Multimeters and clamp meters are members of the same family. But a clamp meter is more specific to current measurements. No matter if you’re a beginner or a professional electrician, a good quality clamp meter must be in your toolkit.
This blog revolves around only two Klein clamp meters Klein CL800 & CL900. Klein Tools clamp meters offers a wide range of multimeters and clamp meters.
What you will get here is a detailed side by side comparison of both CL800 and CL900, and their individual reviews. This way you can do a better informed decision before buying one.
Incase if you're a brand conscious person you can also read our comparison on CL800 vs Fluke 325 clamp meters too.
What is a digital clamp meter and why you should use it?
A clamp meter is an advanced form of multimeter with a bit different shape. It has a clamp type jaw that acts as a secondary core. When you clamp any conductor, the conductor will act as the primary core and induce a current in the clamp meter core. This way, the clamp meter reads the current and displays it on its screen. Read on best budget multimeter reviews.
Multimeters can read the current with the help of test leads only. But clamp meters can measure current from mA to 2500Amps. If you want to know more about the similarities and differences between clamp meters and multimeters then I have made a separate guide for interested ones.
How to use a clamp multimeter?
Using a clamp meter is not much difficult as it looks. All you need is to follow the below-mentioned step by step guide to measure current with a clamp meter.
Comparison Table
Every clamp meter can measure current but accuracy may differ. But if I have to choose a precise clamp meter then Klein CL800 is the best. The reason for reviewing Klein Cl800 is its accuracy and pricing factor. It is equipped with a True RMS function so you have no stray voltages anymore. Since many people do not know the exact measuring ranges for them, a feature for auto-ranging is also available. Let’s discuss some of its key features.
4.7/5 stars with 1,417 Reviews
Key features
- It is an Auto-Ranging Clamp multimeter.
- True RMS function allows you to measure voltages with high fluctuations.
- You can measure current in both AC and DC.
- AC current range: 600 Amp
- DC current range: 600 Amp
- You can measure voltage up to 1000V with a CAT-II safety rating.
- It is equipped with NCV mode: Non-contact voltage detection for safe troubleshooting.
- Low impedance (LoZ) function for accurate readings.
- Temperature measurement can be done with a temperature probe ranging from -26 degrees Celsius to 538 degrees Celsius.
- IP40 water resistance allows you to save it from dust and moisture.
- You can measure resistance up to 60 Mohms.
- Capacitance and frequency can be measured easily with this clamp meter.
- Low battery indication allows you to replace it before it dies.
- Class 2 insulation makes it safer for beginners and professionals.
Package Includes
- A carrying case
- Pair of Test leads (3.4 feet long)
- Thermocouple adapter for temperature measurement
- 2x AAA Batteries
If you’re thinking of buying a clamp meter then Klein CL900 is the option you can never decline. The reason for its great success among industrial electricians and HVAC technicians is its high ranging capabilities and robust look. You don't have to think too much about Klein cl800 vs cl900 if you're an industrial technician just grab Klein cl900. In this Klein CL900 review, I will primarily cover all of its key features.
4.7/5 stars with 206 Reviews
Key Features
- A backlit display is available.
- Auto-Ranging Clamp meter.
- True RMS function provides a measurement of voltages with high fluctuations.
- Current can be measured both in AC and DC.
- 2000 Amperes AC current range
- 2000 Amperes DC current range
- With a CAT-II safety rating, you can measure voltages up to 1000V.
- NCV mode is available for safe troubleshooting.
- LoZ (low impedance) function for accurate measurements.
- In addition, a special inrush current measurement feature is built into it.
- IP40 water resistance allows you to save it from dust and moisture.
- You can measure resistance up to 60 Mohms.
- Capacitance and frequency can be measured easily with this clamp meter.
- Low battery indication allows you to replace it before it dies.
- Class 2 insulation makes it safer for beginners and professionals.
- Requires only two AAA 1.5 battery cells to make it fully operational.
Package Includes
- A carrying Pouch
- User Manual
- Test Leads same as CL800 had.
