Test & Measurement

Test & Measurement Instruments in South Africa

Test and measurement instruments are the meters, sensors, loggers and testers used to measure physical, electrical and environmental quantities: temperature, humidity, pressure, airflow, light, sound, voltage, current, thickness, hardness, force and water quality. Portable meters take readings on the spot. Fixed transmitters and data loggers monitor a process or building around the clock.

Ecotao supplies test and measurement equipment across South Africa and neighbouring countries from our Cape Town base, including the full Extech instrument range. Many products are ex-stock in South Africa. Email us for literature, specifications and a quotation.

Request a quote Call +27 21 911 5835 See the Extech range

Test & measurement categories

Extech Instruments
Electrical, power, temperature, humidity, moisture, air, sound, light, gas, water and laboratory meters: the full Extech range.
View Extech Instruments
Precision Meters
Moisture, hardness, coating and ultrasonic thickness, force, torque, tachometers, vibration, infrared thermometers and more, with buying guides.
View Precision Meters
Ozone
Handheld ozone monitors, VOC gas sensors, ozone analysers, controllers and dissolved-ozone meters.
View Ozone
Borescopes
Borescopes and videoscopes for inspecting engines, pipes, turbines and machinery without dismantling.
View Borescopes
Leeb Testing
Portable NDT: Leeb hardness testers, coating thickness gauges, ultrasonic thickness gauges, flaw detectors and roughness testers.
View Leeb Testing
Wöhler
Wöhler (Woehler) measuring instruments, inspection cameras and cleaning tools.
View Wöhler
Environmental
Weather stations, anemometers, barometers, CO2 meters, data loggers, lux, sound, WBGT and soil and grain moisture meters.
View Environmental

What do I need to measure? Finding the right test instrument

Start with what you need to measure, then decide whether you need a spot reading (portable meter), a record over time (data logger) or a continuous signal into a control system (transmitter). The table points you to the right Ecotao page.

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I need to measure…	Instrument type	Where to look
Voltage, current, resistance, insulation or earth resistance	Multimeters, clamp meters, insulation and earth testers	Extech electrical testers
Power, energy use and power quality	Power & energy data loggers, power analysers	Extech power analysers
Surface or air temperature	Infrared thermometers, probe thermometers, thermal cameras	Thermometers
Humidity and dew point	Thermo-hygrometers, dew point meters	Temperature, humidity & dew point
Weather, wind, rain, CO2, heat stress	Weather stations, anemometers, CO2 and WBGT meters	Environmental
Air velocity and airflow in ducts	Vane, hot-wire and Pitot anemometers	Extech airflow meters
Workplace noise	Sound level meters	Extech sound meters
Lighting levels	Lux and LED light meters	Extech light meters
Moisture in timber, concrete, grain or paper	Moisture meters	Precision Meters: moisture
Metal, rubber or plastic hardness	Leeb, Brinell, Rockwell, Vickers testers, Shore durometers	Leeb Testing, hardness guide
Coating, paint or wall thickness	Coating thickness gauges, ultrasonic thickness gauges	Precision Meters: coatings
Hidden cracks and weld defects	Ultrasonic flaw detectors	Precision Meters: flaw detectors
Inside engines, pipes, walls or machinery	Borescopes, videoscopes, inspection cameras	Borescopes, Wöhler
Push, pull, torque or cap torque	Force gauges, torque testers, test stands	Precision Meters: force & torque
RPM and machine vibration	Tachometers, stroboscopes, vibration meters	Precision Meters: rotation & vibration
Ozone or VOCs	Ozone monitors, VOC sensors	Ozone
Water quality: pH, conductivity, TDS, DO, chlorine	Water quality meters and test kits	Extech water quality, LaMotte
Surface hygiene (ATP)	ATP hygiene monitoring meters	Hygiena ATP meters
Buried pipes and cables	Pipe & cable locators	Pipe & cable detectors

Test and measurement brands supplied by Ecotao

The main brand covering many types of testing is the Extech range. As a water-related specialist, Ecotao also supplies meters and test kits for the water testing industries.

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Brand	What it covers
Extech	Testing meters covering most industries and environmental testing. Ecotao supplies the full Extech range.
Eutech	Water quality meters.
Milwaukee	Water testing meters for all water testing industries.
eXact (SenSafe)	Cost-effective photometric testing of water parameters.
XS meters	A European brand of water quality meters.
LaMotte	Test kits for most water parameters.
Hygiena	Meters for bacterial and microbiological (ATP) testing in food processing and other facilities that need a high level of hygiene.
Wöhler	Measuring instruments, inspection systems and cleaning tools.
Leeb	Portable NDT: hardness, coating thickness, ultrasonic thickness, flaw detection and roughness.

3-phase motor troubleshooting kit

A kit of instruments for diagnosing faults on three-phase motors. Ask Ecotao for the kit contents and a quotation.

Ask about this kit

Fixed & process instrumentation

Fixed instruments are installed permanently and monitor around the clock. Transmitters convert a measurement into a standard signal for a PLC, controller or building management system; recorders and loggers keep the history; alarms warn when a value goes out of range.

Environmental monitoring24 types

Weather, indoor air quality, humidity and temperature monitoring for buildings, farms, mines and outdoor sites.

