Klein Tools continues to deliver reliable, professional-grade electrical instruments trusted by electricians, technicians, and engineers.
The CL700 and CL800 are two of the brand’s most popular clamp meters, both offering True RMS accuracy, rugged design, and advanced safety ratings. While they share many features, there are some important distinctions that determine which one is better for your specific applications.
🔍 Overview
The Klein CL700 is a powerful True RMS clamp meter built for AC current measurement with additional functions for voltage, resistance, temperature, and frequency. It’s known for its LoZ (Low Impedance) mode, which helps eliminate ghost voltages, and its durable design with CAT IV 600V safety ratings.
The Klein CL800 takes things further by adding DC current measurement, higher capacitance ranges, and broader functionality. It’s aimed at electricians and technicians who work on both AC and DC systems, such as solar installations, battery systems, or mixed-power environments.
📊 Specification Comparison
| Feature | Klein CL700 | Klein CL800 |
|---|---|---|
| True RMS | Yes | Yes |
| AC Current | 600A | 600A |
| DC Current | Clamp not supported | 600A |
| AC/DC Voltage | 1000V | 1000V |
| Resistance | 60 MΩ | 60 MΩ |
| Capacitance | Yes (up to 4000 µF) | Higher range (up to 6000 µF) |
| Temperature Measurement | –14°F to 1000°F | –14°F to 1000°F |
| Frequency Measurement | Yes | Yes |
| Non-Contact Voltage (NCV) | Yes | Yes |
| Display Count | 6000 | 6000 |
| Safety Rating | CAT IV 600V / CAT III 1000V | CAT IV 600V / CAT III 1000V |
| Drop Protection | 2 meters (6.6 ft) | 2 meters (6.6 ft) |
| LoZ Mode (Ghost Voltage) | Yes | Yes |
| Clamp Opening | 1.4 in (36 mm) | 1.4 in (36 mm) |
| Weight | ~13 oz | ~13 oz |
⚙️ Performance and Functionality
The CL700 performs exceptionally well for AC circuit diagnostics and is ideal for electricians dealing primarily with alternating current systems. It accurately measures voltage, resistance, frequency, and capacitance, making it a strong all-around choice for residential and commercial work. Its LoZ mode is especially useful for filtering out false readings caused by ghost voltages on long wires or coupled circuits.
The CL800 builds on the CL700’s capabilities with the addition of DC current measurement, which significantly broadens its usefulness. This allows it to handle tasks in battery-based systems, solar energy setups, and DC power distribution networks. For technicians who need versatility in both AC and DC environments, the CL800 is a more future-proof option.
🧰 Build and Design
Both meters share the same rugged Klein Tools design, featuring drop-resistant housings, durable selector dials, and comfortable grips for one-handed operation. They come with a large 6000-count display, backlight, and data hold functions for convenient field use.
The CL800 includes the same physical design but tends to have slightly more internal circuitry to support DC clamp measurements, giving it a small edge in measurement range and flexibility.
⚡ Safety and Durability
Safety is a hallmark of both models. Each is CAT IV 600V and CAT III 1000V rated, offering protection against high-energy transients in commercial and industrial systems. Both feature double insulation and 2-meter drop protection, ensuring reliability in demanding environments.
For electricians who frequently work around switchgear or industrial panels, these safety certifications make both the CL700 and CL800 suitable for professional use. The LoZ feature also adds another layer of safety by helping detect real voltage sources rather than induced currents.
💡 Ease of Use and Features
Both meters are auto-ranging and include core functions such as:
- True RMS measurement for accurate readings on nonlinear loads
- Data Hold and Max/Min recording
- Auto power-off to conserve battery life
- Non-contact voltage detection (NCV)
The CL800 has a slight advantage with broader measurement ranges and the ability to measure both AC and DC current. This makes it a better choice for users who regularly troubleshoot both types of circuits. The CL700, however, is simpler to use for everyday electrical diagnostics, offering the same professional feel in a more streamlined interface.
🧩 Ideal Use Cases
| User Type | Recommended Model | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Electricians | CL700 | Great for AC circuits and general diagnostics |
| Commercial Electricians | CL700 | Excellent for high-voltage AC systems with LoZ mode |
| Solar Technicians | CL800 | DC current support and True RMS accuracy |
| Industrial Electricians | CL800 | Higher voltage capacity and AC/DC versatility |
| HVAC Technicians | CL700 | Includes temperature and frequency readings for system checks |
🏁 Verdict
Both the Klein CL700 and CL800 are outstanding clamp meters designed for professional use, but they cater to slightly different users.
Choose the CL700 if you primarily work with AC circuits and want a reliable, rugged clamp meter that includes all essential functions like temperature measurement, LoZ mode, and CAT IV safety ratings. It’s efficient, accurate, and ideal for general electrical and HVAC work.
Choose the CL800 if your job requires both AC and DC current measurement. It’s a more versatile option for solar, automotive, and industrial environments where DC is part of the system. While slightly more expensive, it delivers greater long-term flexibility and performance.
In summary, the CL700 is a powerful all-around tool for AC technicians, while the CL800 is a full-featured meter ready to handle anything you throw at it – from home circuits to high-energy DC systems.