Klein Tools LAN Explorer VDV526-100 Cable Tester

Product Overview

The Klein Tools LAN Explorer™ is a portable voice and data cable tester designed to test and troubleshoot RJ45, RJ11, and RJ12 terminated cables and patch cords. It supports shielded and unshielded cables across various categories, including Cat7, Cat6/6A, Cat5e, and Cat3.

General Specifications

• Operating Altitude: 6562 ft. (2000 m)
• Relative Humidity: <90% non-condensing
• Operating Temperature: 14°F to 122°F (-10°C to 50°C)
• Storage Temperature: -4°F to 122°F (-20°C to 50°C)
• Dimensions: 4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3" (12.6 x 6.4 x 3.2 cm)
• Weight: 5.0 oz. (142 g) including batteries and remote
• Battery: 9V
• Maximum Non-Damaging Voltage: 66V DC or 55V AC between pins (RJ Jacks)
• Cable Types: Shielded or Unshielded; Cat7, Cat6/6A, Cat5e, Cat3
• Maximum Cable Length: 1000 ft. (305 m)
• Minimum Cable Length (for Split Pair detection): 1.5 ft. (0.5 m)

Specifications are subject to change.

Safety Warnings and Precautions

General Warnings:

• ? Read all safety information and instructions before use.
• Designed for unpowered/dark cable systems only. Do not connect to live AC power.
• Poorly terminated plugs can damage tester jacks. Inspect plugs visually before insertion.
• For indoor use only.
• Turn off the tester before replacing batteries.
• Do not open the case, except for the battery compartment.
• Ensure the battery door is securely in place before operating.

Cautions:

• No user-serviceable parts inside.
• Do not expose to open flame, heat sources, equipment that produces heat, or extreme environmental temperatures.

Warning Symbols on Tester:

• ⚠️ Warning or Caution
• ⛑️ Wear approved eye protection
• ⚡ NOT insulated - Will NOT protect against electric shock

Product Identification (Tester and Remote)

The LAN Explorer™ consists of a main tester unit and a remote unit. Key components are numbered for identification:

Tester Unit Features:

• 1. RJ45 Shielded Jack: For connecting data cables.
• 2. RJ11/RJ12 Shielded Jack: For connecting voice cables.
• 3. PASS Indicators: ✔️ Illuminates when the cable is wired correctly.
• 4. Shield Indicator: ?️ Illuminates for shielded cables.
• 5. Test Button: ▶️ Initiates cable tests.
• 6. Low Battery Indicator: ? Signals when the battery needs replacement.
• 7. Power On Indicator: Shows the unit is powered.
• 8. FAULT Indicators: ❌ Lights up for wiring errors (Miswire, Open, Short).
• 9. Battery Cover: Provides access to the 9V battery compartment.
• 10. Screw: Secures the battery cover.

Remote Unit Features:

• 11. Release Latch: For secure connection.
• 12. RJ45 Shielded Jack: For connecting data cables.
• 13. RJ11/RJ12 Shielded Jack: For connecting voice cables.

Note: The tester contains no user-serviceable parts inside.

Operating Instructions

Powering On and Off / Testing a Cable:

• To Power On and Test: With the unit off, a short press of the Test Button (5) turns on the LAN Explorer™ and executes a cable test. Results are displayed for 30 seconds before auto-power off.
• To Re-test: Press the Test Button (5) again before the 30-second timeout to start another test cycle.
• Connection Procedure:
  1. Connect one end of the cable to the appropriate port (RJ45 for data, RJ11/RJ12 for voice) on the main tester body.
  2. Connect the other end of the cable to the corresponding port on the remote unit.
• Start Test: Press the Test Button (5).
• Auto Power Off: The unit automatically powers off after 30 seconds of no test result change.
• Manual Power Off: Press and hold the Test Button (5) for 2 seconds.

Wiring Condition Indicators

The tester indicates the status of the cable wiring through various LEDs.

PASS Indicators (3):

Illuminates if the cable is properly wired according to T568A/568B standards for RJ45, or straight-through for RJ11/RJ12.

FAULT Indicators (8):

• MISWIRE: Indicates the cable is not wired to a standard, or the conductor order differs between ends (e.g., Pin 1 on near end wired to Pin 2 on far end).
• OPEN: Indicates one or more conductors are not properly terminated at the far end, or near-end contact pins are not properly terminated.
• SHORT: Indicates two or more conductor wires are making contact with each other.

SHIELDED Indicator (4):

Illuminates when a shielded cable (ground wire or foil) is properly connected at both ends.

Interpreting Faults:

• If "OPEN" and "MISWIRE" occur simultaneously, it is judged as "OPEN".
• If "SHORT" and "MISWIRE" occur simultaneously, it is judged as "SHORT".
• If "OPEN" and "SHORT" occur simultaneously for one wire, only one status is displayed. The priority is OPEN then SHORT (judged as OPEN), or SHORT then OPEN (judged as SHORT).
• If a single fault (OPEN or SHORT) occurs on one wire, and other wires are shorted (e.g., wire #1 open, wires #4 & #5 shorted), both "OPEN" and "SHORT" can be detected and displayed.
• A cross-over wired cable (RJ45 or RJ12) will flash the MISWIRE and PASS LEDs simultaneously.

Wiring Diagram Descriptions:

The diagrams illustrate common wiring conditions:

• PROPERLY WIRED T568A / T568B: Shows a correct straight-through connection where pin 1 on the near end connects to pin 1 on the far end, pin 2 to pin 2, and so on, for both T568A and T568B standards.
• T568A CABLE WITH SHORT AND OPEN: Depicts a faulty cable where the conductors for pins 1 and 2 are shorted together, and the conductors for pins 7 and 8 are not connected (open). This condition would trigger both SHORT and OPEN indicators.
• T568A CABLE WITH A MISWIRE AND UNRECOGNIZED CONTINUITY: Illustrates an incorrect wiring scenario where pins 1 and 2 on the near end are connected to pins 2 and 1 on the far end, respectively. This indicates a miswiring.

Maintenance

Battery Replacement:

• Replace the 9V battery when the Low Battery indicator (6) ? blinks or the tester does not turn on.
• Loosen screw (10) on the battery cover (9) to access the compartment.
• Remove and recycle the old battery.
• Install a new 9V alkaline or carbon zinc battery, observing correct polarity.
• Replace the battery door and secure it with the screw (10). Do not over-tighten.

Cleaning:

• Turn off the tester and disconnect all cables.
• Wipe with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.

Storage:

• Remove the battery if the unit will not be used for a prolonged period.
• Do not expose to high temperatures or humidity.
• Allow the unit to return to normal operating conditions before use after storage in extreme conditions.

Warranty and Disposal

• Warranty: Visit www.kleintools.com/warranty for details.
• Disposal/Recycle: Do not dispose of equipment or accessories in household trash. Dispose of items in accordance with local regulations. Visit www.epa.gov/recycle for more information.

Customer Service

KLEIN TOOLS, INC.

450 Bond Street
Lincolnshire, IL 60069

Phone: 1-800-553-4676

Email: customerservice@kleintools.com

Website: www.kleintools.com