Features:

  • Automatically ranging true mean squared (TRMS) technology for increased accuracy
  • Test leads measure AC/DC voltage, resistance, continuity, frequency and capacitance and tests diodes
  • Thermocouple probe measures temperature
  • Low Impedance (LoZ) mode for identifying and eliminating ghost or stray voltages
  • CAT IV 600V, CAT III 1000V, Class 2, Double insulation safety rating
  • Built to withstand a 6.6-Foot (2m) drop
  • Low battery indicator and easily accessible battery compartment
  • Operating temp: 32-degree F to 104-degree F (0-degree C to 40-degree C)
  • Operating altitude to 6562-Foot (2000m)
  • Includes carrying pouch, test leads, thermocouple with adapter and batteries
Klein Tools CL800

I have several meters and this one is my favorite because it does everything and seems to be very well made. The package says you can drop this from 6.6 feet and it comes with a two year warranty. The only downside is it doesn't have a magnet on the back so you'll need to buy that separately. Some of the useful features not found on some meters: TRMS for testing solar panels, inverters, and power from all sources Loz to eliminate ghost voltages Capacitance up to 6000uF Cat IV up to 600 V NCV MIN/MAX Temperature AC AND DV amperage makes it ideal for automotive troubleshooting as well as household current

The meter came fast from Amazon like usual. It feels like a very well built ...

I deleted my old comment to say that it's a very nice meter. I use it in an industrial setting now and I have access to fluke and bk precision meters. For the price you can't beat it even getting a fluke in the same price range. I haven't had one issue at all with it and I've used it for over a year now. I will say that you must get the magnetic accessory because it really makes handling the meter better.

Features and Comparison

This is a great meter in terms of form and function. The exterior is very durable. The plastic parts seem very sturdy and there is a rubberized coating on the sides as well as on the dial. The dial and buttons are firm and feel like they are very good quality. I'm not an electrician, I flip houses for a living. I have an occasional need for a meter to test an HVAC capacitor, the continuity of a fuse, a faulty breaker or my car's alternator. I owned a Klein MM6000 about a year ago for a very short time. It seemed like a fine meter and worked well but I was hung up on owning a Fluke as they are known to be the best in the industry. I tend to gravitate toward the best of the best when I buy anything as there is so much crap out there. Since I didn't have much of a need for a meter at the time, I returned the MM6000 and started researching Fluke to determine which one I wanted to buy. Needless to say it has been a year and I just ended up with the Klein CL800. The main reason was price. I paid $120 on Amazon for this meter and it's features are equivalent to Fluke's that cost $300-$500. I would say the features contained in this meter are closest to what you would get with a Fluke 375 or 376 which are $329 and $468 respectively. Obviously the most important thing with a meter is that it is accurate. The specs on this meter, according to the data sheets, appear to be on par with many of the clamp meters from Fluke. This meter has so many great and convenient features. First of all it is TRMS. It tests AC/DC voltage to 1000V and AC/DC amps to 600A, and also handles millivolts. It tests continuity, capacitance, diodes, resistance, frequency and temperature. It has a setting for low impedance, it has a flash light, a back light, hold button, min/max, range, and a non-contact voltage tester. The non-contact voltage tester lights a red light when there is voltage present but there is no tone and it works from approximately 6 inches from a power source such as a light switch or outlet. Some of the things I specifically like about this meter are the fact that it has one setting for volts and one setting for amps and you use the select button to switch between AC and DC. This meter will also measure millivolts but there is no extra setting. You simply set it to measure volts and it will auto range appropriately. I also like the flashlight and the non-contact voltage tester. Most of the Flukes don't have either of these features. There is nothing about this meter that I don't like. I will mention a couple of things that changed from the previous models of the Klein clamp meters to the new ones. The previous models included an audible non-contact voltage tester, slots in the rear of the meter for lead storage, the previous models included a bar graph which this one does not, and the included leads are of lower quality and do not come with alligator clips included. These features would have been nice additions to this meter but are very minor in the scope of what this meter does. I would have to say this is a great meter for only $120.

Good for maintnance

I'm not the typical reviewer that buys an expensive meter to test a single outlet and put it away for a few years. I work in apartment maintenance so I need a rugged tester that's versatile without blowing my pockets out. I need to be able to safely test indoor voltages to HVAC to high voltage and low voltage. So far this has fit the bill well. I do wish the light was a little faster to turn on or that it would turn on automatically. Otherwise I'm very happy with it.

HANDS DOWN..Best multimeter for the money!

Best bang for the buck multi meter on the market. I'm a HVAC/R technician and wanted something durable with mf capability. It really does a great job. The magnet ( sold separately ) works like a charm as well. Great multimeter, unbelievable price for a klien. Water proof and drop resistant as well. Love the added flash light and led light feature. Wish it had probe holder and better case but honestly I pull this thing out over my fluke daily. New favorite multimeter.

... can be a little overwhelming for less experienced users like myself. Once you get used to it though

This meter can be a little overwhelming for less experienced users like myself. Once you get used to it though, it's amazing. I still haven't needed most of it's features, but I look forward to finding a reason to! The built in light on the back is probably one of the best features!

Good bang for the buck.

It seems to be a worthwhile purchase. I have been of Grid 36 years and have been through several Fluke clamp meters. It zeros very well in DC Amp mode. I honestly have little use for anything any other functions than, volts, amps, and continuity. I got my moneys worth, but I did replace the shorter leads with my old Fluke leads, as stated, they do fit.

Great value for the qualty and features included

I recently purchased this clamp multimeter to gain additional features my 20 year old Craftsman multimeter does not offer. I am not knocking the Craftsman, it is still working like new and good for basic functions. I had a situation where I needed to test for capacitance for both the run and start capacitors on an older Husky air compressor whose motor seemed to be failing. I was able to use this Klein to easily test the capacitors and sure enough one of them was out of range. Campbell Hausfield (who made the Husky in 2004) does not offer replacement capacitors for the Emerson motor on the unit, they would rather sell you a new motor for $250. I was able to match the capacitors with two offered on Amazon for a total cost of $26 for both. They were easily installed and the motor now runs perfectly. The tool more than paid for itself on its first use. This is a feature rich unit with capacitance testing, auto ranging, both AC and DC (for auto work), clamp jaws for amperage testing, etc not found on basic units. Also, it comes with a zipper case, often an extra charge. I did have to purchase two things not included, a set of Klein leads with alligator clips ($15) and a line splitter ($12) to use the unit to test amperage on 120v appliances, etc. Safety notes working with capacitors: -unplug motor -discharge capacitor with insulated screwdriver across terminals -make sure capacitor terminals do not contact metal housing when installed in housing

It's no Fluke that I bought this - OK, don't hit me for saying that.

If you're considering whether or not to buy this multimeter, then I credit you with knowing the product or having done some research... Otherwise you'd be looking at cheeper models. If you're a professional electrician then you no doubt no how this little gem stacks up against the competition. There are meters of all flavors and features, and in numerous brands. What this CL800 can accomplish with it's amazing features is a bargain for this price. And no need buy a carrying case, because it comes with one. I ended up buying an additional case, following the recommendation that a carrying case was frequently bought with it. I use the extra case to put cables and accessories in. So, it worked out anyway. I'm not an electrician, but the electrical repairs I do around my house saves me $$$. The meter pays for itself. I love it!

Great meter

I really like this meter over the fluke meter I see a lot of other guys use for the magnet attachment that goes on the back. It makes it so easy to read on Ac's. I like the flukes clamp meter set up better where it isn't 360 around wire but more of a "U" shape. The clamp meter is a little bulk sometimes in tight spaces.

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