IDEAL TightSight 61-415 Use and care manual

Instrucciones en español adentro / Instructions en français à l’intérieur
61-415 200-Amp AC/DC
61-405 200-Amp AC
TightSight™ Fork Meter
Operation and Safety Manual
IDEAL®Test and Measurement

Introduction ......................................................................3
Contacting IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC ..........................................3
Safety Information...............................................................4
Warnings................................................................................................... 4-5
Cautions........................................................................................................5
Symbols.................................................................................................... 6-7
Operation......................................................................8-23
Identification and description of operating controls and functions ........... 8-9
Operating Features ............................................................................... 10-11
Using Test Leads ........................................................................................12
Meter Operation................................................................................... 13-17
Non-Contact Voltage Testing...........................................................13
Measuring Current..........................................................................14
Measuring Voltage..........................................................................14
Measuring Continuity .....................................................................15
Measuring Resistance.....................................................................15
Measuring Capacitance...................................................................16
Measuring Diodes...........................................................................16
Measuring Frequency .....................................................................17
Measuring Temperature ..................................................................17
Functions Operation Table.................................................................... 18-19
Functions Indication Table.................................................................... 20-21
Electrical Specifications........................................................................ 22-23
Environmental Specifications................................................ 24
Mechanical Specifications ................................................... 24
EMC / EMI ....................................................................... 24
FCC............................................................................... 25
Safety............................................................................ 25
Maintenance and Service ................................................ 26-27
Table of Contents
2

Introduction
The IDEAL®61-415 TightSight™ and 61-405 Fork Meters are auto ranging true
root mean square (TRMS) digital fork meters that measure AC and DC current
(amps (61-415)) via the forks, measure voltage, resistance, continuity, capacitance,
diode via test-leads, and detects the presence of voltage between 40V to 600V AC
via a non-contact sensor in the right tip of the clamp.
Contacting IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC.
To contact IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC., call one of the following telephone numbers:
IDEAL Industries USA Customer Service
• Phone Number: 800-435-0705
• Email: [email protected]
IDEAL Industries Canada Customer Service
• Phone Number: 905-683-3400
• Email: [email protected]
IDEAL Industries EMEA
• Phone Number: [phone]
• Email: eur[email protected]
IDEAL Industries Australia
• Phone Number: [phone]
• Email: [email protected]
Or visit the IDEAL Electrical Website at www.idealind.com
To register your product, find manuals, watch videos, simply scan this QR code.
3
Arc Flash and Shock Hazard, Proper PPE Required. Follow all safety procedures,
wear proper PPE in accordance to NFPA 70E. Read and fully understand the
instruction manual prior to using this product. Failure to comply can result in
serious injury or death.

Warning -Identifies conditions and actions that could result in
possible death or serious injury if the hazard is realized.
Caution - Identifies conditions and actions that could result in meter
damage, equipment under test damage or data loss if the hazard is realized.
WARNING
Safety Information
Arc Flash and Shock Hazard, Proper PPE Required. Follow all safety procedures,
wear proper PPE in accordance to NFPA 70E and follow the guidelines below and
the instructions in this manual when operating the meter. Failure to comply can
result in serious injury or death.
• Choking Hazard, Small Parts. Keep Away from Children. Sharp Objects
Hazard, This is not a toy. It is not for use or play by children. Keep Away
from Children. Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
• Only experienced or technically competent consumers should use this
equipment. When in doubt, call an experienced electrician to make any and
all necessary repairs or installations. At all times, perform any necessary
work on a de-energized circuit that has had its circuit breaker turned off and
has been locked out.
• Use the Meter only as specified in this manual or protection provided by the
Meter can be compromised.
• Before using or connecting the Meter, visually inspect it to ensure the cases
are not cracked and the back case is securely in place. Do not use if the
Meter appears damaged.
• Before using the test leads, inspect carefully for damaged insulation,
exposed metal or cracked probes. Check test leads for continuity. Do not use
leads if they appear damaged.
• Use only approved test leads. Do not use improvised connections that could
present a safety hazard.
• Never measure current (amps) while the test leads are inserted into the input
jacks.
• When using the probes, keep fingers behind the finger guards on the
probes.
• Connect the common test lead before connecting the live test lead. When
disconnecting test leads, disconnect the live test lead first.
• This Meter is intended for use by qualified electricians. Follow NFPA 70E
Standards for Electrical Safety in the Workplace when using this Meter.
• Do not use without the batteries correctly in place and the battery door
closed and secured.
• Do not use Meter if it operates incorrectly as protection may be
compromised. When in doubt, have the Meter serviced.
• When servicing the Meter, use only specified replacement parts.
4

