Craftsman 73756 User manual

Owner's Manual
AC/DC True RMS
Clamp Meter
Model No.
73756
© Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
www.craftsman.com 062006
•Safety
•Operation
•Maintenance
•Español
CAUTION: Read, understand and
follow Safety Rules and Operating
Instructions in this manual before
using this product.

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Warranty Page 3
Safety Instructions 4
Safety Symbols 5
Control and Jacks 6
Symbols and Annunciators 6
Specifications 7
Battery Installation 9
Operating Instructions 10
AC/DC Current Measurements 10
DC Voltage Measurements 11
AC Voltage Measurements 12
Resistance Measurements 13
Capacitance Measurements 13
Frequency Measurements 14
Temperature Measurements 15
Continuity Check 15
Diode Test 16
Data Hold 17
DC Zero 17
Peak Hold 17
Display Backlight 18
Auto Power Off 18
Maintenance 19
Battery Replacement 20
Troubleshooting 21
Service and Parts 21

3
ONE YEAR FULL WARRANTY
ONE YEAR FULL WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN PROFESSIONAL
AC/DC TRUE RMS Clamp Meter
If this CRAFTSMAN Professional AC/DC True RMS Clamp Meter fails to
give complete satisfaction within one year from the date of purchase,
RETURN IT TO THE NEAREST SEARS STORE OR OTHER
CRAFTSMAN OUTLET IN THE UNITED STATES, and Sears will replace
it, free of charge.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
For Customer Assistance Call 9am - 5pm (ET)
Monday through Friday 1-888-326-1006
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION IN THE USE OF THIS
DEVICE. Improper use of this device can result in injury or
death. Follow all safeguards suggested in this manual in addition
to the normal safety precautions used in working with electrical
circuits. DO NOT service this device if you are not qualified to do
so.

4
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This meter has been designed for safe use, but must be operated
with caution. The rules listed below must be carefully followed for
safe operation.
1. NEVER apply voltage or current to the meter that exceeds the
specified maximum: Input Limits
Function Maximum Input
A DC or A AC 800A DC/AC
V DC or V AC 600V DC/AC
Resistance, Capacitance,
Frequency, Diode Test 250V DC/AC
Temperature 60V DC/24V AC
2. USE EXTREME CAUTION when working with high voltages
3. DO NOT measure voltage if the voltage on the "COM" input
jack exceeds 600V above earth ground
4. DO NOT measure current of circuits whose voltage is greater
than 500V above earth ground
5. NEVER connect the meter leads across a voltage source
while the function switch is in the resistance or diode mode.
Doing so can damage the meter
6. ALWAYS turn off the power and disconnect the test leads
before opening the cover to replace the fuse or battery
7. NEVER operate the meter unless the back cover is in place
and fastened securely

5
SAFETY SYMBOLS
This symbol adjacent to another symbol,
terminal or operating device indicates that the
operator must refer to an explanation in the
Operating Instructions to avoid personal injury
or damage to the meter.
This WARNING symbol indicates a potentially
hazardous situation, which if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
This CAUTION symbol indicates a potentially
hazardous situation, which if not avoided, may
result damage to the product.
This symbol advises the user that the
terminal(s) so marked must not be connected
to a circuit point at which the voltage with
respect to earth ground exceeds (in this case)
600 VAC or VDC.
This symbol adjacent to one or more terminals
identifies them as being associated with
ranges that may, in normal use, be subjected
to particularly hazardous voltages. For
maximum safety, the meter and its test leads
should not be handled when these terminals
are energized.
This symbol indicates that a device is
protected throughout by double insulation or
reinforced insulation.
WARNING
CAUTION
MAX
600V

6
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
P
MAX
P
MIN
CONTROLS AND JACKS
1. Current clamp
2. Clamp opening trigger
3. Control buttons:
• Data Hold
• Mode
• Peak
• Backlight
• DCA Zero
4. Backlit LCD Display
5. COM negative input jack for black test lead
6. Rotary function switch
7. V••CAP•TEMP•HZ• positive input jack for red lead
SYMBOLS AND ANNUNCIATORS
HOLD Data Hold
Minus Sign Negative reading display
0 to 3999 Measurement display digits
DC ZERO DCA Zero
PMAX PMIN Peak capture
AUTO Auto Range mode
DC/AC Direct Current/Alternating Current
BAT Low battery
mV or V Milli-volts or Volts (Voltage)
Ohms (Resistance)
A Amperes (Current)
F Farad (Capacitance)
Hz Hertz (Frequency)
oF and oC Fahrenheit and Celsius units (Temperature)
n,m,µ,M,k Unit of measure prefixes: nano,milli,micro,mega,& kilo
•))) Continuity
Diode test