View all 24: Environmental monitoring

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Instrument	What it does
Air Velocity Transmitter	Fixed sensor that measures air speed in a duct or room and sends a continuous signal (typically 4–20 mA or 0–10 V) to a controller, BMS or logger.
Anemometers – Cup	Rotating-cup wind sensor for weather stations and outdoor wind monitoring; reads the same from any wind direction.
Barometric Pressure Transmitter	Fixed sensor that measures atmospheric pressure and outputs a signal for weather stations, clean rooms and process control.
CO2 Meter with alarm output	Monitors carbon dioxide concentration and switches a relay or alarm when CO2 rises above a set point, for ventilation control and indoor air quality.
CO2 Transmitter	Fixed CO2 sensor that sends a continuous signal to a building management system to control ventilation by occupancy.
Data Loggers	Self-contained recorders that log readings (temperature, humidity, voltage and more) at set intervals for download later.
Data Loggers – Wireless	Loggers that send readings by radio or Wi-Fi to a base station or cloud dashboard, so you can see data without collecting the logger.
Data Loggers – SMS Alarming	Loggers that send an SMS alert when a reading goes out of range, for cold rooms, server rooms and unattended sites.
Dew Point Transmitter	Fixed sensor that measures dew point (moisture content) in compressed air, dryers or process gas and outputs a continuous signal.
Humidity Recorder	Records relative humidity over time, as a chart or digital log, for storage, archives and production areas.
Humidity Transmitter	Fixed relative-humidity sensor, usually with temperature, that sends a continuous signal to a controller or BMS.
Light Transmitters	Fixed light sensors that output a signal proportional to light level, for daylight control and greenhouse lighting.
Meteorological Probes	Sensors for weather stations: temperature, humidity, pressure, wind and rainfall.
Pyranometers	Measure solar irradiance (W/m²) on a flat surface, for solar PV performance monitoring, agriculture and weather stations.
Rainfall Logger	Records rainfall over time from a tipping-bucket rain gauge, for farms, catchments and stormwater studies.
Rain Gauge – Tipping Bucket	Rain gauge that tips a small bucket for each fixed amount of rain and counts the tips electronically.
SMS Alarming	Alarm units that send SMS alerts when a connected sensor goes out of range or power fails.
Temperature Recorder	Records temperature over time, as a chart or digital log, for cold chain, ovens and process records.
Temperature Transmitters	Convert a thermocouple or RTD signal into a standard 4–20 mA or voltage output for controllers and PLCs.
Weather Logger	Logs data from weather sensors (temperature, humidity, rain, wind) for later download and analysis.
Weather Sensors	Individual sensors for wind speed and direction, rain, temperature, humidity and solar radiation.
Weather Station	Combined set of weather sensors with a display or logger, for farms, schools, mines, construction sites and research.
Wind Speed Alarm	Alarm that warns when wind speed exceeds a set limit, for cranes, work at height, spraying and outdoor events.
Wireless Data Logging System	Network of wireless sensors reporting to one base or cloud platform, for monitoring many points across a building or site.

Process instrumentation22 types

Pressure, level, temperature, vacuum and vibration measurement for factories, water treatment and plastics processing.

View all 22: Process instrumentation

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Instrument	What it does
Controllers On/Off	Simple controllers that switch a heater, cooler or pump on and off around a set point.
Data Loggers Multichannel	Record several inputs at once (temperatures, voltages, currents or process signals) on one logger.
Dew Point Transmitter	Fixed sensor that measures dew point (moisture content) in compressed air, dryers or process gas and outputs a continuous signal.
Event / Status Recorders	Record when equipment switches on and off, opens or closes, for run-time and fault analysis.
Humidity Transmitters	Fixed relative-humidity sensors, usually with temperature, that send a continuous signal to a controller, BMS or logger.
Indicators	Panel-mounted displays that show a process signal (temperature, pressure, level) in engineering units.
Infrared Temperature Sensors	Fixed non-contact sensors that measure the temperature of a moving or hot product and output a signal to a controller.
Level Transmitters (Submersible Pressure)	Measure liquid level in tanks, boreholes and reservoirs from the water pressure at the bottom.
Melt Pressure Controller	Controls melt pressure in plastics extrusion to protect the machine and keep product quality steady.
Melt Pressure Transducer	Measures molten plastic pressure in extruders and injection moulding machines.
Melt Thermocouple	Thermocouple designed to measure molten plastic temperature in extrusion barrels and dies.
Panel Meters	Panel-mounted digital meters that display voltage, current or a process signal.
Pressure Transmitters	Measure gauge or absolute pressure and send a standard 4–20 mA or voltage signal to a controller, PLC or logger.
Pressure Gauge – Digital	Digital pressure gauge with a numerical display; easier to read and more resolution than a dial gauge.
Process Recorders	Record process signals over time for quality records and troubleshooting.
Production Recorders	Record production events and counts for monitoring machine output and downtime.
Submersible Pressure Transmitters	Sealed pressure sensors lowered into a tank, borehole or sump to measure liquid level.
Temperature Indicator	Panel display that shows a temperature from a thermocouple or RTD sensor.
Thermocouple Data Logger	Logger with thermocouple inputs for recording high or low temperatures in ovens, kilns, freezers and processes.
Vacuum Gauge – Digital	Digital gauge for measuring vacuum, for refrigeration evacuation, vacuum packing and process systems.
Vacuum Transmitter	Fixed vacuum sensor that outputs a continuous signal for process control.
Vibration Transmitter	Fixed vibration sensor on a motor, pump or fan that sends a continuous signal for condition monitoring and trip alarms.

Electrical metering7 types

Current, voltage, power, energy and maximum demand metering for sub-metering and energy management.

View all 7: Electrical metering

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Instrument	What it does
Ammeter (Digital)	Digital meter that displays electrical current.
Data Loggers Multichannel	Record several inputs at once (temperatures, voltages, currents or process signals) on one logger.
Data Loggers Power & Energy	Record voltage, current, power and energy over time to find when and where electricity is used.
Kilowatt Hours	Energy meters that measure consumption in kWh, for sub-metering tenants, machines or circuits.
Maximum Demand	Meters that record peak electrical demand, which drives demand charges on commercial and industrial tariffs.
Power Meter – Single Phase	Measures voltage, current, power and energy on a single-phase supply.
Volt Meter (Digital)	Digital meter that displays voltage.

Popular & portable products

Some of the instruments customers ask for most often. Many are ex-stock in South Africa.

