Fluke 323/324/325 Clamp Meter User Manual
Introduction
The Fluke 323, 324, and 325 Clamp Meters are designed to measure AC and DC voltage, AC current, resistance, and continuity. The 324 and 325 models also offer capacitance and contact temperature measurement capabilities. The 325 model additionally measures DC current and frequency. Illustrations in this manual typically depict the 325 model. For temperature measurements, a K-Type Thermocouple is required.
⚠️ Warning: Read the 'Safety Information' section before operating the product.
Safety Information
The following definitions are used for safety messages:
- ⚠️ Warning: Indicates conditions or procedures that could cause personal injury or death.
- ⚠️ Caution: Indicates conditions or procedures that could cause damage to the product or other equipment.
Table 1 details symbols used on the product and within this manual.
General Safety Precautions
To prevent electrical shock, fire, or personal injury:
- Use the product only as specified; otherwise, its protective features may be compromised.
- Use only measurement category (CAT), voltage, and amperage rated probes, test leads, and adapters suitable for the measurement.
- Avoid touching voltages exceeding 30 V AC RMS, 42 V AC peak, or 60 V DC.
- Always read and follow all instructions carefully.
- Hold the product behind the tactile barrier.
- Do not exceed the Measurement Category (CAT) rating of any component (product, probe, or accessory).
- Do not measure current while test leads are connected to the input jacks.
- Do not use the product in environments with explosive gas, vapor, or in damp or wet conditions.
- Operate the product within its specified measurement category, voltage, and amperage ratings.
- Do not work alone when performing hazardous measurements.
- Do not apply voltages beyond the rated limits between terminals or between a terminal and earth ground.
- Comply with all local and national safety codes. Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as rubber gloves, face protection, and flame-resistant clothing when working with hazardous live conductors.
- Replace batteries when the low battery indicator appears to ensure accurate measurements.
- Ensure the battery door is closed and locked before operation.
- Verify the product's correct operation by measuring a known voltage first.
- Remove any unnecessary probes, test leads, or accessories before making a measurement.
- Ensure all probes, test leads, and accessories have the same measurement category and voltage rating as the product.
- Keep fingers behind the finger guards on the probes.
- Connect the common test lead before the live test lead, and disconnect the live test lead before the common test lead.
- Remove all probes, test leads, and accessories before opening the battery door.
- Do not use the product or test leads if they are damaged. Inspect test leads for damaged insulation, exposed metal, and check continuity.
- Before each use, inspect the product for cracks or missing parts in the clamp housing, loose components, and examine the insulation around the jaws and terminals.
- Read all safety information before using the product.
- Remove batteries to prevent leakage and damage if the product is not used for an extended period or stored above its operating temperature.
- Do not use a current measurement to determine if a circuit is safe to touch; a voltage measurement is required for this assessment.
Cautionary Notes
To prevent damage to the product or equipment under test:
- Use a thermocouple rated for the intended temperature range. The product is rated for -10.0 °C to +400.0 °C (14 °F to 752 °F), while the included Type-K thermocouple is rated to 260 °C.
Symbols Table
Table 1 lists various symbols and their meanings:
| Symbol | Meaning | Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~ | AC (Alternating Current) | ⊥ | Earth |
| -- | DC (Direct Current) | ~-- | AC and DC Current |
| CE | Conforms to European Union directives. | ⚠️ | WARNING. RISK OF DANGER. |
| + | Battery | i | Consult user documentation. |
| □ | Double insulated | ⚠️ | WARNING. HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE. Risk of electric shock. |
| SP® | Certified by CSA Group to North American safety standards. | ⎓ | Conforms to relevant Australian standards. |
| TUVans | Certified by TÜV SÜD Product Service. | ⎓ | Application around and removal from uninsulated hazardous live conductors is permitted. |
| CAT II | Measurement Category II is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected directly to utilization points (socket outlets and similar points) of the low-voltage MAINS installation. | CAT IV | MEASUREMENT CATEGORY IV is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected at the source of the building's low voltage MAINS installation. |
| CAT III | MEASUREMENT CATEGORY III is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected to the distribution part of the building's low-voltage MAINS installation. | KR | Conforms to relevant South Korean EMC Standards. |
| ♺ | This product complies with the WEEE Directive marking requirements. Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal waste. |
How to Clean the Product
Regularly wipe the product's case with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid using abrasives or solvents.
Cleaning the Product Jaw:
- Examine the jaw mating surface to ensure it is clean. Any debris, including rust, can affect jaw closure and lead to measurement errors.
- Open the jaws and clean the metal ends with a lightly oiled cloth.
Specifications
General
- Maximum voltage between any Terminal and Earth Ground: 600 V
Ranges
- 323: 400.0 A
- 324, 325: (40.00, 400.0) A
Batteries
- 2 AAA, NEDA 24A, IEC LR03
Operating Conditions
- Operating Temperature: -10 °C to +50 °C
- Storage Temperature: -30 °C to +60 °C
- Operating Humidity: Non-Condensing (≤10 °C), ≤90% RH (at 10 °C to 30 °C), ≤75% RH (at 30 °C to 40 °C), ≤45% RH (at 40 °C to 50 °C) (Without Condensation)
- Operating Altitude: 2000 meters
- Storage Altitude: 12,000 meters
Dimensions
- Size (L x W x H): (207 x 75 x 34) mm
Weight
- 323: 265 g
- 324: 208 g
- 325: 283 g
Safety Standards
- IEC 61010-1, Pollution Degree 2
- IEC 61010-2-032: CAT IV 300V / CAT III 600V
- IEC 61010-2-033: CAT IV 300V / CAT III 600V
IP Rating
- IEC 60529: IP30, non-operating
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
- International: IEC 61326-1: Portable, Electromagnetic Environment, IEC 61326-2-2; CISPR 11: Group 1, Class A.
