This is one durable and accurate multimeter for the HVAC pro and electrician. It is a True RMS device, so will appeal to those in industry and tinkerers of variable AC drives, as well as for general purpose works with its auto ranging and fair price.
The Klein Tools MM6000 is packed with features, including temperature input, low impedance mode and an auto hold, and its display is up there among the best we’ve reviewed. In addition, it is drop tested to 10 feet and is made in the USA.
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Key Features
- AC/DC 1000V / 10A
- Accuracy on DC voltage: 0.2%
- Resistance to 50MΩ
- Micro-amps range (check flame sensors)
- Capacitance to 60nF
- Diode and continuity tests
- Measure duty cycle and frequency
- Wide temperature range in °F and °C
- Auto/manual ranging
- Auto/manual hold
- Low impedance to reduce ghosting
- Backlit display with analog bar graph
- Max/Min & relative modes
- 600V CAT-IV rating
- Size: 7″ (178mm) x 3.5″ (89mm) x 1.87″ (48mm)
- Weight: 0.87lbs (397g)
What’s Included?
- Meter and batteries (AAA x2)
- Probe test leads
- Alligator clip adapters
- Thermocouple
- Nylon carry case
Optional: hands-free, magnetic hanger (slides into rubber boot)
Link to the Klein Tools MM6000 manual here (opens in new window)
In-depth Review of the Klein MM6000
The MM6000 has a good selection of measuring criteria, including voltage to 1000V, all current ranges (incl micro-amps), as well as decent capacitance and resistance ranges. Temperature can be displayed in Fahrenheit or Celsius and a thermocouple is provided.
While not as fast reacting as a typical Fluke meter, both continuity and capacitance are surprisingly quick. Accuracy is also impressive, with basic DC voltage at 0.2% and acceptable levels on high AC amperage.
———-MODES———–
Low impedance mode (LoZ): Electricians use this for ascertaining the presence of voltage in a cable loom or conduit. The low impedance setting effectively dissipates any ghost voltage induced by nearby live cores in a ‘dead’ cable (the one currently being checked).
Micro-amps (µA): One for the HVAC technician, allowing for the testing of flame sensors.
Modes: Max/Min is a useful feature as it lets you take a snapshot of the highest and lowest values when measuring a reading on a changing signal. While fairly typical on high priced meters, it is not always a given. Also included is a relative mode, for comparing values of a previous reading. This also doubles as a zeroing facility.
Auto ranging is activated by default on the MM6000, so simply turn the dial and go. The RANGE button allows you to change to manual mode and then step through individual ranges. This can be better for those who know what they’re doing and may increase response time.
SPECS
| RANGE | ACCURACY | RESOLUTION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC voltage | 600mV / 1000V | ±(0.2%+5) @ 600mV-600V | 0.1mV-1V |
| AC voltage | 600mV / 1000V | ±(0.75%+5) @ 6-600V | 0.1mV-1V |
| DC current (low) | 600µA / 400mA | ±(1.0%+5) | 0.1µA-0.1mA |
| DC current (high) | 6A / 10A | ±(1.5%+5) | 1mA-10mA |
| AC current (low) | 600µA / 400mA | ±(1.2%+5) | 0.1µA-0.1mA |
| AC current (high) | 6A / 10A | ±(1.8%+5) | 1mA-10mA |
| Resistance | 600Ω / 50MΩ | ±(1.0%+5) @ 600Ω-6MΩ | 0.1Ω-0.01MΩ |
| Capacitance | 60nF / 6000µF | ±(3.5%+6) | 0.01nF-1µF |
| Frequency | 10Hz / 400kHz | ±(0.1%+3) | 0.01Hz-0.1kHz |
| Duty cycle | 1.0% to 99% | ±(0.2% / kHz +0.1%+8) | 0.1% |
| Diode tester | 1.8V | ||
| Temperature °F | -58 / 1832°F | ±(1.0%+5.4°F) | 0.1-1°F |
| Temperature °C | -50 / 1000°C | ±(1.0%+3.0°C) | 0.1-1°C |
| Accuracy = ±(% reading + # least significant digits) | |||
Build Quality
The Klein MM6000 is a sturdy, ergonomic device with an easy-to-grip body and strong protective holster. The removable holster has a kickstand and probe holders built in. Drop tested to 3m (~10ft), it is double insulated and also boasts an easy to open battery and fuse compartment. A single screw into a nutsert provides access.
Clarity on Made in USA
Klein Tools is a US company. Certain parts and components might be brought in from overseas, but the MM6000 is indeed put together in the States.
Display and Function
It has a very nice screen – perhaps the best out there for this price range at time of writing – almost on par with an LED. It is a 3 5/6-digit, 6000-count screen with rapid bar graph and a bright backlight. The backlight is especially useful as it stays on for around two minutes at a time – some cheaper meters only stay on for a few seconds.
Sampling rate of the display is three times per second, so you get a fairly timely updated reading of fast changing values. To monitor this more precisely, the bar graph updates around 10x as fast and also auto ranges along with the main display.
Battery: As it is driven by just the two AAAs, battery life is not all that great on the Klein MM6000. It is rated to 160 hours, although you’ll likely get less than that if you use the backlight a lot.
There is an auto power-down function to help save the battery, which engages when not used for 30 minutes. A low battery indicator shows itself when the batteries are running low. Also on the MM6000 is a lead warning function, which alerts when the probes are plugged into the wrong jack input based on present dial position.
Protection
Current protection is via two large HRC fuses that are totally isolated from the circuit, which protects the meter in the unlikely event of an explosion. The low current input is protected by a 440mA fuse and the high current side an 11A fuse. Both are rated 1000V to-ground and are fast blow.
The category rating is IV at 600V and III at 1000V. It can thus be used to measure up to three phase systems outside and can safely handle surges up to 8kV.
MM6000 vs MM5000 Differences
The MM5000 measures fewer ranges. There is no current, frequency or capacitance range and it also does without a temperature input. There is a low impedance mode, however, and AC and DC voltage retain separate dial positions. The MM5000 also omits a relative mode and is not as accurate as the MM6000.
Klein Tools MM6000 Pros and Cons
PROS
- Solid (drop tested)
- Good feature-set
- Micro-amps and temperature
- Max/Min and low impedance modes
- Has the accuracy of higher end meters
- Large screen with long backlight
- Includes alligator clips and carry case
- Built in America
CONS
- Disappointing battery life (expected with long backlight timer)
Roundup
The Klein Tools MM6000 review details a very sturdy and accurate multimeter that is fit for HVAC work and industry. A highly functional device, it comes with temperature measurement, micro-amps, relative mode and low impedance mode, and has an excellent screen.
Highly rated on big e-commerce sites like Amazon, it is also very accurate and makes a good alternative to those who cannot afford a top end meter, or for amateurs wanting something better without breaking the bank.
Alternative: The Amprobe AM-570 is a good alternative. Also a respect US company, it has micro-amps, low impedance and a temperature input.