7
SPECIFICATIONS
Function Range Resolution Accuracy
40.00A 0.01A ± (5% + 10d)
400.0A 0.1A ± (5% + 10d)
DC Current
(A DC)
800A 1A ± (2.8% + 10d)
40.00A 0.01A ± (5% + 10d)
400.0A 0.1A ± (5% + 10d)
AC Current
(A AC)
50/60Hz 800A 1A ± (2.8% + 10d)
400.0mV 0.1mV ± (0.8% + 10 digits)
4.000V 1mV
40.00V 10mV
400.0V 0.1V ± (1.5% + 2 digits)
DC Voltage
(V DC)
600V 1V ± (2.0% + 3 digits)
400.0mV 0.1mV ± (1.0% + 10 digits)
4.000V 1mV
40.00V 10mV
400.0V 0.1V ± (1.5% + 5 digits)
AC Voltage
(V AC)
600V 1V ± (2.0% + 5 digits)
400.00.1± (1.0% + 4 digits)
4.000k 1
40.00k 10
400.0k 0.1k± (1.5% + 2 digits)
4.000M 1k± (2.5% + 3 digits)
Resistance
40.00M
10k± (3.5% + 5 digits)
4.000nF 1pF ± (5.0% + 30 digits)
40.00nF 10pF ± (5.0% + 20 digits)
400.0nF 0.1nF
4.000µF 1nF
40.00µF 10nF ± (3.0% + 5 digits)
400.0µF 0.1µF ± (4.0% + 10 digits)
4.000mF 1µF ± (10% + 10 digits)
Capacitance
40,00mF
10µF unspecified
4.000kHz
1Hz ± (1.5% + 2 digits)Frequency
Sensitivity: 100V (<50Hz); 50V (50 to 400Hz);
5V (401 to 4000Hz)

8
Function Range Resolution Accuracy
-4 to
1400ºF 1ºF ± (3% reading + 9ºF)Temperature
-20 to
760ºC 1ºC ± (3% reading + 5ºC)
NOTE: Accuracy specifications consist of two elements:
•(% reading) – This is the accuracy of the measurement circuit.
•(+ digits) – This is the accuracy of the analog to digital
converter.
Clamp jaw opening 1.2” (30mm) approx.
Display 3-3/4 digits (4000 counts) backlit
Diode Test Test current of 0.3mA maximum,
open circuit voltage <3V DC typical
Continuity Check Audible signal will sound if the
resistance is less than 40
(approx.), test current <0.5mA
Temperature Sensor Requires type K thermocouple
Input Impedance 10M(VDC & VAC)
AC Response True rms (AAC and VAC)
ACV Bandwidth 50Hz to 400Hz
Crest Factor 3.0 in 40A and 400A ranges, 1.4 in
800A range (50/60Hz and 5% to
100% of range)
Overrange indication “OL” is displayed
Auto Power Off 25 minutes (approximately)
Polarity Automatic (no indication for
positive); Minus (-) sign for negative
Measurement Rate 2 times per second, nominal
PEAK Captures peaks>1ms
Low Battery Indication “BAT” is displayed if battery voltage
drops below operating voltage
Battery one 9 volt (NEDA 1604) battery
Operating Temperature 41oF to 104oF (5oC to 40oC)
Storage Temperature -4oF to 140oF (-20oC to 60oC)

9
Operating Humidity Max 80% up to 87oF (31oC)
decreasing linearly to 50% at 104oF
(40oC)
Storage Humidity <80%
Operating Altitude 7000ft. (2000) meters maximum
Weight 10.7 oz (303g)
Size 9.0” x 3.1” x 2.0” (229 x 80 x 49mm)
Safety For indoor use and in accordance
with the requirements for double
insulation to IEC1010-1 (2001):
EN61010-1 (2001) Overvoltage
Category III 600V and Category II
1000V, Pollution Degree 2.
BATTERY INSTALLATION
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads
from any source of voltage before removing the battery cover.
1. Disconnect the test leads from the meter.
2. Remove the rear battery cover by removing the screw using a
Phillips head screwdriver.
3. Insert the battery into battery clips, observing the correct
polarity.
4. Put the battery cover back in place and secure with the screw.
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate the meter
until the battery cover is in place and fastened securely.
NOTE: If your meter does not work properly, check the battery to
make sure that it is still good and properly inserted.

