Klein Tools CL445 HVAC Clamp Meter Instruction Manual

General Specifications

The Klein Tools CL445 is an automatically ranging true root mean square (TRMS) digital clamp meter. It measures AC current and inrush current via the clamp, AC/DC voltage, DC microamps, resistance, continuity, frequency, capacitance, and tests diodes via test leads. It also measures temperature via a thermocouple probe.

• Environment: Indoor. Do not expose to moisture, rain, or snow.
• Operating Altitude: 6562 ft. (2000m)
• Relative Humidity: <95% non-condensing
• Operating Temp: 32° to 122°F (0° to 50°C)
• Storage Temp: 14° to 122°F (-10° to 50°C)
• Accuracy: Values stated at 65° to 83°F (18° to 28°C)
• Temp Coefficient: 0.1 × (Quoted Accuracy) per °C above 28°C or below 18°C. Corrections are required when ambient working temperature is outside of the Accuracy Temp range.
• Dimensions: 9.24" x 3.77" x 1.59" (235 x 96 x 40 mm)
• Weight: 12.58 oz (356.5 g) including batteries
• Calibration: Accurate for one year
• Auto Power-Off (APO): After approx. 10 minutes of inactivity
• Standards: IEC/BS/EN 61010-1, 61010-2-032, IEC/BS/EN 61326-1, 61326-2-2. Conforms to UL STD.61010-1, 61010-2-032; Certified to CSA STD.C22.2 NO. 61010-1, 61010-2-032.
• Pollution degree: 2
• Accuracy: ± (% of reading + # of least significant digits)
• Safety Rating: CAT IV 600V, Class 2, Double insulation
• Drop Protection: 6.6 ft. (2 m)
• CAT III Definition: Measurement category III is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected to the distribution part of the building's low-voltage MAINS installation.
• CAT IV Definition: Measurement category IV is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected at the source of the building's low-voltage MAINS installation.
• Electromagnetic Environment: IEC EN 61326-1. This equipment meets requirements for use in basic and controlled electromagnetic environments like residential properties, business premises, and light-industrial locations.

Specifications subject to change.

Electrical Specifications

Other Measurement Applications

Maximum Input: 600V DC or 750V AC RMS

• Diode Test: Approx. 1mA, open circuit voltage ~3.0V DC.
• Continuity Check: Audible signal <10Ω, max current 1.5mA.
• Sampling Frequency: 3 samples per second.
• Overload: "OL" indicated on display.
• Polarity: "-" on display indicates negative polarity.
• Display: 3-5/6 digit, 6000 Count LCD.

Warnings

General Warnings

• Warning: Before each use, verify meter operation by measuring a known voltage or current.
• Warning: Never use the meter on a circuit with voltages that exceed the category based rating of this meter.
• Warning: Do not use the meter during electrical storms or in wet weather.
• Warning: Do not use the meter or test leads if they appear to be damaged.
• Note: Probe assemblies used for MAINS measurements must meet IEC/EN 61010-031 with a voltage RATING of CAT IV 600V or better.
• Ensure meter leads are fully seated, and keep fingers away from the metal probe contacts when making measurements.
• Use caution when working with voltages above 25V AC RMS or 60V DC, as these voltages pose a shock hazard.
• Warning: To avoid false readings that can lead to electrical shock, replace batteries when a low battery indicator appears.
• Warning: Do not attempt to measure resistance or continuity on a live circuit.
• Always adhere to local and national safety codes. Use personal protective equipment to prevent shock and arc blast injury where hazardous live conductors are exposed.
• Warning: To avoid risk of electric shock, disconnect leads from any voltage source before removing the battery door.
• Warning: To avoid risk of electric shock, do not operate the meter while the battery door is removed.

NCV Function Warnings

• When NCV Function is initiated, a blinking or steady red glow and an audible beep indicate voltage presence. If no indication is shown, voltage could still be present.
• Before and after each use of the NCVT, verify operation by testing a known working circuit that is within the rating of this unit.
• Never assume neutral or ground wires are de-energized. Neutrals in multi-wire branch circuits may be energized when disconnected and must be retested before handling.
• The NCV tester WILL NOT detect voltage if: the wire is shielded; the operator is not grounded or is otherwise isolated from an effective earth ground; the voltage is DC.
• The NCV tester MAY NOT detect voltage if: the user is not holding the tester; the user is insulated from the tester with a glove or other materials; the wire is partially buried or in a grounded metal conduit; the tester is at a distance from the voltage source; the field created by the voltage source is blocked, dampened, or otherwise interfered with; the frequency of the voltage is not a perfect sine wave between 50 and 60Hz; the tester is outside of operation conditions (listed in Specifications section).
• Operation may be affected by differences in socket design and insulation thickness and type; the tester may not be compatible with some types of standard or tamper resistant (TR) electrical outlets.
• Do not apply to uninsulated hazardous live conductors.
• Detection above 50V is specified under "normal" conditions. The tester may detect at a different threshold at different conditions, or may not detect at all unless: the tip of the tester is within 0.25" of an AC voltage source radiating unimpeded; the user is holding the body of the tester with their bare hand; the user is standing on or connected to earth ground; the air humidity is nominal (50% relative humidity); the tester is held still.