Arc Flash and Shock Hazard, Proper PPE Required. Follow all safety procedures,
wear proper PPE in accordance to NFPA 70E and follow the guidelines below and
the instructions in this manual when operating the meter. Failure to comply can
result in serious injury or death.
• Have the Meter serviced only by qualified service personnel.
• Do not use the Meter around explosive gas, dust, or vapor, or during
electrical storms, or in wet environments.
• When measuring, keep fingers behind the Tactile Barrier. See “The Meter”
on pg. 8 and 9.
• Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on the Meter, between
the terminals or between any terminal and earth ground.
• To avoid false readings that can lead to electrical shock and injury, replace
the batteries as soon as the low battery indicator ( ) appears.
• Remove the test leads from the circuit prior to removing the battery door.
• Voltages exceeding 30VAC RMS or 60VDC pose a shock hazard so use
caution.
• Always ensure that test leads are secured so that they cannot be accidentally
snagged or tripped over.
• Do not work alone so that assistance can be rendered in an emergency.
• Use extreme caution when working around bare conductors or bus bars.
Contact with the conductor could result in electric shock.
• Adhere to local and national safety codes. Individual protective equipment
must be used to prevent shock and arc blast injury where hazardous live
conductors are exposed.
• Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before
you measure resistance, continuity, or capacitance.
• Do not measure current in circuits carrying more than 600 V AC or DC 200
A with the forks.
• Never operate the Meter with the back cover removed or the case open.
• Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
5
Meter damage, equipment under test damage or data loss can occur if the following
guidelines are not adhered to.
• Use the proper terminals, function, and range for the measurement
application.
• Clean the case and accessories with a damp cloth and mild detergents only.
Do not use abrasives or solvents. Make sure the meter is completely dry
before use.
CAUTION
WARNING

Symbols & Descriptions
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
Arc Flash and Shock Hazard
Shock Hazard
Warning or Caution
Choking Hazard
AC (Alternating Current)
DC (Direct Current)
Low Battery Indicator
Earth Ground
200 A Maximum Current Specification
CAT III IEC Measurement Category III
CAT III has protection against transients in equipment in fixed-
equipment installations such as distribution panels feeders,
and short branch circuits. Also included are lighting systems in
larger buildings.
CAT IV IEC Measurement Category IV
CAT IV has protection against transients from the primary
supply level such as a Meter or overhead or underground utility
service.
NCV Non-Contact Voltage Sensing
NCV Non-Contact Voltage Sensing Point
AAmperage AC and/or DC (model dependent)
VVoltage AC or DC
6

Symbols & Descriptions
SYMBOL DESCRIPTION
ΩOhms
Continuity
Capacitance
Diode
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
MAX/MIN Display MAX and MIN Measurement Values
Range Auto or Manual Range Selection
∆ZERO Delta (Relative)/ZERO Measurement
Double Insulation
Do not dispose of this product as unsorted municipal waste.
It must be properly disposed of in accordance with local
regulations. Please see www.epa.gov or www.erecycle.org for
additional information.
Conforms to applicable North American Safety Standards
Conforms to applicable Australian Safety Standards
Conforms to European Directives
NOTE: The Measurement Category (CAT) and voltage rating of any combination
of test probe, test probe accessory, current clamp accessory, and the Meter is the
LOWEST rating of any individual component.
7

Identification and Description of Operating
Controls and Functions for the 61-415 200A AC/
DC, 61-405 200A AC:
1. Tapered Tines (19mm Gap)
2. NCV Sensing Point
3. Hold Button
4. Function Dial
5. Main Display (LCD)
6. Volts and Resistance (V-Ω) Input Terminal
7. Common (COM) Input Terminal
8. TightSight®Bottom Display (61-415)
9. Protective Rubber Boot (61-415)
10. Measuring Functions
11. High Voltage, Continuity, NCV Warning LED
12. Function Select
13. Max/Min
14. Relative/Zero (ZERO 61-415 Only)
15. Backlight/Flashlight
16. Range Select
17. Tactile Barrier
18. Magnetic Hanging Strap Clip
8
Operation

