Ideal Multi-meter

[hvw]

I've had an Ideal multi-meter model 61-340 for a number of years. Somehow I managed to blow the fuse protecting the 10 Amp test circuit. My question is this, does anyone know how to separate the two case halves? I have removed the battery, removed the stand and all three of the screws holding the case together. The case separated everywhere but the top. I don't want to force it and risk breaking something. I have both the owners guide and the technical manual but neither gives an explanation. They both just say, to replace the fuses remove the battery and the three screws and separate the halves.

[jpump5]

Never changed a fuse in an Ideal meter but I gotta ask-
Did you leave the lead plugged into the “10 amp jack”
and try to measure voltage? That’s what happens to
my fluke meters. I keep forgetting to move the lead back.

[hvw]

I don't remember how it happened it was so long ago. At the time I recall thinking I'd never use that function so I didn't worry about it. This has been a good meter but I wish now I had bought a Fluke. Lot of info available on Fluke.

[danielplace]

I think once those screws are out it will flip up from bottom and will release the top as you bring it up.

[ronsii]

I think once those screws are out it will flip up from bottom and will release the top as you bring it up.

Yep, that's how they usually work... sometimes you gotta pry a bit to get the end with the screws to separate.

[hvw]

Yep, that's how they usually work... sometimes you gotta pry a bit to get the end with the screws to separate.

I've done all of that. I think I'm going to leave it be. Looks like I should be able to get to the blown fuse with the halves stuck, if I'm careful.

[dabbler]

I looked at the Ideal Technical Manual for your meter too.

It looks that latching tabs are present at the top of the meter to keep the cases closed at that seam.
Prying the bottom case outwards at each latch location while lifting that side of the case should work.

[Barclay]

Replacing Fuses:
To avoid electrical shock, remove the test leads and any input signals before replacing battery or fuses.
To prevent damage or injury, INSTALL ONLY quick acting fuses with the following Amp/Volt current interrupt rating:
F-310 Fuse: 250mA 250V FAST BLOW
Fuse Replacement
The 61-310 replacement fuse is part number: F-310
Fuse Rating is: 250mA 250V FAST BLOW
1. Remove the rubber holster
2. Remove the two screws on the battery cover and open the battery cover
3. Remove the two screws under the battery cover
4. Lift up on the back
Replace the defective fuse with the standard rated fuse for this meter
5. Return the back case cover, reinsert the case screws
It is recommended to replace the old battery with a new battery
6. Return the battery cover and reinstall the two battery cover screws
7. Replace the rubber boot

[ronsii]

I can't find my ideal multimeter.... do you know how I can still change the fuses???

[William McCormick]

I can't find my ideal multimeter.... do you know how I can still change the fuses???

I lost a Fluke 173 in Bronx family court, I was troubleshooting a fire alarm circuit, the fire safety director was with me, explaining what happened that caused the alarm or problem, and somewhere along the way of going up and down the ladder or ladders in different mechanical rooms and drop ceilings, I must have left it hanging by its magnet. It just burns my biscuits.

Sincerely,

William McCormick

[John T]

I lost a Fluke 173 in Bronx family court, I was troubleshooting a fire alarm circuit, the fire safety director was with me, explaining what happened that caused the alarm or problem, and somewhere along the way of going up and down the ladder or ladders in different mechanical rooms and drop ceilings, I must have left it hanging by its magnet. It just burns my biscuits.

Sincerely,

William McCormick

It's probably still there.

I once found a canvas bag full of electrical tools... At a supermarket I used to deliver to all the time...
good stuff.. Klein etc. meters/gloves testers...
I gave it to the supermarket manager in case the electricians came back for it.

They never did. About a month later the manager gave it back to me...... Welp.. I tried.

This was out in Southampton long Island....

If it was the Bronx, I don't think it would have been given back to me...

[William McCormick]

It's probably still there.

I once found a canvas bag full of electrical tools... At a supermarket I used to deliver to all the time...
good stuff.. Klein etc. meters/gloves testers...
I gave it to the supermarket manager in case the electricians came back for it.

They never did. About a month later the manager gave it back to me...... Welp.. I tried.

This was out in Southampton long Island....

If it was the Bronx, I don't think it would have been given back to me...

It probably is, but we both remembered me putting it on a rolling cart and we both couldn't remember if I picked it up or not after that or which places we doubled back to. Then to add to the confusion, when I got back to where we set up when we are there, the two new guys we were training, one of them had the same rolling bag as I did. And he walked off the job quit not even saying goodbye I always wondered if that is what happened to it. That I just put it on top of his bag and continued into the FSD's office to look at the panels. So now I really wasn't sure what happened to it, haha. But the rolling cart was in the DA's office and those guys seem to be a little shady, haha.

Sincerely,

William McCormick