Customer Reviews for Klein Tools Voltage/Continuity Tester

I've got the usual meters and voltage checkers in my my electrical tool box. However, this tester is my new go-to for putting in new circuits, or double-checking outlets for (lack of) voltage before I try to do any work. I just put in 10 receptacles in my garage where I'm building my workbench. They are on four separate circuits. I'm not skilled at electrical work, but I can USUALLY handle running wire to a box and getting white and black correct! It was great having this to check my work and make sure I didn't have any voltage drop across the outlets. I wasn't doing anything really hard, but when you are hot and doing a bunch of them, mistakes can be made. I loved how the probes slotted in to the back of the case, so it was real easy to check my intalls!

The Klein Tools Model ET 250 digital AC/DC voltage and continuity tester is a compact tool that is very versatile and easy to use. It requires three AAA batteries to power the meter. Batteries and test leads are included with this meter. A really neat little design feature on this meter is that the test leads can be placed in an integrated holder on the meter which corresponds to common household electrical outlets and allows the user to check voltage with one hand. The meter is also uniquely designed to automatically switch between AC and DC voltage. There is no need to switch the meter to an appropriate voltage setting as it does this for you. The meter tests VAC, VDC, continuity (with an audible beep) and also tests GFCI protected circuits. This all in one meter also has an on-board work light, a large LCD display with a backlight that can be switched on and off and has an integrated auto power off feature which is a smart battery saving feature. This unit can safely test circuits up to 600 VAC and VDC. It is encased in a tough plastic “box” which says it can withstand drops up to 9.8 feet ( I have not personally tested this feature as I really like this meter and don’t want to push my luck as far as damaging the unit). I recently used this meter while installing 12VDC lighting systems on my boats. It worked flawlessly. I have included pictures of the meter testing a 12V battery and my household electrical outlets. It switched automatically between the circuits. In summary, this unit works as advertised and all features worked as advertised. I also used it for testing fuse continuity and the audible continuity testing feature also worked. At a meager price of about $35 this tester is simple to use, well made and works as advertised. I would highly recommend it. As always, safety is paramount when working with electrical circuits. If you are at all uncomfortable with performing this type of work, seek the advice of a professional. I hope this short review helps.

This voltage tester is a good low-end tool for DIYer who doesn't need all the features of the professional tools that cost hundreds of dollars. I have not tested the continuity or GFIC functions, but the voltage function works just fine and is primarily what I will use it for. In terms of first using it, there are some caps you will have to remove from both ends of the leads (two sets of caps to be able to plug the leads into the unit and two sets of caps to be able to insert the leads into a socket). The unit also has a little spotlight which could be useful and an option to light up the LED display. All-in-all a well-designed, nice little tool.

This a nice addition to anyone’s tool collection. While it may not have every bell and whistle it does provide basically what you need. What I like: • Solid construction with heavy plastic • Plastic grips on the side to help prevent dropping. • The backlight is no nice. All of these tools need that. • Built in flash light is a nice touch. • Up to 600 volt • Test leads are included. You have everything you need. • It automatically reads and adjusts. • Easy to use. Really easy. What I don’t like: • Nothing stuck out that wasn’t adequate. For the price this is a great unit. I recommend.

