FLIR CM174 User manual

USER MANUAL
FLIR CM174
IMAGING CLAMP METER with IGMTM
TRUE RMS 600A AC/DC CLAMP METER

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Table of Contents
1. DISCLAIMERS 4
1.1 Copyright 4
1.2 Quality Assurance 4
1.3 Documentation 4
1.4 Disposal of Electronic Waste 4
2. SAFETY 4
3. INTRODUCTION 7
3.1 Key Features 7
4. METER DESCRIPTION 8
4.1 Meter Parts 8
4.2 Function Switch 9
4.3 Function Buttons 9
4.4 Display Icons and Indicators 10
4.5 Thermal Image Display 12
4.6 Clamp Meter Display 12
5. OPERATION 13
5.1 Powering the Meter 13
5.1.1 Auto Power Off 13
5.2 Auto/Manual Range Mode 13
5.3 HOLD Mode 13
5.4 Voltage and Current Measurements 14
5.4.1 Basic Voltage Measurements 14
5.4.2 ‘Lo Z’ Voltage Measurements 14
5.4.3 Basic Current Measurements 15
5.4.4 Extended Functionality Modes 16
5.5 Resistance Measurements 19
5.6 Continuity Test 19
5.7 Capacitance Measurements 20
5.8 Diode Test (CLASSIC mode) 21
5.9 Diode Test (SMART mode) 22
5.10 IGM Thermal Imager 23

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5.10.1 Thermal Imager Basics 23
5.10.2 Programming Menu 25
5.10.3 Infrared Energy and Imaging Theory 28
6. MAINTENANCE 30
6.1 Cleaning and Storage 30
6.2 Battery Replacement 30
6.2.1 Disposal of Electronic Waste 30
7. SPECIFICATIONS 31
7.1 General specifications 31
7.2 IR Thermal Imaging Specifications 32
7.3 Electrical specifications 33
8. TECHNICAL SUPPORT 36
9. WARRANTY 37

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1. Disclaimers
1.1 Copyright
© 2015-2017, FLIR Systems, Inc., All rights reserved worldwide. No parts of the software
including source code may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed or translated into
any language or computer language in any form or by any means, electronic, magnetic,
optical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of FLIR Systems.
The documentation must not, in whole or part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced,
translated or transmitted to any electronic medium or machine readable form without
prior consent, in writing, from FLIR Systems.
Names and marks appearing on the products herein are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of FLIR Systems and/or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, trade names or
company names referenced herein are used for identification only and are the property
of their respective owners.
1.2 Quality Assurance
The Quality Management System under which these products are developed and
manufactured has been certified in accordance with the ISO 9001 standard.
FLIR Systems is committed to a policy of continuous development; therefore we reserve
the right to make changes and improvements on any of the products without prior
notice.
1.3 Documentation
To access the latest manuals and notifications, go to the Download tab at:
http://support.flir.com. It only takes a few minutes to register online. In the download
area you will also find the latest releases of manuals for our other products, as well as
manuals for our historical and obsolete products.
1.4 Disposal of Electronic Waste
As with most electronic products, this equipment must be disposed of in an
environmentally friendly way, and in accordance with existing regulations for
electronic waste.
Please contact your FLIR Systems representative for more details.
2. Safety
Safety Notes
Before operating the device, you must read, understand, and follow all instructions,
dangers, warnings, cautions, and notes.
FLIR Systems reserves the right to discontinue models, parts or accessories, and other
items, or to change specifications at any time without prior notice.
Remove the batteries if the device is not used for an extended period of time.

