Klein Tools 501-915 Cable Length Meter Instruction Manual

Product Overview

The Klein Tools 501-915 is a portable Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) Cable Length Meter designed to measure cable length, calibrate Velocity of Propagation (VoP) values, find cable faults, and provide tone generation for cable tracing.

Key Features:

• Measures and displays cable length in feet or meters.
• Uses TDR method to measure cable length via its VoP constant.
• Measures most types of copper cable including data, voice, video, lamp wire, Siamese, and NM cables.
• Capable of measuring length to open and short faults.
• Features an extra-large, full-color, back-lit LCD screen.
• Includes a built-in tone generator with selectable tone cadence for easy cable tracing with an analog tone probe (not included).
• Conserves power with adjustable Auto Power Off (APO).

Dimensions: 6.2" × 2.6" × 1.2" (15.7 × 6.6 × 3.0 cm)

Weight: 12.0 oz. (340 grams) with batteries

General Specifications

Specifications subject to change.

Warnings

To ensure safe operation and service of the meter, follow these instructions. Failure to observe these warnings can result in severe injury or death.

• The Cable Length Meter should NOT be used on energized cabling systems.
• Internal components of the Cable Length Meter are protected up to 30V peak AC or DC. Connecting the meter to voltages above this range may pose a safety hazard to the user and the meter.

Symbols on Meter:

• ⚠️ Warning: Potential for personal injury.
• ❗ Caution: Potential for damage or destruction to equipment.
• ✔️ Always wear approved eye protection
• ❌ Do NOT use on energized circuits
• ℹ️ Read Instructions

Do not place equipment and its accessories in the trash. Items must be properly disposed of in accordance with local regulations.

Certifications: UKCA (United Kingdom Conformity Assessment), CE (Conformité Européenne - Conforms with European Economic Area directives), Battery type and orientation (2x AA, IEC LR6).

Definitions

Velocity of Propagation (VoP)

The speed of an electrical signal traveling through a cable, measured as a percentage of the speed of light.

BNC-Connector

A BNC Connector is a common connector for a coax cable, often associated with security systems.

Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)

TDR technology is a technology that uses VoP values to accurately measure cable lengths.

Feature Details

The meter features distinct sections for its front, top, and back views, with numbered components:

Front of Meter:

• 1. LCD Screen: Displays measurements, status, and menus.
• 2. RJ45 Port: For connecting data cables.
• 3. BNC Port: For connecting coaxial and other cable types.
• 4. Battery Cover: Access to the battery compartment.
• 5. Power Button: Turns the unit on/off.
• 6. "One Dot" Button: Used for Select, Library, and Right Arrow functions.
• 7. "Two Dot" Button: Used for More, Edit, Cancel, No, and On/Off functions.
• 8. "Three Dot" Button: Used for Type, Return, Home, Left Arrow, and Yes functions.
• 9. Test Button: Initiates cable measurement.
• 10. Save Button: Saves settings or data.
• 11. Arrow Up Button: Navigates menus upwards.
• 12. Arrow Down Button: Navigates menus downwards.

Included Test Leads/Adapters (from Top/Back views):

• 13. Male Coax-BNC to Alligator Clips: For connecting to bare wires.
• 14. Male Coax-BNC to Female Coax-F: Adapter for Coax-F connectors.
• 15. Male Coax-BNC to Male Coax-F: Adapter for Coax-F connectors.
• 16. CAT-6 RJ45 to CAT-6 RJ45: Test lead for CAT-6 cables.
• 17. Female Coax-BNC to Male Coax-BNC: Adapter.
• 18. Female Coax-BNC to Male Coax-F: Adapter.

Note: No user-serviceable parts inside the meter.

Operating Instructions

Powering On/Off

• Power ON: Press the Power Button 5 to turn the unit on.
• Power OFF: Press the Power Button 5 for two seconds to turn the unit off. The screen will display "Powering Off, Saving Data" while it powers down.

Auto Power-Off (APO)

The meter automatically turns off after a period of inactivity to conserve battery power. The APO time depends on the mode:

• Test Mode: User-adjustable from 5 to 20 minutes (default is 10 minutes).
• Tone Mode: 60 minutes, not adjustable.