9
5
1
11
4
7
10
9
8
13
12
3
6
2
14
15
16
17
18

High Voltage Warning (HI-V)
The meter LED remains RED and the beep lasts for 1 second and then goes silent
when voltages in excess of 30V are measured or when the meters voltage range is
exceeded.
NOTE: This feature does not work in the Ohm, capacitor, continuity or amperage
modes.
Data Hold Feature
Press the Hold button on the side of the meter to toggle in and out of the data
hold mode. “HOLD” appears in the lower left of the meter display when data hold
is active. Use the data hold feature to lock a measurement reading on the display.
Press the Hold button again to unlock the display and obtain a real-time reading.
MAX/MIN Feature
The MAX/MIN records the maximum or minimum measured value. Press the MAX/
MIN button to activate this feature and to toggle between MAX, and MIN readings.
The unit will continually capture MAX or MIN values over time. Depressing the
MAX/MIN button for >2 sec. exits the MAX/MIN mode.
Relative Mode
Press “ ” button to enter the Relative mode. The “ ” symbol is displayed, and
the value on the display is stored as a reference value. In the Relative mode, the
value shown on the display is always the difference between the stored reference
value and the present reading. Press the “ ” button again to exit the Relative
mode.
Zero Feature (61-415 Only)
The “ZERO” button is used to zero out the display before measuring DC current.
Press the “ZERO” button to subtract out the non-zero number. Then, measure the
DC amps. Pressing the “ZERO” button again causes the “ZERO” to flash and the
original offset number to be displayed. Press the “ZERO” button to exit this mode.
10
Operating Features

Auto Power Off (APO) Feature Disable
The meter automatically powers itself down after about 30 minutes of no use. Press
any button, and the meter will wake up and display the last reading taken before
power down. To Disable APO, press and hold the SEL button while turning the dial
to any desired function. When APO is defeated, the “APO” will be removed from the
display. Turning the meter off and back on will restore the APO default.
11
Press and hold the SEL button for > 2 seconds on the meter to turn the backlight/
flashlight on and off. The white backlight and flashlight will remain lit for about 5
minutes before they automatically turn off to conserve battery power. Or turn the
lights off by pressing the SEL for more than 2 seconds.
Backlight / Flashlight
Backlight and flashlight
are selectable to be
on in all functions.

12
Using Test Leads
WARNING: Arc Flash and Shock Hazard, Proper PPE Required.
Follow all safety procedures, wear proper PPE in accordance to NFPA 70E and
follow the guidelines below and the instructions in this manual when operating
the meter with TL-757 Test Leads or equivalent. Test Leads must be rated for the
electrical environment the meter is being used in and have a voltage rating of at
least the voltage of the circuit to be measured. Failure to comply can result in
serious injury or death.
• Choking Hazard, Small Parts. Keep Away from .....
Children. Sharp Objects Hazard, This is not a toy. It is not for use or play by
children. Keep Away from Children. Failure to do so can result in serious
injury.
WARNING:
1. Use only approved test leads. Do not use improvised connections that could
present a safety hazard.
2. Never measure AC or DC current while the test leads are inserted into the input
jacks.
3. Prior to using the test leads, inspect them carefully for damaged insulation,
exposed metal or bent probes. Check test leads for continuity. Do not use leads
if they appear damaged.
4. When using the probes, keep fingers behind the finger guards on the probes.
5. Connect the common test lead before connecting the live test lead. When
disconnecting test leads, disconnect the live test lead first.
6. Always ensure that test leads are secured so that they cannot be accidentally
snagged or tripped over.
This meter is intended for use with the IDEAL TL-757 lead set (provided with this
product) or equivalent. The lead set must comply with requirements for Overvoltage
and Measurement Categories CAT IV 600V CAT II 1000V.

Meter Operation
13
Non-Contact Voltage Sensing
First, rotate the function key to the NCV position. Place the jaw tip marked with
NCV close to an AC outlet (or any AC conductor such as light switches or power
cords) and scan back and forth across the outlet. Red indicator LED flashes at a
frequency of 3Hz, and the buzzer beeps at a frequency of 3Hz simultaneously if live
voltage is greater than 40VAC (50~60Hz) is detected. To differentiate between hot
and neutral in an outlet, place the NCV tab directly next to each slot in the outlet.
The tone (buzzer) will sound over the slot that is energized and not on the neutral
slot. Either test lead can also be used to differentiate between the hot and neutral.
Plug the red or black test lead into the V input jack on the meter. With the function
switch in the NCV position, insert the probe end of just one probe into the slots on
the outlet. The meter will beep and the Red LED will flash when a hot conductor is
contacted.
NOTES:
While the NCV is a helpful function, it is ALWAYS RECOMMENDED
that the operator verify that any electrical conductor is completely
de-energized and that no voltage is present by measuring for voltage
AND CONFIRMING THAT NO VOLTAGE IS PRESENT by using a digital
multimeter and lead set and that all applicable PPE and lock out
tag out procedures be followed before attempting any work on ANY
electrical distribution system.
Voltages with frequencies higher than 60Hz or electrostatic charges
may also be detected by the NCV sensing antenna.