Popular products18 types

View all 18: Popular products

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Instrument	What it does
Barometer	Measures atmospheric pressure, for weather forecasting, altitude correction and laboratory work.
CO2 Meter	Measures carbon dioxide concentration in air, the standard indicator of indoor ventilation.
Digital Indicators	Digital displays for process signals and sensors.
Hardness Testers (Metals)	Measure the hardness of metals (Leeb, Brinell, Rockwell or Vickers) for heat-treatment and quality checks.
Hot Wire anemometer	Measures low air velocities very precisely using a heated sensor, for ducts, fume cupboards and clean rooms.
Laser Distance Meters	Measure distance with a laser beam, for site measurement, estimating and fit-out.
LED Light Meter	Light meter corrected for LED light sources, which standard lux meters can misread.
mA Data Logger	Records 4–20 mA process signals over time, for checking transmitters and process behaviour.
Mini Data Loggers	Small, battery-powered loggers for temperature and humidity in transport, storage and cold rooms.
Min/Max Thermometers	Thermometers that hold the highest and lowest temperature since last reset, for fridges, greenhouses and storerooms.
Power & Energy Data Logger	Records voltage, current, power and energy over time, for energy audits and load studies.
Solar Radiation Meter	Measures solar irradiance (W/m²), for solar panel installation, performance checks and research.
Tachometers	Measure rotational speed (RPM), by laser/photo or contact.
V + A Data Logger	Records AC voltage and current over time on a circuit.
Vane Anemometers	Measure air velocity and airflow with a rotating vane, for HVAC balancing and ventilation checks.
Vibration Testers	Measure machine vibration to detect imbalance, misalignment and bearing wear.
Weather Stations	Combined sets of weather sensors with a display or logger, for farms, schools, mines, construction sites and research.
Wireless Data Logging	Wireless sensors and loggers that report to a base station or cloud dashboard.

Portable products17 types

View all 17: Portable products

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Instrument	What it does
Boroscopes	Inspection scopes for looking inside engines, pipes, walls and machinery without dismantling.
Calibrators	Generate or measure precise reference signals (mA, voltage, temperature, pressure) to check and adjust instruments.
Coating Thickness Gauge	Measures paint, powder coat or galvanising thickness on metal without damaging the coating.
Conductivity Meters	Measure the electrical conductivity of water, which indicates dissolved salts.
Durometers (Rubber Hardness)	Measure the hardness of rubber and plastics on the Shore scales.
Force Gauges	Measure push and pull force.
Humidity Transmitters	Fixed relative-humidity sensors, usually with temperature, that send a continuous signal to a controller, BMS or logger.
Hygrometers	Measure relative humidity of the air.
Infrared Thermometers	Measure surface temperature without contact, for hot, moving or live surfaces.
pH Meters	Measure acidity or alkalinity (pH) of water and solutions.
Pressure Data Logger	Records pressure over time, for water networks, pipelines and pressure tests.
Pressure Test Pumps	Hand pumps that generate pressure to test and calibrate gauges, transmitters and pipe systems.
Pressure Transmitters	Measure gauge or absolute pressure and send a standard 4–20 mA or voltage signal to a controller, PLC or logger.
Sound Level Meters	Measure sound pressure level in dB(A) for workplace and environmental noise.
Surface Profile Gauge	Measures the peak-to-valley profile of blasted steel before coating, to confirm the surface preparation meets the coating specification.
Thickness Testers	Measure material or coating thickness.
SMS Alarm Data Loggers	Loggers that send an SMS when a reading goes out of range.

Additional portable products

Handheld and bench instruments, mostly ex-stock in South Africa, grouped by application.

Environmental34 types

Air, weather, light, sound, moisture and heat-stress measurement.

View all 34: Environmental

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Instrument	What it does
Altimeter (Relative Altitude)	Measures altitude changes from air pressure.
Anemometers – Vane	Rotating-vane anemometers for air velocity and airflow at grilles and in ducts.
Anemometers – Pocket	Compact anemometers for quick wind and airflow checks.
Anemometers – Hot Wire	Heated-sensor anemometers for low and precise air velocities.
Barometer	Measures atmospheric pressure, for weather forecasting, altitude correction and laboratory work.
CO2 Meter	Measures carbon dioxide concentration in air, the standard indicator of indoor ventilation.
CO Meter	Measures carbon monoxide, a toxic gas from combustion, in boiler rooms, kitchens, garages and workshops.
Data Loggers – Standalone	Battery-powered loggers that record on their own until downloaded.
Data Loggers – Wireless	Loggers that send readings by radio or Wi-Fi to a base station or cloud dashboard, so you can see data without collecting the logger.
Data Loggers – SMS Alarm	Loggers that send SMS alerts when readings go out of range.
Dew Point Meter	Measures air temperature and humidity and calculates dew point, for coating work and condensation checks.
Heat Stress Meter	Measures the conditions that cause heat stress (temperature, humidity, radiant heat) to assess worker exposure.
Humidity Recorder	Records relative humidity over time, as a chart or digital log, for storage, archives and production areas.
Hygrometer	Measures relative humidity of the air.
Light Meters	Measure illuminance (lux) to check lighting levels.
Light Meter – LED specific	Light meter corrected for LED sources.
Light Meters UVA/B/C	Measure ultraviolet radiation in the UVA, UVB or UVC bands, for UV curing, disinfection and safety checks.
Lux Meter	Measures illuminance in lux at a work surface.
Microloggers	Very small loggers for temperature and humidity in shipments and tight spaces.
Moisture Meter – Concrete	Measures moisture in concrete slabs and screeds before flooring or coating.
Moisture Meter – Grains	Measures moisture content of harvested grain for safe storage and sale.
Moisture Meter – Wood	Measures moisture content of timber for drying, joinery and building.
Noise Meter	Measures sound level in dB, for noise checks.
Pressure – Absolute	Measures absolute pressure (relative to vacuum).
Psychrometer	Measures humidity from wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures.
Rainfall Logger	Records rainfall over time from a tipping-bucket rain gauge, for farms, catchments and stormwater studies.
RF Field Strength Meter	Measures radio-frequency electromagnetic field strength from transmitters and wireless equipment.
Solar Radiation Meter	Measures solar irradiance (W/m²), for solar panel installation, performance checks and research.
Sound Meter	Measures sound level in dB.
Temperature Recorder	Records temperature over time, as a chart or digital log, for cold chain, ovens and process records.
Thermometer	Measures temperature.
Weather Logger	Logs data from weather sensors (temperature, humidity, rain, wind) for later download and analysis.
Weather Station	Combined set of weather sensors with a display or logger, for farms, schools, mines, construction sites and research.
WBGT Meter	Measures Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, the standard index for assessing heat stress in hot workplaces.