In either mode, the screen dims after 1 minute of inactivity.

Setting Preferences

Editable preferences include: Length Display (feet or meters), Time, Auto Power-Off, Language (English, German, French, Spanish), Date, and Test Lead Length Subtraction.

1. Press the Power button 5 to power-ON the meter.
2. Press the "More" button ([Two Dot Button] 7). The "Preferences" option will be highlighted.
3. Press the "Select" button ([Three Dot Button] 8).
4. Use the Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to highlight the field you wish to edit. Editable selections turn orange.
5. Press the "Edit" button ([Two Dot Button] 7).
6. Use the Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to make changes.
7. Note: When setting time or date, use the Right ([One Dot Button] 6) and Left ([Three Dot Button] 8) arrow buttons to select the parameter (e.g., hour/minute, month/day/year).
8. Press the Save button 10 to save changes.
9. Press the "Return" button ([One Dot Button] 6) to return to the previous screen for testing.

Note: Turn ON "Test Lead Subtraction" when using the included test leads.

Operating Instructions (Continued)

Measuring Cables - Important Safety Information

• The cable to be tested should be evaluated for voltage by a qualified professional before work. Disconnect from any voltage source.
• The Cable Length Meter should NOT be used on energized cable systems.

Note: Use included accessories for accurate testing. Test lead length is automatically excluded. If using alternate leads, manually deduct their length or disable this option in Preferences.

Measuring Coax Cable

1. Terminate the cable with a Coaxial BNC connector, BNC to F test lead, BNC to F adapter, or BNC to alligator clips lead. Connect to the BNC port 3 on the meter by inserting and turning clockwise to lock. The opposite end should be left unterminated or terminated but unconnected.
2. Press the Power button 5 to power-ON the meter.
3. Use the Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to highlight the Coaxial option and press the "Select" key ([Three Dot Button] 8).
4. Press the "Library" button ([Three Dot Button] 8) to display stored cable manufacturers and styles. Use Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to highlight the desired selection, then press "Select" ([Three Dot Button] 8). Note: If the cable is not in the library, refer to the "Changing VoP Value / Adding New Cable Information" section.
5. Press the Test Button 9 to measure the cable length. Note: Turn ON "Test Lead Subtraction" when using the included test leads.

Operating Instructions (Continued)

Measuring Twisted Pair (Category, Twisted Pair, Data) Cable

1. The cable must be terminated with an RJ45 plug on the end that attaches to the meter. The opposite end should be left unterminated, or may be terminated with an RJ45 plug or jack but left unconnected.
2. Insert the RJ45 plug into the RJ45 port 2 on the meter.
3. Press the Power button 5 to power-ON the meter.
4. Use the Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to highlight the Data Cable option and press the "Select" button ([Three Dot Button] 8). The default Data cable choice will appear.
5. Press the "Library" button ([Three Dot Button] 8) to display stored cable manufacturers and styles. Use Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to highlight the desired selection, then press "Select" ([Three Dot Button] 8). Note: If the cable is not in the library, refer to the "Changing VoP Value / Adding New Cable Information" section.
6. To edit Library entries: Highlight selection, press "Edit" ([Two Dot Button] 7). Use Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to highlight the desired field, press "Edit" ([Two Dot Button] 7). Use Left Arrow ([One Dot Button] 6) and Right Arrow ([Three Dot Button] 8) to move the cursor. Use Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to select characters. Press Save button 10 to save or "Cancel" ([Two Dot Button] 7) to discard. Use Up/Down arrows to select additional fields or press "Go Back" ([One Dot Button] 6) to return to the Library.
7. Press the Test Button 9 to measure the cable length. Note: Turn ON "Test Lead Subtraction" when using the included test leads.

Operating Instructions (Continued)

Measuring Length to Short Faults (Category, Twisted Pair, Data Cable)

• If a short exists between twisted pin pairs (e.g., wires 1-2, 3-6, 4-5, or 7-8), the tester displays "SHORT" with the distance to the fault.
• If a short exists between two even numbered wires (e.g., 2, 4, 6, or 8), the tester displays "SHORT", but distance cannot be measured.
• If a short exists between two odd numbered wires (e.g., 1, 3, 5, or 7), the tester cannot detect the short.
• If a short exists between an even and an odd numbered wire (not a twisted pair, e.g., 1 and 4), the tester displays "SHORT" and the distance to the short location for the even wire only.

