When we get to the test and measurement category, we’re talking about the tools that cross many trades. We continue to see new innovation in the form of connectivity, multiple functions, and increased capabilities. Whether used for diagnostics, troubleshooting, or layout, these tools help Pros get the job done. Following are the PTIA 2019 Test and Measurement Awards.
Winner – Clamp/Fork Meters
Greenlee CMF Series Flex Clamp Meters
What they said:
Available in either 10-inch or 18-inch flexible coil offerings, Greenlee’s new CMF Series Flexible Clamp Meter is a standalone meter that accurately measures true RMS AC current, AC voltage, resistance, frequency, and inrush current, and has a bright LCD screen to display measurements clearly.
CMF Series features a flexible coil that professionals can easily thread around large conductors. Capable of reading measurements up to 3000-amps, the CMF Series has a convenient auto or manual range selection and a unique data hold function that captures measurement for reading after the professional removes the meter from the conductor or enclosure.
CMF Series Specifications include:
- Coil length: 10 in. (25.4 cm), 18 in. (45.7 cm)
- Safety rating: CE, ETL and CAT IV 600V
- Certifications: CE, CETLUS
- Included: Leads, Soft Carrying Case and 3 AAA Batteries
What we say:
If a tight space or a mess of wires has prevented your hard-jawed meter from taking a measurement, you’ll see the utility of the Greenlee CMF Series. It allows you to maintain service and diagnose problems by offering more measurement functions than other flexible clamp meters. It’s also less expensive than hard-jawed meters with optional coil accessories. Our electrician’s hard-jawed meter has stayed in the truck since picking it up—and that’s a fine endorsement for any tool.
Price: $231.67 – $256.67
For more information, click here.
Winner – Inspection
Klein Tools ET20 WiFi Borescope
What they said:
Klein Tools’ new WiFi Borescope (Cat. No. ET20) transforms compatible smartphones to smart tools, enabling professionals to easily display, save and share job site images and videos through a mobile app. Its easy capturing, recording and saving of images and videos via text or email helps professionals save time spent recording camera output.
The ET20’s small, rugged camera and 6-foot waterproof gooseneck captures vivid images and video even when maneuvering around tough obstacles. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery has a 5-hour runtime with battery status and WiFi connection indicators to track proper functionality. This product includes an easy-to-carry pocket clip, USB charging cables, hook attachment and carrying case.
Once the free Klein Tools Borescope App is installed, professionals can easily connect to their compatible Android or iPhone devices via the built-in WiFi signal. In-app features include image rotation capabilities and convenient camera LED light management. Camera and video settings can easily be adjusted for optimum capturing.
What we say:
One of the great things about the Klein Borescope is the WiFi connectivity to your phone. Using your phone as a completely separate screen keeps us from having to squeeze into an awkward position just to see what’s happening. You can clip the Borescope to your belt, move the camera with your hands, and watch the whole thing on your phone no matter how you need to twist and turn it.
Because the image beams to an app on your phone, you can manipulate the image rather than the camera. The Borescope app also gives you the ability to rotate the image without having to wrestle with the camera or cable orientation. You can even capture, record, save, and share images and video straight to and from your phone.
Price: $125.98
For more information, click here.
Winner – Insulation Tester
Greenlee 5990A 5kV Megohmmeter
What they said:
The 5990A 5kV Megohmmeter is designed for insulation resistance tests up to 1TΩ. The 5990A has a safety voltage rating of CAT IV-600V and is CE marked and cETLus certified. It has five preset test voltages of 250V, 500V, 1000V, 2500V and 5000V. A large, bright blue digital LCD display provides easy to read results making it ideal for reading in lowlight situations.
The 5990A performs an automatic calibration on start-up and an automatic discharge after measurement completion. The 5990A has a large rotary switch and well-spaced button designed to enhance function selection and accuracy even with gloved hands. A handle and shoulder strap built into the unit and an all-in-one heavy-duty Greenlee bag facilitate easy transportation. The 5990A also includes an expanded test lead set. Greenlee backs the 5990A 5kV megohmmeter with a lifetime limited warranty.
What we say:
Whether you’re checking the wiring before signing off on new construction, conducting routine maintenance, or checking conditions as part of a pre-sale inspection, the easier your megohmmeter makes it on you, the better. Our team loves the automatic functions on the Greenlee 5990A, calibrating itself at the start and discharging when the test is complete.
We also like the thoughtful control layout. Since our electricians are wearing gloves during testing, it’s important that they can still use the controls effectively. Simple things like button spacing and switch designs go a long way to help. The easy-to-read display is something worth noting as well.
Price: $2,919
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Greenlee 5882A 1kV Megohmmeter
Winner – Line Laser Levels
DeWalt DW08802CG Green Cross Line Laser Level
What they said:
The DEWALT Green Cross Line Laser Level is great for various applications from framing a house or remodeling jobs. The green beam helps for better visibility indoors. The locking pendulum and overmold housing allow for drop protection which is a major concern on most job sites. The magnetic bracket and hang hole allow for various mounting options.
What we say:
Cross line lasers have tons of uses from Pros installing cabinets to DIYers hanging shelves and all kinds of jobs in between. What we really like here is the price. DeWalt gives you a more visible green beam for less than $100 that works on AA batteries you can find in almost any store you walk into.