Process33 types

Calibration, pressure, temperature, data logging and water analysis for process plants and laboratories.

View all 33: Process

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Instrument	What it does
Anemometers – Pitot Tube	Measure high air velocities in ducts with a Pitot tube and differential pressure.
Calibrators	Generate or measure precise reference signals (mA, voltage, temperature, pressure) to check and adjust instruments.
Conductivity Meter – Portable	Handheld conductivity meter for field water testing.
Conductivity Meter – Bench Top	Laboratory conductivity meter for routine water analysis.
Data Loggers – mA Process	Record 4–20 mA process signals over time.
Data Loggers – Multichannel	Record several inputs on one logger.
Data Loggers – Pressure	Record pressure over time.
Data Loggers – Thermocouple	Record temperatures from thermocouples.
Data Loggers – PT100	Record temperatures from PT100 resistance sensors, which are more accurate than thermocouples in the low-to-medium range.
Dew Point Meter	Measures air temperature and humidity and calculates dew point, for coating work and condensation checks.
Dissolved Oxygen	Measures oxygen dissolved in water, for aquaculture, wastewater treatment and rivers.
Event/Status Recorders	Record when equipment switches on and off, opens or closes, for run-time and fault analysis.
Infra-red Thermometer	Measures surface temperature without contact.
Manometers – Digital	Measure air and gas pressure or differential pressure.
mA Source	Generates a precise 4–20 mA signal to test loops, PLC inputs and displays.
mA Data Logger	Records 4–20 mA process signals over time, for checking transmitters and process behaviour.
pH/ORP Meters – Portable	Handheld meters for pH and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) in water.
pH/ORP Meters – Bench Top	Laboratory meters for pH and ORP.
Pressure – Data Logger	Records pressure over time.
Pressure Gauge – Digital	Digital pressure gauge with a numerical display; easier to read and more resolution than a dial gauge.
Pressure – Hand Test Pumps	Hand pumps for generating test pressure.
Production Recorders	Record production events and counts for monitoring machine output and downtime.
PT100 Data Logger	Records temperatures from PT100 resistance sensors.
Simulator – PT100	Simulates a PT100 sensor to test temperature transmitters and controllers.
TDS Meter – Portable	Handheld meter for total dissolved solids in water.
TDS Meter – Bench Top	Laboratory meter for total dissolved solids.
Temperature Probes – Type K	Type K thermocouple probes for air, surface, immersion and penetration measurement.
Thermocouple Data Logger	Logger with thermocouple inputs for recording high or low temperatures in ovens, kilns, freezers and processes.
Thermometer – Infra-red	Measures surface temperature without contact.
Thermometer – Thermocouple	Thermometer using thermocouple probes, covering a wide temperature range.
Thermometer – PT100	High-accuracy thermometer using PT100 resistance probes.
Vacuum Gauge – Digital	Digital gauge for measuring vacuum, for refrigeration evacuation, vacuum packing and process systems.
Vacuum – Hand Test Pumps	Hand pumps for generating vacuum to test gauges and systems.

Inspection / NDT26 types

Non-destructive testing: thickness, coatings, hardness, leaks, torque and machine condition.

View all 26: Inspection / NDT

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Instrument	What it does
Borescopes – Video	Video borescopes with a camera tip and screen for inspecting inaccessible spaces.
Cap Torque Tester	Measures the torque to open or close bottle and jar caps.
Coating Thickness Meters	Measure paint, powder coat or galvanising thickness on metal without damaging the coating.
Concrete Test Hammer	Rebound hammer that estimates concrete surface hardness and uniformity on site.
Distance Meter (Laser)	Measures distance with a laser beam.
Dry Film Thickness Gauge	Measures dry paint film thickness on metal.
Durometer – Shore A & D	Measures rubber (Shore A) and hard plastic (Shore D) hardness.
Force Gauges	Measure push and pull force.
Hardness Testers – Metals	Measure metal hardness.
Hardness Testers – Rubber/Plastics	Measure rubber and plastic hardness on the Shore scales.
Holiday Detector	Finds pinholes and gaps (holidays) in protective coatings on pipes, tanks and steel.
Inspection Camera (mini)	Compact camera on a flexible cable for quick inspections.
Leak Detector – Ultrasonic	Detects the ultrasonic sound of compressed air, gas and vacuum leaks.
Microscope – Digital USB	Digital microscope that displays magnified images on a computer.
Porosity Detector	Finds porosity and pinholes in coatings.
Roughness Testers	Measure surface roughness (Ra, Rz) of machined parts.
Screw Cap Torque Tester	Measures opening and closing torque of screw caps.
Spark Tester (Holiday)	High-voltage holiday detector that sparks through pinholes in thick coatings and linings.
Stethoscope (Electronic)	Amplifies machine sounds to locate bearing, gear and valve noise.
Stroboscope	Flashing light that makes moving parts appear stationary, for inspection and speed measurement.
Surface Profile Gauge	Measures the peak-to-valley profile of blasted steel before coating, to confirm the surface preparation meets the coating specification.
Tachometer	Measures rotational speed (RPM), by laser/photo or contact.
Thickness Testers (ultrasonic)	Measure wall thickness from one side using ultrasound.
Thickness Gauge	Measures material or coating thickness.
Torque Testers	Measure torque on fasteners, caps and components.
Vibration Meters	Measure machine vibration for condition monitoring.

