To Next PageTo Next Page
Need help?Do you have a question about the IDEAL 61-764 and is the answer not in the manual?
Safety guidelines to avoid electric shock, personal injury, or death.
Precautions for personal safety and correct measurement procedures.
Meter alerts user to dangerous voltage presence via LED and beep.
Instructions and diagrams for measuring AC and DC voltage.
The IDEAL 600A Clamp Meters with TightSight™ Display are a series of instruction manuals for clamp meters, specifically models #61-764, #61-766, and #61-768. These devices are designed for measuring electrical parameters, with a focus on current, voltage, and resistance, and feature a unique bottom display for enhanced visibility in tight spaces.
The IDEAL 600A Clamp Meters are auto/manual ranging clamp meters. They are capable of measuring 600 AAC Current, AC/DC Voltage, and Resistance. An audible continuity feature is also included. For enhanced safety, the meters provide visual and audible indications when voltage is present, even if the meter is set to the wrong function.
The #61-764 model is an averaging sensing, RMS calibrated meter. The #61-766 model is a true RMS sensing meter that also measures capacitance, frequency, and lower currents with a 40 AAC range, making it suitable for troubleshooting motors and adjustable speed drives. The #61-768 model is also a true RMS sensing meter and measures DC current.
The clamp meters are equipped with several features to facilitate ease of use and accuracy.
Tapered Jaws with Hook Tip: The jaws are designed to be tapered, allowing access into tight spaces. A hook tip further aids in separating wires for individual measurements.
TightSight™ Bottom Display: A key feature of these meters is the TightSight™ bottom display. This secondary display is particularly useful for viewing current measurements in tight locations where the main display might be obscured. While the TightSight™ display primarily shows numerical values for AC/DC amps, the main display is used for viewing units of measure and other functions.
Main Display (LCD): The main display is a 4000-count LCD that shows large numbers and symbols. It includes icons for AC/DC measurement, polarity, range, auto power off (APO), data hold, max/min, peak max/min, audible continuity, volts, amps, farads, ohms, hertz, units of measure, an analog bar graph, and a low battery indicator.
High Voltage Warning (HI-V): For safety, the meter lights a red LED and beeps when 30V AC/DC voltage is present, regardless of the selected function. This ensures the user is alerted to dangerous voltage.
Auto/Manual Ranging Mode: The meter defaults to autoranging upon power-on, automatically selecting the best range for measurement. Users can switch to manual range mode by pressing the Range button, which locks in a specific range for repeated measurements. An "O" icon appears on the display when manual range is active. Holding the Range button for more than 1 second or cycling the power returns the meter to autoranging.
Peak Max/Min Feature: This feature captures peak voltage in VAC and peak current in AAC functions, with a 1 ms capture time for both P+ and P-. Users press the "PEAK" button to activate and toggle between P+ and P- readings. Holding the "PEAK" button for >2 seconds exits the feature. For more accurate peak measurements, the meter can be self-calibrated by holding the "PEAK" button for >2 seconds until "CAL" appears.
Max/Min Feature: The Max/Min feature records the maximum and minimum values measured over time. Pressing the Max/Min button activates this feature and allows toggling between Max, Min, and "MAXMIN" (which displays real-time readings while still capturing max/min values). Holding the Max/Min button for >2 seconds exits the mode. To record values for more than 30 minutes, the Auto Power Off (APO) feature must be defeated.
Data Hold Feature: The Hold button on the side of the meter toggles the data hold mode, freezing the current measurement on the display, indicated by "HOLD" on the main display. Pressing it again unlocks the display for real-time readings.
Relative Mode (△) (61-768 model only): This mode is used to zero out the display for DC current measurements, subtracting a non-zero offset. Pressing the "△" button again causes the "△" icon to flash and displays the original offset number. Holding the "△" button for >2 seconds exits this mode.
Backlight: A green backlight illuminates both the main and TightSight™ displays. The backlight for the main display remains lit for approximately 4.5 minutes to conserve battery power. The TightSight™ display's backlight only activates when the meter is in the Amp function.
Measuring AC Current (Amps): The clamp meter is designed to measure current on a single conductor. Attempting to measure multiple conductors will result in incorrect readings as currents will cancel out. For measuring current in a cord with multiple conductors, a line splitter should be used.
Measuring Voltage: The meter can measure both AC and DC voltage. Test leads are connected to the V-Ω input terminal and the COM input terminal. For DC voltage, the polarity indicator on the display shows the direction.
Measuring Resistance (Ohms): To measure resistance, the circuit must be de-energized. Test leads are connected to the V-Ω and COM input terminals.
Verifying Continuity (•))): Similar to resistance measurement, the circuit must be de-energized for continuity testing. The meter will beep if the resistance is less than 35 Ω, confirming continuity.
Capacitance (61-766 model only): The #61-766 model can measure capacitance. Test leads are connected to the V-Ω and COM input terminals.
Frequency (61-766 model only): The #61-766 model can measure frequency in both current mode (through the clamp head) and voltage mode (using test leads).
Battery Replacement: To replace the 9V battery, ensure test leads are disconnected from the circuit and input jacks. Remove the two screws from the battery cap, replace the battery, and reassemble the cap, tightening the screws.
Cleaning: The meter's case can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Abrasives or solvents should not be used.
Protective Rubber Boot: The meter is encased in a protective rubber boot, which helps guard against damage. A replacement boot is available if needed.
Electronic Overload Protection: The meter features electronic overload protection on all ranges, enhancing its durability and safety.
Auto Power Off (APO): To conserve battery life, the meter automatically powers off after approximately 30 minutes of inactivity. Pressing any button wakes it up, displaying the last reading. This feature can be overridden by holding the Range button while turning the function switch from Off to any other position, which removes "APO" from the display. Turning the meter off and on again restores the APO default.
General| Category | Measuring Instruments |
|---|---|
| Model | 61-764 |
| Brand | IDEAL |
| Continuity | Yes |
| Diode Test | Yes |
| Display | LCD |
| Safety Rating | CAT III 600V |
| Battery | 2 x AAA |
| AC Current Range | 600 A AC |
| AC Voltage Range | 0-750V |
| Current Range | 0.1A to 10A |
