Centech 96308 Assembly instructions

Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions
Save This Manual Keep this manual for the safety warnings and precautions, assembly,
operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number in the back
of the manual near the assembly diagram (or month and year of purchase if product has no number). Keep
this manual and the receipt in a safe and dry place for future reference. 23h
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact
and undamaged. If any parts are missing or broken,
please call 1-888-866-5797 as soon as possible.
Copyright©2007 by Harbor Freight Tools®. All rights reserved.
No portion of this manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in
any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor Freight Tools.
Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally. Due to continuing
improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Email our technical support at: [email protected]
96308
6 FUNCTION MINI CLAMP METER
Owner’s Manual & Safety Instructions
Save This Manual
operating, inspection, maintenance and cleaning procedures. Write the product’s serial number in the back

Page 2Item 96308 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.
WARNING SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to alert you to
potential personal injury hazards. Obey all safety messages
that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury or death.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury.
Addresses practices not related to personal injury.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Safety Warnings and Precautions
Read all safety warnings and all instructions.
Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result
in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference.
1. Electrical shock can cause death
or injury! NEVER TOUCH exposed
conductors of electricity.
2. Test cable voltages with care.
One use one hand when securing
the clamp around cable.
3. Inspect the Meter before use. In
addition to a general inspection,
look specifically for:
a. Pay special attention to the
insulation protecting the connectors.
b. Check the leads for exposed metal,
damaged insulation, and continuity.
c. Replace damaged test lead
immediately, before use.
4. Do not use the Meter if:
a. Either of the test leads are
damaged in any way.
b. Test leads are dirty or
have residue on them.
c. The battery is low.
d. Near any explosive
gasses or fumes.
e. Any abnormal operation is detected.
(If in doubt about the condition of the
Meter, have it serviced before use.)
f. The battery cover is open.
5. Power this Meter using only
the battery(ies) referenced in
the Specifications Chart.

Page 3Item 96308 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.
6. Use caution when working near
voltages above 30 VAC rms,
42 VAC peak, or 60 VDC. Voltages this
high present a risk of electric shock.
7. Disconnect the circuit’s power
before connecting the Meter in
series, when measuring current.
8. Connect the common (COM) test
lead first and disconnect it last.
9. Hold the probes with fingers
behind guards.
10. Avoid electrical shock. Use extreme
caution when working near uninsulated
conductors or bus bars. Prevent body
contact with grounded surfaces such
as pipes, radiators, ranges, and cabinet
enclosures when testing voltages.
11. Observe work area conditions. Do
not test voltages in damp or wet
locations. Don’t expose to rain.
Keep work area clean and well lit.
12. Keep children away. Children must
never be allowed in the work area.
13. Stay alert. Watch what you are doing,
use common sense. Do not operate
any Meter when you are tired.
14. Do not operate Meter if under the
influence of alcohol or drugs. Read
warning labels on prescriptions to
determine if your judgment or reflexes
are impaired while taking drugs. If there
is any doubt, do not operate the Meter.
15. People with pacemakers should
consult their physician(s) before
use. Electromagnetic fields in close
proximity to heart pacemaker could
cause pacemaker interference
or pacemaker failure.
16. Do not test voltage on circuits
higher than 300 volts.
17. Do not test current on circuits
higher than 400A.
18. Dress properly. Protective,
electrically non-conductive
clothes and nonskid footwear are
recommended when working.
19. Wear ANSI-approved safety
goggles during use.
20. Only use accessories intended
for use with this Meter.
21. Avoid damaging Meter. Use only
as specified in this manual.
22. Prior to testing resistance, diodes,
or continuity; disconnect all power
to the circuit and discharge all
high-voltage capacitors.
23. Performance of this Meter may vary
depending on battery condition.
24. Use the proper settings, terminals,
techniques, and range for the
tests performed. Start with the
range stated in the instructions.
25. Do not apply voltage to the Test
Leads when the Meter is in the
Ohms testing setting. Damage
can occur to the Meter.
26. Do not switch between testing modes
with the Meter connected to a circuit.
27. Do not use the Meter at a setting
marked as blank on the scale.
28. Have the Meter calibrated by a
qualified technician every year
to maintain accurate results.
29. Do not disassemble Meter; take
it to a qualified technician when
service or repair is required.
30. The warnings, cautions, and
instructions discussed in this instruction
manual cannot cover all possible
conditions and situations that may
occur. It must be understood by the
operator that common sense and
caution are factors which cannot
be built into this product, but must
be supplied by the operator.

