Digital Insulation Resistance Tester, Auto-Ranging TRMS Multimeter

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] My go to tool when checking compressor or motors very happy with this product

A nice Megger unit that is also a voltmeter, or a nice voltmeter that is also a Megger. For those of us in the electrical or maintenance industry this is a great little unit. It will serve to test out a new service section before energizing it, and test the insulation on motor windings if you have a questionable motor. Or whatever else you want to use it for. I like being able to use it either to test voltage and/or continuity, or do an insulation test without having to go get another meter. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is that in order to put everything it comes with in the included storage case you really have to cram it and pull hard on the zipper. The case could be a little bigger so that you can store everything without having to fight it to get it back in. I just leave the clamp on leads out of the case because I don’t use them very often.

This Digital multi-meter includes the capability to perform insulation resistance tests. Its also known as a Megometer, or Meggers. The display on this meter is HUGE! It is backlit and the numbers are clear and large. This meter can be read very easily in the dark or by those with difficulty reading smaller numbers. It’s actually impressive how beautiful the display is for this being a tool. The meter comes with one set of probes, a set of large clamps, manual, a carrying case and 6 AA batteries. The back of the meter has a panel that folds out and acts as a kick stand to allow you to prop the meter up in a vertical position. Under the fold out panel is the battery compartment door which is secured with a screw. The meter itself seems well made and is encased in a rubberized casing. The probes are also well made. The meter is a little heavier than regular multi-meters, but its because of the generator used to create the high voltage for the insulation resistance test functions. The storage case is only big enough to hold the meter and the probes but the clamps are too large to fit with the meter and the probes. The fold out panel that doubles as a kick stand is thin and flimsy. It seems like it could easily be broken off under normal use. The one feature I feel this meter is missing is a magnetic back. I’m not sure why it does not have this feature, but I find meters with a magnetic back much more versatile than the kick stand option. There is an optional magnetic hook that can be purchased separate but it attaches to the carry case, not the meter itself. Overall, I give the meter 4 out of 5 stars.

The Klein Tools ET600 Insulation Resistance Megohmmeter Tester is a serious electrical testing tool for the homeowner or an electrical contractor. Designed to not only test for voltages up to 1000V AC\DC, but also resistance and continuity valves up to 4000M. Loaded with the most common features I like to use (peak, sustained, true RMS, auto ranging, lock functions, Insulated alligator clips, large bright backlit display, built-in-stand, etc.), the ET600, combined with my Klein load\current tester, fulfills all of my electrical troubleshooting task!

A far cry from hand cranked (and motor driven) megohm-meters of the past, the Klein ET600 is easier to carry around, use and, as a bonus, includes voltmeter (AC Rms and DC), Continuity and ohmmeter functions, in addition to its prime function of measuring insulation resistance. A convenient carry case is supplied, though with the two sets of test leads provided (one with clips and the other with straight probes) it is a tight fit to get everything in the case and zipped up. The straight probes are provided with protective shields for use in Category III and IV locations which expose only the tips of the probe. They are removable for use in Category II locations, if desired. An integral stand is provided but is not as robust as the rest of the instrument and will require some care in handling to avoid breaking it. An accessory strap (with magnetic end) is available to permit hanging the meter from any ferrous metal surface. The double-insulated construction is ETL Listed with a 600V Cat IV rating and a 1000V Cat III rating. Test voltages (for insulation resistance measurements) of 125V, 250V, 500V and 1000V are selectable vis the rotary dial (which also is used to select the AC/DC voltmeter, Ohms and Continuity functions. The dial and the pushbuttons are sized and spaced to facilitate operation when wearing gloves. The rear of the meter has molded holders for the straight test probes either in a stored position of held proud of the meter for making measurements (see photo). With an input impedance of 10 meg-ohms, it should not load down sensitive circuits (however “phantom” voltages may appear, for the same reason) and the 1,000 volt (AC rms or DC) maximum rating should be adequate for most applications. While the meter is only rating to be functional down to 14 degrees F, it is rated to sustain minus 4 degrees F when stored. The meter will automatically power down when not used and the backlight (selected by a front panel button) likewise will automatically turn off after use (to preserve battery life). A 500 ma fuse is installed at the bottom of the battery compartment (unfortunately, not provision is made for holding a spare fuse at the ready). In addition to the primary digital display (on the 2 inch x 2-3/8 inch screen) a bar graph is located at the top of the display showing the value being measured. A secondary digital display is provided that will, when in the AC volts mode (not DC volts as stated in the manual) display battery voltage (a nice touch). A “lock” mode is provided for insulation resistance measurements which will keep the test potential applied without keeping the “test” button depressed, useful for motor and transformer testing. The meter is powered by six (6) AA batteries (supplied with the meter), accessed by loosening one (captive) screw. The rear and sides of the meter enclosure are a soft rubberlike material which allows for a good grip and protects the meter from physical damage (it is rated for a 3.3-foot drop). The multifunction capability of the meter and its compact size makes it an attractive addition to one’s fleet of test equipment.