Symbols

Symbols on Meter

• AC (Alternating Current): AC
• DC (Direct Current): DC
• Double Insulated Class II: [Class II]
• Warning or Caution: ⚠️ [Warning]
• Suitable for uninsulated hazardous live conductors: [Hazardous Conductors]
• Diode: ⏚ [Diode]
• Frequency: Hz
• Ground: ⏚ [Ground]
• Capacitance: F
• Duty-cycle: %
• Voltage (Volts): V
• Temperature (Fahrenheit / Celsius): °F/°C
• Amperage (Amps): A
• Common: COM
• Non-Contact Voltage Tester: NCV
• Backlight: ? [Backlight]
• Select: SEL
• Positive: +
• Negative: -
• Worklight: ? [Worklight]
• AC/DC Current: AC/DC Current
• Resistance (in Ohms): Ω
• Audible Continuity: ⏚ [Audible Continuity]
• Risk of Electrical Shock: ⚡ [Shock Hazard]
• Read Instructions: ℹ️ [Read Instructions]

Symbols on LCD

• AC (Alternating Current): AC
• DC (Direct Current): DC
• Data Hold: H [Data Hold]
• Auto Ranging: AUTO
• Maximum Value Hold: MAX
• Minimum Value Hold: MIN
• Audible Continuity: ⏚ [Audible Continuity]
• Low Battery: ? [Low Battery]
• Degrees (Celsius): °C
• Degrees (Fahrenheit): °F
• kilo (value x 10³): k
• micro (value x 10⁻⁶): μ
• Volts (Voltage): V
• Ohms (Resistance): Ω
• Farads (Capacitance): F
• Auto Power-Off: ⏳ [Auto Power Off]
• Non-Contact Voltage Tester: NCV
• Diode Test: ⏚ [Diode Test]
• Hazardous Voltage Indicator: ⚡ [Hazardous Voltage]
• Inrush: INRUSH

Feature Details

The meter features a 6000 count LCD display and a function selector switch. Key components include the clamp, COM jack, VΩμA jack, backlight/worklight button, RANGE button, MAX/MIN button, Data Hold button, clamp trigger, arrow markings, SEL/NCV button, NCV light, NCV sensing antenna, K-Type thermocouple inputs, temperature/voltage input switch, InRush button, and a test lead holder. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the meter.

Function Buttons

ON/OFF

To power ON the meter, rotate the Function Selector switch from the OFF setting to any measurement setting. To power OFF the meter, rotate the Function Selector switch to the OFF setting. By default, the meter will automatically power OFF after 10 minutes of inactivity. If the meter automatically powers OFF while in a measurement setting, press any button to power the meter ON, or rotate the Function Selector switch to OFF, then power ON the meter. To deactivate the power OFF functionality, press and hold the "SELECT" button before powering ON from the OFF setting. When auto power OFF is deactivated, the Auto Power Off icon will not be visible in the display.

SEL / NCV BUTTON (FOR NCV TESTING)

Press and hold the SEL/NCV button to enter Non-contact Voltage Testing (NCV) mode to test for the presence of AC voltage. The NCV icon and "EF" will be present on the display. Approach the conductor under test with the sensing antenna. In the presence of AC voltage, the red NCV light will illuminate, and audible signals (beeps) will sound. Release the SEL/NCV button to exit NCV testing mode. Note: Only voltages of 40V AC or greater will be detected.

BACKLIGHT

Press the Backlight/Worklight button to turn ON or OFF the backlight. The backlight does not automatically power OFF.

WORKLIGHT

Press and hold the Backlight/Worklight button for 2 seconds to turn ON or OFF the worklight. The worklight does not automatically power OFF.

RANGE

The meter defaults to auto-ranging mode (AUTO). This mode automatically determines the most appropriate measurement range for the testing being conducted. To manually force the meter to measure in a different range, use the "RANGE" button. 1. Press the "RANGE" button to manually select a measurement range (AUTO is deactivated on the LCD). Repeatedly press the "RANGE" button to cycle through the available ranges, stopping once the desired range is reached. 2. To return to auto-ranging mode, press and hold the "RANGE" button for more than two seconds (AUTO is reactivated).