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Warning Statements
Do not operate the device if you do not have the correct knowledge. Formal
qualifications and/or national legislation for the electrical inspections can apply. Incorrect
operation of the device can cause damage, shock, injury or death to persons.
Do not start the measuring procedure before you have set the function switch to the
correct position. This can cause damage to the instrument and can cause injury to
persons.
Do not change to current or resistance when you measure the voltage. This can cause
damage to the instrument and can cause injury to persons.
Do not measure the current on a circuit when the voltage increases to more than 1000 V.
This can cause damage to the instrument and can cause injury to persons.
You must disconnect the test leads from the circuit that you did a test on before you
change the range. If you do not do this, damage to the instrument and injury to persons
can occur.
Do not replace the batteries before you remove the test leads. This can cause damage to
the instrument and can cause injury to persons.
Do not use the device if the test leads and/or the device show signs of damage. Injury to
persons can occur.
Be careful when taking measurements if the voltages are more than 25 VAC rms or 35
VDC. There is a risk of shock from these voltages. Injury to persons can occur.
Do not do diode, resistance or continuity tests before you have removed the power from
capacitors and other devices under test during a measurement. Injury to persons can
occur.
Make sure that children cannot touch the device. The device contains dangerous objects
and small parts that children can swallow. If a child swallows an object or a part, speak
with a physician immediately. Injury to persons can occur.
Do not let children play with the batteries and/or the packing material. These can be
dangerous for children if they use them as toys.
Do not touch expired or damaged batteries without gloves. Injury to persons can occur.
Do not cause a short circuit of the batteries. This can cause damage to the instrument
and can cause injury to persons.
Do not put the batteries into a fire. Injury to persons can occur.
Cautions
Do not use the device for a procedure that it is not intended for. This can cause damage to the
protection.
This symbol, adjacent to another symbol or terminal, indicates that the user
must refer to the manual for further information.
This symbol, adjacent to a terminal, indicates that, under normal use, hazardous
voltages may be present.
Double insulation.

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UL listing is not an indication or a verification of the accuracy of the meter
IEC 60825-1 Ed. 2 (2007)
CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified
herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Agency Approvals
(MSIP-REI-FS5-CM174)

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3. Introduction
Thank you for selecting the FLIR CM174 Clamp Meter. The CM174 is a True RMS 600A
AC/DC clamp meter with radiometric Lepton Thermal Imaging system, integrated VFD
Mode, Inrush Current capture and a Lo Z mode for eliminating ‘ghost’ voltages. This
device is shipped fully tested and calibrated and, with proper use, will provide years of
reliable service.
3.1 Key Features
6000-count color TFT display
IGMTM (Infrared Guided Measurement) Thermal Imaging System
Work lights
Auto Range True RMS AC/DC 600 A capability
Auto Range True RMS AC/DC 1000 V capability
Frequency AC bandwidth (45-400Hz)
Frequency Measurements to 60KHz
Flex Clamp adaptor input for FLIR TA72_TA74 Clamp adaptors
Resistance and Continuity measurements
Capacitance and Diode measurements
Data HOLD
Inrush current
DCA zero function
Low Z (Impedance) mode
Minimum/Maximum memory
Integrated VFD mode (Low-pass filter)
Auto power off (can be deactivated or preset to 1, 2, 5, or 10 minutes)
Jaw opening 35mm (1.38”)
Easy-access battery cover mechanism
Safety Category Rating: CAT IV-600V, CAT III-1000V

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4. Meter Description
4.1 Meter Parts
1. Jaw opening trigger
2. MODE/Hz/up arrow button
3. VFD/Work light/down arrow button
4. Function switch
5. COM (negative -) Probe Input jack
6. Positive (+) Probe Input jack
7. IGM Thermal Image mode button
8. DCA Zero/Inrush/OK button
9. MIN/MAX HOLD button
10. AUTO/RANGE Button
11. Color TFT Display
12. Clamp jaw
1. Work light
2. Thermal imaging lens
3. Tripod mount
4. Warning & informational text
5. Battery compartment
6. Battery compartment lock
7. Laser pointer lens
Fig 4-1 Front View
Fig 4-2 Rear View