Test leads are probes; about 30" long cable and plug into the bottom of the meter. They are standard protected/covered banana plugs; any standard cable/probe/clip could be used. The housing provides holding positions for the probes, in two positions (storage and exposed). See picture attached. Includes: 3 AAA batteries, the back cover has 2 captive screws that don't fall out! (Excellent design) A pair of CAT4 probes / covers the tips of the leads. Just the very tips are exposed. If you are working on 220VAC / 120VAC / 24VAC or 12VDC you will probably take them off and never use them. They are an OSHA requirement for voltages in the + 440VAC range to prevent arc-flash. The meter has 4 buttons: Power on/off (not really needed since shorting the probes for continuity tests, applying a voltage to the probes turns the meter on) ALWAYS test any/every meter on a known working power source before using it on an unknown circuit! Back-light on/off (good in dim environments) and auto shuts off in about 3 minutes 'Flashlight' on/off (another useful function) stays on until you turn the light or meter off, or it auto shuts off. GFCI test function; (connect one lead to the 'hot' outlet (the smaller terminal) and the other lead to ground (not neutral) and push the button. The GFCI should trip and remove power from the outlet. The meter shuts off (beeps 15 seconds before shut off) in 15 minutes. Only 3 digit resolution. On 24~110~240VAC not a problem. Display of 26VAC, 123VAC or 232VAC - close enough. Obviously this design is for users that work in this area, and well suited for those applications. On low voltage DC, 12.4VDC will read 012VDC; a 1.5V battery may read 001VDC or 002VDC, not good enough. If you are looking for a compact one hand, on/off, yes/no rugged/droppable meter/indicator - works well The continuity function has rather broad range of "resistance acceptance" to indicate continuity. Shorting the leads and measuring a 100k resistor will produce the same result. The meter provides ~ 0.75VDC across the probes (for the continuity function) in the opposite convention; (black positive and red negative). That is; testing a non-powered P-N (semiconductor junction) it may or may not bias the junction. This meter is not designed to test semiconductors; don't use it for that application.

I've traced shorts in house wiring before. That was often several hours of frustration. With this, I identified the short in less than 10 minutes. Wow! What a game changer.

I carefully read the reviews before buying, so this is what I've noticed so far. I work as an electrician and I will admit there are better and more advanced testers out there. It's true, this one does not measure down to the exact increment of voltage. It doesn't measure amps or anything like that BUT it measures continuity and it tells you the general voltage when a circuit is live. It is a basic tester which functions where it needs to, for the money, it is a good little tester, it really is. The leads haven't fallen out on me yet and it has been reliable so far, the batteries haven't died rapidly, the flashlight doesn't turn on unless the tester is on and even when the tester is turned on accidentally, it times out and shuts off automatically. The cool features I really like is the tester will automatically turn on when you're testing a live circuit or when you're testing continuity. Again, for the money, it does deserve 5 stars. I like it because I can fit it into a pouch with ease and the leads aren't crazy long taking up all the space. I will repeat, I don't have high expectations, it does exactly what it's supposed to WHEN I need it to. Just for basics. I have another tester which is way more advanced, still, this is a good tester, I definitely recommend, Klein did a good job.

I purchased this VM to test small batteries with 1.45 volts. The front packaging does not say the limits or range of volts. I opened it and the inside instructions say it will test above 2.0 volts which is of no help to me. Can not see volts between 1.0 to 2.0 volts to check if its below 1.45 v. Had to return the product. Went with another product. Sorry...

Perfect for what I needed.

Requires batteries, which is fine if you use this at least once a month and have backup batteries always on hand, but for most people a battery-free tester is most convenient since you can just pick it up and get to work, no fussing with batteries which are probably dead or worse, exploded/dissolving the next time you use it. That being said, this tester is CAT IV rated, so unlike some battery-powered testers this one is safe to use up to 600V.

Defective, loose connection in battery compartment. Returned.

It's a really nice tool but don't let it get the least bit wet. I'm on my 3rd one due to moisture. It eould be awesome if they made it more water resistant.

Just turn it on and start using. Clear reading for most jobs. Replaceable probes.

Quick and user friendly voltage tester. Great for when you just need to quickly verify voltage.

Simple to use. Works great.

this equipment does not work well. It lacks sensitivity with 12 volts and less.

I’ve been an Electrician for 50 years and this is the most DANGEROUS Voltage Tester I’ve ever used. First of all the leads are constantly falling out of their sockets sometimes just enough to appear that they are making a proper connection which can lead to the illusion that there is zero voltage on what you ate testing. Second of all the tester makes zero noise, does not vibrate or even light up when detecting Voltage. It takes a second before showing the reading. Very misleading and DANGEROUS!

Light weight , easy to use. Very nicely constructed, high quality multimeter. Highly recommended.