MAX/MIN

When the "MAX/MIN" button is pressed, the meter keeps track of the Maximum and Minimum values. 1. When measuring, press "MAX/MIN" button to toggle between the Maximum value (MAX) and the Minimum value (MIN). If a new maximum or minimum occurs, the display updates with that new value. 2. Press "MAX/MIN" button for more than two seconds to return to normal measuring mode.

DATA HOLD

Press the HOLD button to hold the measurement on the display. Press HOLD again to release the display to return to live measuring.

Operating Instructions

CONNECTING TEST LEADS

Do not test if leads are improperly seated, as this could cause intermittent display readings. To ensure proper connection, firmly press leads into the input jack completely.

• INCORRECT: Probe tip is exposed.
• CORRECT: Probe tip is fully inserted.

TESTING IN CAT III MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS

Ensure the test lead shield is pressed firmly in place. Failure to use the CAT III / CAT IV shield increases arc-flash risk. The shield is approximately 5/32" (4 mm) long.

TESTING IN CAT II MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS

CAT III / CAT IV shields may be removed for CAT II locations. This allows testing on recessed conductors, such as standard wall outlets. Take care not to lose the shields. The shields are approximately 0.7" (18 mm) long.

AC CURRENT (LESS THAN 600A)

AC Current is measured by pressing the clamp trigger to open the clamp and placing it around a current-carrying wire. When measuring, ensure the clamp is completely closed with the trigger fully released, and that the wire passes perpendicularly through the center of the clamp in line with the arrow markings.

Diagram Description: Shows a wire passing through the clamp. Labels indicate "LIVE CABLE", "NEUTRAL WIRE", "GROUND WIRE", "HOT WIRE".

Note: Current measurement can be made by clamping around single conductors, but not cables containing both live and neutral wires. A line splitter (Klein Cat. No. 69409) is recommended for such cases.

1. Rotate the Function Selector switch to the A~ setting.
2. Place clamp around wire. The current measurement will be shown in the display.

Warning: Disconnect test leads when measuring with the clamp.

AC/DC VOLTAGE (LESS THAN 600V DC OR 750V AC)

1. Insert the RED test lead into the VΩμA jack, and the BLACK test lead into the COM jack. Rotate the function selector switch to the V setting for AC or DC measurements. The meter defaults to AC measurement.
2. To measure DC, press the "SELECT" button to toggle between AC and DC modes. The AC or DC icon on the LCD indicates the selected mode.

Voltage Measurement (General)

Apply test leads to the circuit to be tested to measure voltage. The meter will auto-range to display the measurement in the most appropriate range.

Note: The Hazardous Voltage Indicator will appear on the display when the voltage is >25V AC or >60V DC.

Note: If "-" appears on the LCD, the test leads are being applied to the circuit in reverse. Swap the position of the leads to correct this.

Note: To access the mV range for V AC, the 'RANGE' button must be used.

Manual Mode Sequence (Voltage)

Note: When in a voltage setting and the test leads are open (not connected across a circuit), readings of order mV may appear on the display. This is noise and is normal. By touching the test leads together to close the circuit, the meter will measure zero volts.

INRUSH CURRENT

The Inrush feature captures the starting current of a motor or transformer. Starting current can assist in diagnosing a motor before it fails.

To measure inrush current:

1. Rotate the Function Selector switch to the AC current A~ setting.
2. Place clamp around wire. The current measurement will be shown in the main display.
3. Press the "InRush" button to enter the Inrush mode and manually select 60A or 600A range by pressing the "RANGE" button. Place the clamp around the compressor start wire and turn the motor on. The starting current will hold on the main display. Inrush mode takes a measurement every 20 milliseconds and updates the display every 100 milliseconds. The secondary display measures running current.
4. Press "InRush" button to exit.

CONTINUITY

1. Insert the RED test lead into the VΩμA jack, and the BLACK test lead into the COM jack. Rotate the function selector switch to the Continuity/Resistance/Capacitance/Diode-Test setting.
2. Note: The meter defaults to Continuity testing in this mode. Ensure that the Continuity Testing icon ⏚ is visible on the display. If not, press the "SELECT" button repeatedly until the ⏚ icon is shown.
3. Remove power from the circuit.
4. Test for continuity by connecting the conductor or circuit with the test leads. If resistance is measured less than 10Ω, an audible signal will sound, and the display will show a resistance value indicating continuity. If the circuit is open, the display will show "OL".

Warning: Do not attempt to measure continuity on a live circuit.

μA DC CURRENT (LESS THAN 600μA)

1. Insert the RED test lead into the VΩμA jack, and the BLACK test lead into the COM jack. Rotate the function selector switch to the μA setting.
2. Remove power from the circuit and open the circuit at the measurement point.
3. Connect test leads in series with the circuit.
4. Apply power to the circuit to take the measurement.