- Group 1: Equipment generates or uses conductively-coupled radio frequency energy essential for its internal function.
- Class A: Suitable for all establishments except domestic ones or those directly connected to a low-voltage network supplying domestic buildings. Potential compatibility issues may arise in other environments due to disturbances.
- Korea (KCC): Emissions exceeding CISPR 11 levels may occur when connected to a test object. Class A Equipment (Industrial Broadcasting & Communication Equipment).
- USA (FCC): 47 CFR 15 subpart B. Exempt device per clause 15.103.
Temperature Coefficients
- Add 0.1 x specified accuracy for each degree C above 28 °C or below 18 °C.
Resolution and Accuracy
| Model | Measurement | Resolution | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 323 | AC Current | 0.1 A | 2.0 % ±5 digits (45 – 65 Hz) |
| 324, 325 | AC Current | (0.01, 0.1) A | 2.0 % ±5 digits (45 – 65 Hz) 2.5 % ±5 digits (65 – 400 Hz) |
| 324 | AC Current | (0.01, 0.1) A | 1.5 % ±5 digits (45 Hz to 400 Hz) |
| 325 | DC Current with Jaw | (0.01, 0.1) A | 2.0 % ±5 digits |
| All Models | AC Voltage | 0.1 V | 1.5 % ±5 digits (45 Hz– 400 Hz) |
| All Models | DC Voltage | 0.1 V | 1 % ±5 digits |
| 323, 324 | Resistance | (0.1, 1, 10) Ω | 1 % ±5 digits |
| 325 | Resistance | (0.1, 1, 10) Ω | 1 % ±5 digits |
| 323 | Continuity Beeper | ≤70 Ω | |
| 324/325 | Continuity Beeper | ≤30 Ω | |
| 324, 325 | Capacitance | (0.1, 1) μF | 1 % ±4 digits |
| 325 | Frequency with Jaw | 0.1 Hz | 0.5 % ±4 digits |
| 325 | Frequency Trigger Level | 5 to 10 Hz, ≥10 A 10 to 100 Hz, ≥5 A 100 to 500 Hz, ≥10 A | |
| 324, 325 | Contact Temperature | 0.1 °C | 1 % ±8 digits (Note: Does not include thermocouple probe error) |
Note: Add 2% for position sensitivity.
The Meter and Operation
Meter Overview
The clamp meter features a clamp jaw (labeled '1') for current measurements and a main body containing the display, a rotary dial for function selection, and several buttons for mode selection and data holding. Input jacks for voltage and resistance measurements are located on the front.
Basic Operation
- Powering On: Turn the rotary dial from the 'OFF' position to the desired measurement function (e.g., V AC, V DC, A AC/DC, Ω, Hz).
- HOLD Function: Press the 'HOLD' button to freeze the current reading on the display. Press again to exit HOLD mode.
- MIN/MAX Function: Press the 'MIN MAX' button to cycle through the minimum, maximum, and current readings.
- Display Backlight: Some models may have a backlight function, typically activated by a dedicated button or by pressing the 'HOLD' button while turning the dial.
Measurement Procedures
Current Measurement (AC/DC)
For AC/DC current, open the clamp jaw and place it around the conductor. Ensure the correct AC/DC setting is selected on the dial. The 323, 324, and 325 models have specific current ranges. For DC current measurements, the 'ZERO' function can be used to zero the display before measurement.
Voltage Measurement (AC/DC)
Connect the red test lead to the 'VΩHz' jack and the black test lead to the 'COM' jack. Select the appropriate AC or DC voltage setting on the rotary dial. Connect the test leads across the component or circuit to be measured. For voltages above 30V, exercise caution.
Resistance Measurement
Connect the test leads as for voltage measurements. Select the resistance (Ω) setting on the rotary dial. Connect the test leads across the component to measure its resistance. The meter displays resistance values up to 40000 Ω.
Continuity Test
Select the continuity setting (often indicated by a speaker or diode symbol). Connect the test leads across the circuit. A continuous audible beep indicates a low-resistance path (continuity). For model 323, continuity is indicated below 70 Ω; for models 324/325, below 30 Ω.
Capacitance Measurement (324, 325)
Select the capacitance setting. Connect the test leads across the capacitor. The meter will display the capacitance value in microfarads (μF).
Frequency Measurement (325)
Select the frequency setting. For current measurements, clamp the jaw around the conductor and ensure the appropriate current range and trigger level are met. For voltage measurements, connect the test leads to the voltage source.
Temperature Measurement (324, 325)
Connect the Type-K thermocouple to the appropriate input jacks (usually COM and VΩHz). Select the temperature (°C or °F) setting on the rotary dial. Place the thermocouple probe tip on the object to measure its temperature.
Zero Function
The ZERO function is used to zero the display for AC/DC current measurements, especially when measuring small currents or to compensate for residual magnetism in the clamp jaws.
Battery Replacement
To replace batteries, locate and unscrew the battery compartment cover on the back of the meter. Remove the old batteries and insert two new AAA batteries, observing correct polarity. Close and secure the battery compartment cover.