This is a rather specialized piece of test gear. Old school term is "Megger" (trade name?), and is used to measure insulation breakdown resistance. Basically it applies a high voltage (125VDC to +1000VDC) and measures the current leakage. AC voltage would measure reactance, also interesting but not for this type of diagnoses. Typical use would be checking electric heating element in an oven or stove that works a while then trips the breaker after a few minutes of operation. Insulation degrades with time, temperature, humidity and contaminants. A standard VOM (using 3 - 9 VDC applied) would indicate that the resistance of the coil is good (low resistance) and infinite resistance between it and ground. Generally with a 240VAC heating coil, the resistance between the element (the coil) outer (grounded) shield should be > 25 MOhms. I don't have a defective part to demonstrate, who keeps those? This meter can also test the MOVs (protection in a good power strip). 3 checks needed, L1 to neutral, L2 to neutral and L1 to L2. The power strip is connected to the meter. See picture attached. Note the power light on the strip on powered by the meter only! Meter indicates .073M Ohms - 73k Ohms at 300 Volts between L1 & L2. This is near the MOV clamping voltage for a pair of ~140VAC MOVs in series. This meter also works as a standard VOM. Includes the meter, 6 AA batteries, a pair of test leads (probes and clamps) and zippered case for all of it. The meter and leads are rated Category 3 & 4 (CAT III & CAT IV) depending on the choice and usage of the probes. Nice easy to see (4 digits are 3/4" tall) with a psudo analog meter across the top, backlit display and a full power off function (chirps before shutdown) to save batteries in about 15 minutes.

I received the ET600 is a multi-function Megohmmeter capable of producing 125V, 250V, 500V, and 1000V test voltages for insulation resistance. I have own other testers but never one a nice as this. The unit is very well built and you can tell it will take some punishment. I'm very glad I received this. I do not use a tester every day but when I need one I want a good one and this is it.

The Klein Tools ET600 Digital Resistance Tester is a fantastic piece of electrical testing equipment. All features presented on this model work like they should and present accurately compared to equipment available as a test comparison. The regular multimeter and continuity testing is spot on too go along with easy-to-perform insulation resistance tests. This tester is very large, I provided pictures of a typical electrical tester and a clamp tester as comparison, but that makes it easier to use in my mind. With the provided stand on the back, the giant digital display with backlight, and long test leads, this device is easy to set up on a surface and run your test without having to hold it in one hand and try to navigate the connection with the other. The alligator clips are a big bulky but work. The only real con that I can find is the provided case for the unit is very tight, I had to rearrange the test leads and alligator clips 3 or 4 times so I could get everything to fit in it and zip up all the way. It may just be a matter of breaking it in but as of right now it feels like it could burst at the seams.

This insulation resistance tester is a very high quality unit. It is made by Klein Tools. It comes with everything you need to start using it right away. Includes the batteries. It also includes a case for the tester, and includes two sets of leads, one standard set, and one set with alligator clips. It is a very sturdy and heavy duty unit. Nice protection from bangs and drops. We use this around the house, when replacing light switches, outlets, and when replacing circuit breakers. My son also uses this for his car repairs. It is digital, and very easy to read. It has a backlight, for using when it is dark, which is a helpful feature. This is a good quality unit with many features. Good to have on hand.

Nice large clear display. It comes with the batteries,the test leads ( two sets ), a nylon zip up case and the unit itself is rubberized for drop absorption. If you currently ( no pun intended) own a multimeter and you only do electrical not electronics, this is a great option . It's geared to you. A meger meter a volt meter, DC and AC, as well as an ohm meter. Working in a darker area? The display has a back light you can turn on and off.