Measuring Two Conductor and Other Cable

1. Connect the BNC-to-Alligator Clips test cable 13 to the BNC port 3 on the meter.
2. The cable should have a pair of exposed conductors running side-by-side (e.g., inner pairs on twisted pair cable). The opposite end should be left open (unconnected).
3. Securely attach the alligator clips to the two exposed conductors.
4. Press the Power button 5 to power-ON the meter.
5. Use the Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to highlight "Other" and press the "Select" button ([Three Dot Button] 8). The default cable choice will appear. Note: If the cable is not in the library, refer to the "Changing VoP Value / Adding New Cable Information" section.
6. Use the "Library" button ([Three Dot Button] 8) to select a different cable manufacturer or style with the correct VoP. The VoP value is displayed on screen. Note: If the cable is not in the library, refer to the section on calculating VoP.
7. Press the Test Button 9 to measure the cable length. Note: Turn ON "Test Lead Subtraction" when using the included test leads.
8. To edit Library entries: Highlight selection, press "Edit" ([Two Dot Button] 7). Use Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to highlight the desired field, press "Edit" ([Two Dot Button] 7). Use Left Arrow ([One Dot Button] 6) and Right Arrow ([Three Dot Button] 8) to move the cursor. Use Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to select characters. Press Save button 10 to save or "Cancel" ([Two Dot Button] 7) to discard. Use Up/Down arrows to select additional fields or press "Go Back" ([One Dot Button] 6) to return to the Library.

Operating Instructions (Continued)

Measuring Length to Short Faults (Cables with 3 or More Conductor Wires)

To accurately identify shorted wires and their distance, multiple measurements with different wire combinations are required.

Example for NM 14/2 electrical cable:

1. Set up the tester as outlined in the "MEASURING TWO CONDUCTOR AND OTHER CABLE" section.
2. Connect the HOT and NEUTRAL wires to the red alligator clip, and the GROUND wire to the black alligator clip. If "SHORT" is displayed, a HOT/NEUTRAL to GROUND short exists. If "SHORT" is not displayed, no such short exists.
3. Connect the HOT and GROUND wires to the red alligator clip, and the NEUTRAL wire to the black alligator clip. If "SHORT" is displayed, a HOT/GROUND to NEUTRAL short exists. If "SHORT" is not displayed, no such short exists.
4. Connect the NEUTRAL and GROUND wires to the red alligator clip, and the HOT wire to the black alligator clip. If "SHORT" is displayed, a NEUTRAL/GROUND to HOT short exists. If "SHORT" is not displayed, no such short exists.

Operating Instructions (Continued)

Changing VoP Value / Adding New Cable Information

Always verify that the VoP of the cable being measured is stored in the meter. Check the cable box or manufacturer's website. If VoP cannot be located, it can be found using a known length of the cable (see "Obtaining VoP Values").

1. Press the Power button 5 to power-ON the meter.
2. Use the Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to highlight the cable type and press the "Select" button ([Three Dot Button] 8).
3. Press the "Library" button ([Three Dot Button] 8). Use Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to highlight the row to correct. "Add New" at the end of the list allows adding new cables.
4. Press the "Edit" button ([Two Dot Button] 7).
5. Use the Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to highlight VoP and press the "Edit" button ([Two Dot Button] 7).
6. Use the Left Arrow ([One Dot Button] 6) and Right Arrow ([Three Dot Button] 8) to highlight numbers to change. Use Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to adjust values.
7. Enter/edit Name, Manufacturer, and Impedance values as needed.
8. Press the Save button 10 to save changes. "Save successful" will display.
9. Press the "Return" button ([Three Dot Button] 8) to return to testing.

Obtaining VoP Values

There are three ways to obtain VoP values for a cable:

1. VoP values for common cable types are included in the Cable Length Meter. They can be estimated or found using the chart on page 11.
2. VoP can usually be obtained by checking cable specifications or contacting the manufacturer.
3. VoP can be found using a known length of the cable (see "Determining an Unknown VoP Value" section).

