Kurth Electronic KE 701 Network Cable Tester with Tone Generator, RJ45/RJ11/Coax, 240V Protection

With voltage protection up to 240V AC/DC, the Kurth Electronic KE 701 lets you safely test live network lines without fear of damage. This compact handheld tester verifies RJ45, RJ11/12, and coaxial cables, detecting opens, shorts, cross pairs, split pairs, and shielding faults. A built-in 1 kHz tone generator and included remote unit make cable tracing and identification straightforward, whether you're working on patch panels, wall outlets, or long cable runs.

Overview

The KE 701 is a versatile cable tester designed for installers, network technicians, and maintenance staff who need quick, reliable verification of common copper and coax cabling. It supports UTP and STP twisted-pair cables with RJ45 and RJ11/12 connectors, plus coaxial cables via the included F-connector adapter. The remote unit allows one-person testing of installed links, while the master unit's LED wire map display gives instant pin-to-pin status. Powered by a single 9V block battery (6LR61), it features auto power-off to conserve battery life and a robust, impact-resistant housing for daily field use.

What stands out

• High-voltage protection up to 240V AC/DC prevents damage when accidentally connected to live circuits.
• Tests RJ45 (UTP/STP), RJ11/12, and coaxial cables with F-connector adapter – one tool for multiple cable types.
• Detects open, short, cross, split pair, and shielding faults with clear LED indication.
• Integrated 1 kHz tone generator for cable tracing and identification using a standard inductive probe.
• Includes remote unit for testing installed cables from one end – no need for a second person.
• Auto power-off and low-power design extend battery life during long jobs.
• Compact, impact-resistant plastic housing withstands drops and rough handling.

Technical details

• Supported connectors: RJ45, RJ11/12, F-connector (coax adapter included).
• Test functions: continuity, open, short, cross, split pair, shielding.
• Wire map display: LED indicators for pin-to-pin configuration.
• Tone generator frequency: 1 kHz.
• Voltage protection: up to 240V AC/DC.
• Power source: 1x 9V block battery (6LR61) – not included.
• Auto power off: yes.
• Operating temperature: 0°C to +50°C.
• Storage temperature: -20°C to +70°C.
• Housing material: robust, impact-resistant plastic.
• Certifications: CE compliant.
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 68 x 25 x 96 mm.
• Weight: not specified.

Our verdict

The KE 701 is a practical, no-frills cable tester that covers the essentials for copper and coax verification. Its 240V protection is a standout safety feature, and the included remote unit makes one-person testing efficient. While it lacks advanced features like length measurement or PoE detection, it's an excellent value for basic continuity and wiring checks in residential and commercial installations.