Electrical5 types

Electrical logging and safety testing.

View all 5: Electrical

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Instrument	What it does
Clamp Adapter	Clamp accessory that lets a meter measure current without breaking the circuit.
Data Loggers Multichannel	Record several inputs at once (temperatures, voltages, currents or process signals) on one logger.
Data Loggers Power & Energy	Record voltage, current, power and energy over time to find when and where electricity is used.
Data Loggers Single AC V+A	Record AC voltage and current on one circuit.
Earth Leakage Tester	Tests earth leakage (residual current) devices to confirm they trip correctly.

Other products: refractometers, spectrophotometers, soil and agricultural meters

Laboratory, food, agricultural and general-purpose instruments.

Other products50 types

View all 50: Other products

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Instrument	What it does
Refractometers – all models without ATC	Optical refractometers for sugar (Brix), salinity and other concentrations. Without automatic temperature compensation, so readings are taken at the calibration temperature.
Hand refractometers – all models with ATC (automatic temperature compensation)	Handheld optical refractometers that correct readings automatically for sample temperature.
Bench-top digital refractometer LDR400	Bench-top digital refractometer: Brix 45.0–95.0%, refractive index 1.4098–1.5318, honey moisture 12.0–30%.
Bench-top digital refractometers – various ranges and models	Bench-top digital refractometers in various ranges, for example salinity and serum protein.
Handheld digital refractometers	Handheld digital refractometers, for example urine specific gravity 1.000–1.050, serum protein 0–12, refractive index 1.3330–1.3900.
Automotive digital battery / coolant refractometer	Checks battery acid and coolant (antifreeze) concentration.
Abbe refractometer	Laboratory refractometer for precise refractive index measurement.
Digital Abbe refractometer – various models	Digital laboratory refractometers for refractive index and Brix.
Disc polarimeter	Measures optical rotation of solutions, used for sugar concentration and purity.
Fruit hardness tester – various models	Measures fruit firmness to judge ripeness and harvest timing.
Visible spectrophotometer	Measures light absorbance in the visible range for concentration and colour analysis.
Flame spectrophotometer	Measures elements such as sodium and potassium by the light they emit in a flame.
Infrared spectrophotometer	Identifies materials by their infrared absorption.
Infrared thermometer – various models	Non-contact surface thermometers.
Infrared thermometer with probe	Non-contact thermometer with a contact probe for internal temperatures.
Food thermometer	Probe thermometer for core food temperatures.
Digital thermometer	Digital contact thermometer.
High-precision thermo-hygrometer	High-accuracy temperature and humidity meter.
Humidity and temperature meter	Measures humidity and temperature together.
Weather station – various models	Weather stations for home, farm and site use.
Digital thermo-hygrometer pen	Pocket temperature and humidity meter.
Thermo-hygrometer – various models	Temperature and humidity meters.
Temperature recorder	Records temperature over time.
Dew point meter – various models	Measure dew point for coatings and condensation checks.
Maximum and minimum thermometer – various models	Hold highest and lowest temperatures.
Psychrometer	Measures humidity from wet-bulb and dry-bulb temperatures.
Grain moisture meter – various models	Measure grain moisture for storage and sale.
Multifunctional moisture meter – various models	Moisture meters for several materials.
Wood moisture content meter – various models	Measure timber moisture content.
Paper moisture meter series – various models	Measure moisture in paper and board.
Nutrient conductivity meter	Measures nutrient solution strength by conductivity, for hydroponics and fertigation.
Trimeter	Ask Ecotao for details of this instrument.
Soil hardness tester	Measures soil compaction, which affects root growth.
Soil sampler	Takes soil cores for laboratory analysis.
Soil tension meter (tensiometer)	Measures how tightly water is held in soil, for irrigation scheduling.
Soil pH and moisture meter	Quick field check of soil pH and moisture.
Soil pH and humidity meter	Quick field check of soil pH and moisture.
Anemometer – various models	Measure wind and air velocity.
Sound level meter – various models	Measure noise in dB.
Lux meter – various models	Measure lighting levels.
Leaf chlorophyll meter	Estimates leaf chlorophyll content, an indicator of plant nitrogen status.
Spoon scale	Digital measuring spoon with built-in scale.
Plastic digital caliper	Non-metallic digital caliper for length, diameter and depth.
Tachometer	Measures rotational speed (RPM), by laser/photo or contact.
Digital protractor	Measures angles digitally.
Digital angle meter	Measures inclination and angles.
Ultrasonic distance meter	Measures room distances with ultrasound.
Laser line level	Projects level and plumb laser lines for setting out and installation.
Digital laser distance meter	Measures distance with a laser beam.
Alcohol meter (breathalyser)	Measures breath alcohol for workplace and personal testing.

Portable meter vs data logger vs fixed transmitter: what is the difference?

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	Portable meter	Data logger	Fixed transmitter
What it does	Shows a reading now, where you are	Records readings automatically over time	Sends a continuous signal to a controller, PLC or BMS
Output	Display (some store readings)	Stored data, downloaded or sent wirelessly	Analog signal (e.g. 4–20 mA, 0–10 V) or digital bus
Best for	Spot checks, troubleshooting, surveys, commissioning	Audits, cold chain, compliance records, intermittent faults	Process control, alarms, building automation
Installation	None	Placed or mounted temporarily or permanently	Permanently installed and wired
Examples	Multimeter, lux meter, IR thermometer, anemometer	Temperature/humidity logger, power & energy logger, mA logger	Humidity, pressure, CO2, level and vibration transmitters

Which data logger do I need?