Determining an Unknown VoP Value

Follow these instructions to set the Length Constant based on a sample cable of known length. The meter can calculate VoP from a test cable length of 25 to 1000 ft. (10 to 300 m). Longer lengths yield more accurate results. A minimum of 50' (20 m) is recommended.

1. Prepare a length of the same type of cable for which you need to determine the VoP.
2. Determine the actual length of the test cable using markings, a tape measure, or laser distance meter.
3. Connect the test cable to the meter as described in the "MEASURING CABLES" section.
4. Press the Power button 5 to power-ON the meter.
5. Press the "More" button ([Two Dot Button] 7).
6. Use the Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to highlight "Calibrate VoP/Length" and press the "Select" button ([Three Dot Button] 8).
7. Press the "Select" button ([Three Dot Button] 8).
8. Press the "Edit" button ([Two Dot Button] 7) and use Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to select the cable type to be edited, then press the "Save" button 10.
9. If testing data cable, use Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to select the wire pair for the test. Press "Edit" ([Two Dot Button] 7) to change pin pairs, then press "Save" 10. Note: Skip this step for all other cable types.
10. Use Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to select the VoP percentage value. Press "Edit" ([Two Dot Button] 7); the first digit will blink. Change the VoP percentage using Up ⬆️ (11), Down ⬇️ (12), Left ([Three Dot Button] 9), and Right ([One Dot Button] 7) Arrow buttons until the correct length value is displayed. Press "Save" 10.
11. Use Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to select Name and Manufacturer. Press "Edit" ([Two Dot Button] 7) to create a name and assign a manufacturer for the new VoP, then press "Save" 10.

Toning Data Cable

1. Insert RJ45 cable into RJ45 Port 2 or use Alligator Clips 13 to connect to wires to be toned.
2. Press the Power button 5 to power-ON the meter.
3. Use the Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to select "Tone".
4. Press the "Select" button ([Three Dot Button] 8).
5. Use the Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to select "Data" and press the "Select" button ([Three Dot Button] 8).
6. Toning defaults to "OFF" for each pair. Use Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to select the desired pair(s) and press the "Edit" button ([Two Dot Button] 7) to scroll through OFF, 1200Hz, or 1000/1500Hz warble for each pair. Multiple pairs can be toned simultaneously by selecting a tone frequency for each pair.
7. With toning on, use Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to select 1200Hz or 1000/1500 Hz warble for each pair.

Toning Coax and Other Cable

1. Press the Power button 5 to power-ON the meter.
2. Use the Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to select "Tone".
3. Press the "Select" button ([Three Dot Button] 8).
4. Use the Up ⬆️ (11) and Down ⬇️ (12) Arrow buttons to select "Coaxial" or "Other", and press the "Select" button ([Three Dot Button] 8).
5. Toning defaults to "OFF". Press the "Edit" button ([Two Dot Button] 7) to scroll through OFF, 1200Hz or 1000/1500 Hz warble.

Pre-Loaded Cable Values

The meter includes a library of pre-loaded cable values for various types. These values include Cable Type, 6-Digit Name, NVP (Nominal Velocity of Propagation), Manufacturer, and 6-Digit MFG code.

Battery Replacement, Cleaning, Storage, and Disposal

Battery Replacement

1. Loosen screw in Battery Cover 5 with a #2 Phillips screwdriver and remove the Battery Cover. Note: The screw is not removable from the Battery Cover.
2. Remove and recycle exhausted batteries.
3. Install two new AA alkaline batteries into the battery compartment, observing polarity marked inside the case.
4. Replace the battery door and fasten the screw. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.

Cleaning

Ensure the meter is turned off and wipe with a clean, dry lint-free cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.

Storage

Remove batteries when the meter is not in use for a prolonged period. Do not expose to high temperatures or humidity. After storage in extreme conditions, allow the meter to return to normal operating conditions before use.

Disposal/Recycle

Do not place equipment and its accessories in the trash. Items must be properly disposed of in accordance with local regulations. Please see www.epa.gov/recycle for additional information.