Klein Tools ET130 Digital Light Meter - Easy, Accurate Readings

In this review the Klein Tools ET130 Digital Light Meter is examined for tradespeople and facilities managers who need straightforward illuminance readings. The bottom line: it is a user-friendly, portable meter that measures in both Foot Candles and Lux, making it useful for lighting retrofits and routine inspections where clear, quick readings matter most. The ET130 stands out for its readable backlit LCD and practical features like Max/Min, data hold, and a carrying pouch so users can get meaningful measurements on the job without a steep learning curve.

Key Features

• Measures FC and Lux: Provides both Foot Candle and Lux units so users can compare to different lighting standards and specifications.
• Auto and manual range: Automatic and manual range selection covers up to 4000 FC and 40,000 Lux for a wide span of illumination conditions.
• Backlit display with bar graph: A backlit LCD and 40-segment bar graph make it easy to read values in dim or bright environments and monitor changes visually.
• Convenience features: Data hold and Max/Min functions let technicians capture and review peak or steady readings during inspections.
• Portable with pouch: The included carrying pouch and compact size make it simple to transport between sites for on-the-go use.
• Ready to use: A supplied 9V battery means the meter can be put into service immediately out of the box.

Who It's For

The ET130 is best suited for electricians, maintenance staff, lighting installers, and facilities managers who need a simple, reliable way to log ambient light levels during installations, audits, or retrofits. Its dual-unit capability and visual bar graph help users quickly verify compliance with lighting guidelines or compare before-and-after conditions.

Those looking for advanced logging, wireless data transfer, or laboratory-grade precision should look elsewhere, since the ET130 focuses on practical field use rather than high-end data-export features or specialized measurement analysis.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Easy to operate with clear backlit LCD and an intuitive control layout for quick measurements.
• Measures in both FC and Lux for flexible use across different standards and projects.
• Auto/manual range plus Max/Min and data hold provide practical measuring options on site.
• Comes with a carrying pouch and 9V battery, so it is portable and ready to use immediately.

Cons

• Functionality receives mixed feedback from some users, so professionals needing advanced features may find it limited.

Specifications

Product	Klein Tools ET130 Digital Light Meter
Units	Foot Candles (FC) and Lux
Range	Up to 4000 FC / 40,000 Lux
Display	Backlit LCD with 40-segment bar graph
Features	Auto/manual range, Data Hold, Max/Min, Auto Power Off
Power	9V battery included
Accessories	Carrying pouch

Our Verdict

The Klein Tools ET130 is a practical, value-minded light meter for field technicians who prioritize ease of use and portability. It gives reliable Lux and Foot Candle readings, useful display feedback, and handy functions like Max/Min and data hold. For routine inspections and retrofits it represents good value; users needing detailed logging or advanced analytics should consider higher-end meters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it measure in both Lux and Foot Candles?
Yes, the ET130 provides measurements in both Lux and Foot Candles for flexible use with different standards.

Is a battery included so it can be used right away?
Yes, a 9V battery is included so the meter is ready to use out of the box.

Can the meter hold peak or minimum readings?
Yes, it offers Max/Min recording and a data hold function to capture and review measurements during tests.