Klein recently came out with premium silicone-jacketed test leads (69416) that fit any multimeter with shrouded banana jacks.
As I’ve said before, there’s a significant difference between PVC and silicone-jacketed test leads. PVC is fine for general purpose applications, but silicone is better in all regards – except of course when it comes to cost.
Advertisement
Because these new test leads are made with silicone wires, they can be used in a wider range of operating temperatures: -4° to 131°F (-20° to 55°C). Silicone test leads are often noticeably more flexible than those made with PVC wiring.
These universal leads are 48″ long and are built with strain relief and an integrated wear indicator.
Safety Rating: CAT III 1000V / CAT IV 600V, and removable safety caps are included.
Price: $20
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
More Info(via Klein)
First Thoughts
A sample pack of these new Klein universal test leads arrived for testing, so I will soon put them to the test. Until then, I am fairly optimistic about their quality.
Advertisement
The new Klein leads are less expensive than Fluke’s popular TL71 basic silicone test leads ($24-25 via Amazon). I expected the new leads to be priced at the same level, but a few dollars lower is even better.
If you’re looking to upgrade your meter’s test leads, these look to be a good option.
Eric
These,as well as the new switch drive handle and bits, are on my wish list!
Billy
If these are high quality and fit fluke meters well, I’d be interested in seeing some accessories like spring hooks and lead extenders
fred
I’m not sure if anyone uses Silicone jackets for power tool cords but some of the same analogy applies to them. Better quality tools come with rubber jacketed cords that remain flexible at lower temperatures than PVC jacketed cords.
Dan
Good soldering irons come with silicone cables because they can resist the heat from occasional tip contact.
fred
Old American Beauty soldering irons used asbestos insulated cords – but that’s a different kettle of fish entirely.
I also just happened to see a recent This Old House episode where they were doing some lead caulking of a PVC transition piece to an old Cast Iron bell – and were using a joint runner, Not sure what joint runners are made from today – but they were also asbestos rope in my day – and the soldering irons we used for roofing were wooden handled affairs that you heated up with a flame – no wire at all needed.
http://www.copperguttershop.com/Soldering_irons.htm