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Logger type	Records	Choose it when
Standalone / mini logger	Temperature, humidity	You need a simple record and can collect the logger to download it
Wireless logger	Temperature, humidity and other sensors	You want to see data remotely without visiting each logger
SMS alarm logger	Any connected sensor	Someone must be alerted immediately when a value goes out of range, e.g. cold rooms
Thermocouple / PT100 logger	Temperature from probes	Temperatures are very high or low (thermocouple) or need higher accuracy (PT100)
mA process logger	4–20 mA signals	You are checking a transmitter or recording a process signal
Pressure logger	Pressure	You are monitoring water networks, pipelines or pressure tests
Power & energy / V+A logger	Voltage, current, power, energy	You are doing an energy audit, load study or tracing an electrical fault
Multichannel logger	Several inputs at once	You need several temperatures, voltages or signals recorded together

Test instruments and South African workplace regulations

On 6 March 2025 the Department of Employment and Labour promulgated the Noise Exposure Regulations, 2024 and the Physical Agents Regulations, 2024 under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993. They replaced the Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Regulations, 2003 and the Environmental Regulations for Workplaces, 1987, which were repealed on 6 September 2026. The Physical Agents Regulations cover hazards including illumination, vibration, heat stress, cold stress and non-ionising radiation.

Instruments that support in-house checks under these regulations include sound level meters, lux meters, WBGT and heat stress meters, humidity and temperature meters, and vibration meters. Formal assessments may have to be done by an approved inspection authority or another person the regulations specify, so check the requirements for your site.

Other common South African uses: insulation and earth testing as part of electrical installation testing for a Certificate of Compliance; coating, dew point and holiday testing on corrosion-protection projects; water quality testing for municipal, mining and agricultural water; and weather and wind monitoring on farms, mines and construction sites.

A–Z index of test equipment

Test equipment from leading manufacturers, 470 categories. Not every category is held in stock: send us the item you need and we will confirm availability and lead time.

View the full A–Z index (470 categories)

