GVDA Digital Mini Clamp Meter User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides instructions for the safe operation and maintenance of the GVDA Digital Mini Clamp Meters, models GD163A and GD163B. These devices are designed for measuring AC/DC voltage, AC current, resistance, capacitance, frequency, diode, continuity, and temperature, along with non-contact voltage detection (NCV).

The GD163A is a 4000-count AC clamp meter, while the GD163B is a more advanced 6000-count AC/DC clamp meter with additional features like DC current and frequency measurement.

Safety Information

WARNING: To avoid possible electric shock, fire, or personal injury, please read all safety information before you use the product.

• Always adhere to local and national safety codes.
• Use the meter only as specified in this manual; otherwise, the protection provided by the meter may be impaired.
• Do not use the meter if it appears damaged or if the test leads are damaged.
• Verify the meter's operation on a known voltage source before use.
• Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on the meter, between the terminals or between any terminal and earth ground.
• Be careful when working with voltages above 30V AC RMS, 42V peak, or 60V DC. These voltages pose a shock hazard.
• Keep your fingers behind the finger guards on the test probes.
• Remove test leads from the meter before opening the battery door.
• Replace the batteries as soon as the low battery indicator appears to avoid incorrect readings.

Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the components of your GVDA Mini Clamp Meter.

Image: Labeled diagram of the clamp meter showing NCV sensor, Current clamp, Flashlight, Clamp opening trigger, Caution light, Function button, Rotary switch, Zero/backlight, Data hold/Flashlight, LCD Display, and Input jacks.

Key components include:

• NCV Sensor: For non-contact voltage detection.
• Current Clamp: For measuring AC current without breaking the circuit. Maximum jaw size is 26mm.
• Flashlight: Illuminates the measurement area.
• Clamp Opening Trigger: Used to open the current clamp.
• Caution Light: Indicates warnings or NCV detection.
• Function Buttons (SEL, REL, H/*):
  • SEL (Select): Toggles between functions within a rotary switch position (e.g., AC/DC voltage, Diode/Continuity).
  • REL (Relative): For relative measurement mode.
  • H/* (Hold/Flashlight): Short press to hold data on display; long press to activate/deactivate flashlight.
• Rotary Switch: Selects the desired measurement function.
• LCD Display: Shows measurement readings and indicators.
• Input Jacks (COM, INPUT): For connecting test leads and temperature probe.

The meter also features a low battery indicator and auto power off after 15 minutes of inactivity.

Setup

1. Battery Installation

The GVDA Mini Clamp Meter requires two 1.5V AAA batteries (not included).

1. Ensure the meter is turned OFF.
2. Locate the battery compartment cover on the back of the meter.
3. Use a screwdriver to open the battery compartment.
4. Insert two 1.5V AAA batteries, observing the correct polarity (+ and -).
5. Replace the battery compartment cover and secure it with the screw.

Image: Rear view of the clamp meter showing the battery compartment for two AAA batteries.

2. Connecting Test Leads / Temperature Probe

For most measurements (voltage, resistance, capacitance, diode, continuity, frequency), connect the test leads:

• Insert the red test lead into the "INPUT" jack.
• Insert the black test lead into the "COM" (common) jack.

For temperature measurement, connect the K-type temperature probe:

• Insert the temperature probe's connectors into the "INPUT" and "COM" jacks, observing polarity if applicable (usually red to INPUT, black to COM).

Operating Instructions

Turn the rotary switch to the desired function. Use the "SEL" button to toggle between functions if multiple are available on a single switch position.

1. AC Current Measurement

1. Turn the rotary switch to the "A~" position.
2. Press the clamp opening trigger to open the current clamp.
3. Enclose a single conductor (not a bundle of wires) within the clamp jaws.
4. Read the AC current value on the LCD display.

Image: Clamp meter measuring AC current on a circuit breaker panel.

The clamp opening size is 26mm, allowing measurement on various cable sizes.

Image: Close-up of the clamp jaws showing a 26mm opening size.

2. AC/DC Voltage Measurement

1. Connect the test leads to the "INPUT" and "COM" jacks.
2. Turn the rotary switch to "V~" for AC Voltage or "V-" for DC Voltage. (On GD163B, you might select "V~" or "V-" directly, or use "SEL" to switch if combined).
3. Touch the test probes to the circuit points you wish to measure.
4. Read the voltage value on the LCD display.

Image: Clamp meter measuring AC voltage from a wall outlet.

Image: Collage showing AC voltage, DC voltage, Resistance, and Capacitance measurements.

