Ah, the scientific side of the tool industry…where our inner geek can come out and feel like it’s in good company. Innovative new designs, intelligent integration, and even WiFi come into play this year with a solid group of tools that detect, measure, and/or transmit a variety of data critical to getting the job done. These are the PTIA 2018 Test and Measurement Awards!
Winner – Clamp/Fork Meters
Fluke Fluke T6 Electrical Testers
What they said:
The Fluke T6 Electrical Testers with FieldSense Technology make troubleshooting safer and more efficient by allowing electricians to take simultaneous voltage and current measurements—not just detection—without test leads.
The T6 testers now make it possible to take reliable true-RMS measurements in crowded junction boxes or along conductors with inaccessible end points. This saves time, minimizes potential errors, and greatly reduces the possibility of arc flash.
With the Fluke T6-600 and T6-1000 testers, electricians can measure voltage up to 1000V through the open fork without test leads or exposed conductors. Since there’s no need to open panels or remove wire nuts, electricians can speed through troubleshooting. The T6-1000 allows for simultaneous measure and display of both voltage and current. It also measures resistance up to 100.0 kΩ. Plus, with the widest open fork in the industry, the T6 testers measure 4/0 wires up with current up to 200 amps. The rugged testers are 1000 V CAT III, 600 V CAT IV safety rated (600V CAT III for the T6-600 model) and feature an easy to read display with a backlight.
What we say:
The selling proposition of the Fluke T6 is an industry first. The ability to display both voltage and current simultaneously has many advantages. It also shows these power supply measurements without making contact with live voltage. Using its 17.8mm open fork it can measure up to 1000V AC, 200A, 1 Ω to 100 kΩ, and 45 Hz to 66 Hz on 4/0 wires. It’s a true-RMS meter, measuring both sinusoidal and nonsinusoidal waveforms by converting AC waveforms into their DC equivalents.
Price: $250
For more information, click here.
Winner – Line Laser Levels
Kapro 873 Green Prolaser Vector Three Line Laser Green Beam
What they said:
The Kapro 873G PROLASER GREEN VECTOR soars above the standard 70-foot range of indoor laser levels. It features a set of extraordinarily powerful Green Laser beams that are visible over 100 feet without a detector and over 200 feet with its dedicated detector. It’s an ideal tool both for indoor and outdoor jobs. The 3 Laser beams—two cross and one 90⁰—all have a phenomenal accuracy of 0.0002″/1″ which is 50% more accurate than the other leading products in this category.
Kapro encapsulated the 873G in a shock-resistant rubber casing for additional protection, and it comes with a 3-year warranty. In addition, Kapro equipped it with a unique set of 15º adjustable folding legs which allows for placing it on any surface without needing to use a tripod. Kapro has been recently awarded a patent for this feature. With the legs folded, they serve as a protective frame that adds to the robustness of the unit.
What we say:
Kapro includes a couple of important features on their ProLaser Vector Three Line Laser. First, they go with a green beam—a wavelength that is easier for the human eye to see than red. That means you’ll pick it up over a greater distance. They also give you outstanding accuracy with 0.0002″/1″, which is less than 1/4″ at 100′. Finally, the adjustable folding legs add to the innovative feature set.
Price: $250
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Multimeters
Southwire 10041N Autoranging CAT III 600V Multimeter
What they said:
The flagship Southwire 10041N multimeter brings together multiple safety & durability enhancements into an attractive feature-rich and very affordable multimeter. The 10041N is a UL tested and listed auto-ranging CAT III 600V multimeter.
Great-looking on the outside, on the inside, this Southwire 10041N meter complies with the most recent UL 61010-1 V3 safety requirements. Southwire designed the 10041N with greater protection, insulation, and spacing of internal components. This potects the meter, especially in hazardous environments.
A backlit LCD screen improves visibility in low-light environments. Integrated test probe holders allow the electrician to hold both a test probe & the meter in one hand so he/she can safely concentrate when taking measurements with the other probe. Also, the 10041N accepts Southwires convenient magnetic hanging strap so the electrician can safely hang the meter on a metal surface and stay focused on the job. As an added bonus, an integrated non-contact voltage (NCV) detector helps identify energized conductors.
What we say:
Southwire’s meters have a reputation for blending professional features at a reasonable price. The trend continues with their 10041N Autoranging CAT III Multimeter, an update to the popular 10040N. For less than $50, you get a multimeter that covers all the bases for CATIII 600V testing. Plus, it gives you a backlit LED screen, magnetic hanging strap, and drop test rating to 6 feet.
Price: $44.98
For more information, click here.
Winner – Rotary Laser Levels
NWI Rotary Station
What they said:
One of the greatest losses of time and money occurs when a tool breaks and you have to wait to have it repaired. Nothing hurts productivity like going on a site in the morning, setting your instrument up and getting ready to work only to have it tip over and break.