Warning: Do not attempt to measure more than 600μA.

RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS

1. Insert the RED test lead into the VΩμA jack, and the BLACK test lead into the COM jack. Rotate the function selector switch to the Continuity/Resistance/Capacitance/Diode-Test setting.
2. Note: The meter defaults to Continuity testing in this mode. Press the "SELECT" button once to enter Resistance testing mode. The Resistance icon Ω will appear on the display.
3. Remove power from the circuit.
4. Measure resistance by connecting test leads to the circuit. The meter will auto-range to display the measurement in the most appropriate range.

Note: When in a Resistance setting and the test leads are open (not connected across a resistor), or when a failed resistor is under test, the display will indicate "OL". This is normal.

Warning: Do not attempt to measure resistance on a live circuit.

AC VOLTAGE + AC AMPERAGE FUNCTION

1. Insert the RED test lead into the VΩμA jack, and the BLACK test lead into the COM jack. Rotate the function selector switch to the V+A~ setting.
2. Press the clamp trigger to open the clamp and place it around the current-carrying wire.
3. The main display will show AC Voltage, and the secondary display will show AC Amperage. Pressing the "SELECT" button will reverse the displays; the main display will show AC Amperage, and the secondary display will show AC Voltage.

Note: The Hazardous Voltage Indicator will appear on the display when the voltage is >25V AC or >60V DC.

CAPACITANCE

1. Insert the RED test lead into the VΩμA jack, and the BLACK test lead into the COM jack. Rotate the function selector switch to the Continuity/Resistance/Capacitance/Diode-Test setting.
2. Note: The meter defaults to Continuity testing in this mode. Press the "SELECT" button twice to enter Capacitance testing mode. The capacitance unit F will appear on the display. The meter should read 0 nF with test leads open.
3. Remove power from the circuit.
4. Measure capacitance by connecting test leads across the capacitor. The meter will auto-range to display the measurement in the most appropriate range.

DIODE TEST

1. Insert the RED test lead into the VΩμA jack, and the BLACK test lead into the COM jack. Rotate the function selector switch to the Continuity/Resistance/Capacitance/Diode-Test setting.
2. Note: The meter defaults to Continuity testing in this mode. Press the "SELECT" button three times to enter Diode testing mode. The Diode icon ⏚ will appear on the display.
3. Touch test leads to the diode. A reading of 200-800mV on the display indicates forward bias; "OL" indicates reverse bias. An open device will show "OL" in both polarities. A shorted device will show approximately 0mV.

FREQUENCY / DUTY-CYCLE

1. Insert the RED test lead into the VΩμA jack and the BLACK test lead into the COM jack. Rotate the function selector switch to the Frequency/Duty-Cycle Hz% setting.
2. Measure by connecting test leads across the circuit.

TEMPERATURE

1. Remove leads from the meter and slide the temperature probe input switch to close jacks and expose the K-Type thermocouple ports.
2. Insert the K-Type thermocouple into port 15 (observe polarity markings on thermocouple and meter), and rotate the function selector switch to the Temperature °F/°C setting.
3. Note: The meter defaults to Fahrenheit scale in this mode. To enter Celsius scale, press the "SELECT" button. Ensure that the appropriate icon (°F or °C) appears on the display.
4. To measure temperature, make contact between the thermocouple tip and the object being measured. When the thermocouple tip and object are in thermal equilibrium, the measurement on the display will stabilize. The meter will auto-range to display the measurement in the most appropriate range.

Remove thermocouple before switching the meter to other measurement functions.

The thermocouple included with the original purchase is suitable for temperatures below 356°F / 180°C only. To measure higher temperatures, a K-Type thermocouple with the appropriate measurement range should be used.

Maintenance

BATTERY REPLACEMENT

When an indicator is displayed on the LCD, batteries must be replaced.

1. Loosen the captive screw and remove the battery cover.
2. Replace 3 x 1.5V AAA batteries (note proper polarity).
3. Replace the battery cover and fasten the screw securely.

Warning: To avoid risk of electric shock, disconnect leads from any voltage source before removing the battery door.

Warning: To avoid risk of electric shock, do not operate the meter while the battery door is removed.

Cleaning, Storage, and Compliance

CLEANING

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

STORAGE

Remove the batteries when the meter is not in use for a prolonged period of time. Do not expose to high temperatures or humidity. After a period of storage in extreme conditions exceeding the limits mentioned in the General Specifications section, allow the meter to return to normal operating conditions before using.

FCC & IC COMPLIANCE

See this product's page for FCC compliance information. Canada ICES-003 (B) / NMB-003 (B).

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.