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4.2 Function Switch
Select this position when connecting a FLIR Flex Clamp Adaptor.
Select this position to measure in the low impedance mode.
Select this position to switch the meter OFF (full power saving mode).
Select this position to measure AC/DC Voltage through the probe
inputs.
The meter can measure resistance and continuity through the probe
inputs. The type of measurement is selected by the MODE button.
The meter can measure capacitance and diode through the probe
inputs. The type of measurement is selected by the MODE button.
Amps AC/DC. The meter can measure current through the clamp jaws.
4.3 Function Buttons
Select AC or DC in the Voltage/Current modes.
Select Diode or Capacitance; Continuity or Resistance.
Select Hz in AC Voltage, Current, or FLEX modes. Use ‘up’arrow in
menus.
Select Auto or Manual range mode, see section 5.3 Auto/Manual range
mode
In Manual mode, press to change the range (scale); to return to Auto
range mode from Manual mode, press and hold for > 2 seconds.
Toggle normal and Data Hold modes, see section 5.4 Hold mode
Press for > 2 seconds to activate/deactivate MIN/MAX mode.
Use as RETURN/BACK button in menus.
Press to activate/deactivate VFD mode.
Press and hold for > 2 seconds to switch the Work Light ON/OFF.
Use ‘down’arrow in menus.
Press to enter or exit the IGM Thermal Image mode.
Press and hold for > 2 seconds to access the Programming Menu.

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In the DCA mode, press to zero the display. In the ACA mode press to
activate or deactivate inrush current mode. Use to confirm (OK) menu
items.
4.4 Display Icons and Indicators
Indicates that the meter is displaying maximum reading values.
Indicates that the meter is displaying minimum reading values.
Indicates that the meter is in Auto range mode.
Indicates that the meter is in Hold mode.
Indicates the battery voltage status.
Indicates that the auto power off function is enabled.
Indicates that the measured voltage is greater than 30 V DC or AC RMS.
Indicates that the meter is measuring AC current or voltage.
Indicates that meter is measuring DC current or voltage.
Indicates that the continuity function is active.
Indicates that the diode test function is active.
Ohm symbol. Unit of measure for Resistance and Continuity.
Unit of measure for current (Amps or Amperes).
Volt. Unit of measure for Voltage.
Farad. Unit of measure for Capacitance.
Hertz. Unit of measure for Frequency.
103 (kilo)
10-3 (milli)

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10-6 (micro)
VFD mode icon.
DC Zero mode icon.
Inrush current mode icon.
FLEX Clamp Adaptor (FLIR TA72_TA74) icon.
100mV/Ampere Clamp Adaptor icon.
Lo Z mode icon.
ε
Emissivity
Bargraph
OL
Out of Range warning

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4.5 Thermal Image Display
Press the IGM button to open the Thermal Imager.
Refer to Section 5.9 for detailed instructions on the
IR Thermal Imager functions. Note the clamp meter
display information in the thermal image example
screen Fig. 4-3.
1. Temperature Measurement*
2. Thermal Image
3. Auto Range icon
4. High Voltage alert
5. Voltage reading
6. Battery status
7. Auto Power OFF active
8. Cross hairs
9. Palette scale
10. Emissivity setting
*Temperature display area shows dashes while the reading is stabilizing.
4.6 Clamp Meter Display
1. High Voltage alert
2. MAX reading
3. Digital representation of measurement
4. Bargraph representation of measurement
5. Clamp Adaptor icon
6. Low Pass Filter icon (VFD mode)
7. Inrush Current mode
8. DCA Zero mode icon
9. Unit of measure
10. MIN reading
11. Battery status
12. Auto Power OFF (APO)
13. Data Hold icon
14. Auto Range icon
Fig 4-3 Thermal Image
Fig 4-4 Clamp Meter Display

