Note: We received this product for free. No other compensation was provided, and as always, all opinions are our own. We may earn money from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Learn more.
I have used a smart digital multimeter from Kaiweets before, so I know what to expect with regards to quality and functionality. The Kaiweets ST600Y is a scaled-down version of the KM601, and that is a good thing.
I am a humble homeowner, and my needs are limited compared to professional electrical engineers or electricians. I was excited to try out a device with more limited functionality, and from the online description, it looked like something that would have all of my needs covered.
What I got was what I expected, and only in a good way. For the average homeowner, the Kaiweets Smart Digital Multimeter ST (smart tech) is exactly what you need.
What’s in The Box?
As with the previous model I tried, the Kaiweets multimeter comes packed in an easily recyclable cardboard box. Inside, I found a flexible hardshell case and an instruction manual.
From using a digital multimeter previously, I know that it is a good idea to keep the instruction manual to refer to. As I mentioned above, I am no electrician, and it has been a while since I was in school, so a lot of the symbols for amps, voltage, and resistance are lost on me (and that is before we get to the more obscure measurements). The instruction manual is worth storing with the multimeter.
Inside the flexible hardshell case, there was the digital multimeter, silicone protective cover, a set of test leads, a thermocouple, and 4 AAA batteries. The device takes 4 AAA batteries, so it is a nice touch that they were included (they were included with the previous model, so I presume that they come as standard with Kaiweets devices).
The device fits easily in the palm of your hand and has a nice feel. I like the look of the screen, and the buttons look intuitive before getting into the manual for exact functionality. The silicone case is also sturdy and flexible, and I know that it will be able to take drops and impacts.
Overall, the device is compact and solid. I like what I see, and I look forward to testing it out.
Functionality of the Kaiweets ST600Y Multimeter
Even though this is limited in functionality compared to the KM601, there is still a lot that you can do with the device.
Smart (Auto) Mode
In Smart Mode, the multimeter can automatically test for DC voltage, AC voltage, resistance, and continuity. The device will automatically select the range with the best resolution.
When you switch on the device, it will automatically select Smart Mode.
Manual Mode
To get to manual mode, press either of the FUNC buttons to cycle through the options. You will also be able to select Smart Mode again when cycling through.
In manual mode, you can choose from the following functions:
- Voltage (DC & AC)
- Resistance
- Continuity
- Frequency/Duty
- Diode Test
- Capacitance
- Temperature
- Non-Contact AC Voltage
- Live Wire
- AC/DC Current
Using The Kaiweets Smart Multimeter As A Homeowner
I know that there is still going to be some functionality that I am not going to use, but there is a lot that I will as a homeowner. Let me take you through some common uses for this device.
Related: 5 Best Multimeters for Beginners and Hobbyists
Checking For Normal
The first thing to do when using the digital multimeter is to make sure that the multimeter is ready to use. To do this, I switched the multimeter on and made sure that it was set to Auto.
I inserted the red lead into the ‘Live’ jack and the black lead into the ‘COM’ jack (you will use this configuration for almost all operations, using the same jacks with the thermocouple. The only time you will use the ‘A’ port is when testing AC/DC current).
Once you are hooked up, touch the two probes together. If the device is working normally, a buzzer should sound, and the green indicator light will come on.
Checking Batteries
When I got my previous multimeter, it was the perfect chance to test the tub of batteries that I had (I got my son to do it because it’s science, right?). It turned out only a couple were dead. The ST600Y is also a great device to check your batteries, and I went ahead and tested that next.
The black probe goes to the negative end, and the red probe goes to the positive end. A AAA battery should be around 1.5V when fully charged.
Checking A Standard Outlet Two Ways
When doing renovations (and after), I found that I checked the outlets a lot to make sure they were live. That also helped me to find out that a wall switch was connected to only the bottom port of one of my outlets. Handy for controlling a floor lamp.
The first way to test if an outlet is live is with the non-contact setting. I used the FUNC buttons to navigate to NCV/LIVE and placed the device close to the outlet (without having to use the probes). When there is a weak signal, the green light should come on, the buzzer will beep, and the screen will show ‘L.’ For a strong signal, the red light will come on, the buzzer will beep quickly, and the screen will display ‘H.’
To double-check and achieve an accurate voltage, I plugged in the probes, kept the device on the same setting, and used the SEL button to choose ‘LIVE’ mode. I then pushed the probes into the outlet. A regular home should have outlets at ~120V.
Checking My Christmas Lights
Christmas has come and gone, and we are taking down our Christmas lights. We think about these lights often as extensions too as they connect in series to other strings of lights, so you can also use this method to test your extension cords.
I selected the Ohm setting on the device, as the Auto often defaults to voltage when there is little to no resistance. I pushed the red probe into the hot hole on the female end and touched the back probe to each of the male prongs. I was looking for a reading less than o.8 Ohms and O.L (showing no continuity).
Checking Temperature Of Snow
Last time, I checked the temperature of boiled water, but there is lots of snow outside, so why not try that and see how the device deals with negative temperatures. I connected the thermocouple to the same red and black ports I had been using, and placed the thermocouple end in the snow.
Additional Features
Light
There is a light on the back of the device for use in low-light or dark conditions. To turn it on, hold down the SEL button (there is a light icon on it). To turn the light off, hold down the same button.
Temperature
The device will usually display the ambient temperature along with any measurements you are taking.
Screen
The screen is uncluttered and color-coded, which makes it easy to read and understand.
Port Lights
There are three ports, giving two combinations for the leads. When you switch between functions, the surround of the port will light up to indicate which ports to use.
Button Functionality
- Power (red): hold to turn on and off.
- SEL/Flashlight: select functionality within selections/hold to turn flashlight on/off.
- H: turn data holding on and off.
- FUNC (<): move through functions from right to left.
- FUNC (>): move through functions from left to right.
*hold any of the two FUNC buttons for 2 seconds to return to Smart Mode.
Who Is This For?
This is a great device for any homeowner. I am sure that it could be used by professionals too, but there may be needed functionality missing. For the average person, there is everything you need to ensure the elections in your home (and car) are working correctly.
Conclusion
I now have two Kaiweets digital multimeters, but this is the one I will use more often. It is easy to use and has all of the functionality that I need to ensure renovations are safe and to check bare wires, outlets after breakers trip, and extension cords or lights.
A digital multimeter is not something that most of us think about buying until we need it, but it is definitely a wise investment as a homeowner. For a device with a lot of power that remains intuitive and easy to read, the Kaiweets ST600Y is a perfect addition to your toolbox.