Page 4Item 96308 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.
Button/Coin Battery Warnings
WARNING
INGESTION HAZARD:
This product contains a
button cell or coin battery.
This symbol means:
INGESTION HAZARD: This product
contains a button cell or coin battery.
1. Immediately dispose of used batteries
and keep away from children. Do NOT
dispose of batteries in household trash.
2. Even used batteries may cause
severe injury or death.
3. Call a local poison control center
for treatment information.
4. Do not mix old and new batteries,
different brands or types of batteries,
such as alkaline, carbon-zinc,
or rechargeable batteries.
5. Ensure the batteries are installed
correctly according to polarity (+ and -).
6. Remove and immediately discard
batteries from equipment not used
for an extended period of time.
7. Non-rechargeable batteries
are not to be recharged.
8. Do not force discharge, recharge,
disassemble, heat above 104°F or
incinerate. Doing so may result in
injury due to venting, leakage or
explosion resulting in chemical burns.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Page 5Item 96308 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.
Specifications
AC Voltage 300V
AC Voltage Accuracy ± 1.5% of rdg + 5D
AC Current Range: 20A / 200A / 400A
AC Current Accuracy 20A: ± 3.0% + 5D
200A / 400A: ± 2.5% + 5D
DC Voltage 300V
DC Voltage Accuracy ± 1.2% of rdg + 5D
Resistance Range: 200kΩ / 2000Ω
Resistance Accuracy 200kΩ: ± 1.2% + 2D
2000Ω: ± 1.5% + 2D
Continuity Less than 50Ω meter will beep
Diode Measurement Voltage Open Circuit Voltage: About 2.1V
Max Jaw Opening 1"
Battery Type 3V CR2032 x 3 (included)
Operating Temperature 32° - 104° F
Storage Temperature -4°F - 140°F

Page 6Item 96308 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.
Setup - Before Use:
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section
at the beginning of this manual including all text under
subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
Functions
Current Clamp
Clamp Trigger
Display
COM Jack
Input Jack
Rotary Switch
Hold Button

Page 7Item 96308 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.
Display
Symbol Description
Direct Current
Alternating Current
Low Battery
VVolts (Voltage)
AAmps (Current)
Ω, kΩ Ohms (Resistance)
Continuity
Diode
HOLD Display Hold

Page 8Item 96308 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.
Operating Instructions
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION section
at the beginning of this manual including all text under
subheadings therein before set up or use of this product.
Electrical shock can cause death or injury! NEVER TOUCH
exposed conductors of electricity.
General Operating Instructions
Data Hold
The data hold function will keep
the current reading on the Display.
To activate data hold:
1. Press the HOLD button and the
reading will be held on the Display.
The word HOLD appears.
2. Press HOLD again to release the hold.
Measurement Operation
Note: Remove plugs from
ends of Test Leads (included)
before connecting to Meter.
Note: Test Lead probes have removable
covers for overvoltage protection. With
covers in place, Test Leads are rated for
use with CAT III circuits. Exposed probes
are rated for use with CAT II circuits.
Current Measurement
Measure AC conductors carrying
up to 400 amperes.
WARNING! To avoid electric shock,
use only one hand to hold Meter
when measuring current.
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY: Remove Test Leads before taking
measurements with the Current Clamp.
Note: Amperage is always tested
in series with circuit under test.
Note: To measure 2- and 3-wire power
cords, use an AC Line Splitter (not included)
and follow its instructions.
1. Turn Rotary Switch to 20A~, 200A~
or 400A~ position. Start with highest
range if amperage is unknown.
2. Using one hand, press Clamp Trigger
to open Clamp jaws. Position Clamp
jaws around conductor to be tested.
3. Center conductor between
guides in Clamp Jaws.
4. Read measured current on the Display.
Switch to lower ranges, as necessary,
to get the most accurate reading.
5. When testing is complete, turn
Rotary Switch to OFF, and store Meter.