3. Resistance Measurement (Ω)

1. Connect the test leads.
2. Turn the rotary switch to the "Ω" position.
3. Ensure the circuit or component is de-energized before measuring resistance.
4. Touch the test probes across the component.
5. Read the resistance value.

4. Capacitance Measurement (F)

1. Connect the test leads.
2. Turn the rotary switch to the "F" position.
3. Ensure the capacitor is discharged before measurement.
4. Touch the test probes across the capacitor terminals.
5. Read the capacitance value.

5. Diode Test (→|)

1. Connect the test leads.
2. Turn the rotary switch to the "→|" position.
3. Touch the red probe to the anode and the black probe to the cathode of the diode.
4. The display will show the forward voltage drop. Reverse the probes; the display should show "OL" (open loop) for a good diode.

Image: Collage showing Diode test, Continuity test, Frequency measurement (GD163B only), and NCV measurement.

6. Continuity Test (•)))

1. Connect the test leads.
2. Turn the rotary switch to the "•)))" position.
3. Touch the test probes to the two points of the circuit you want to check for continuity.
4. If there is continuity (low resistance), the meter will beep.

7. Frequency Measurement (Hz) - GD163B Only

1. Connect the test leads.
2. Turn the rotary switch to the "Hz" position.
3. Touch the test probes to the circuit points where you want to measure frequency.
4. Read the frequency value on the LCD display.

8. Non-Contact Voltage Detection (NCV)

1. Turn the rotary switch to the "NCV" position.
2. Move the NCV sensor (top part of the clamp) close to the conductor or outlet.
3. The meter will beep and the caution light will flash if AC voltage is detected.

Image: Clamp meter detecting non-contact voltage near a circuit breaker.

9. Temperature Measurement

1. Connect the K-type temperature probe to the "INPUT" and "COM" jacks.
2. Turn the rotary switch to the "°C/°F" position.
3. Place the tip of the temperature probe on or near the object whose temperature you want to measure.
4. Read the temperature value on the LCD display. Use the "SEL" button to switch between Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F).

Image: Clamp meter measuring temperature using a K-type probe near a flame. Shows temperature ranges for GD163A and GD163B.

• GD163A Temperature Range: -40°C ~ 1000°C / -40°F ~ 1832°F
• GD163B Temperature Range: -50°C ~ 1300°C / -58°F ~ 2372°F

10. Flashlight

Long press the "H/*" button to turn the built-in flashlight ON or OFF.

Image: Clamp meter with its integrated flashlight illuminated.

11. Data Hold (H)

Short press the "H/*" button to freeze the current reading on the display. Press again to release.

Maintenance

1. Cleaning

Wipe the case with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not use abrasives or solvents. Keep the input terminals free of dirt and moisture.

2. Battery Replacement

Refer to the "Battery Installation" section under Setup. Replace batteries promptly when the low battery indicator appears to ensure accurate measurements.

3. Fuse Replacement

This device does not typically use user-replaceable fuses for its main functions. If the device malfunctions, contact support.

Troubleshooting

• No Display / Meter does not turn on:
  • Check if the rotary switch is in the OFF position.
  • Verify batteries are correctly installed and not depleted. Replace if necessary.
• Incorrect Readings:
  • Ensure test leads are properly connected and not damaged.
  • Check battery level; low batteries can affect accuracy.
  • Ensure the correct function is selected for the measurement.
  • For current measurement, ensure only one conductor is within the clamp jaws.
• "OL" (Overload) on Display:
  • The measured value exceeds the meter's range for the selected function. Select a higher range if available, or ensure the input is within the meter's maximum specifications.
• Auto Power Off:
  • The meter will automatically turn off after 15 minutes of inactivity to save battery. Turn the rotary switch to OFF and then back to the desired function to resume operation.

Specifications

The following table details the specifications for the GD163A and GD163B models:

Image: Detailed specifications table comparing GD163A and GD163B models.

Certifications: CE

Origin: Mainland China

User Tips

• Always ensure the meter is set to the correct function and range before making a measurement to prevent damage to the meter or the circuit.
• When measuring current with the clamp, isolate the single conductor you wish to measure. Clamping around multiple conductors (e.g., a power cord with live and neutral) will result in a zero or incorrect reading.
• For stable readings, especially in noisy electrical environments, use the Data Hold function (short press H/*) to capture a momentary value.
• The NCV function is excellent for quickly checking for the presence of AC voltage without direct contact, enhancing safety.

Warranty and Support

GVDA products are designed for reliability and performance. For any technical assistance, warranty claims, or support inquiries, please contact your retailer or the manufacturer directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.