Measuring AC ( ) or DC ( ) Current (Amps)
14
Measuring AC ( ) or DC ( ) Voltage
Note:
• When measuring current, align conductor with dash marks on meter jaws.
• For DC current point the arrow (located at base of jaws) towards the load.

Measuring AC ( ) or DC ( ) Current (Amps)
Measuring AC ( ) or DC ( ) Voltage
Verifying Continuity ( )
• Verify the circuit is de-energized.
• The meter will sense the level of resistance and beep if the resistance is less
than 10 Ωto confirm that continuity is present.
• Red LED will illuminate and resistance value will be displayed.
Verify the circuit is de-energized to obtain accurate measurements.
Measuring Resistance (Ohms / Ω)
15
To exit Continuity and enter
the Resistance mode,
Press the SEL Button

16
Measuring Capacitance ( )
Measuring Diodes ( )
To exit Resistance and enter
the Capacitance mode,
Press the SEL Button
To exit Capacitance and enter
the Diode Test mode,
Press the SEL Button

Measuring Capacitance ( )
Measuring Diodes ( )
Notes
17

Button Response Default Function Operation
Note: Long Press: > 2 seconds Short Press: < 2 seconds
HOLD HOLD: All Functions (Except
NCV) Normal Measurement Short Press: Circularly enter or exit the data hold mode,
LCD will display “ ”
SEL /
ACA, DCA N/A 1) Short press: Circularly select the appropriate test function.
2) When in HOLD, RANGE, MAX/MIN, REL / ZERO function, Short press the SEL key will exit
current function and go into the relative select function.
3) Long press: Circularly turn on or off the backlight and flashlight, default is off, Applicable to
all measuring settings. The backlight and flashlight will turn off automatically 5 minutes after
they are activated. Long press SEL button again to turn on the backlight and flashlight.
ACV, DCV N/A
/ Ω/ / Continuity
RANGE ACV, DCV, ΩAuto range (LCD display
“AUTO”)
1) Short press the RANGE key to enter manual range mode (LCD will not display “AUTO”),
and the current range, press again to enter cyclical selection range. Long press: exits manual
range and enters Auto range. Switching measurement setting or restarting the unit returns
the unit to the default setting.
2) In HOLD, MAX/MIN, REL / ZERO function, Short press the RANGE key to exit the current
function and enter the relative range function.
MAX/MIN ACV, DCV, ACA, DCA, ΩNormal Measurement
1) Short press: enter “MAX/MIN” statistics mode, continuously updates the data, and you
can circularly view the maximum value→ minimum value→ maximum value. Long press:
exits statistical mode and returns to the normal working mode. After pressing the REL/ZERO,
and then short pressing MAX/MIN, the unit will show the MAX/MIN after deducting the initial
offset value.
2) When HOLD function is in use, MAX/MIN is invalid.
3) After entering the statistical mode, exit the automatic range at the same time and enter
into the current range, the APO will be disabled; exit the MAX/MIN function to restore the
automatic range and automatic shutdown.
4) In the statistical mode, a short press of the HOLD key will stop refreshing the statistical
data. At the same time, a short press of the MAX/MIN key can review the stored data of MAX/
MIN, a short press of the HOLD key exits HOLD to continue refreshing the statistical data.
/ZERO
ACV, DCV, ACA, CAP, ΩNormal Measurement
1) Short press: Circularly enter or exit REL function (when entering REL function, LCD will
display “ ” symbol )
2) Entering the REL function, exits auto range and enters into the current range.
3) Entering the REL measurement mode does not change the actual measurable range of the
current range
4) When HOLD or MAX/MIN is in use, REL function is invalid.
ZERO : DCA
(61-415) Normal Measurement
1) Short press: Circularly enter or exits the ZERO clearing function (when entering the ZERO
function, the LCD will display the “ZERO” symbol)
2) Pressing ZERO does not affect the current automatic or manual range status. Pressing
ZERO and then pressing MAX/MIN will exit the automatic range and enter the current range.
3) When HOLD or MAX/MIN is in use, the ZERO function is invalid.
Non-Contact Voltage Indication Displays “EF” - Electromagnetic Field
Functions Operation Table
18

