PCE Instruments PCE-LCT 3 User manual

© PCE Instruments
PCE-LCT 3 Clamp Meter
User Manual
User manuals in various languages (français,
italiano, español, português, nederlands, türk, polski,
русский, 中文) can be found by using our
product search on: www.pce-instruments.com
Last change: 6 April 2020
v1.0
English

© PCE Instruments
Contents
1Safety notes........................................................................................... 1
2Lieferumfang ......................................................................................... 2
3Specifications........................................................................................2
4Device description ................................................................................ 5
4.1 Keys and connections...................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Display description........................................................................................................... 6
5Key functions ........................................................................................6
5.1 Hold reading..................................................................................................................... 6
5.2 Low pass filter 50 Hz / 60 Hz current selection................................................................. 7
5.3 Determine lowest and highest reading.............................................................................. 7
6Set zero point (current measurement)................................................ 7
6.1 Changing measuring functions and units.......................................................................... 7
6.2 Auto Power Off function ................................................................................................... 7
7Measurement......................................................................................... 7
7.1 Current measurement (current clamp).............................................................................. 7
7.2 Voltage measurement...................................................................................................... 8
7.3 Resistance measurement, continuity and diode test......................................................... 8
8Replacing the batteries ........................................................................8
9Warranty.................................................................................................9
10 Disposal ................................................................................................. 9

© PCE Instruments
1
1 Safety notes
Please read this manual carefully and completely before you usethe device for the first time. The
device may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel.
Damage or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual are excluded from our liability and
not covered by our warranty.
•The device must only be used as described inthis instructionmanual. If used otherwise,
this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.
•The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature, relative
humidity, …) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose
the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or moisture.
•Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.
•The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.
•Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.
•You must not make any technical changes to the device.
•The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner,
no abrasives or solvents.
•The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.
•Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not
use the device.
•Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.
•The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under
any circumstances.
•Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to
the user.
•Never touch live components when making a measurement. There is risk of death!
•Never touch the bare tips of the measuring tips as this can cause electric shock.
•Before making a measurement, make sure you have selected the correct measuring
function and that the test leads are connected correctly.
•Resistance, capacitance and temperature measurements as well as diode tests (if
diodes are present) may only be carried out when no voltage is present.
•Before replacing the batteries or fuses, all test leads must be disconnected from the
meter.
We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of
business.
If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments. The contact details can be found at
the end of this manual.

© PCE Instruments
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2 Lieferumfang
1 x clamp meter PCE-LCT 3
1 x transport bag
1 x K-type thermocouple
1 x pair of test leads
2 x 1.5 V AAA batteries
1 x user manual
3 Specifications
AC current measurement
measuring range
Resolution
Accuracy
Accuracy
4-mA
0.001mA
± (2% + 10 digits)
± (3% + 5 digits)
40-mA
0.01mA
± (2% + 10 digits)
± (3% + 5 digits)
400-mA
0.1mA
± (2% + 5 digits)
± (3% + 3 digits)
4 A
0.001 A
± (2% + 5 digits)
± (3% + 3 digits)
40 A
0.01A
± (2% + 10 digits)
± (3% + 5 digits)
150 A
0.1 A
± (2% + 10 digits)
± (3% + 5 digits)
Frequency range: 40 Hz ... 1 kHz (sine wave)
Maximum input current: 150 A AC
DC voltage
measuring range
Resolution
Accuracy
4V
0.001V
± (0.5% + 4 digits)
40V
0.01V
400V
0.1V
600V
1V
Input impedance: 10 MΩ
Maximum input voltage: 600V AC / DC RMS
AC voltage
measuring range
Resolution
Accuracy
4V
0.001V
± (1% + 3 digits)
40V
0.01V
400V
0.1V
600V
1V
Input impedance: 10 MΩ
maximum input voltage: 600V AC / DC RMS
Frequency range: 40 Hz ... 1 kHz (sine wave)

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Resistance
measuring range
Resolution
Accuracy
400 Ω
0.1 Ω
± (0.8% + 3 digits)
4 kΩ
0.001 kΩ
40 kΩ
0.01 kΩ
400 kΩ
0.1 kΩ
4 MΩ
0.001 MΩ
40 MΩ
0.01 MΩ
± (1% + 3 digits)
Measuring voltage in open circuit: approx. 0.4V
Overvoltage protection: 600V AC / DC RMS
Continuity test
measuring range
Resolution
Accuracy
Beep at < 40 Ω
0,1Ω
-
Overvoltage protection: 600V AC / DC RMS
Temperature
measuring range
Resolution
Accuracy
-20 ... 0°C
1°C
± (3% + 5 digits)
-4 ... 32°F
1°F
-0 ... 400°C
1°C
± (1.5% + 5 digits)
32 ... 757°F
1°F
400 ... 1000°C
1°C
± (3% + 5 digits)
752 ... 1832°F
1°F
Overvoltage protection: 600V AC / DC RMS
The temperature accuracies do not include the accuracies of the temperature sensors
Capacitance
measuring range
Resolution
Accuracy
40.00 n
0.01 nF
± (3% + 8 digits)
400.0 nF
0.1 nF
4,000 μF
0.001 μF
40.00 μF
0.01 μF
400.0 μF
0.1 μF
4,000mF
0.001 μF
40.00 mF
0.01 μF
Overvoltage protection: 600V AC / DC RMS