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5. Operation
Note: Before operating the device, please read, understand, and follow all instructions,
dangers, warnings, cautions, and notes.
Note: When the meter is not in use, the function switch should be set to the OFF
position.
Note: When connecting the probe leads to the device under test, connect the negative
lead before connecting the positive lead. When removing the probe leads, remove the
positive lead before removing the negative lead.
5.1 Powering the Meter
1. Set the function switch to any position to switch the meter ON.
2. If the battery indicator shows that the battery voltage is low or if the meter does not
power on, replace the batteries. See section 6.2 Battery replacement.
5.1.1 Auto Power Off
The meter enters sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity. The meter beeps three
times before powering off. Press any button or turn the function switch to prevent
the meter from powering off. The auto power off time-out is then reset. Deactivate
APO (or set the APO timer) using the Programming Menu (refer to Section 5.10.2
Programming Menu). The APO icon is displayed when APO is active.
5.2 Auto/Manual Range Mode
In Auto range mode, the meter automatically selects the most appropriate measurement
scale. In Manual range mode, the desired range (scale) can be set manually.
Auto range mode is the default mode of operation. When a new function is selected with
the function switch, the starting mode is Auto range and the indicator is displayed.
To enter Manual range mode, press the RANGE button. To change the range, press the
RANGE button repeatedly until the desired range is displayed.
To return to Auto range mode from Manual mode, press and hold the RANGE button
until the indicator is displayed.
5.3 HOLD Mode
In Hold mode, the display freezes the last reading and continues to display this
value.
Use the HOLD button to toggle between Normal and Hold modes. In Hold mode,
the indicator is displayed.

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5.4 Voltage and Current Measurements
Note: If the measured voltage is greater than 30 V DC or AC RMS, the indicator is
displayed.
5.4.1 Basic Voltage Measurements
1. Set the function switch to the V position.
2. To manually select AC or DC, press the MODE button.
3. To manually select the measurement range (scale), press the RANGE button
repeatedly. Refer to section 5.2 Auto/Manual range mode.
4. Insert the black probe lead into the negative COM terminal and the red probe
lead into the positive V terminal.
5. Connect the probe leads in parallel to the part under test.
6. Read the voltage value on the display.
Figure 5.1 Voltage Measurements
5.4.2 ‘Lo Z’ Voltage Measurements
When the function switch is turned to the position, the meter incorporates a low
impedance circuit that eliminates ghost voltages. The low impedance is approx. 2.5kΩ. To
take voltage measurements in the Lo Z mode, select the function switch position and
follow the voltage measurement instructions in the previous section.

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5.4.3 Basic Current Measurements
WARNING Do not measure the current on a circuit when the voltage increases to
more than 1000V. This can cause damage to the instrument and can cause injury to
persons.
When measuring current using the clamp jaws, only one conductor should be enclosed
by the jaws—refer to Figure 5.2.
Figure 5.2 Correct and incorrect setup
1. Ensure that the probe leads are disconnected from the meter.
2. Set the function switch to the A position.
3. To manually select AC or DC use the MODE button.
4. To manually select the measurement range (scale), press the RANGE button
repeatedly. Refer to section 5.3 Auto/Manual range mode.
5. Press the trigger to open the clamp jaws. Fully enclose one conductor—refer to
Figure 5.2. For optimum results, center the conductor in the jaws.
6. Read the current value on the display.

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5.4.4 Extended Functionality Modes
In addition to the basic measurements that the CM174 can perform, a variety of
extended functions are included. Refer to the following sections for details.
5.4.4.1 Inrush Current Mode
In Inrush current mode, the meter displays the AC RMS current reading in the first
100ms period after the trigger point (current detection threshold) is reached, see Fig.
5.3 below. The current detection threshold is 0.5A for the 60.00A range and 5.0A for
the 600.0A range. Inrush current mode is available when measuring AC current.
1. Connect the meter to the unpowered circuit under test
2. Set the meter to A
3. Press the Inrush button to enable the Inrush current mode. The Inrush
display icon will appear on the LCD.
4. Turn on the power to the circuit under test
5. When the threshold is reached, the meter will display the RMS reading for the
100ms integration time.
Figure 5.3 Inrush Current
5.4.4.2 DCA Zero Mode
The DC zero feature removes offset values and improves DC Current accuracy.
1. Set the meter to measure DCA. Ensure that there is no conductor in the clamp
jaws.
2. Press the DCA Zero button to enable DC Zero. The display will zero.
3. Take DC current measurements as explained in the Current Measurements
section.