10
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: Risk of electrocution. High-voltage circuits, both AC
and DC, are very dangerous and should be measured with great
care.
1. ALWAYS turn the function switch to the OFF position when the
meter is not in use.
2. If “OL” appears in the display during a measurement, the value
exceeds the range you have selected. Change to a higher range.
NOTE: On some low AC and DC voltage ranges, with the test
leads not connected to a device, the display may show a
random, changing reading. This is normal and is caused by
the high-input sensitivity. The reading will stabilize and give
a proper measurement when connected to a circuit.
AC/DC Current Measurements
WARNING: Ensure that the test leads are disconnected from the meter before
making current clamp measurements.
1. Set the Function switch to
the 800A, 400A, or 40A
range. If the approx. range
of the measurement is not
known, select the highest
range then move to the
lower ranges if necessary.
2. Use the MODE button to
select AC or DC.
3. Press the DC ZERO button
to zero the meter display.
4. Press the trigger to open jaw. Fully enclose only one
conductor. For optimum results, center the conductor in the
jaw.
5. The clamp meter LCD will display the reading.
Incorrect
Correct

11
DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS
CAUTION: Do not measure DC voltages if a motor on the
circuit is being switched ON or OFF. Large voltage surges may
occur that can damage the meter.
1. Insert the black test lead into the negative
COM terminal and the red test lead into the
positive V··CAP·TEMP·Hz· terminal.
2. Set the function switch to the V Hz position.
3. Use the MODE button to select DC Voltage.
4. Connect the test leads in parallel to the
circuit under test.
5. The clamp meter LCD will display the
reading.
V

12
AC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS
WARNING: The probe tips may not be long enough to contact
the live parts inside some 240V outlets for appliances because
the contacts are recessed deep in the outlets. As a result, the
reading may show 0 volts when the outlet actually has voltage
on it.
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, make sure the probe tips
are touching the metal contacts inside the outlet before
assuming no voltage is present
CAUTION: Do not measure AC voltages if a motor on the
circuit is being switched ON or OFF. Large voltage surges may
occur that can damage the meter.
1. Insert the black test lead into the negative
COM terminal and the red test lead into the
positive V··CAP·TEMP·Hz· terminal.
2. Set the function switch to the V Hz position.
3. Use the MODE button to select AC Voltage.
4. Connect the test leads in parallel to the circuit
under test.
5. The clamp meter LCD will display the reading.
V

13
RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect power to the
unit under test and discharge all capacitors before taking any
resistance measurements. Remove the batteries and unplug
the line cords.
1. Insert the black test lead into the negative COM
terminal and the red test lead into the
V··CAP·TEMP·Hz· positive terminal.
2. Set the function switch to the position.
3. Touch the test probe tips across the circuit or
component under test.
4. Read the resistance on the LCD display.
CAPACITANCE MEASUREMENTS
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect power to the
unit under test and discharge all capacitors before taking any
capacitance measurements. Remove the batteries and unplug
the line cords.
1. Set the function switch to the CAP position.
2. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the
negative COM jack and the red test lead
banana plug into the V··CAP·TEMP·Hz·
positive jack.
3. Touch the test probe tips across the part
under test. If “dISC” appears in the display,
remove and discharge the component.
4. Read the capacitance value in the display.
5. The display will indicate the proper decimal
point and value.
Note: For very large values of capacitance
measurement it can take several minutes
before the final reading stabilizes.
CAP

14
FREQUENCY MEASUREMENTS
1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into
the negative COM jack and the red test
lead banana plug into the
V··CAP·TEMP·Hz· positive jack.
2. Set the function switch to the VHz
Position.
3. Press and hold the MODE button to select
the Frequency (Hz) function. “k Hz” will
appear in the display.
4. Touch the test probe tips across the part
under test.
5. Read the Frequency value on the display.
6. The display will indicate the proper
decimal point and value.
7. Press and hold the MODE button again to
return to the voltage mode.
Hz

15
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS
1. Set the function switch to the TEMP position.
2. Insert the Temperature Probe into the
negative COM and the V··CAP·TEMP·Hz·
positive jacks, observing polarity.
3. Touch the Temperature Probe head to the
device under test. Continue to touch the part
under test with the probe until the reading
stabilizes.
4. Read the temperature on the display. The
digital reading will indicate the proper
decimal point and value.
5. Use the MODE button to select oF or oC.
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, be sure the
thermocouple probe has been removed before changing to
another measurement function.
CONTINUITY CHECK
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, never measure continuity
on circuits or wires that have voltage on them.
1. Insert the black test lead into the negative COM terminal and
the red test lead into the V··CAP·TEMP·Hz· positive terminal.
2. Set the function switch to the •)))position.
3. Use the MODE button to select continuity “•)))”. The display
icons will change when the MODE button is pressed.
4. Touch the test probe tips across the circuit or component
under test.
5. If the resistance is < 40, a tone will sound.