A
A/C Service Equipment
AC Leakage Current Testers
AC Millivoltmeters
AC Power Meters
AC Power Sources
AC Power Supplies
Air Flow Meters
Air Quality Meters
Air Velocity Meters
Altimeters
Analog Distribution Amplifiers
Analog Extenders
Analog Multimeters
Analog Oscilloscopes
Analog Routing Switchers
Analytical Balances
Anemometers
Antennas (EMC Broadband)
Appliance Power Analyzer
Arbitrary Waveform Generator
ATF Exchangers
Attenuator
Audio Analyzers
Audio Converters
Audio Extractors
Audio Generators/Oscillators
Audio Impedance Meter
Audio Level Meters
Audio Test Equipment
Audio Volume Levelers
Automotive Multimeters
B
Balances
Barometers
Batteries
Battery Capacity Analyzers
Battery Eliminators
Battery Testers
Benches
Benchtop Multimeters
Borescopes
Brake Flush Equipment
Bridges
Butt Sets
C
Cable and Pipe Locators
Cable Directional Couplers
Cable Drum Reels
Cable Fault Finders
Cable Height Meters
Cable Modem Analyzer
Cable Port Splitters
Cable Service Testers
Cable Testers (Network)
Cable Tracers
Calibration Chambers
Calibration Instruments
Calibrators
Calipers
Carbon Dioxide Meters
Carbon Monoxide Meters
Cases (Protective)
CATV Analyzers
CATV Signal Level Meters
CCTV Testers
Charging Jackets
Charging Modules/Scales
Chemical/Gas Leak Detectors
Circuit Breaker Identifiers
Clamp Meters
Clamp-On Testers
Cleaning Rods
Clocks
CO Meters
CO2 Meters
Coating Hardness Tester
Coating Thickness Tester
Color Truth Products
Combustible Gas Detectors
Combustion Analyzers
Combustion Meters
Combustion Oil Service Kits
Communication Service Monitor
Component Testers
Compression Connectors
Conductivity Meters
Conductivity Testers
Console Control Panel
Continuity Testers
Controllers
Coolant Exchangers
Counters
Current Calibrators
Current Clamps
Current Measurement Probes
Current Sensors
Current Transformers
D
Data Acquisition/Switch Units
Data Loggers
Datacom Testers
Datacom Tools
DC Power Supplies
Deadweight Testers
Decade Boxes
Desoldering Irons
Desoldering Replacement Tips
Desoldering Stations
Dielectric Analyzer
Digital Cable Analyzer
Digital Distribution Amplifiers
Digital HDMI Transmitter
Digital IC Testers
Digital Manifolds
Digital Multimeters / DMMs
Digital Pressure Gauges
Digital Routing Switchers
Digital Storage Oscilloscopes
Digital Switchboards
Digital Thermometers
Dissolved Oxygen Meter
Distance Meter
DLRO
Down Converters
Drum Machines
Dry Block Calibrators
Dual-Channel Seamless Switcher
Durometers
Dye Leak Detectors
E
Earth Ground Testers
EC Testers
Educational Toys
Educational Trainers
Electrical Probes
Electrical Safety/Hipots
Electrical Testers & Kits
Electromagnetic Field Meters
Electronic Loads
Electronic Submeters
Electronic Training Systems
EMF Spectrum Analyzers
Energy Assessment & Auditing Kits
Environmental Testers
EPROM Erasers
EPROM Programmers
ESD and Static Control
ESD Awareness Training
ESD Control Packaging
ESD Control Worksurfaces
F
Fans
Fiber Optic Adapters
Fiber Optic Equipment (Misc.)
Fiber Optic Power Meters
Fiber Optic Sources
Field Communicator
Field Indicators
Field Strength Meters
Flashlights
Flow Batchers
Flow Computers
Flow Meters
Fluid Dispensers
Force Gauges
Format Converters
Frequency Calibrators
Frequency Counters
Fruit Hardness Testers
Fume Extraction
Fuses
G
Galvanometers
Garden Instruments
Gas Analyzers/Testers
Gas Sniffers
Gas/Chemical Leak Detectors
Gauss Meters
Gravity Testers
Ground Resistance Testers
Grounding – Personnel
H
Hand Held Convention Tool
Hand Pumps
Hand Spinners
Hand Tools
Hardness Testers
HDMI-DVI Transmission Systems
Headlamps
Heat Guns
HEPA Vacuum Cleaners
Hermetic Compressor Analyzer
High Voltage Probes
Hipot Testers
Hot Air Stations
Humidity/Temperature Meters
Humidity/Temperature Transmitters
HVAC Products
Hydraulic Deadweight Tester
Hydrometers
Hygro-Thermometers
I
IC Testers
Illuminated Magnifiers
Impedance Analyzers
Infrared (IR) Thermometers
Infrared Tachometers
Infrared Windows
Inline Monitors
Input Expansion Switchers
Inspection Camera
Inspection Mirrors
Inspection Monitors
Insulation Testers
Ionizers
iPhone/Ipad Attachments
Isolation Meters
Isolation Transformers
K
kWh Meters
L
LAN Test Tools
Laser Distance Meters
Laser Sources
LCD Monitors
LCR Bridges/Meters
Leak Detectors (Gas/Chemical)
Leak Detectors (Microwave)
Leak Detectors (Ultrasonic)
Leakage Current Tester (AC)
Light Meters
Light Sources
Lightning Detectors
Line Impedance Stabilization Network
Line Splitters
Linemen’s Test Sets
Lip Sync Correctors
Load Bank, DC Resistive
Logic Analyzers
Logic and Pulser Probes
Loop Calibrators
Loss Testers
Lux Meters
M
Magnifiers
Manifolds
Manometers
Mechanical Balances
Medical Task Lights
Megohmmeters
Memory Module Testers
Micro-Ohmmeters
Microscopes
Microwave Leakage Detector
Milli-Gauss Meters
Milli-Ohmmeters
Milliamp Calibrators
Modbus TCP Converter
Modular Systems
Module Calibrators
Module Carriers
Moisture Meters
Monitors, LCD
Motor/Transformer Testers
Motors
MPEG Analyzers
MPEG Generators
MPEG Monitors
Multi-Format Video Monitoring Units
Multi-format Video Scaler Switchers
Multifunction Boards
Multifunction Calibrators
Multimeters
Music on Hold
N
Network Cable Testers
Network Troubleshooting
Nitrogen Equipment
Nitrogen Sources
Noise Dosimeter
Noise Generator (PLC)
Non-Contact Thermometers
Non-Contact Voltage Detectors
O
Octave Band Analyzer
Oil Service Kits
Oil Test Sets
On-Hold Adaptors
Optical Channel Checkers
Optical Power Meters
Optical Talk Set
Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR)
ORP Testers
Oscilloscope Probes
Oscilloscopes, All
Oscilloscopes, Analog
Oscilloscopes, Digital
Oscilloscopes, Virtual
Oxygen Analyzer
P
Panel Meters
Particle Counter
pH Meters
pH Testers
Phase Rotation Testers
Phase Sequence Testers/Indicators
Photometers
Picoammeters
Pipe Inspection Systems
Plumbing Inspection Tools
Plumbing Transmitters
Pneumatic Deadweight Tester
Portable Data Station
Portable Spectrum Analyzers
Portable Transistor Tester
Portable Video Monitors
Potentiometers
Power Analyzers (AC/Utility)
Power Clamp Meters/Analyzers
Power Line Communication Testers (PLC)
Power Meters
Power Quality Meters
Power Sensors
Power Steering Fluid Exchangers
Power Supplies (AC)
Power Supplies (AC/DC)
Power Supplies (DC)
Power Supply Spectrum Tube
Power Usage Meters
Power-and-Energy Meters
Power/Pressure Gauges
Precision Impedance Analyzers
Pressure Calibrators
Pressure Fittings
Pressure Gauges
Pressure Meters
Pressure Modules
Pressure Pumps
Pressure Transmitters
Probes (Oscilloscope)
Probes, Logic and Pulser
Process Meters
Process Monitors
Profilometers
Protective Cases
PSI Meters
Psychrometers
Pulse Generators
Pumps
R
Radiation Detection Meters
Radio Frequency Generator
Radio Kits and Training Courses
Rain Gauges
Rasterizers
Ratemeters
Receptacle Testers
Refractometers
Refrigerant Leak Detectors
Refrigerant Meters
Refrigerant Recovery
Refrigerant Scales
Refrigerant Tanks
Resistance Electrometers
Resistance Testers – Surface
Resistors
Return Path Pilot Generators
Rework Replacement Tips
Rework Stations
RF Power Meters
RF Signal Strength Analyzer
RF Spectrum Analyzers
RH Dataloggers/Transmitter
Rotameters
RTD Calibrators
S
Satellite Meters
Scan Converters
Scissors
ScopeMeters
SDI/Composite Cable Detector
Seamless Switchers
Sectional Drain Cleaning Machines
Signal Conditioners
Signal Conditioning
Signal Level Meters – TV/CATV/SAT
Signal Temperature Multi-Scanner
SIMM Testers
Single Format Video Scaler Switchers
Sink Machines
Solder
Soldering Equipment
Soldering Irons
Soldering Stations
Solderless Breadboard Expansion Units
Solderless Breadboard Workstations
Sonde Cable Locators
Sound Level Meters
Spectrum Analyzers
Standards Converters
Static Control
Static Field Meter
Stick Meters
Stopwatches
Stroboscopes
Sub-Pumps
Submeters
Superheat/Subcooling Meters
Surface Roughness Testers
Switching Mainframes
Sync Pattern Generators
T
Tachometers
Task Lights / Lamps
TDS Testers
Telephone Line Simulators
Telephone Test Sets
Temperature Calibrators
Temperature Controllers
Temperature Meters
Temperature Recorders
Temperature Reference Meter
Test Pattern Generator
Test Standards Converters
Thermal Imagers
Thermocouple Calibrators
Thermometers
Thickness Testers
Time Base Correctors
Time Domain Reflectometers
Time Domain Reflectometers
Timers
Tone & Probe Test Sets
Tone Generators
Tool Kits
Torque Meters
Totalizers
Toys and Educational Kits
Trainers and Training Courses
Transmitter Simulators
TV/Monitor Signal Generators
U
Ultrasonic Leak Detectors
Ultrasound Distance Meters
Ultrasound Thickness Gauges
Underground Cable and Pipe Locators
Universal Device Programmers
Universal Digital Counters
Universal Digital Meters
Universal Gang Programmer
Universal Video Scaler/Seamless Switcher
Utility Locators
Utility Transmitters
V
Vacuum Cleaners
Vacuum Gauges
Vacuum Pumps
Valve Locators
Valves and Vernies
Vector Scopes
Vibration Meter
Vibration Sensors
Video Encoders
Video Inspection Systems
Video Scalers
Video Test Charts
Video Test Equipment
Video Test Pattern Generator
Video/Audio Monitoring Units
Viscotesters
Voltage & Continuity Testers
Voltage Calibrators
Voltage Detectors (Non-Contact)
Voltage Indicators
Volume Controllers
W
Water Jetters
Water Leakage Indicator
Water Quality Meters
Watt Meter
Waveform Monitors
Waveform Rasterizers
Wavelength Light Sources
Weather Stations
Weighing Scales and Balances
Wind Meters
Wire & Valve Locator
Wire Solder
Wire Tracers (Network)
Workbenches

