Klein Tools has come out with a new premium electrical test kit, and they also have a slightly less expensive bundle that costs $10 less.
The differences weren’t immediately apparent to me, and so I took a closer look at what you get with each kit.
We’ll be focusing on Klein Tools’ 69355 kit, which currently retails for $50, and their 69149P kit, which currently retails for $40. Both kits come with a digital multimeter, outlet tester, and AC voltage detector.
Klein Premium Electrical Test Kit – 69355
I included this new Klein 3pc electrical testing tool set in my tool deals roundup page, as I though it was a particularly good value for what you get.
Here’s what you get in the Klein Tools 69355 test kit:
- Digital multimeter, MM320
- Receptacle tester w/ GFCI test, RT250
- Non-contact voltage tester, NCVT3P
Sum of the Parts at Retail: ~$80
Price: $50
Klein Tools Electrical Test Kit – 69149P
A reader brought up this other Klein 3pc electrical test kit, which is less expensive by $10.
Here’s what you get in the 69149P test kit:
- Digital multimeter, MM300
- Receptacle tester w/ GFCI test, RT105
- Non-contact voltage tester, NCVT1P
Price: $40
Multimeters: MM320 vs MM300
This isn’t the easiest comparison, as the Klein MM320 seems to only appear in bundle kits, while the MM30 is sold by itself and as part of kits.
The two meters appear similar, but there are enough distinctions where they could be made by different OEMs.
Looking at the user manuals, the differences are extremely slight.
The MM320 seems to have slightly better accuracy in several measurement types and ranges, compared to the MM300.
The MM320 has auto power-off (APO), the MM300 does not.
These are both basic manual-ranging digital multimeters. From what I can tell, the MM300 is basic, and the MM320 is slightly better.
Receptacle Testers: RT250 vs. RT105
The Klein RT250 outlet tester, shown above, has GFCI test functionality, indicator LEDs, and an LCD display.
The RT105 only seems to be sold as part of electrical test kits. It looks to be a basic receptacle tester and does not have GFCI testing capabilities. It does have LED indicators and an on-tool diagnostic chart.
The RT250 has added functionality – the ability to test and reset GFCI outlets – as well as an LCD display. The RT250 is powered by 2x AAA batteries.
Compared to standard GFCI outlet testers, the RT250 also measures and displays the GFCI trip time and voltage. It has a 3-minute auto power-off.
Voltage Detectors: NCVT3P vs. NCVT1P
Both testers can detect voltages up to 1000V AC.
The NCVT3P tester has 2 detection ranges – 70 to 1000V AC and 12 to 1000V AC, while the NCVT1P detects from 50 to 1000V AC. Both have a CAT IV safety rating.
The NCVT3P also has a built-in LED Flashlight function.
There’s a $10 different in retail price – the NCVT1P typically sells for $20, and the NCVT3P for $30.
Which Should You Buy?
Klein describes the 3pc 69355 electrical tester kit as a premium kit. And, aside from the manual-ranging multimeter, you do Klein’s more premium voltage detector and a more-advanced-than-average outlet tester.
Unless you have specific reasons for preferring the other kit, the premium combo appears to be worth the extra $10.
I could not calculate a rough estimate for the sum of the components in the less expensive kit. The tools included in the $50 premium kit, if purchased separately, would be priced at $80 combined.
Between the two kits, the $50 gives you a marginally better multimeter, an outlet tester with GFCI tester (and LCD) – compared to one without this functionality in the $40 kit – and also a more premium voltage detector with built-in flashlight.
If you’re looking at both kits, I’d say that the premium 69355 kit is worth the extra $10.
Several retailers have the premium kit for $50, Amazon has it priced at $50.