16
DIODE TEST
1. Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM
jack and the red test lead banana plug into the
V··CAP·TEMP·Hz· positive jack.
2. Turn the function switch to position. Use the MODE button
to select the diode function if necessary (diode symbol will
appear on the LCD when in Diode test mode).
3. Touch the test probe tips to the diode or semiconductor
junction under test. Note the meter reading.
4. Reverse the test lead polarity by reversing the red and black
leads. Note this reading.
5. The diode or junction can be evaluated as follows:
If one reading displays a value (typically 0.400V to
0.900V) and the other reading displays OL, the diode
is good.
If both readings display OL the device is open.
If both readings are very small or ‘0’, the device is
shorted.

17
Data Hold
To freeze the LCD reading, press the HOLD button. While data
hold is active, the HOLD icon appears on the LCD. Press the
HOLD button again to return to normal operation.
DC ZERO (Relative)
The DC ZERO is a relative feature and can be used in any
function.
1. Press the DC ZERO button to zero the display. “ZERO” will
appear in the display. The displayed reading is now the actual
value less the stored “zero” value.
2. Press the DC ZERO button to view the stored value. “ZERO”
will flash in the display.
3. To exit this mode, press and Hold the ZERO button until
“ZERO” is no longer in the display.
Peak Hold
The Peak Hold function captures the peak AC or DC voltage or
current. The meter can capture negative or positive peaks as
fast as 1 millisecond in duration.
1. Turn the function switch to the A or V position.
2. Use the MODE button to select AC or DC.
3. Allow time for the display to stabilize.
4. Press and Hold the PEAK button until “CAL” appears in the
display. This procedure will zero the range selected.
5. Press the PEAK button, Pmax will display.
6. The display will update each time a higher positive peak
occurs.
7. Press the PEAK button again, Pmin will display. The display
will now update and indicate the lowest negative peak.
8. To return to normal operation, press and hold the PEAK
button until the Pmin or Pmax indicator switches off.
Note: If the Function position is changed after calibration the Peak
Hold calibration must be repeated for the new function selected.

18
LCD Backlight Button
The LCD is equipped with backlighting for easier viewing,
especially in dimly lit areas. Press the backlight button to turn
the backlight on. Press again to turn the backlight off. Note that
the meter does have an auto power off feature as described
below.
Automatic Power OFF
In order to conserve battery life, the meter will automatically turn
off after approximately 25 minutes. To turn the meter on again,
turn the function switch to the OFF position and then to the
desired function position.

19
MAINTENANCE
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads
from any source of voltage before removing the back cover or
the battery cover.
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate your meter
until the battery cover is in place and fastened securely.
This multimeter is designed to provide years of dependable service,
if the following care instructions are performed:
1. KEEP THE METER DRY. If it gets wet, wipe it off.
2. USE AND STORE THE METER IN NORMAL
TEMPERATURES. Temperature extremes can shorten the life
of the electronic parts and distort or melt plastic parts.
3. HANDLE THE METER GENTLY AND CAREFULLY. Dropping
it can damage the electronic parts or the case.
4. KEEP THE METER CLEAN. Wipe the case occasionally with a
damp cloth. DO NOT use chemicals, cleaning solvents, or
detergents.
5. USE ONLY FRESH BATTERIES OF THE RECOMMENDED
SIZE AND TYPE. Remove old or weak batteries so they do not
leak and damage the unit.
6. IF THE METER IS TO BE STORED FOR A LONG PERIOD
OF TIME, the batteries should be removed to prevent damage
to the unit.
UL LISTED
The UL mark does not indicate that this product has been
evaluated for the accuracy of its readings.

20
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, disconnect the test leads
from any source of voltage before removing the battery cover.
1. When the battery becomes exhausted or drops below the
operating voltage, “ ” will appear in the left-hand side of the
LCD display. The battery should be replaced.
2. Follow instructions for installing batteries. See the Battery
Installation section of this manual.
3. Dispose of the old battery properly.
WARNING: To avoid electric shock, do not operate your meter
until the battery cover is in place and fastened securely.
NOTE: If your meter does not work properly, check battery to make
sure that it is still good and properly inserted.