- 2x AAA Batteries
Klein CL800 vs CL900 Clamp meter
Similarities and Differences
Both the clamp meters are best and worth buying but have some similarities and differences. After reviewing the Klein CL800 and CL900 individually above, if you're still unclear, let's compare them side by side.
Similarities between Klein CL800 vs CL900
- Both clamp meters are loaded with a lot of similar features.
- Both the Klein CL800 and CL900 have a digital display with a backlight.
- You can measure voltages up to 1000V with both clamp meters.
- They can measure frequency, resistance and capacitance similarly.
- Both have rugged bodies with 2M drop test certifications.
- You can hold the display on both the Klein CL800 and CL900.
- CAT-III standard test leads are included with both clamp meters.
- True RMS function is available in both of them.
- low impedance mode is also available in CL900 and CL800.
- NCV mode in both clamp meters allows you to detect voltages easily.
- Both Klein clamp meters have the same IP rating of IP40.
- Both offer the same accessories with them.
Differences between Klein CL800 vs CL900
- So, if you’re thinking that they are almost similar then that is not true. Let's see some of the major differences between Klein CL900 vs CL800.
- You can measure current up to 1000 amperes with Klein CL800 but with Klein CL900 you can measure current up to 2000 amperes.
- Klein CL900 has an option to measure inrush current but CL800 lacks this feature.
- Klein CL900 built is tougher and can endure extreme environmental conditions,
- You can measure temperature with a Klein CL800, but not with a Klein CL900.
- Klein CL800 comes with an additional thermocouple probe for temperature sensing.
- The clamp design of CL800 and CL900 is a bit different.
- In comparison, Klein CL800 (12 ounces) is lightweight as compared to Klein CL900 (17 ounces).
Step by step guide to measure Current with a clamp meter
- First of all, turn on your clamp meter.
- Now, Clamp the conductor(wire) whose current you want to measure.
- Rotate the selector switch to AC or DC current selection. "~A" or "-A"
- The display will start showing the relative current flowing the circuit.
- Never clamp live and neutral wire at the same time, it will affect the accuracy of your readings.
How to measure current (amps) with multimeter?
To measure current with multimeter is entirely a different process. Moreover in multimeters you need to attach test leads in the live circuit in series. Therefore, I have also made a separate guide on how to measure amps with multimeters.
Final Verdict
The basic aim of getting a clamp meter is to measure a high current without connecting test leads. So, all the other features in them will remain a second priority. For people who want a multi-purpose tool for current voltage and other electrical measurements, Klien CL800 is the better option.
But if you’re a professional or an HVAC technician then you have to measure higher currents. And for that specific reason, Klein CL900 is more suitable but you cannot measure temperature with it.
So all in all if I have to suggest one of Klein CL800 vs Klein CL900, then I would prefer Klein CL800. Like clamp meters, I have also made a guide about best Klein multimeter reviews Klein mm600 vs Klein mm700.
FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
Are Klein tools clamp multimeters any good?
Klein multimeters are good for those who're looking for cheaper but good quality multimeters. You can get almost every feature that any premium multimeter can offer. If you want to know more about comparison then I have made a separate guide about fluke vs Klein multimeters for interested ones.
Which test leads are best for high voltage?
Test leads come in three categories, CAT-II, CAT-III, and CAT-IV. If you're an electronics technician then CAT-iii test leads are perfect for you. I have also made a list of the best multimeters for electronics for you. If you want to test low voltages then CAT-III, test leads would be perfect for you. You can test high voltages up to 1000V with a multimeter but you need CAT-II rating test leads for that purpose. I have also made a list of the best multimeter for electricians for you.
What to look for in a clamp meter?
You must know that clamp meters are primarily used for current measurements. So, everything comes second. So, if you want to measure other electrical variables then go for the best multimeter for electronics work.
The reading is not zero when I put my test leads together in the resistance mode. What may be causing this? Why wouldn't we?
The meter measures the resistance of the test leads, which, for a brand-new pair of test leads, will normally fall somewhere in the region of 0.1 to 0.3 ohm. The resistance measurements need an adjustment to account for the test lead mistake. Some of the most feature-packed meters will come equipped with a Relative delta mode pushbutton (the exact symbol for delta should be used in the final article), automatically removing your lead inaccuracy.