NWI built their Rotary Station with this in mind. With a circular roll cage made up of panels that increase durability during a drop (it rolls with the punches instead of taking one.) The individual points that connect to the inner core are also designed to break in the case of extreme impact. Meaning if it breaks, the panels break off, leaving the core still functional to finish the job before having to go get it repaired.
This Rotary Station is all about efficiency; instead of a case, it has built-in storage for your detectors, remote and other accessories. This saves you space on your job site. The Rotary Station also contains a patented dimensionality platform, enabling it to get distances with the detector. Essentially, it enables a user to shoot distance for a job and save the $1,000 it would have cost for that service or buying/learning to use a complex Total Station.
What we say:
Others have developed laser systems that can be knocked over and picked back up, but NWI takes rotary laser protection to a whole new level. The protective panels of the Rotary Station completely surround the laser and are designed to break off in case it takes a particularly abusive strike. Since it’s from NWI, you know they’re going to bring the intelligence aspect up several notches, which they do with their smartphone integration. And let’s not forget, it’s also a solid rotary laser even without the extra bells and whistles.
Price: $1,999
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Voltage Testers
Klein NCVT-4IR Non-Contact Voltage Tester with Infrared Thermometer
What they said:
Visual and audible alerts indicate AC voltage detection from 12 to 1000V without contact. It also includes an infrared thermometer with user-selectable °F / °C from -20 to 482°F (-30 to 250°C). A laser pointer also helps target 4:1 distance to spot ratio. The backlit LCD display with 0.1-degree screen resolution provides easy measurement readings in low light.
The non-contact voltage (NCV) button turns the tool on and off. When turned on, the tip of the tool will illuminate blue and beep once. When turned off, two beeps will sound and illumination stops. The tool also includes an auto power-off feature to conserve and extend battery life. Tradespeople can press the IR button to effortlessly take temperature readings and to easily switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius.
The Klein Tools Non-Contact Voltage Tester with Infrared Thermometer also features a screw-thread battery cap with O-ring to ensure dust and water protection. In addition, this tool meets Klein TOUGH METER designation with an IP54 rating and drop protection up to 6.6 feet (2m).
What we say:
Klein’s Non-Contact Voltage Tester lineup has been solid. In their latest expansion, they add an infrared thermometer to their NCVT-4 to let you check temperatures between -20° and 482° F with a laser that has a 4:1 ratio. With an IP54 rating and 6.6-foot drop test rating, it should be able to stand up to anyone’s toughest workday.
Price: $55.38
For more information, click here.
Winner – Moisture Meters
General Tools MM9 Pin-Pinless Combo Moisture Meter
What they said:
The MM9 Pin/Pinless Moisture Meter combines the two main styles of moisture meters into one unit. Using the pinless sensor, the user can scan large areas quickly without marring their walls to find areas of increased moisture. Once they find it, all they have to do is push a button to reveal the pin sensors under the cap. These pins provide exact moisture content readings to determine if the material is safe to keep and dry out or needs replacing.
What we say:
For users that need a basic moisture meter, General Tool has an attractive option at the $50 price point. Their Pin/Pinless meter essentially plays a game of hot and cold. Use the pinless readings to center in on the moistest areas before using the pin readings to get an exact moisture content reading. Prefer to leave fewer holes in the wall? Yeah, we’re good with that.
Price: $49.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Water Detectors
Zircon Leak Alert WiFi
What they said:
The Leak Alert WiFi is Zircon’s first Wi-Fi enabled smart water detector. Once enabled, the detector utilizes Wi-Fi connectivity and provides email, audio, and visual alerts as soon as a water leak is detected. Without having to be physically present at the detector’s location, any homeowner can have peace of mind that their home is protected.
Ingeniously engineered, the Leak Alert WiFi does not require a hub or any monthly or annual fees.
The self-contained, lithium battery powered unit can send notifications to up to 5 email addresses when the device is triggered by a leak or when the detector’s battery is running low. When a leak is detected, the detector will also emit a 105 dB alarm and flash two bright red LED lights. When the battery life is low and needs to be replaced, the detector will also sound a distinctive chirp.
All Zircon Leak Alert water detectors come housed in durable plastic cases. The case floats in the event of a flood with the alarm continuing to sound for the life of the battery.
What we say:
Water detectors work well if they go off when you’re home, but what happens while at work or on vacation? Zircon gives you a way to stay connected with their Leak Alert Wifi system. For $44.99, you get a wifi connected alert system that sends an alert to as many as 5 email addresses that you select. Of course, there’s also an audio and visual alert in case you are home. You’ll also get an alert when the internal lithium-ion battery needs recharging.
Price: $44.99
For more information, click here.