode to a circuit that operates at
more than the maximum rated voltage CAT III 600 V,
CAT IV 300 V, or over bare conductors.

• Correct measurement may be impossible for the case of rush

current or significantly fluctuating current.

• There are cases when error could be larger depending on

positioning of sensors and conductor.

• When the measuring value exceeds 1000 A the digital display

will blink.

• Waveforms around 20 Hz or below may be displayed as “----”.
• At a low temperature, there are cases when the reading may

not be around 0 A without any input signal. But it does not
affect measurement.

1.

Clamp the tester on the conductor, so that the conductor
passes through the center of the clamp core. 

• Clamp the tester on one wire only.
• Put the conductor perpendicular to the sensor, as shown in the sketch.

2.

The effective value is shown on the digital display. 

OK

Display example

3291-50

Previous models

• As far as the Data Hold mode is on, MAX value cannot be updated.
• The MAX value is cleared with FILTER ON/OFF. 

Replacing Battery

• To avoid electric shock when replacing the battery first

disconnect the clamp from the object to be measured.
After replacing the batteries, replace the cover and
screws before using the instrument.

• Use only CR2032 lithium battery. Use of any other bat-

tery may result in explosion.

• Be sure to insert them with the correct polarity. Other-

wise, poor performance or damage from battery leakage
could result.

• Battery may explode if mistreated. Do not short-circuit,

recharge, disassemble or dispose of in fire.

• Handle and dispose of batteries in accordance with local

regulations.

• Keep batteries away from children to prevent accidental

swallowing.

• To avoid corrosion from battery leakage, remove the bat-

teries from the instrument if it is to be stored for a long
time.

 at the upper left on the display screen indicates the

remaining power level. When the battery approaches the
exhausting value, 

 is displayed and a few minutes later,

power turns off automatically. When 

 is displayed, the

accuracy of measurement value is not guaranteed. Replace
the new batteries soon.

• At a low or high temperature, the battery life is reduced faster.
• The batteries included with the device were installed for fac-

tory testing purposes. CR2032 lithium batteries can be pur-
chased at electronics and appliance stores where specialized
batteries are sold.

• Although the remaining power level indicator may become

lower for a moment due to the internal processing, it is not an
anomaly.

Opening and Closing the 
Display Panel

Attaching the strap

Error Display

Error Display

Meaning

Remedial Action

Err0

Internal ROM Error

Repair is necessary. 
Contact your supplier or Hioki 
representative.

Err1

Err2

Calibration Data Faulty

Err3

Replacing the Batteries

1.

Press and hold the POWER OFF key for 2 seconds or 
longer to turn off the device's power.

2.

Remove the battery cover screws on the back of the device 
with a Phillips screwdriver, then remove the battery cover.

3.

Replace with a new battery. When inserting a new battery
(CR2032 lithium battery), be sure to position the polarities
in their proper orientations.

4.

Replace the battery cover and fasten the screws.

Battery cover

Tighten

Loosen

 

Position the battery 

side is on top.

so that the plus (+) 

CALIFORNIA, USA ONLY

This instrument contains a CR Coin Lithium Battery which
contains Perchlorate Material - special handling may apply.
See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate

key

Take measurements with the display
panel flipped open in order to view the
measurement results more clearly, espe-
cially in tight locations, without needing
to twist the jaw at an awkward angle.

Display Panel

The display can also be 

 the             key. 

reversed by pressing 

Make the strap go through the
hole just like the Figure shown.

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