Button Response Default Function Operation
Note: Long Press: > 2 seconds Short Press: < 2 seconds
HOLD HOLD: All Functions (Except
NCV) Normal Measurement Short Press: Circularly enter or exit the data hold mode,
LCD will display “ ”
SEL /
ACA, DCA N/A 1) Short press: Circularly select the appropriate test function.
2) When in HOLD, RANGE, MAX/MIN, REL / ZERO function, Short press the SEL key will exit
current function and go into the relative select function.
3) Long press: Circularly turn on or off the backlight and flashlight, default is off, Applicable to
all measuring settings. The backlight and flashlight will turn off automatically 5 minutes after
they are activated. Long press SEL button again to turn on the backlight and flashlight.
ACV, DCV N/A
/ Ω/ / Continuity
RANGE ACV, DCV, ΩAuto range (LCD display
“AUTO”)
1) Short press the RANGE key to enter manual range mode (LCD will not display “AUTO”),
and the current range, press again to enter cyclical selection range. Long press: exits manual
range and enters Auto range. Switching measurement setting or restarting the unit returns
the unit to the default setting.
2) In HOLD, MAX/MIN, REL / ZERO function, Short press the RANGE key to exit the current
function and enter the relative range function.
MAX/MIN ACV, DCV, ACA, DCA, ΩNormal Measurement
1) Short press: enter “MAX/MIN” statistics mode, continuously updates the data, and you
can circularly view the maximum value→ minimum value→ maximum value. Long press:
exits statistical mode and returns to the normal working mode. After pressing the REL/ZERO,
and then short pressing MAX/MIN, the unit will show the MAX/MIN after deducting the initial
offset value.
2) When HOLD function is in use, MAX/MIN is invalid.
3) After entering the statistical mode, exit the automatic range at the same time and enter
into the current range, the APO will be disabled; exit the MAX/MIN function to restore the
automatic range and automatic shutdown.
4) In the statistical mode, a short press of the HOLD key will stop refreshing the statistical
data. At the same time, a short press of the MAX/MIN key can review the stored data of MAX/
MIN, a short press of the HOLD key exits HOLD to continue refreshing the statistical data.
/ZERO
ACV, DCV, ACA, CAP, ΩNormal Measurement
1) Short press: Circularly enter or exit REL function (when entering REL function, LCD will
display “ ” symbol )
2) Entering the REL function, exits auto range and enters into the current range.
3) Entering the REL measurement mode does not change the actual measurable range of the
current range
4) When HOLD or MAX/MIN is in use, REL function is invalid.
ZERO : DCA
(61-415) Normal Measurement
1) Short press: Circularly enter or exits the ZERO clearing function (when entering the ZERO
function, the LCD will display the “ZERO” symbol)
2) Pressing ZERO does not affect the current automatic or manual range status. Pressing
ZERO and then pressing MAX/MIN will exit the automatic range and enter the current range.
3) When HOLD or MAX/MIN is in use, the ZERO function is invalid.
Non-Contact Voltage Indication Displays “EF” - Electromagnetic Field
19

Function Description
Auto Range Auto detects and displays most pertinent range for measured value.
LCD Total of two LCDs (61-415 only front and bottom). Bottom LCD displays
same numbers as front display for all functions, displays a “-” symbol for
all negative readings, displays “AC” for alternating current or “DC” for
direct current and displays “Amps” for current measurement.
LCD Backlight White backlight for both front and bottom display.
Flashlight White flashlight, turns on or off with LCD blacklight simultaneously.
High Voltage
Alarm
1) Effective setting: ACV / DCV.
2) In ACV/DCV, voltage measurement value: ACV/DCV ≥30V, LCD
displays high voltage alarm lightning symbol “ ” Simultaneously the
NCV LED is on and beeping lasts for 1 second and then goes silent
during measurement.
3) In voltage measure, the voltage data is out of range and LCD display
“OL”, and high voltage alarm lightning symbol “ ” Simultaneously
the NCV LED is on and beeping lasts for 1 second and then goes
silent during measurement.
Regular Prompt 1) When turning the dial switch to any setting position except OFF, the
buzzer will beep one time and NCV LED flash one time.
2) When the button selection is valid, the buzzer will beep one time; When
the button is invalid, the buzzer will beep twice
3) About 1 minute before the automatic shutdown, the buzzer will beep 5
times continuously, and 1 long beep before the unit shuts down.
4) When the automatic shutdown function is canceled, the buzzer will
beep 5 times when it reaches the APO time setting.
Over Range
Indication
LCD displays “OL” when over range is encountered.
20
Functions Indication Table