Page 9Item 96308 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.
AC/DC Voltage Measurement
Measure AC conductors
carrying up to 300 VAC.
Measure DC conductors
carrying up to 300 VDC.
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY: Use caution when working
near voltages above 30 VAC rms, 42
VAC peak, or 60 VDC. Voltages this
high present a risk of electric shock.
1. Plug Black Test Lead into COM Jack.
Insert Red Test Lead into Input Jack.
2. Turn Rotary Switch:
a. To 300V position for DC.
b. To 300V~ position for AC.
3. Carefully touch exposed
conductors with tips of probes.
4. Read measured voltage on the Display.
5. When testing is complete, turn
Rotary Switch to OFF, remove
Test Leads and store with Meter.
Continuity Measurement
Test continuity between two
points of a circuit.
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY: To prevent electric shock, turn off
all power and fully discharge capacitors on
the circuit under test before measuring.
1. Plug black test lead into COM Jack.
Plug red test lead into INPUT Jack.
2. Turn Rotary Switch to 200kΩ
or 2000Ω position.
3. Connect the test leads across
the circuit to be measured.
4. Read measured resistance on the
Display. If measured resistance is
less than 50Ω Meter will beep.
5. When testing is complete, turn
Rotary Switch to OFF, remove
Test Leads and store with Meter.
Diode Measurement
Test voltage drop in diodes.
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY: To prevent electric shock, turn off
all power and fully discharge capacitors on
the circuit under test before measuring.
1. Plug black test lead into COM Jack.
Plug red test lead into INPUT Jack.
2. Turn Rotary Switch to
2000Ω position.
3. Connect red probe to diode’s anode
and black probe to its cathode.
4. Read measured forward biased
voltage drop on the Display.
5. When testing is complete, turn
Rotary Switch to OFF, remove
Test Leads and store with Meter.

Page 10Item 96308 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.
Resistance Measurement
Measure circuit resistance up to 2000Ω.
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY: To prevent electric shock, turn off
all power and fully discharge capacitors on
the circuit under test before measuring.
Note: When measuring Ohms, start with the
lowest range if the resistance is unknown.
1. Plug black test lead into COM Jack.
Plug red test lead into INPUT Jack.
2. Turn Rotary Switch to
2000Ω or 200kΩ.
3. Carefully touch exposed
conductors with tips of probes.
4. Read measured resistance on Display.
Note: Meter will beep if measured
resistance is less than approximately
50Ωin 2000Ω position.
5. When testing is complete, turn
Rotary Switch to OFF, remove
Test Leads and store with Meter.
Note: Sometimes resistor value and
measured resistance differ. This is due
to the Meter’s output test current going
through all possible paths between leads.
Note: For low resistance measurements,
short the test leads and record the
resistance displayed. Then connect to
the circuit and subtract the recorded
resistance from the measurement
for the most accurate results.
Record Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not
available individually as replacement parts. Refer to UPC 193175514301.

Page 11Item 96308 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.
Maintenance and Servicing
Procedures not specifically explained in this manual must
be performed only by a qualified technician.
Cleaning, Maintenance, and Lubrication
1. Wipe unit with a dry, lint-free cloth.
Do not use solvents or abrasives.
2. Remove batteries if not in
use for long periods.
3. Store unit in a dry location.
4. Other than the batteries, there
are no replaceable parts on this
unit. Repairs should be done
by a qualified technician.
Battery Replacement
1. When the Low Battery symbol is
shown on the Display Screen, the
batteries are low and must be replaced.
2. Remove screw(s) and open
battery compartment.
3. Remove batteries and
dispose of properly.
4. Insert new batteries in correct
polarity, close compartment
and replace screw(s).
Calibration
Have the Meter calibrated by a qualified technician every year to maintain accuracy.

LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high
quality and durability standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this
product is free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 90 days
from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or
indirectly, to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside
our facilities, criminal activity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of
maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property,
or for incidental, contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use
of our product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above limitation of exclusion may not apply to you. THIS
WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us
with transportation charges prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation
of the complaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection verifies
the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may
elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you
with a replacement. We will return repaired products at our expense, but if we
determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes not within the
scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also
have other rights which vary from state to state.
26677 Agoura Road • Calabasas, CA 91302 • 1-888-866-5797