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5.4.4.3 Frequency Mode
In Frequency mode, the meter measures and displays the frequency. Frequency mode is
available when measuring AC current or voltage.
Important note: Do not switch to the Frequency mode until the meter is setup and
actively measuring the voltage or current signal.
Press and hold the MODE button to select and enable Frequency mode.
5.4.4.4 MIN/MAX Mode
In MIN/MAX mode, the meter captures and displays the Minimum and Maximum
readings and updates only when a higher/lower value is registered.
1. Press and hold the MIN/MAX button to access the MIN/MAX mode.
2. The down arrow will appear and the reading displayed next to it will
represent the lowest reading encountered since the MIN/MAX button was first
pressed.
3. The up arrow will also appear and the reading displayed next to it will
represent the highest reading encountered since the MIN/MAX button was first
pressed.
4. The meter will continue to display the real time measurement value in the
normal display area.
5. Press and hold the MIN/MAX button for 2 seconds to exit the MIN/MAX mode.
The meter will return to normal operation and the MIN/MAX memories will be
reset.
5.4.4.5 VFD Mode (low pass filter)
The VFD mode eliminates high frequency noise in AC voltage measurements by means of
a low-pass filter. The VFD mode is designed for such applications as variable frequency
drives (VFD) and inverters. Press the VFD button to activate or deactivate the VFD mode.
The VFD display icon is displayed when the mode is active.

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5.4.4.6 Flex Clamp Adaptor Use
FLIR Clamp Adaptors (Models TA72 and TA74) can be connected to the CM174 to display
current measurements made by the Flex Clamp Adaptor.
1. Turn the function dial to the position.
2. Connect the Flex Clamp as shown.
3. Set the range of the Flex Clamp adaptor to match the range of the CM174. For
convenience, the CM174 will display the range setting (100mv/A).
4. Operate the Flex Clamp per instructions provided with the Flex Clamp meter.
5. Read the current measured by the Flex Clamp on the display.
Figure 5.4 Connecting a FLIR Flex Clamp Adaptor

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5.5 Resistance Measurements
Warning: Do not perform resistance tests before removing the power from resistors and
other devices under test during a measurement. Injury to persons can occur.
1. Set the function switch to the position.
2. Use the MODE button to select the resistance mode (continuity symbol
should be OFF).
3. Insert the black probe lead into the negative COM terminal and the red probe
lead into the positive Ω terminal.
4. Touch the tips of the probe across the circuit or component under test.
5. Read the resistance value on the display.
Figure 5.5 Resistance and Continuity Measurements
5.6 Continuity Test
Warning: Do not perform continuity tests before removing the power to the component,
circuit, or other device under test during a measurement. Injury to persons can occur.
1. Set the function switch to the position.
2. Insert the black probe lead into the negative COM terminal and the red probe
lead into the positive Ω terminal. Refer to Fig. 5-5 for connection example.
3. Use the MODE button to select continuity measurement. The indicator will be
displayed.
4. Touch the tips of the probe across the circuit or component under test.
5. If the resistance is lower than 30 Ω, the meter will beep.

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5.7 Capacitance Measurements
Warning: Do not perform capacitance tests before removing the power to the capacitor
or to other devices under test during a measurement. Injury to persons can occur.
1. Set the function switch to the position.
2. Use the MODE button to select capacitance function (capacitor symbol must be
displayed).
3. Insert the black probe lead into the negative COM terminal and the red probe
lead into the positive terminal.
4. Touch the tips of the probe across the part under test.
5. Read the capacitance value on the display.
Note: For very large capacitance values, several seconds may be required for the
measurement to settle and for the final reading to stabilize.
Figure 5.6 Capacitance Measurements