Klein, which recently came out with two new USA-made multimeters and a superb outlet tester, has just announced another new multimeter – the MM500.
The MM500 is an auto-ranging meter that was designed in response to increasing requests for meters that stand up to real world environments. Most multimeters come with thick protective rubber cases that help protect them against bumps and short drops, but the MM500 was built from the ground up to be strong and durable.
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How tough is it? The MM500 is rated as having 3-meter/10-foot drop impact protection. Not only that, it is completely sealed with an IP67 rating, which means it is exceptionally dustproof and waterproof.
This is a meter you can take up on the ladder, toss into a full tool bag, or drop into a muddy puddle.
Features
- Measures up to 750V AC and DC, resistance, and continuity
- User-friendly 3-button interface
- Detects AC or DC voltage automatically
- Visual and audible continuity indicators
- Measures resistance up to 4000 Ohms (4K Ω)
- Self-storing leads
- Auto-hold
- 4000 count LCD display
- Low battery indicator
- Auto power off
- Low battery indicator
- Uses (2) AAA batteries
- Battery door has (4) captive screws to eliminate lost fasteners
- CAT IV (600V) safety rating, CAT III (750V)
- Measures 6.625″ height x 3″ width x 1.25″ depth
- Included: test leads, batteries
- Optional: carrying case, replacement leads
- Price: $56
Street Price: $40 (updated May 2015)
Buy Now(via Amazon)
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First Impression
Just to reiterate, this is not a fully-featured multimeter – it is essentially a voltage meter, continuity tester, and limited range resistance meter. I see it more as a complimentary meter, but it could also be the only meter for users who don’t need any additional measurement features. It is reasonably priced, and fairly compact.
If you need additional features, the Extech EX505 ($110 via Amazon) is also rated with CAT IV protection and IP67 dust and water proofing. It doesn’t have a quantified impact rating, but is a rugged design for heavy use. It is also double the price of the Klein meter, whilst not being as compact or pocket-friendly.
The Klein MM500 looks handy and is sure to please users that tend to “baby” their meters out in the field.
fred
The price is certainly appealing for an IP67 rated meter – especially if you price out a Fluke 27 or 28. I’m happy with my Fluke 177 (which as far as I can tell has no IP rating at all) – and I’m not sure I’d want to abuse a meter by dropping it in a mud puddle – but its nice to know that this one gives you that option.
Colin
I’m starting to hate how amazon does business. Is there somewhere else that sells these things for reasonable prices.
Stuart
The product is so new that that 3rd party seller on Amazon is the only seller I could find. Give it 2-3 weeks and the street price should normalize.
Frank
I don’t see how you could compare this meter to a $450 Fluke 27. But, it sure looks like a nice meter for only $60. It looks built tough, and has all the basic features you need. Klein sure seems serious about this meter business. If you like the mud puddle, you should see the video they just posted with a toy truck. Shows how dust proof the meter is. Pretty cool. A link to it is on the kleintools.com/tougherthan site.
Stuart
I think that was Fred’s point – that some of the other brands’ tough and sealed meters are priced way higher than this one. Yes, they’re more featured, but if all you need is a voltmeter, continuity tester, and a limited resistance measurement range, the MM500 is a good fit, not to mention attractively priced.