Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the HIOKI “Model 3481-20 VOLTAGE DETEC-
TOR.” To obtain maximum performance from the instrument, please read
this manual first, and keep it handy for future reference.
This non-contact type of voltage detector unit enables the hot-line state of
AC voltage to be checked through the wire or cable covering.
When you receive the instrument, inspect it carefully to ensure that no dam-
age occurred during shipping.
If damage is evident, or if it fails to operate ac-
cording to the specifications, contact your dealer or Hioki representative.
• To clean the instrument, wipe it gently with a soft cloth moistened
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 instrument seems to be malfunctioning, confirm that the batter-
ies are not discharged, before contacting your dealer or Hioki repre-
sentative.
This manual contains information and warnings essential for safe operation
of the instrument and for maintaining it in safe operating condition. Before
using it, be sure to carefully read the following safety precautions.
Safety Symbol
The following symbols in this manual indicate the relative importance of cau-
tions and warnings.
Symbols for Various Standards
Measurement categories (Overvoltage categories)
This instrument complies with CAT IV (600 V) safety requirements.
To ensure safe operation of measurement instruments, IEC 61010
establishes safety standards for various electrical environments,
categorized as CAT I to CAT IV, and called measurement catego-
ries. These are defined as follows.
CAT I : Secondary electrical circuits connected to an AC electrical
outlet through a transformer or similar device.
CAT II: Primary electrical circuits in equipment connected to an AC
electrical outlet by a power cord (portable tools, household appli-
ances, etc.)
CAT III:Primary electrical circuits of heavy equipment (fixed instal-
lations) 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
(distribution panel).
Higher-numbered catego-
ries correspond to electri-
cal environments with
greater momentary
energy. So a measure-
ment device designed for
CAT III environments can
endure greater momen-
tary energy than a device
designed for CAT II.
Using a measurement instrument in an environment designated
with a higher-numbered category than that for which the instru-
ment is rated could result in a severe accident, and must be care-
fully avoided. Never use a CAT I measuring instrument in CAT II,
III, or IV environments. The measurement categories comply with
the Overvoltage Categories of the IEC60664 Standards.
Follow these precautions to ensure safe operation and to obtain the
full benefits of the various functions.
Performance Check and Voltage Detection
Feb. 2015 Edition 1
Printed in Japan
3481D980-00 15-02H
3481-20
VOLTAGE
DETECTOR
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Overview
Initial Inspection
Maintenance and Service
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 instru-
ment. 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 informa-
tion that the user should read before using the instrument.
The
symbol printed on the instrument 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 that incorrect operation presents an extreme hazard
that could result in serious injury or death to the user.
Indicates that incorrect operation presents a significant hazard
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 device.
Indicates advisory items related to performance or correct oper-
ation of the instrument.
Indicates the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive
(WEEE Directive) in EU member states.
Indicates that the product conforms to regulations set out by the EC
Directive.
Usage Notes
This instrument is measured on a live line. To avoid elec-
tric shock when measuring live lines, wear appropriate
protective gear, such as insulated rubber gloves, boots
and a safety helmet.
• This instrument is designed for use indoors. It can be operated at
temperatures between 0 and 40°C without degrading safety.
• This instrument is not designed to be entirely water- or dust-proof.
Do not use it in an especially dusty environment, nor where it might
be splashed with liquid. This may cause damage.
• To avoid damage to the instrument, protect it from physical shock
when transporting and handling. Be especially careful to avoid
physical shock from dropping.
• Do not look directly into the penlight nor shine the light at another
person's eye. Doing so may cause damage to the eye.
Detection
The maximum rated voltage between input terminals and
ground is 600 V AC. Attempting to measure voltages
exceeding 600 V with respect to ground could damage
the instrument and result in personal injury.
• The white LED indicates battery consumption but is not a guarantee
of the performance of the instrument. Be sure to check its perfor-
mance using a known power source (e.g., AC outlet) prior to use.
• The instrument voltage detector works using a live AC circuit. It will
not work using an earthed wire or neutral point. If there are several
lines, such as 2-phase wires and 3-phase wires, perform voltage
detection on each line separately.
• The instrument cannot perform voltage detection on a shielded wire.
• Be sure to grip the instrument firmly during measurement. But, do
not touch the portion beyond the barrier. It will not produce any
detection.
• Make sure the detecting element properly contacts the object to be
measured. (See the below figure.)
×
Voltage detection is not
○
performed properly.
it is parallel to the object.
Position the detecting element so that
VOLTAGE DETECTOR
Object to be Measured
The white LED still lighting up, and
the red LED flashes and the buzzer
sounds.
Live.
Only the white LED lights up.
Not live or below the Operating-voltage
range.
Performance Check
Detection
The
white LED is still lighting up.
OK
OK
NG
2.
Turn the switch ON.
Turn on the switch. In the state that the white LED is
lighting up, apply the detecting element to the object to
be detected. If there are several wires, conduct a volt-
age check of each wire separately. (Check some points
for bundle of wires.)
The object cannot perform voltage detec-
tion. (It is not live or the earth potential is
below the Operating-voltage range)
The white LED lights up. The white LED does not light up or is dim.
The batteries are running
The red LED
flashes
and the buzzer sounds.
The red LED does not flash
or the buzzer does not sound.
The instrument is operating
The instrument may be malfunctioning.
properly. It can be used.
Do not use it.
The red LED flash and the buzzer sounds.
The object is live.
Switch
1.
Inspect the instrument carefully to ensure that no damage.
There is no damage.
The instrument is damaged.
Be sure to check the following before and after use to avoid
Contact your dealer or Hioki representative.
OK
NG
The red LED and buzzer
sound are getting off.
low. Replace the batteries.
NG
NG
The batteries are running
low. Replace the batteries.
3.
Grip the instrument firmly and apply the
detecting element to a known power supply
(e.g., AC outlet) in order to check the
performance.
electrical shock.