Several features you find on higher-priced models are also here, including a locking pendulum, protective overmold, tripod threads, and magnetic bracket and hang hole.
Price: $99.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Multimeters
Klein ET910 USB-A Digital Meter and Tester
What they said:
Today, USB technology enables hi-speed connectivity, powers (and charges) many of our everyday devices, and supports mass data storage. A USB power device’s power delivery and capability, however, can be a mystery, even though the technology is common. Klein Tools’ new line of USB Digital Meters are easy to use and are built to stand up to the rigors of daily use in demanding environments. They work perfectly for troubleshooting wall outlets, car chargers, portable power banks, and other USB ports with charging capabilities.
Specifically, the USB-A Digital Meter and Tester (Cat. No. ET910) tests and measures the most common USB-A ports. It accurately and reliably measures and displays the USB port voltage, current, capacity, energy, and resistance simultaneously. The ET910 measures voltage from 2 to 20V DC and current from 0.05 to 3A. It can also test the maximum current delivery capability of the USB port with built-in fixed loads (0.5A, 1A, 2A, and 3A).
Its hi-resolution LCD display provides clear measurements in low-light. It functions without batteries as it draws power from the power source itself. This unique functionality offers new capabilities with intuitive, easy-to-use technology, built into a pocket-sized design for easy portability.
What we say:
USB ports and USB charging isn’t a new thing, but we’re seeing more outlets come standard with USB charging ports, especially in residential construction. That puts almost all electricians in a position where they’ll need to test them at some point. The Klein ET910 USB-A Digital Meter and Tester makes that job super-simple.
Just plug the USB-A lead directly into the port and if there’s power, the meter uses it instead of batteries. As a basic multimeter, its easy-to-read display lets you see the voltage and current coming from the port and the controls comprise of just two buttons. When it comes to testing and diagnosing USB ports, it doesn’t get much easy than this!
Price: $59.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Outlet/Voltage Testers
Klein RT310 AFCI/GFCI Outlet Tester
What they said:
The detection of wiring faults in electrical outlets is an application of paramount importance to electricians. This is often impossible, however, due to dual open ground and open neutral faults. Klein Tools’ new AFCI/GFCI Outlet Tester (Cat. No. RT310) addresses this circumstance, featuring a patent-pending AFCI test method that is unique to Klein Tools. It’s also the first-to-market outlet tester that can identify a dual-open wiring fault with simultaneous open neutral and open ground wires. It can also detect the presence of the energized live wire.
In addition to testing standard GFCI devices and 30mA ground-fault devices, the RT310 can also test AFCI devices by simulating arc-fault conditions. The RT310 is the first-ever outlet tester that can test AFCI devices, GFCI devices, and verify proper wiring in an electrical outlet/receptacle!
Additional features make the RT310 a one-stop outlet testing solution. When in use, the RT310 delivers a clear visual indication of the wiring condition at the electrical outlet. Its 10-inch flexible electrical cord makes accessing hard-to-reach electrical outlets easier. Auto-power off after two minutes of non-use conserves battery life with a low-battery indicator.
What we say:
The big deal for Klein’s AFCI/GFCI Outlet Tester is its ability to test AFCI, GFCI, and correct wiring using one tool on a standard 120V outlet. Its AFCI testing system gives it the unique ability to identify a dual-open wiring fault with open neutral and ground wires. It’s also able to simulate an arc fault to ensure your AFCI device is working properly.
Though the testing is complex, Klein keeps the interface simple. Once you turn the power on, select which of the three modes you want to work in by hitting its respective button and watch for the visual indicators to tell you the rest of the story.
Price: $69.98
For more information, click here.
Winner – Thermal Imaging
Fluke PTi120 Pocket Thermal Imager
What they said:
The Fluke PTi120 Pocket Thermal Imager puts the power of a professional-grade thermal imager in your pocket. The fully radiometric thermal imager delivers measurement data to the pixel with 120 x 90 infrared resolution (10,800 pixels). It’s small enough to carry every day allowing you to solve problems on the spot. The rugged camera stands up to dirt and water and can survive a one-meter drop.
It features Fluke Connect Asset Tagging, which eliminates the tedium of sorting and organizing infrared images. By simply scanning the asset’s QR code or barcode, the infrared image and all of its date and time-stamped information is stored to your predefined folders. Send via WiFi or automatically upload once you connect to the network or computer via USB.
Now you can more efficiently save, find, and report on issues before they become problems. The 3.5” LCD touchscreen offers IR-Fusion to blend a visible light image with an infrared image to more easily locate problems. Simply slide your finger across the screen to adjust the setting.
What we say:
Thermal imagers let you see potential and realized issues so much better than relying on an IR thermometer alone. Fluke sets themselves apart with their Pocket Thermal Imager in a couple of ways. Its IR sensor has more than double the pixels of its closest competition and makes use of a visual/thermal image combo to sharpen things up.
We also really like Fluke’s Connect Asset Tagging feature. MRO crews take a lot of thermal images and scanning each component’s bar code or QR code automatically sorts the images into folders you define. When it comes to reports and analysis, it saves a ton of time.
Price: $999.99
For more information, click here.