Test & measurement: frequently asked questions

What is test and measurement equipment?

Test and measurement equipment is the range of meters, sensors, data loggers and testers used to measure physical, electrical and environmental quantities, such as temperature, humidity, pressure, airflow, light, sound, voltage, current, thickness, hardness and water quality. It includes portable meters for spot readings, data loggers for records over time, and fixed transmitters that feed control systems.

What is the difference between a portable meter and a fixed transmitter?

A portable meter shows a reading on the spot and is carried from job to job. A fixed transmitter is installed permanently and sends a continuous signal, typically 4–20 mA or 0–10 V, to a PLC, controller or building management system for control and alarms. A data logger sits between the two: it records readings automatically over time.

Which data logger do I need?

Choose by what you need to record and how you need to see it. Standalone mini loggers suit simple temperature and humidity records. Wireless loggers let you view data remotely. SMS alarm loggers alert someone immediately when a value goes out of range. Thermocouple or PT100 loggers record probe temperatures, mA loggers record process signals, and power and energy loggers are used for energy audits and load studies.

What is the difference between a thermocouple and a PT100 sensor?

A thermocouple produces a small voltage from the junction of two different metals. It is rugged, inexpensive and covers a very wide temperature range. A PT100 is a platinum resistance sensor whose resistance changes with temperature. It is more accurate and stable over the low-to-medium range. Use a thermocouple for very high temperatures and a PT100 where accuracy matters most.

Which instruments are used to check a protective coating?

Before painting, a surface profile gauge checks the blast profile and a dew point meter confirms the steel will not get condensation. After painting, a dry film thickness gauge measures the coating thickness and a holiday (spark or porosity) detector finds pinholes and gaps in the coating.

What test and measurement brands does Ecotao supply?

Ecotao supplies the full Extech instrument range, Wöhler measuring, inspection and cleaning equipment, and Leeb portable NDT instruments. For water testing, Ecotao supplies Eutech, Milwaukee, eXact (SenSafe), XS and LaMotte, and Hygiena meters for ATP hygiene testing.

Are test instruments available ex-stock in South Africa?

Many of the products on this page are ex-stock in South Africa. Email sales@ecotao.co.za with the instruments you need for literature, specifications, a quotation and current availability.

Which instruments help with South African noise, lighting and heat-stress regulations?

The Noise Exposure Regulations, 2024 and the Physical Agents Regulations, 2024 replaced the Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Regulations, 2003 and the Environmental Regulations for Workplaces, 1987 from 6 September 2026. Sound level meters, lux meters, WBGT and heat stress meters, humidity and temperature meters and vibration meters support in-house checks under these regulations.

How do I test a 4–20 mA instrument loop?

Use an mA source or loop calibrator to inject a known current and check that the PLC, controller or display reads correctly, or measure the current the transmitter is producing. An mA data logger records the signal over time to catch intermittent faults.

Does Ecotao deliver test equipment outside South Africa?

Yes. Ecotao supplies instruments from its Cape Town base throughout South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Call +27 21 911 5835 or email sales@ecotao.co.za.

Request a quote for test & measurement equipment

Tell us what you need to measure, or send a list of instruments, and we will send literature, specifications and a quotation. Supplied across South Africa and neighbouring countries from our Cape Town base.

Email sales@ecotao.co.za Call head office

Test & Measurement

Test & Measurement Instruments in South Africa

Test & measurement categories

Extech Instruments

Precision Meters

Ozone

Borescopes

Leeb Testing

Wöhler

Environmental

On this page

What do I need to measure? Finding the right test instrument

Test and measurement brands supplied by Ecotao

3-phase motor troubleshooting kit

Fixed & process instrumentation

Environmental monitoring24 types

Process instrumentation22 types

Electrical metering7 types

Popular & portable products

Popular products18 types

Portable products17 types

Additional portable products

Environmental34 types

Process33 types

Inspection / NDT26 types

Electrical5 types

Other products: refractometers, spectrophotometers, soil and agricultural meters

Other products50 types

Portable meter vs data logger vs fixed transmitter: what is the difference?

Which data logger do I need?

Test instruments and South African workplace regulations

A–Z index of test equipment

Test & measurement: frequently asked questions

Request a quote for test & measurement equipment