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Diode test
measuring range
Resolution
Accuracy
3.2V
0.001V
-
Overvoltage protection: 600V AC / DC RMS
Test voltage: 3.2V
Forward current: 1-mA
The accuracies refer to the following ambient conditions: 23 ± 5°C / 9°F and < 75% RH
General specifications
Maximum current clamp opening
30 mm
Automatic shutdown
After 30 minutes, can be deactivated
Power supply
2 x 1.5V AAA battery
Measuring rate
3 measurements per second
Display when overvoltage occurs
"OL"
Maximum display
4000
Display
LCD display
Maximum working height
2,000 m / 13,123 ft
Temperature coefficient
0.1 x accuracy x °C, °F*
Operating conditions
18 ... 28°C / 64 ... 82°F
Store control admixtures
-10 ... 50°C / 14 ... 122°F
Dimensions
213 x 62 x 38 mm / 8.4 x 2.4 x 1.5 in
Weight
About 238 g / < 1 lb with batteries
*The temperature is the difference between the temperature of the operating conditions and
the current ambient temperature.
Example:
When current ambient temperature is higher than the temperature of the operating conditions
(50°C / 122°F (current ambient temperature)) - (40°C 104°F (operating temperature)) = 10°C / 50°F
When current ambient temperature is lower than the temperature of the operating conditions
(0°C / 32°F (operating temperature)) - (-5°C / 23°F (current ambient temperature)) = 5°C / 41°F

© PCE Instruments
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4 Device description
No.
Description
1
Measuring aperture for indirect measurement
2
Rotary switch
3
Connection for direct measurement (+)
4
Connection for direct measurement (-)
5
Display
6
Keypad
7
Lever to open the clamp
8
Clamp
8
2
1
7
6
5
4
3

© PCE Instruments
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4.1 Keys and connections
Name
Description
HOLD
Reading can be held
LPF
Low pass filter 50 Hz/60 Hz
FUNC
To switch measuring functions
Zero
Resets zero point when making current measurement
COM (black)
Ground connection (-)
Ω, Temp, diode
Connection for direct measurements (+)
Rotary switch
To turn meter on/off, to select measuring function
4.2 Display description
Displayed
Description
Direct / alternating current, direct / alternating voltage
Diode test
Continuity test
AUTO
Measurement range set automatically
MAX
Highest reading is displayed
MIN
Lowest reading is displayed
Auto Power Off function activated
Batteries are discharged and must be replaced
H
Displayed reading is held
V
Voltage measurement (Volt)
A
Current measurement (Ampere)
nF, µF,
mF
Nano-/ Micro-/ Millifarat (capacitors)
Ω, kΩ, MΩ
Kilo-/ Megaohm (resistors)
ZERO
Zero point was set
°C °F
Degrees Celsius / degrees Fahrenheit
LPF
Low pass filter is active
5 Key functions
The functions of the meter’s keys are described in the following sub-chapters.
5.1 Hold reading
To freeze the currently displayed reading, short-press the “LPF/HOLD“ key. The reading will be
held. To resume the measurement, press the “LPF/HOLD“ key again. An “H“will be displayed as
soon as this function is active.

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5.2 Low pass filter 50 Hz / 60 Hz current selection
To activate the low pass filter for the current measurement, press and hold the “LPF/HOLD“ key
for at least 2 seconds. To deactivate this function, press and hold the “LPF/HOLD“ key again for
2 seconds. If “LPF“is displayed, the function is activated.
5.3 Determine lowest and highest reading
To determine the lowest and the highest reading, press the “MAX/MIN“ key. To view these
readings, press the “MAX/MIN“ key repeatedly to switch between the lowest and the highest
value. When “MIN“is displayed, you are viewingthe lowest reading and when “MAX“is displayed,
you are viewing the highest reading.
To return to normal measuring mode, press and hold the “MAX/MIN“ key for at least 2 seconds.
Note: When this function is active, the auto range function is deactivated.
6 Set zero point (current measurement)
To set a new zero point during a current measurement, press the “FUNC/ZERO“ key. “Zero“ will
be displayed and the reading has been reset to zero. To reverse this zero setting, press the
“FUNC/ZERO“ key again.
6.1 Changing measuring functions and units
Not all measuring functions can be selected via the rotary switch. Therefore, several measuring
functions are assigned to one function. To select different measuring functions, press the
“FUNC/ZERO“ key repeatedly until you have reached your desired measuring function.
You can use the die “FUNC/ZERO“ key to switch between AC and DC and change the
temperature unit.
6.2 Auto Power Off function
If the meter is not used for 30 minutes, it will turn off automatically. One minute before it switches
off, the meter will emit a pulsating sound. To turn on the meter again, press any key or choose a
different measuring function.
To deactivate this function, press and hold the “FUNC/ZERO“ key when turning on the meter.
The icon in the display shows that the function is active.
7 Measurement
The individual measuring functions are explained in the following.
7.1 Current measurement (current clamp)
To make a current measurement with the current clamp, first select the right function with the
rotary switch. Now open the current clamp by pressing the lever at the side of the meter. Now
clamp the cable to be tested with the current clamp. After ashort time, you can view the measured
value.
Note: Only one cable canbe measured at a time. Measuring several cables would causeincorrect
readings. To obtain the most accurate measurement result possible, the cablemust be positioned
as centrally as possible.
Important: During the current measurement, the test leads must not be connected to the meter.

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7.2 Voltage measurement
To make a voltage measurement, first connect the test leads to the meter. Then select “V“with
the rotary switch. You can select alternating current or direct current with the “FUNC/ZERO“ key.
Now touch the object to be tested with the test tips. The display will now show the reading.
Note: Due to the meter’s sensitivity, measured values may occur even when the test leads are
not connected. When the reading exceeds 600 V DC, AC (RMS), a sound can be heard.
7.3 Resistance measurement, continuity and diode test
To make a resistance measurement, a continuity test or diode test, first connect the test leads to
the meter. Then select “ Ω“ with the rotary switch. With the “FUNC/ZERO“key, you can now
select one of the functions. Now touch the object to be tested with the test tips. The measured
value will be shown in the display.
7.3.1 Resistance measurement
When “OL“ is displayed, this means that the circuit is open or the measurement has been
exceeded. When measuring high resistances, e. g. >1 MΩ, it can take a few seconds until a stable
reading is displayed.
7.3.2 Diode test
The voltage drop inthe forward direction of the diode is measured approximately. If the test leads
are connected with reversed polarity, "OL" is displayed.
7.3.3 Continuity test
As soon as the reading is <50 Ω, a sound can be heard. When the reading is >400 Ω, ”OL“ will
be displayed.
7.3.4 Capacitance measurement
When making a capacitance measurement, the measured capacitors are charged. To ensure an
accurate result, the capacitors must be discharged completely before making a measurement.
The meter as well as the test leads can increase the readings.
8 Replacing the batteries
When the battery icon appears in the display, the batteries must be replaced to make sure the
meter works properly. This will be the case when the battery voltage is <2.4 V.
To replace the batteries, first disconnect the test leads from the meter. Now turn off the meter.
You can now open the battery compartment at the rear side of the meter to replace the batteries.
Insert two new 1.5 V AAA batteries. Observe correct polarity. Close the battery compartment. The
meter should now work fine again.

© PCE Instruments
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9 Warranty
You can read our warranty terms in our General Business Terms which you can find here:
https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/terms.
10 Disposal
For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament
applies. Due to the contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste.
They must be given to collection points designed for that purpose.
In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU we take our devices back. We either re-use
them or give them to a recycling company which disposes of the devices in line with law.
For countries outside the EU, batteries and devices should be disposed of in accordance with
your local waste regulations.
If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

© PCE Instruments
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PCE Instruments contact information
Germany France Spain
PCE Deutschland GmbH PCE Instruments France EURL PCE Ibérica S.L.
Im Langel 4 23, rue de Strasbourg Calle Mayor, 53
D-59872 Meschede 67250 Soultz-Sous-Forets 02500 Tobarra (Albacete)
Deutschland France España
Tel.: [phone] Téléphone: [phone] Tel. : [phone]
Fax: [phone] Numéro de fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch www.pce-instruments.com/french www.pce-instruments.com/espanol
Germany United Kingdom Italy
PCE Produktions- und PCE Instruments UK Ltd PCE Italia s.r.l.
Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH Unit 11 Southpoint Business Park Via Pesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6
Im Langel 26 Ensign Way, Southampton 55010 Loc. Gragnano
D-59872 Meschede Hampshire Capannori (Lucca)
Deutschland United Kingdom, SO31 4RF Italia
Tel.: [phone] Tel: [phone] Telefono: [phone]
Fax: [phone] 9971 Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch www.pce-instruments.com/english www.pce-instruments.com/italiano
The Netherlands China Hong Kong
PCE Brookhuis B.V. PCE (Beijing) Technology Co., Limited PCE Instruments HK Ltd.
Institutenweg 15 1519 Room, 6 Building Unit J, 21/F., COS Centre
7521 PH Enschede Zhong Ang Times Plaza 56 Tsun Yip Street
Nederland No. 9 Mentougou Road, Tou Gou District Kwun Tong
Telefoon: [phone] 102300 Beijing, China Kowloon, Hong Kong
[email protected] Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]
www.pce-instruments.com/dutch [email protected] [email protected]
www.pce-instruments.cn www.pce-instruments.cn
United States of America Turkey
PCE Americas Inc. PCE Teknik Cihazları Ltd.Şti.
711 Commerce Way suite 8 Halkalı Merkez Mah.
Jupiter / Palm Beach Pehlivan Sok. No.6/C
33458 FL 34303 Küçükçekmece - İstanbul
USA Türkiye
Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Faks: 0212 705 53 93
[email protected] [email protected]
www.pce-instruments.com/us www.pce-instruments.com/turkish